What do you think?
Rate this book
What do you do when everything you thought you knew turns out to be a lie?
Walk it off and keep moving forward.
At least, that was my plan. Until I'm forced into hiding with the four guys from my childhood, who range from wanting me dead to wanting more from me than I'm willing to give.
With my allies gone and old foes at my doorstep, we'll have to figure out how to work together before our enemies get to us first.
For better or worse, it's time to reveal the truth of the past and settle old debts.
* Raze is a full length why choose dark urban fantasy/paranormal romance novel that ends on a cliffhanger. It is book 2 in the Raegan of Ruin series that will be completed in 2025. If you like plot, banter, steam, a strong heroine, and multiple alpha-holes that you don't have to choose between, then this is for you. It is recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations.
Walk it off and keep moving forward.
At least, that was my plan. Until I'm forced into hiding with the four guys from my childhood, who range from wanting me dead to wanting more from me than I'm willing to give.
With my allies gone and old foes at my doorstep, we'll have to figure out how to work together before our enemies get to us first.
For better or worse, it's time to reveal the truth of the past and settle old debts.
* Raze is a full length why choose dark urban fantasy/paranormal romance novel that ends on a cliffhanger. It is book 2 in the Raegan of Ruin series that will be completed in 2025. If you like plot, banter, steam, a strong heroine, and multiple alpha-holes that you don't have to choose between, then this is for you. It is recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2024
About the author
A.L. Rook
5 books141 followersA.L. Rook is an avid reader and has been dreaming of becoming an author since the first grade. She’s been thinking up and writing stories ever since. Her favorite stories are dark contemporary or fantasy romance with strong characters that leave a lasting impression. When not drinking exorbitant amounts of coffee while writing, she can be found reading, binge-watching various shows, or traveling.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
July 17, 2025
Diabolical ending 💀. The next book is going to be a fucking rollercoaster of emotions 😭💔
November 27, 2024
Another solid 3.
Spoilers.
Everything in my first review x10000000 still holds up.
Plot:
The plot moves at a glacial speed and most the time I feel like we are just getting chapter and chapters that move us nowhere. I see the promise still I'm just hoping it's executed sometime soon.
Main female:
The main female character is actually even more annoying because now that Vera is alive she is still refusing to come clean to anyone about her past and for what? How they would feel about her? Mam, they straight up hate you. What is worse? It is actually something that has made me start to dislike this series. We are at the end of book two almost 900 plus pages and you havent opened up or changed at all since the first chapter. I hate that. She is still trying to not sleep in their beds, run away after sex, and avoid any real emotions or communication. This shouldnt be the case by the end of the second book, she has to have some growth otherwise why are we buying into the story.
Main Men:
Ugh. I feel like my annoyance with the fmc tainted how I view the rest of the characters. She avoids intimacy and connection so we don't get to see intimacy and connection so we don't feel the pull to the characters. Jack who was one of the characters I liked in the first book is just conveniently off on a solo mission this whole book essentially? Did the author just not want to focus on his pov this book.? Where did this relationship go from the beginning of the book? We see him a few times, and then boom big ending blow up scene with not a lot of build up in between. Then we get Kell who was so upset and decided it was time to train his gift and then he did for maybe 3 paragraphs and then it's acting reckless, having sex and not taking it seriously. Dane, I get his character probably the most because he does have to grapple with his sister and that reality but the author just makes him whiney so any time he's involved I feel like rolling my eyes. As for Aiden. I am just not sure what part of this book has him continuing with his actions? Because he had a birth certificate? He alludes to the abuse she may have suffered in several occasions but never connects the dots or cares. He is illogical about why he is upset with her on most occasions and demands trust but does nothing to earn it. Overall I don't see or feel her connection to anyone at the moment and just makes me skim pages.
Speaking of pages, this needed an editor. Some chapters had good plot and a good forward movement and some just are repetitive and do nothing for the story. This did not need to be that long. And man, saw the cliffhanger coming a billion miles away after we find out he's alive because obviously she has to be recaptured and saved by the guys in order to mend their broken hearts.
Spoilers.
Everything in my first review x10000000 still holds up.
Plot:
The plot moves at a glacial speed and most the time I feel like we are just getting chapter and chapters that move us nowhere. I see the promise still I'm just hoping it's executed sometime soon.
Main female:
The main female character is actually even more annoying because now that Vera is alive she is still refusing to come clean to anyone about her past and for what? How they would feel about her? Mam, they straight up hate you. What is worse? It is actually something that has made me start to dislike this series. We are at the end of book two almost 900 plus pages and you havent opened up or changed at all since the first chapter. I hate that. She is still trying to not sleep in their beds, run away after sex, and avoid any real emotions or communication. This shouldnt be the case by the end of the second book, she has to have some growth otherwise why are we buying into the story.
Main Men:
Ugh. I feel like my annoyance with the fmc tainted how I view the rest of the characters. She avoids intimacy and connection so we don't get to see intimacy and connection so we don't feel the pull to the characters. Jack who was one of the characters I liked in the first book is just conveniently off on a solo mission this whole book essentially? Did the author just not want to focus on his pov this book.? Where did this relationship go from the beginning of the book? We see him a few times, and then boom big ending blow up scene with not a lot of build up in between. Then we get Kell who was so upset and decided it was time to train his gift and then he did for maybe 3 paragraphs and then it's acting reckless, having sex and not taking it seriously. Dane, I get his character probably the most because he does have to grapple with his sister and that reality but the author just makes him whiney so any time he's involved I feel like rolling my eyes. As for Aiden. I am just not sure what part of this book has him continuing with his actions? Because he had a birth certificate? He alludes to the abuse she may have suffered in several occasions but never connects the dots or cares. He is illogical about why he is upset with her on most occasions and demands trust but does nothing to earn it. Overall I don't see or feel her connection to anyone at the moment and just makes me skim pages.
Speaking of pages, this needed an editor. Some chapters had good plot and a good forward movement and some just are repetitive and do nothing for the story. This did not need to be that long. And man, saw the cliffhanger coming a billion miles away after we find out he's alive because obviously she has to be recaptured and saved by the guys in order to mend their broken hearts.
February 11, 2025
That cliffy was absolutely criminal. While I'm definitely still really engaged with the plot I feel like this one had some issues.
It feels like there was a lot of fluff in this one. It probably could have been cut down by 100 or so pages and not suffered at all for it.
I really like that Reagan and most of the guys are starting to grow back together. Especially Dane. He has so many reasons to hate her and honestly she has multiple reasons to hate him but seeing them form a tentative truce 🥹. Jackson still remains my favorite. We love an obsessed with her mmc. Aiden is absolutely driving me insane and honestly I can't stand him.
Will be waiting not so patiently for book three.
It feels like there was a lot of fluff in this one. It probably could have been cut down by 100 or so pages and not suffered at all for it.
I really like that Reagan and most of the guys are starting to grow back together. Especially Dane. He has so many reasons to hate her and honestly she has multiple reasons to hate him but seeing them form a tentative truce 🥹. Jackson still remains my favorite. We love an obsessed with her mmc. Aiden is absolutely driving me insane and honestly I can't stand him.
Will be waiting not so patiently for book three.
February 17, 2025
Ugh
These charcters are frustrating...and stupid. The MFC is ridiculous. I kept waiting for some groveling from Dane and Aiden but no. They treat her like trash and she continues to take it. The whole scene with her and Aiden was the final straw for me. Absolutely nothing happens in this book until the end and it's not even surprising. I was just waiting until it finally happened and it did.
These charcters are frustrating...and stupid. The MFC is ridiculous. I kept waiting for some groveling from Dane and Aiden but no. They treat her like trash and she continues to take it. The whole scene with her and Aiden was the final straw for me. Absolutely nothing happens in this book until the end and it's not even surprising. I was just waiting until it finally happened and it did.
November 10, 2024
I absolutely adore this series, and this book was fantastic. Well paced, top notch spice, relationship building and a few betrayals. And that ending 😭
June 27, 2025
The second book of this series spends many of it's pages focused on character development. Readers get a lot more time with Jackson, learning about his time spent between the Island and finding Raegan again. His relationship with her grows. At the same time so does her relationship with Kellan, who wants more than casual sex.
Dane also gains depth, learning about the things his sister was up to and having to choose a side. Trying to navigate his complicated feelings for Raegan, both past and present.
Raegan and Aidan fight for dominance as Aidan struggles to be in control, while Raegan jealously watches the family he's build for himself with both the men and his guild.
But so little happens to actually move the plot along through the whole entire book. If you took out the smut and arguments it would probably be a hundred page novella as opposed to a 350+ page book. I just need more plot to happen in the next book.
Dane also gains depth, learning about the things his sister was up to and having to choose a side. Trying to navigate his complicated feelings for Raegan, both past and present.
Raegan and Aidan fight for dominance as Aidan struggles to be in control, while Raegan jealously watches the family he's build for himself with both the men and his guild.
But so little happens to actually move the plot along through the whole entire book. If you took out the smut and arguments it would probably be a hundred page novella as opposed to a 350+ page book. I just need more plot to happen in the next book.
December 1, 2024
I loved the first book. This second one seemed to have a lot of wasted time. The first 2/3 was infuriatingly drawn out and slow. There was a ton of spice but not much happened by way of achieving the groups goals, getting some common ground established, not even figuring out a plan or taking steps towards it. Jack was working way behind the scenes. We got snippets here and there or something that he was supposedly doing in the city, but none of his POV, or thoughts. I’m going to read the third book and hope it ties up the loose ends and resolves the plots, but I’m not terribly optimistic. Took me a week to read this when it should have been less than a day. That’s how much it dragged on. Happy Reading Friends.
November 15, 2024
This second book picks up right where the first book ended, leaving us with Raegan, the four men from her past and a whole bunch of people desperate to get their hands on them. I loved Jackson in the first book, and this second one only established how great he is. I don’t think there has ever been a man more devoted to protecting his woman, and Raegan deserves it all and so much more. I believe Kellan is perfect to balance Jackson’s energy out with a bit of playfulness and enjoyment in life, so the relationship between Raegan and both these men really works out.
I have, however, a much harder time with the other two men from Raegan’s past. Dane has a whole bunch of excuses to explain why his sister is not at fault for doing the things she does and did, but he can’t give the woman he loves the same curtesy. That doesn’t sit right with me, especially knowing she’s even younger than his sister. Something similar can be said about Aiden. There is an epic scene somewhere in this book where Raegan goes at him, saying why she doesn’t trust him, and I absolutely loved that moment. I just wish Aiden wouldn’t let his hurt pride get in the way at that moment, and truly own up to what he did. As a result, I don’t think there is a way for me to ever be okay with them joining the relationship. But we’ll see if book three can manage to change my mind.
The ending of this second book was written marvelously for those who love a good cliffhanger, and I’m excited to find out how Raegan’s story will continue in book three. Even though some of these characters aren’t sitting well with me at the moment, the others definitely make up for it and I’m rooting for their HEA.
I have, however, a much harder time with the other two men from Raegan’s past. Dane has a whole bunch of excuses to explain why his sister is not at fault for doing the things she does and did, but he can’t give the woman he loves the same curtesy. That doesn’t sit right with me, especially knowing she’s even younger than his sister. Something similar can be said about Aiden. There is an epic scene somewhere in this book where Raegan goes at him, saying why she doesn’t trust him, and I absolutely loved that moment. I just wish Aiden wouldn’t let his hurt pride get in the way at that moment, and truly own up to what he did. As a result, I don’t think there is a way for me to ever be okay with them joining the relationship. But we’ll see if book three can manage to change my mind.
The ending of this second book was written marvelously for those who love a good cliffhanger, and I’m excited to find out how Raegan’s story will continue in book three. Even though some of these characters aren’t sitting well with me at the moment, the others definitely make up for it and I’m rooting for their HEA.
November 22, 2024
This story is addictive! I cannot get enough of Raegan and her guys! I was already in love with the characters and the story after book one, but getting to see more of everyone in book two just pulled me in deeper. The peeks into each character’s mind were amazing and I loved getting a window into each of their struggles and seeing their sides of the story. I always love multiple POV and A.L. Rook does it beautifully. She keeps the focus on our sassy FMC for most of the book with little peeks into her guys’ minds. The relationship building in this book was wonderful. Watching the characters accept themselves and each other bit by bit is so powerful. The overarching struggle was ever present, but also didn’t take away from the characters being people. I absolutely need to know what happens next. I was hooked after book one, but now I’m thoroughly invested. Also, that ending… Ramshackle cannot get here soon enough!
December 11, 2024
“𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀 𝕗𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕗𝕠𝕣. 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕒𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕗𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕗𝕠𝕣. 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀’𝕕 𝕡𝕦𝕥 𝕞𝕪 𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕖 𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣. 𝔽𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕘𝕚𝕣𝕝 𝕨𝕙𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕜𝕤 𝕤𝕙𝕖’𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟, 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪, 𝕤𝕙𝕖’𝕤 𝕚𝕥𝕤 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕠.”
I was happy to receive an ARC of book two in this awesome series! I loved the first one so I was happy to get the chance to read book 2! I love the chemistry between the main characters, the character development, plot twists, back story, and more! Swipe to see some of the awesome tropes!! I’m a sucker for….
✨𝔼𝕟𝕖𝕞𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤
✨𝕆𝕓𝕤𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕄𝕄ℂ’𝕤
✨𝕎𝕙𝕪 ℂ𝕙𝕠𝕠𝕤𝕖
✨ℝℍ
✨𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕥 𝕊𝕠𝕔𝕚𝕖𝕥𝕪
✨𝕄𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝕡𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕤
& 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖!
This author has a knack for leaving her books on cliff hangers and your jaw on the floor! Can’t wait to see where book three takes Raegan, Jackson, Kellan, Dane, and Aiden!
I was happy to receive an ARC of book two in this awesome series! I loved the first one so I was happy to get the chance to read book 2! I love the chemistry between the main characters, the character development, plot twists, back story, and more! Swipe to see some of the awesome tropes!! I’m a sucker for….
✨𝔼𝕟𝕖𝕞𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤
✨𝕆𝕓𝕤𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕄𝕄ℂ’𝕤
✨𝕎𝕙𝕪 ℂ𝕙𝕠𝕠𝕤𝕖
✨ℝℍ
✨𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕥 𝕊𝕠𝕔𝕚𝕖𝕥𝕪
✨𝕄𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝕡𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕤
& 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖!
This author has a knack for leaving her books on cliff hangers and your jaw on the floor! Can’t wait to see where book three takes Raegan, Jackson, Kellan, Dane, and Aiden!
November 20, 2024
First, this book was just as good as the first book, “Ravage”. I definitely recommend reading the first for a bit more back story. The author shines some more needed light on things from the first book that begin to make a lot more sense. She does a great job building her story-line and her characters. The Novel was both exciting and the spice definitely sexy.
Jackson, has my vote for how well he treats our FMC. I love the two of them together in this book. A couple of the others still have some blaming issues to work out it. The book does end on a cliffhanger, but it is still worth the read!
Thank You to the Author A.L. Rook for the amazing ARC opportunity in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Jackson, has my vote for how well he treats our FMC. I love the two of them together in this book. A couple of the others still have some blaming issues to work out it. The book does end on a cliffhanger, but it is still worth the read!
Thank You to the Author A.L. Rook for the amazing ARC opportunity in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
January 13, 2026
In book 2, we really get to know Raegan and her guys. I am not going to lie, I am so surprised that Dane is so blinded about what he thinks he knows about Raegan. I mean Raegan is definitely in the camp of believing that she is in the wrong and deserves everything Dane wants to throw at her but, again, I feel like they are making these big decisions without all of the information. I also have a really bad feeling about Gordon. I don't think this is the last that we will see of him.
Also, what is up with Portia and Elias? Not only, what is their history but what is going on with Portia's past?
Book 2 ends on a pretty big cliffhanger. I need to immediately dive into book 3.
Also, what is up with Portia and Elias? Not only, what is their history but what is going on with Portia's past?
Book 2 ends on a pretty big cliffhanger. I need to immediately dive into book 3.
December 7, 2024
Raegan is forced proximitied into having to deal with her shared past with the four men she once cared for so deeply she sacrificed herself for them. They range in response from never wanting to let her go to wanting her dead. As they try to set aside the past to take down Gifted Enterprises together, true feelings and the truth surface. Ends on a giant cliffhanger! Just as I was having a sigh of relief I was hit with a twist and the book ended! I love this world filled with power abilities and power grabs. I am pretty sure we are going to get the RH of our dreams! I’m trusting the process and looking forward to the next in the series.
I was given a free copy. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I was given a free copy. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
December 8, 2024
Picking up right where book one left at. Raegan’s story continues. Book two was a little more about her trying to fix things with the guys rather than fighting GE. But I loved getting to know them all more. And finally Dane is coming out of his anger from book one and showing emotions! The ending has me begging for book three! And I still have many questions. Loved getting more points of views from the guys too! I would very highly recommend this series to all RH magic romance lovers.
January 25, 2026
I feel like all the events in these books are episodes. Something happens and an other things happens after with very small connection but interestingly some characters can go missing for a month? And they still don’t communicate with each other…..
January 15, 2025
i support women’s rights & wrongs idc (how am i meant to wait over a month for the next book)
March 20, 2026
Maybe a 4? But they will all get 5s until I lose steam.
December 1, 2024
Great Read!
Love Reagan and the guys! I can't wait to see how it all works out. The next book can't come soon enough!
Love Reagan and the guys! I can't wait to see how it all works out. The next book can't come soon enough!
December 7, 2024
Another great installment of this series. Definitely love the way it's moving along. So frustrated with the cliff hangers. But that's to be expected obviously. I am just so intrigued on what is going on like every single book just keeps bringing more and more like what the heck like what happened what's going to happen next. I cannot wait to read the next one so hopefully she hurries up and gets it published.
June 26, 2025
It’s actually crazy how none of them used their brains
Why did they all get so dumb in this book? Four of the five of them accomplish nothing the entire time. Jackson at least takes a bunch of people out and tries to make progress, albeit his master plan at the end is painfully bad.
All that said, up until the 80% mark I was doing okay, but that’s when it really started sinking in that this entire book was a waste of time. The relationships between our main group members? Fairly similar to the end of book one, with some minor progress. Getting answers about the past? We get one important fact from Aiden. Doing anything helpful at all that didn’t put everyone involved in danger? Yeah no, none of that. This entire book could have been an extra few chapters in book one.
Why did they all get so dumb in this book? Four of the five of them accomplish nothing the entire time. Jackson at least takes a bunch of people out and tries to make progress, albeit his master plan at the end is painfully bad.
All that said, up until the 80% mark I was doing okay, but that’s when it really started sinking in that this entire book was a waste of time. The relationships between our main group members? Fairly similar to the end of book one, with some minor progress. Getting answers about the past? We get one important fact from Aiden. Doing anything helpful at all that didn’t put everyone involved in danger? Yeah no, none of that. This entire book could have been an extra few chapters in book one.
November 18, 2025
She keeps making the same mistakes.
. . . she get stressed out, runs off, gets drunk, gets in trouble, has to get saved; and then it's wash, rinse, repeat. Same thing over and over again just some sort of different iteration with a different guy and in between she has sex with them to distract herself instead of drinking herself blind drunk, so I really don't have a lot of respect for the broad. Raegan doesn't act like an adult. She acts more like the 16-year-old kid who escaped the island than anyone mature enough to learn from their mistakes.
. . . she get stressed out, runs off, gets drunk, gets in trouble, has to get saved; and then it's wash, rinse, repeat. Same thing over and over again just some sort of different iteration with a different guy and in between she has sex with them to distract herself instead of drinking herself blind drunk, so I really don't have a lot of respect for the broad. Raegan doesn't act like an adult. She acts more like the 16-year-old kid who escaped the island than anyone mature enough to learn from their mistakes.
February 19, 2025
Uhhhhh……I loved boom 1, and was loving book 2…I could over look the FMC’s continued “leaving with danger everywhere” thing she did, but when one of the MMC’s does something BEYOND stupid at 92%, I knew what was coming, I want nothing to do with it. I wish it hadn’t been so predictable then, but I am so sad😞
March 12, 2025
DNF- STOPPED AT BOOK 2
This series had potential. The plot and characters were there. I really enjoyed book 1 and I thought it was going somewhere but book 2 was too much and too little at the same time. I felt like each chapter was the same thing over and over again. I didn't feel like we were getting anywhere
This series had potential. The plot and characters were there. I really enjoyed book 1 and I thought it was going somewhere but book 2 was too much and too little at the same time. I felt like each chapter was the same thing over and over again. I didn't feel like we were getting anywhere
September 26, 2025
3.40/5.00 ⭐️ rating
1.25/5.00 🌶️ rating
Tropes/Kinks: gifted/powers, stalking, mfmmm, breathe play, oral
Thoughts:
Are all the MMCs in this series stupid? How is half the harem so overly obsessive and protective, and still put the MMC in danger?
This book was definitely slower than the first and I’m just not connecting with the characters.
1.25/5.00 🌶️ rating
Tropes/Kinks: gifted/powers, stalking, mfmmm, breathe play, oral
Thoughts:
Are all the MMCs in this series stupid? How is half the harem so overly obsessive and protective, and still put the MMC in danger?
This book was definitely slower than the first and I’m just not connecting with the characters.
March 10, 2026
Raegan of Ruin series by A.L. Rook - 1.5⭐ for the entire series
Yikes. I genuinely do not understand the rave reviews this series gets.
This was repetitive, poorly handled, and honestly just frustrating from beginning to end. I tried to stick with it, but after Book 3 I completely lost patience. I technically “finished” the series by skimming Books 4–5, but at that point it felt more like a chore than anything worth reading.
The biggest issue is that the story just repeats itself over and over again. The plot barely evolves, the characters show little to no meaningful growth, and the same conflicts play out in slightly different ways across five books. There was absolutely no reason this series needed to be dragged out this long; it easily could have been condensed into two or three books max.
I also didn’t care for the playlist references. Instead of enhancing the story, they pulled me out of it every time. The author seemed determined to include every basic, TikTok-recommended dark-romance song imaginable. The playlists are bad - do yourself a favor and skip them. Save yourself! 😅
Overall, the whole thing reads like a very rough “X-Men but make it reverse harem” concept that never fully develops into something cohesive. The idea had potential, but the execution just wasn’t there.
Raegan (FMC):
You do feel for Raegan and the trauma she’s gone through - at least at first. But eventually it becomes the exact same cycle every book. She’s constantly treated horribly by almost everyone around her, and that pattern continues all the way through Book 5.
What frustrated me most is that she’s supposed to be this powerful, experienced fighter who has been hunting a massive criminal organization for years… yet she never seems to have an actual plan. Everything is just impulsive decisions and “winging it,” which gets incredibly frustrating after a while. She has powers and abilities - but never uses them!! Aren't her powers the whole damn point!?
By Book 3 I had completely lost patience with her character. One moment that really broke my suspension of disbelief was when she risks everything to go back for a hair clip belonging to a friend she barely spent time with earlier in the series. A hair clip. It felt like incredibly lazy writing and forced drama.
Even worse, she repeatedly allows the MMCs to treat her terribly without ever really forcing them to take accountability. Considering how much trauma she’s endured, the lack of proper confrontation, boundaries, or meaningful consequences was incredibly frustrating to read.
If you’re looking for strong emotional payoff, real groveling, or thoughtful handling of trauma, this series unfortunately does not deliver.
The MMCs:
The male leads also didn’t work for me. They feel like very standard archetypes with the most generic names possible, and none of them developed enough to make the dynamic compelling.
Jackson: the typical stalker/shadow archetype. He follows Raegan everywhere and is intensely fixated on her, but the character itself never really evolves. His abilities also felt underwhelming compared to how much narrative weight he’s given. He is a really bad airbender - send him to Ang stat!
Aiden: the broody “leader” of the group. Unfortunately, he’s one of the biggest reasons I struggled with the series. His behavior stays controlling and borderline abusive for most of the story, yet the narrative keeps trying to frame it as romantic tension. There’s very little real accountability or groveling for the way he treats Raegan, which made the supposed romance incredibly hard to buy into.
His powers (metal manipulation) also felt like a watered-down version of other characters I’ve seen done much better elsewhere - (AKA Toph AKA Magneto wannabe lol). On top of that, his leadership style mostly boils down to isolating people or locking them down whenever there’s conflict. That cycle gets old fast.
Dane: a nullifier whose abilities could have been extremely interesting, but they’re rarely used in ways that actually make sense. What frustrated me more was how often he centered his own feelings about Raegan’s trauma rather than acknowledging the role he and his sister played in causing it. Again, there’s very little meaningful accountability.
Kellan: clearly meant to be the “cinnamon roll” character, but he mostly came across as an adrenaline-seeking flirt who had no idea how to handle someone with serious trauma. Some of the spicy scenes involving him felt incredibly misplaced - like moments where the emotional context absolutely did not call for sex, which made the scenes feel uncomfortable rather than romantic.
Final Thoughts:
This series had an interesting premise and a lot of potential, but the execution just fell flat for me. The pacing drags, the plot repeats itself, and the handling of trauma and character accountability feels incredibly shallow.
By the end I was mostly just frustrated with how much the story could have been better if it had been tighter, shorter, and more thoughtful with its character development.
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me, and it’s not a series I’ll be revisiting - or an author I’ll likely return to anytime soon.
Yikes. I genuinely do not understand the rave reviews this series gets.
This was repetitive, poorly handled, and honestly just frustrating from beginning to end. I tried to stick with it, but after Book 3 I completely lost patience. I technically “finished” the series by skimming Books 4–5, but at that point it felt more like a chore than anything worth reading.
The biggest issue is that the story just repeats itself over and over again. The plot barely evolves, the characters show little to no meaningful growth, and the same conflicts play out in slightly different ways across five books. There was absolutely no reason this series needed to be dragged out this long; it easily could have been condensed into two or three books max.
I also didn’t care for the playlist references. Instead of enhancing the story, they pulled me out of it every time. The author seemed determined to include every basic, TikTok-recommended dark-romance song imaginable. The playlists are bad - do yourself a favor and skip them. Save yourself! 😅
Overall, the whole thing reads like a very rough “X-Men but make it reverse harem” concept that never fully develops into something cohesive. The idea had potential, but the execution just wasn’t there.
Raegan (FMC):
You do feel for Raegan and the trauma she’s gone through - at least at first. But eventually it becomes the exact same cycle every book. She’s constantly treated horribly by almost everyone around her, and that pattern continues all the way through Book 5.
What frustrated me most is that she’s supposed to be this powerful, experienced fighter who has been hunting a massive criminal organization for years… yet she never seems to have an actual plan. Everything is just impulsive decisions and “winging it,” which gets incredibly frustrating after a while. She has powers and abilities - but never uses them!! Aren't her powers the whole damn point!?
By Book 3 I had completely lost patience with her character. One moment that really broke my suspension of disbelief was when she risks everything to go back for a hair clip belonging to a friend she barely spent time with earlier in the series. A hair clip. It felt like incredibly lazy writing and forced drama.
Even worse, she repeatedly allows the MMCs to treat her terribly without ever really forcing them to take accountability. Considering how much trauma she’s endured, the lack of proper confrontation, boundaries, or meaningful consequences was incredibly frustrating to read.
If you’re looking for strong emotional payoff, real groveling, or thoughtful handling of trauma, this series unfortunately does not deliver.
The MMCs:
The male leads also didn’t work for me. They feel like very standard archetypes with the most generic names possible, and none of them developed enough to make the dynamic compelling.
Jackson: the typical stalker/shadow archetype. He follows Raegan everywhere and is intensely fixated on her, but the character itself never really evolves. His abilities also felt underwhelming compared to how much narrative weight he’s given. He is a really bad airbender - send him to Ang stat!
Aiden: the broody “leader” of the group. Unfortunately, he’s one of the biggest reasons I struggled with the series. His behavior stays controlling and borderline abusive for most of the story, yet the narrative keeps trying to frame it as romantic tension. There’s very little real accountability or groveling for the way he treats Raegan, which made the supposed romance incredibly hard to buy into.
His powers (metal manipulation) also felt like a watered-down version of other characters I’ve seen done much better elsewhere - (AKA Toph AKA Magneto wannabe lol). On top of that, his leadership style mostly boils down to isolating people or locking them down whenever there’s conflict. That cycle gets old fast.
Dane: a nullifier whose abilities could have been extremely interesting, but they’re rarely used in ways that actually make sense. What frustrated me more was how often he centered his own feelings about Raegan’s trauma rather than acknowledging the role he and his sister played in causing it. Again, there’s very little meaningful accountability.
Kellan: clearly meant to be the “cinnamon roll” character, but he mostly came across as an adrenaline-seeking flirt who had no idea how to handle someone with serious trauma. Some of the spicy scenes involving him felt incredibly misplaced - like moments where the emotional context absolutely did not call for sex, which made the scenes feel uncomfortable rather than romantic.
Final Thoughts:
This series had an interesting premise and a lot of potential, but the execution just fell flat for me. The pacing drags, the plot repeats itself, and the handling of trauma and character accountability feels incredibly shallow.
By the end I was mostly just frustrated with how much the story could have been better if it had been tighter, shorter, and more thoughtful with its character development.
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me, and it’s not a series I’ll be revisiting - or an author I’ll likely return to anytime soon.
July 16, 2025
3.5⭐
The cover continued the trend of being unfortunate-looking: now with sausage fingers on the guy that somehow combine into a hand that's the size of the girl's head. Not to mention that once again, the guy is too short and too huge for his body proportions to make sense relative to those of the girl. The paper crane is a cute touch, though. And, at least this time around, the lightning makes better sense.
Another continuing trend was the sentences that didn't make logical/syntactical/semantical sense:
("For six years, I've kept the truth about what happened to Vera buried — just like I promised.")
Anyways.
Raze gave me the reveal I'd been left wanting in Ravage . It lost no time and directly opened up on the event that had led to Vera's death, and as I'd suspected, she deserved what she got (even if it was very much an accident on Rae's part).
Then we zipped back to book one’s cliffhanger: everyone on a rooftop, jaws dropped, because Dane’s sister was alive and kicking, teaming up with the enemy, Gifted Enterprise. Resurrection? Cool twist. It threw some serious drama into the mix, but damn, it also derailed the main plot. With dead people coming back to life and messing with our main characters' heads and lives, it felt like the main arc lost direction, and instead, the book turned into a series of side-quests.
As a whole, there was very little advancement plot-wise in this book. Instead, the focus was put on the emotional arcs and the rebuilding of Raegan's relationships with each of the guys, often through sex. Which, speaking of, I'm disappointed to say, didn't really do it for me. The smut scenes were too quick and to the point. There was no breathless anticipation, no build-up of tension, no foreplay. It was straight to business and over in a blink.
I get that writing spicy intimate scenes must be awkward and not easy, but if there's one subgenre where smut must shine, it's precisely the one where you have multiple people getting it on, sometimes in group settings. RH is not the place for sub-par sex scenes, and I'm sad to say this series is not living up to expectations.
But, fuck are the cliffhangers good! If there's one thing I'm loving about the Raegan of Ruin series so far, it's all the angstyness. Raegan's self-sacrificial nature and her unconditional love for the guys (even when she hates them) are a main pillar of her character's personality—and qualities that make it easy to root for her—but it's also something about her I fraking hate sometimes!
Not gonna lie, this book lost me a bit, but that ending hooked me right back in. I'm so curious to know how things with Rae and Aiden will continue. She's now chill with the other three, but her relationship with Aiden is still tense as fuck and poisoned with miscommunication, anger, and frustration because both of them are holding onto secrets they refuse to disclose. The majority share of the responsibility to keep everyone safe (at the Guild and with the guys) rests on his shoulders, so I get some of Aiden's wariness and frustration. But Raegan was so right in that he was the one to betray her trust again and again, and how she doesn't owe him any one of her painful secrets until he stops being an unapologetic dickhead.
But with the way this book ended, clearly there'll be plenty of angst yet in Raegan's future, and her issues with Aiden will have to be put on the back burner until further notice. I'm still hoping for a healthy amount of grovelling on his part, given the emotional re-traumatising she's about to go through. Also on my wishlist? Vera not getting a fucking redemption arc. Send her ass back to the grave—preferably with Dane doing the honors, while saving Raegan, in some poetic full-circle payback. Now, wouldn't that be nice?
The cover continued the trend of being unfortunate-looking: now with sausage fingers on the guy that somehow combine into a hand that's the size of the girl's head. Not to mention that once again, the guy is too short and too huge for his body proportions to make sense relative to those of the girl. The paper crane is a cute touch, though. And, at least this time around, the lightning makes better sense.
Another continuing trend was the sentences that didn't make logical/syntactical/semantical sense:
"Yeah, beautiful. Something wrong?" Kellan questions with an eyebrow raised and the largest smirk in his maw that I'm tempted to stab him for it.
I've kept the promise of what really happened to Vera a secret for six years.
("For six years, I've kept the truth about what happened to Vera buried — just like I promised.")
How is fighting with their gifts, where they could hurt one another, just be fun?
Anyways.
Raze gave me the reveal I'd been left wanting in Ravage . It lost no time and directly opened up on the event that had led to Vera's death, and as I'd suspected, she deserved what she got (even if it was very much an accident on Rae's part).
Then we zipped back to book one’s cliffhanger: everyone on a rooftop, jaws dropped, because Dane’s sister was alive and kicking, teaming up with the enemy, Gifted Enterprise. Resurrection? Cool twist. It threw some serious drama into the mix, but damn, it also derailed the main plot. With dead people coming back to life and messing with our main characters' heads and lives, it felt like the main arc lost direction, and instead, the book turned into a series of side-quests.
As a whole, there was very little advancement plot-wise in this book. Instead, the focus was put on the emotional arcs and the rebuilding of Raegan's relationships with each of the guys, often through sex. Which, speaking of, I'm disappointed to say, didn't really do it for me. The smut scenes were too quick and to the point. There was no breathless anticipation, no build-up of tension, no foreplay. It was straight to business and over in a blink.
I get that writing spicy intimate scenes must be awkward and not easy, but if there's one subgenre where smut must shine, it's precisely the one where you have multiple people getting it on, sometimes in group settings. RH is not the place for sub-par sex scenes, and I'm sad to say this series is not living up to expectations.
But, fuck are the cliffhangers good! If there's one thing I'm loving about the Raegan of Ruin series so far, it's all the angstyness. Raegan's self-sacrificial nature and her unconditional love for the guys (even when she hates them) are a main pillar of her character's personality—and qualities that make it easy to root for her—but it's also something about her I fraking hate sometimes!
Not gonna lie, this book lost me a bit, but that ending hooked me right back in. I'm so curious to know how things with Rae and Aiden will continue. She's now chill with the other three, but her relationship with Aiden is still tense as fuck and poisoned with miscommunication, anger, and frustration because both of them are holding onto secrets they refuse to disclose. The majority share of the responsibility to keep everyone safe (at the Guild and with the guys) rests on his shoulders, so I get some of Aiden's wariness and frustration. But Raegan was so right in that he was the one to betray her trust again and again, and how she doesn't owe him any one of her painful secrets until he stops being an unapologetic dickhead.
But with the way this book ended, clearly there'll be plenty of angst yet in Raegan's future, and her issues with Aiden will have to be put on the back burner until further notice. I'm still hoping for a healthy amount of grovelling on his part, given the emotional re-traumatising she's about to go through. Also on my wishlist? Vera not getting a fucking redemption arc. Send her ass back to the grave—preferably with Dane doing the honors, while saving Raegan, in some poetic full-circle payback. Now, wouldn't that be nice?
November 26, 2024
This is an ARC Review, and to be honest in only changed a few things from the first review but everything i said stands, A. L. Rook is hitting it out of the park with these books, the consistency in plot, the spice, the character development. They are killing it. I can't wait to read more of their works.
.
.
"What do you do when everything you thought you knew turns out to be a lie? Walk it off and keep moving forward. At least, that was my plan. Until I'm forced into hiding with the four guys from my childhood, who range from wanting me to wanting more from me than I'm willing to give. With my allies gone and old foes at my doorstep, we'll have to figure out how to work together before our enemies get to us first. For better or worse, it's time to reveal the truth of the past and settle old debts.."
AHHHHHHH!
Our MFC, Reagan, is dealing with PTSD and anxiety (implied through text and actions) really showing how those attacks can be. She is struggling with the way she views herself as the villian and her past. Those negitive thoughts thay we let creep in, when we see ourselves at our worst. I still LOVE her POVs. She's so....she's a badass in a realistic way and it makes her so relatable.
Updating the Main Men:
👥Jackson: our Stalker—scratch that, our shadow. Oooooo girlie has it BAD for him and he's just as gone for her. I still love them together. He's her ride or die, and we are here for it!
🐉Kellan: the indestructible jokester—now Dragon. Okay Reagan, girlie pop, this man literally wants to give you the WORLD, let him!!! Ugh Shadow and Dragon will treat you so good girl just let them love you!
⚔️Aiden: the leader—Secret keeper. BRO DONE MESSES UP. And she let him know it too! One of my favorite parts of the entire book, her ripping him a new hole! "I cAnT tRuSt YoU" BRO YOU LITERALLY HIT HER OVER THE HEAD AND ABANDONED HER. AND THEN A FEW YEATS LATER LOCKED HER IN A DUNGEON.
🔇Dane:...I guess we'll call him, a sort of friend? It takes alot to apologize, especially when you were a giant dick. I still don't think you deserve her though.
The story is full of twists you don't expect, a cliffhanger leaving you wanting more asap, amazing side characters, banter and some spice 🌶🌶. Will she end up with all 4? Yeah, it's a RH but Aiden and Dane better do a loooooot of groveling because Reagan went through hell and back for them. At this point girl, Aiden can kick rocks, he better do something super meaningful and real to prove his loyalty because he's thay deep in sh*t.
I keep wanting to start book 3 and having to remember book one hasn't even come out yet (don't worry, book 3 coming in Feb 2025), but that's how much I need to know what happens.
I finished this book in 2 days.
The writing is well done, the characters are complex, the plot line is flowing, and you can tell where flashbacks happen, the action is fluid and you can tell who is fighting and what's going on in the fight. Descriptive writing giving you a clear picture of what's happening, characters who you love and love to hate.
A phenomenal read, again. 10/10 will recommend.
.
.
"What do you do when everything you thought you knew turns out to be a lie? Walk it off and keep moving forward. At least, that was my plan. Until I'm forced into hiding with the four guys from my childhood, who range from wanting me to wanting more from me than I'm willing to give. With my allies gone and old foes at my doorstep, we'll have to figure out how to work together before our enemies get to us first. For better or worse, it's time to reveal the truth of the past and settle old debts.."
AHHHHHHH!
Our MFC, Reagan, is dealing with PTSD and anxiety (implied through text and actions) really showing how those attacks can be. She is struggling with the way she views herself as the villian and her past. Those negitive thoughts thay we let creep in, when we see ourselves at our worst. I still LOVE her POVs. She's so....she's a badass in a realistic way and it makes her so relatable.
Updating the Main Men:
👥Jackson: our Stalker—scratch that, our shadow. Oooooo girlie has it BAD for him and he's just as gone for her. I still love them together. He's her ride or die, and we are here for it!
🐉Kellan: the indestructible jokester—now Dragon. Okay Reagan, girlie pop, this man literally wants to give you the WORLD, let him!!! Ugh Shadow and Dragon will treat you so good girl just let them love you!
⚔️Aiden: the leader—Secret keeper. BRO DONE MESSES UP. And she let him know it too! One of my favorite parts of the entire book, her ripping him a new hole! "I cAnT tRuSt YoU" BRO YOU LITERALLY HIT HER OVER THE HEAD AND ABANDONED HER. AND THEN A FEW YEATS LATER LOCKED HER IN A DUNGEON.
🔇Dane:...I guess we'll call him, a sort of friend? It takes alot to apologize, especially when you were a giant dick. I still don't think you deserve her though.
The story is full of twists you don't expect, a cliffhanger leaving you wanting more asap, amazing side characters, banter and some spice 🌶🌶. Will she end up with all 4? Yeah, it's a RH but Aiden and Dane better do a loooooot of groveling because Reagan went through hell and back for them. At this point girl, Aiden can kick rocks, he better do something super meaningful and real to prove his loyalty because he's thay deep in sh*t.
I keep wanting to start book 3 and having to remember book one hasn't even come out yet (don't worry, book 3 coming in Feb 2025), but that's how much I need to know what happens.
I finished this book in 2 days.
The writing is well done, the characters are complex, the plot line is flowing, and you can tell where flashbacks happen, the action is fluid and you can tell who is fighting and what's going on in the fight. Descriptive writing giving you a clear picture of what's happening, characters who you love and love to hate.
A phenomenal read, again. 10/10 will recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2026
♚ “I calm the monster beneath his skin, just like he calms the demons in my head.” 🔥
Like the first book, this one was a very quick read, but it felt noticeably different in terms of focus. Instead of pushing the plot forward as much, this installment leaned heavily into character backstory and development. While I did enjoy learning more about everyone, it also made the book feel a bit padded at times, like some of this material could have been folded into the surrounding books rather than standing on its own.
🔥 “Perfect? You must be mistaking me for someone else, Jack. I’m broken. Weak. I’m a vengeful spirit at best.” ♚
Jackson once again stole the show and easily remained the best MMC for me. That said, I really wish we’d gotten more chapters from his POV, because it still feels like there’s a lot going on with him that I want better insight into. Aiden, on the other hand, continued to be an absolute douchecanoe, though I will admit there was evidence that Dane might finally be finding his way toward redemption. To me, Kellan was the one who hurt the most in this installment. I understood Raegan’s desire to protect herself and avoid emotional attachment, but watching her continue to sleep with him and then deny the existence of anything deeper while fully aware of how deeply he felt about her was rough.
🔥 “You don’t get to run from me, beautiful. I already told you that you have me. I’m yours whether you want me or not, so don’t you f*cking dare try to hide from me.” ♚
Raegan herself continued to test my patience, largely because she still refused to tell the guys the truth about what actually happened in the past. At this point, the lying felt more harmful than protective, and it was hard to understand what she thought she was gaining by keeping everything bottled up. That ongoing secrecy, paired with her emotional push-and-pull, was one of the most challenging aspects of this book for me.
♚ “I’m going to start by earning your trust back. I will win your heart if it’s the last thing I do in this life. You’re mine, and I won’t ever let you go again.” 🔥
There were more spicy scenes this time around, but they still didn’t quite land. They felt very clinical and rushed: almost like checking a box rather than letting the moments breathe. However, the cliffhanger at the end was absolutely brutal and more than made up for some of my frustrations. I immediately jumped into the next book, eager to see what awaits this group next.
Stars: 3.5/5
Spice: 2.5/5
Tropes:
🔥 RH ♚
♚ Reluctant Allies to Lovers 🔥
🔥 Revenge ♚
♚ Forced Proximity 🔥
🔥 “I love you, Raegan. More than oxygen, or air. More than every star in the sky. I have always loved you and there is nowhere you can go where I won’t follow.” ♚
Like the first book, this one was a very quick read, but it felt noticeably different in terms of focus. Instead of pushing the plot forward as much, this installment leaned heavily into character backstory and development. While I did enjoy learning more about everyone, it also made the book feel a bit padded at times, like some of this material could have been folded into the surrounding books rather than standing on its own.
🔥 “Perfect? You must be mistaking me for someone else, Jack. I’m broken. Weak. I’m a vengeful spirit at best.” ♚
♚ “No. They may have broken you to pieces…but…all of them still belong to you, make you who you are. Your jagged edges may not fit each other anymore, but they fit with mine.” 🔥
Jackson once again stole the show and easily remained the best MMC for me. That said, I really wish we’d gotten more chapters from his POV, because it still feels like there’s a lot going on with him that I want better insight into. Aiden, on the other hand, continued to be an absolute douchecanoe, though I will admit there was evidence that Dane might finally be finding his way toward redemption. To me, Kellan was the one who hurt the most in this installment. I understood Raegan’s desire to protect herself and avoid emotional attachment, but watching her continue to sleep with him and then deny the existence of anything deeper while fully aware of how deeply he felt about her was rough.
🔥 “You don’t get to run from me, beautiful. I already told you that you have me. I’m yours whether you want me or not, so don’t you f*cking dare try to hide from me.” ♚
Raegan herself continued to test my patience, largely because she still refused to tell the guys the truth about what actually happened in the past. At this point, the lying felt more harmful than protective, and it was hard to understand what she thought she was gaining by keeping everything bottled up. That ongoing secrecy, paired with her emotional push-and-pull, was one of the most challenging aspects of this book for me.
♚ “I’m going to start by earning your trust back. I will win your heart if it’s the last thing I do in this life. You’re mine, and I won’t ever let you go again.” 🔥
There were more spicy scenes this time around, but they still didn’t quite land. They felt very clinical and rushed: almost like checking a box rather than letting the moments breathe. However, the cliffhanger at the end was absolutely brutal and more than made up for some of my frustrations. I immediately jumped into the next book, eager to see what awaits this group next.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stars: 3.5/5
Spice: 2.5/5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tropes:
🔥 RH ♚
♚ Reluctant Allies to Lovers 🔥
🔥 Revenge ♚
♚ Forced Proximity 🔥
🔥 “I love you, Raegan. More than oxygen, or air. More than every star in the sky. I have always loved you and there is nowhere you can go where I won’t follow.” ♚
February 11, 2025
Raze by A.L. Rook is a thrilling continuation of Raegan's story in the Of Ruin series, building upon the explosive events of "Ravage" and plunging her into even deeper danger and forcing her to rely on her guys, who are still ambivalent about her but slowly coming around. Rook delivers a captivating blend of urban fantasy, intricate character development, and a simmering romance that will leave you breathless.
What I Loved:
Expanded World-Building: Rook delves deeper into the history of GE, our characters with flashbacks to time on the island, and the magical system, revealing fascinating new details about their origins and limitations. We get to explore new, dangerous territories within the city, and the stakes are raised on this cliffhanger ending. Prepare to lose sleep till the next book comes out.
Intensified Character Development: Raegan's journey of self-discovery continues, and she faces even greater challenges that force her to confront her past and embrace her true potential. She's still hiding what happened to her on the island with Gordon but with the re-introduction of Vera, her secrets start to come out. Jackson is off on a mission so expect less of him but he comes back for some steamy scenes and to rescue Raegan when needed. Aiden will piss you off in new ways and book 3 with his character on the cover better be his redemption arc!
Elevated Stakes and Conflict: The threat to Raegan and those she cares about is more immediate and personal than ever. She's lost the support of Hype, Elias, and Portia and forced to live with the guys and rely on them. It adds some extra umph to that slow burn and while Dane struggles to understand this new information about Vera and to get his sister back, he slowly unthaws towards Raegan. The ending is a tear-jerker cliffhanger, and I think Dane and Aiden are about to have their come to Jesus moments in book 3.
Twists and Turns: Just when you think you know where the story is going, Rook throws a curveball, delivering unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The mysteries surrounding Vera and her resurrection and GE's ability to bring people back from the dead are further explored. Still, the answers only lead to more questions, deepening the intrigue.
Simmering Romance: The slow-burn romance between Raegan and her harem continues to smolder, especially Jackson despite his absence. Aiden's fighting to find answers but continues to break trust with Raegan. Raegan's final action in the last chapter will restore her relationship with Dane if that look is anything to go by.
Things to Consider:
emotional Intensity: This book is emotionally intense, and Raegan goes through a lot as more of SA and trauma revealed so trigger warning. Be prepared for some heartbreak and some difficult choices.
Overall:
"Raze" is a fantastic second installment in the Of Ruin series. A.L. Rook has crafted a world I can't wait to explore further, filled with compelling characters, a sizzling romance, and a plot that will keep you guessing until the end. Highly recommended!
What I Loved:
Expanded World-Building: Rook delves deeper into the history of GE, our characters with flashbacks to time on the island, and the magical system, revealing fascinating new details about their origins and limitations. We get to explore new, dangerous territories within the city, and the stakes are raised on this cliffhanger ending. Prepare to lose sleep till the next book comes out.
Intensified Character Development: Raegan's journey of self-discovery continues, and she faces even greater challenges that force her to confront her past and embrace her true potential. She's still hiding what happened to her on the island with Gordon but with the re-introduction of Vera, her secrets start to come out. Jackson is off on a mission so expect less of him but he comes back for some steamy scenes and to rescue Raegan when needed. Aiden will piss you off in new ways and book 3 with his character on the cover better be his redemption arc!
Elevated Stakes and Conflict: The threat to Raegan and those she cares about is more immediate and personal than ever. She's lost the support of Hype, Elias, and Portia and forced to live with the guys and rely on them. It adds some extra umph to that slow burn and while Dane struggles to understand this new information about Vera and to get his sister back, he slowly unthaws towards Raegan. The ending is a tear-jerker cliffhanger, and I think Dane and Aiden are about to have their come to Jesus moments in book 3.
Twists and Turns: Just when you think you know where the story is going, Rook throws a curveball, delivering unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The mysteries surrounding Vera and her resurrection and GE's ability to bring people back from the dead are further explored. Still, the answers only lead to more questions, deepening the intrigue.
Simmering Romance: The slow-burn romance between Raegan and her harem continues to smolder, especially Jackson despite his absence. Aiden's fighting to find answers but continues to break trust with Raegan. Raegan's final action in the last chapter will restore her relationship with Dane if that look is anything to go by.
Things to Consider:
emotional Intensity: This book is emotionally intense, and Raegan goes through a lot as more of SA and trauma revealed so trigger warning. Be prepared for some heartbreak and some difficult choices.
Overall:
"Raze" is a fantastic second installment in the Of Ruin series. A.L. Rook has crafted a world I can't wait to explore further, filled with compelling characters, a sizzling romance, and a plot that will keep you guessing until the end. Highly recommended!
November 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out 5 stars. | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 out of 5 spicy peppers
Here we go! We pick up where we left off in Book 1. Throughout the story, we see the adoration from Kellan and Jackson, while dealing with the growing tension between Aiden, Dane, and Raegan. This is Book 2 of at least a 4 to 5-book series. We're not going to get the resolution we would with a duology or even with a trilogy. Not to say this book is filler - it's definitely not. We are still building up context and tension for future books, so just keep that in mind.
The twist and ending of this book made me audibly gasp and grumble loudly. A.L. Rook, you are cruel to your readers and I love it. Never change. So hyped to see where we go from here.
--- Additional thoughts ----
Hearing and reading Raegen's internal dialogue, you can see underneath her exterior she projects to how lonely she feels, how abandoned she feels by those she once called friends. Raegan is a survivor, she is strong. She is stumbling through the world, yet she never stays down. She is a strong character, and her insecurities and weaknesses do not take away from that. Even with all she has endured during and after the island, she is still the same person she was on the island before everything went to hell.
After learning some of the truth, Dane and Aiden still have so much to make up. One thing I love about stories and good storytelling is that even though you want to strangle some of the characters, you are still so invested in them. That's how I feel about Dane and Aiden. I want to yell and scream at them to take their heads out of their asses, yet I am still rooting for them. Aiden especially has a lot to make up for in my mind. There is a quote on page 291 that I won't post here to make sure my review is spoiler-free, but AHH. I just... GET OVER YOURSELF, AIDEN. MY GOD.
------
Quick facts
* MFMMM in the future I think? Let's say established yet growing harem since 2 out of the 4 will need some SERIOUS groveling for their bullsh!t
* Multiple 1st Person POVs
* X-men-esque but instead of school and safety they are taken to be studied and used
* 2 out of 4/5(?)
-----
Note: I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my fair and objective opinion. Thank you, A.L. Rook!
Here we go! We pick up where we left off in Book 1. Throughout the story, we see the adoration from Kellan and Jackson, while dealing with the growing tension between Aiden, Dane, and Raegan. This is Book 2 of at least a 4 to 5-book series. We're not going to get the resolution we would with a duology or even with a trilogy. Not to say this book is filler - it's definitely not. We are still building up context and tension for future books, so just keep that in mind.
The twist and ending of this book made me audibly gasp and grumble loudly. A.L. Rook, you are cruel to your readers and I love it. Never change. So hyped to see where we go from here.
--- Additional thoughts ----
Hearing and reading Raegen's internal dialogue, you can see underneath her exterior she projects to how lonely she feels, how abandoned she feels by those she once called friends. Raegan is a survivor, she is strong. She is stumbling through the world, yet she never stays down. She is a strong character, and her insecurities and weaknesses do not take away from that. Even with all she has endured during and after the island, she is still the same person she was on the island before everything went to hell.
After learning some of the truth, Dane and Aiden still have so much to make up. One thing I love about stories and good storytelling is that even though you want to strangle some of the characters, you are still so invested in them. That's how I feel about Dane and Aiden. I want to yell and scream at them to take their heads out of their asses, yet I am still rooting for them. Aiden especially has a lot to make up for in my mind. There is a quote on page 291 that I won't post here to make sure my review is spoiler-free, but AHH. I just... GET OVER YOURSELF, AIDEN. MY GOD.
------
Quick facts
* MFMMM in the future I think? Let's say established yet growing harem since 2 out of the 4 will need some SERIOUS groveling for their bullsh!t
* Multiple 1st Person POVs
* X-men-esque but instead of school and safety they are taken to be studied and used
* 2 out of 4/5(?)
-----
Note: I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my fair and objective opinion. Thank you, A.L. Rook!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews