The Road to Ruined

Gods of Tomorrow #2

by Elle Mitchell

The Road to Ruined is the conclusion to the Gods of Tomorrow Duet and should be read after Pretty Poisoned. The following contains spoilers for Pretty Poisoned.

"She's not a kitten—she's a monster. And you can't keep monsters as pets."

It’s been months since anyone has seen or heard from Declan and Luca De Rossi.

Months since they left Teagan face-down in the dirt and disappeared on a plane bound for nowhere.

Just released from a mental institution, Teagan struggles to adjust to life without them, as well as her newfound notoriety and the reality that they’ve abandoned her.

But no matter how hard she tries, she can’t let go; she can’t move on. She can’t go back to the way things were or the person she was before it all happened.

Especially when part of her is still convinced they’re out there, and somehow, they’ll be back…for her.
But they’re all watching—not just her family and the fans, but the police, too…as well as The Order. A man in a gold mask follows her wherever she goes to ensure she stays in line…and that she understands what will happen to her if she doesn’t.

Or she’s finally lost her mind.

But Teagan never really learned to run in the other direction when she found herself face-to-face with real monsters. And she isn’t going to start now.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Why Choose, Spicy, Horror, Romance, Smut

429 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2024

About the author

Known as the (mostly benevolent) Queen of Angst, Elle Mitchell writes new adult contemporary romance ranging from shades of grey to morally pitch black with a hint of taboo. A mix of plot and spice, her books follow flawed, relatable characters as they rage against the machine or struggle against the darker parts of humanity and themselves. They’re messy—like real life—and emotional.

She can’t promise that all her books will depict what a healthy relationship should look like at every turn. She rejects purity themes. The best she can do is promise an eventual HEA when it’s all said and done.

When she isn’t reading or writing, it’s unlikely you’ll find her anywhere. She’s probably at home with her family, minding her own business.

Find her on IG and TT: @ellemitchellbooks

Reviews

[Erica · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely not.

I would’ve picked Bone Saw.

[Poppy Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

I DID NOT GET THE CLOSURE I NEEDED AT THE END OF THIS BOOK! (So I knocked it down from 4 stars in my tantrum)

This book was so different to book one, it’s just ask dark but I’m a different way, there’s a lot of PTSD, mental health issues, SO much trauma and abandonment issues, severe hallucinations etc it almost made me so sad to read it because what Teagan was going through in this was hard 😩

Wouldn’t really call this duet a rockstar romance, the first book that has rockstars in it, but the story is very much centred around the cult called ‘The Order’

I felt like the book ended so abruptly! Is Teagan in a better mental place now? We don’t really know? (And after her mental state in this book I needed that closure lol) What happened to Sebastian?! It just ended :( but it was still good nevertheless

[Coralie’s library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think that would be possible but I loved this one even more than the first book & I LOVED THE FIRST BOOK 🤭

Just like the first one, I finished this bad boy in less than a day. I literally devoured it. There’s just something about Elle’s writing that is so captivating. Once you start the book, you won’t be able to put it down!

At one point just like Teagan, I didn’t know what/who to believe anymore. I was so confused but in the best way! The writing was just chef’s kiss 💋

I am so sad that this story is over 🥺 there could’ve been 80 more books to this duet and I would’ve read every single one of them. But I am very happy with the ending 💜

This quickly became one of my favorite dark romance duet ever!!!

Easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you so much Elle for the arc 🖤🫶🏼

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am at a loss for words. I can’t believe it’s over. This was an emotionally unhinged, wild f—ked up ride, but I loved it so much. In book two, you will fall more in love with these characters, and I didn’t want it to end. 🖤
I can't wait to read more from Elle cause her writing just consumes you in the best way possible.

[Ashley Book.markedbyash · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

🔪Dark Romance
🌶️Check CWs
🔪Why Choose
🌶️Masked Men
🔪Stalker
🌶️Bl00d Pl@y
🔪Stabby
🌶️Morally Grey FMC
🔪Secret Society
🌶️New MMC


Wow! Just wow!
This whole book was unexpected and everything I could have asked for. You can’t get everything you want, the ending was healing and bittersweet. I can’t believe it’s over! I’m so sad!
This book had me tearing up! I fell in love with the characters so hard. Teagan is so unhinged and hilarious in Road to Ruined. She has a IDGAF attitude and I love it! It’s Teagan 2.0 (Harley Quinn meets Jennifer’s Body).

I don’t think I will ever get over this duet!

We get a new MMC in this one and I loved him just as much as Luca and Declan! “I’m sorry” but I might even love him more. I know! I know! Again “I’m Sorry”.

There were so many bittersweet moments…the beach, the car scene after and the book moment. What healed me was CH 24! 😭😭😭😭 I’ll never get over these characters.

[Charly Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I’m obsessed with this duet would be a severe understatement😩🥵
The second book came and she delivered🤌🏼
This one was honestly so much more emotional than I expected (jokes on me)🤡

Elle Mitchell is truly just fucking incredible.
From beginning to end- I truly don’t think it’s possible to ever experience a second of boredom in her books. What’s going to happen is you’re going to be DESPERATE to not have to take a break from reading.

This story was wrapped up so PERFECTLY and I couldn’t be happier with how it ended👏🏼😍😭

[Shelves_by_sim · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Possible Spoilers

I thought nothing could top Pretty Poisoned but I was so very wrong. I love how this book picks up a few months after the ending of book 1, Teagan has spent this time in an institution undergoing therapy, and is ready to be released back into the world. The trauma and pain she goes through in this book is so much, she has to deal with the fact that she let herself finally be free and reckless, and all it got her was Luca and Declan disappearing when they said they never would.

She is also dealing with something much darker that seems to be growing inside her ever since her first kill and she struggles to accept that she is a monster, holding on to the morals she was taught. I love the introduction of Bone Saw, I loved him in book 1 and I had no idea that he would be in this book! And as a main character!!! Bone Saw forces Teagan to face her true nature, and although she resists at first, I loved seeing her slowly accept who she was. I also love the fact that Bone Saw keeps his identity from her for half of the book! It makes the mystery of who he is that much more intriguing.

But what I loved the most is that even though he believes himself to not be human, incapable of feelings such as love, you start to see his hardness thaw. You see how much he actually does care about Teagan, that his reactions are instinct from being beaten into him and, beneath it all, he'd put his own life in danger and would turn his back on The Order just to save her. I am so glad that she is reunited with Declan and Luca but I had a really, really hard time letting Bone Saw go. He is honestly my favorite MMC in this series, he was absolutely everything to me and let me not forget to mention how the spice was OFF THE CHARTS!! 🥵 Bone saw is my one guys, I hope that one day, we get him back 🖤

[♡Shelthebookaddict♡ Shelbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This last book in the duet ruined me in the best way. I did indeed go down the ROAD to RUINED, and I loved every minute of it. I didn't want Teagan's story to end 😭 if you are just now going into this one, savor every moment. If you just finished it, go read Elle Mitchell's other books because her writing is writing you can't get enough of. Her books make you feel and question yourself. Her characters always seem so real in a way that you forget you are reading a book.

This duet is truly a masterpiece. Everyone needs to read it. Well, those who can handle it 😈

🚨check the triggers. They are different from Pretty Poisoned.

[Tarynrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5✨️

This was so fun and different! I do think the first one was better, but I still really enjoyed this one.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish, this duet has been an absolute ride I'd happily go on again! This sequel was every bit thrilling and depraved as the first one. And it's safe to say I found myself a new masked book bf to obsess over.
The ending fit perfectly but not going to lie. I was rooting for a different one. Overall, I loved this whole duet. It's definitely a must-read for my dark romance readers.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. ITS A CAPTIVATING UNPUTDOWNABLE DUET. I LOVED THE CHARACTERS AND THE STORY. Declan and luca have my heart but BONE SAW HE OWNS MY SOUL. HE IS MY MASTER FOR SURE. I LOVED HIS character the most. His grumpy mean banter. I loved that he let teagan be the monster. Between yelling and cussing, giggling and laughing out loud, to crying. This book gave me all the emotions. Elle mitchells writing is phenomenal. I love that this book came full circle. But the twist that she threw in were jaw dropping. TEAGAN IS A GREAT FMC SHE IS SPUNKY AND I LOVE IT. THE BANTER BETWEEN HER AND BONE SAW WAS JUST TOO GOOD. THE KIWI💀 i highlighted so much and wrote down the pages ect. So when I get a physical book i can annotate it because I love this book that much. And fucking Carl haha that part had me laughing so hard! 5 stars favorite DUET of the year!


Quotes i love


•"You keep it interesting, I guess. Come on, I'll take you to breakfast. Leave your imaginary friends here."

•"Yeah, well, I'm all you've got now," he says. "I'm the only one who's here, taking care of you." "You think you're taking care of me?" "I've clothed you…twice. I fed you…kiwi and now vodka. I saved your ass in that alley, and I'm currently sheltering you. So, I don't want to hear shit about Declan and Luca. And you should be a little more grateful."


•"You were my port in the storm. And there was a storm, and I was all alone! You don't know how bad it was for me."

•"You will always be fond of me," I quote to him. "I represent to you all the sins you never had the courage to commit."

[Lauren.booksalways · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down one of my favorite dark romance duets!!!

Team S & D!!! Sorry L! ;)

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The ending of the book felt rushed with so many plotholes/unexplained things. The fact Luca obviously had a drug problem which was addressed then pushed aside. Like in the first book he was snorting drugs left and right, which made me think we would get a subplot about his struggles and how that related to who he is as a person. Declan (however you spell his name) felt like he was just an attractive person? Like he had backstory, and motive I guess, but it was so 1D. The relationship between the brothers was also weird because Luca hates Sebastian and vice versa. Nothing wrong with that but the addition of Sebastian being their sibling felt so flat. Why didnt the author explore more? Like why bring it up then leaving it. The book was also rushed towards the ending, Blakley’s wedding happened then BOOM the FMC fakes her death, and flys in a plane. Declan just finds Hazel and River in a secluded cabin hidden with the help of Eli??? (Eli is supposed to be a side character but with the authors attention focusing on the MMCs and the FMC he was just thrown to the curb WHEN HE HAD SO MUCH INFLUENCE ON THE STORY?). The author made it so OBVIOUS who the center of attention is to the point everyone else just blends into the wall. You can handcuff me to the wall and threaten my life, and I still wouldnt be able to describe the 2 gay (guys) couple descriptions or Eli (fr ELI HAS BASICALLY 1 line in the entirety of the duology, then the author had no clue what to do, and shipped him off). Also the whole fuckass poly thing the author tried to do WAS TERRIBLE. I genuinely couldn’t do it at all. The whole ass makingout and fucking with THEIR OWN “FAMILY MEMEBERS? HELLO??? The author mentions how River, Hazel, Luca, Declan, and FMC are a family but why tf is River fingering FMC IN THE POOL OR DECLAN JUST LANDING LIPS WITH HAZEL OR LUCAS “FLIRTING” W/ RIVER. HELLO? WHICH FAMILY MEMBERS ARE YOU DOING THAT WITH??? And the 2 gay guys who were also “family” got shot killed then theyre NEVER MENTIONED AGAIN. DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED WITH SEBASTIAN N THE FMC. HOLY SHIT DUDE WHAT? Their relationship is toxic asf (i guess thats fine cause ppl’s standards for dark romance is dirt rn cause of booktok). BUT UNLESS THE FMC IS ON HER KNEES BEGGING FOR SEBASTIAN TO LOVE HER, HE JUST COLD ASF. Like i get the author has a knife/blood kink but dam. THEN SEBASTIAN ALWAYS DOES A 360 and is like “I DO CARE ABOUT YOU, I DO LOVE YOU”. These 360s actually keep me insane because its just the authors poor writing skills. All this book is begging(not even the attractive way), fucking, then run away. The whole cult plot was barely there, just reminding the readers that the author loves drinking blood and killing people. No like fr this ALL POWERFUL CULT n they all manage to run away into the sunset all happy n shit. The whole cult thing was just embodied by Sebastian (done terribly). I liked book 1 so much bc of the whole blood drinking concept and cult. Because it made me think WHY? Like it ACTUALLY fucked with my brain cause it was so different from the books Ive previously read. BUT NO THAT WHOLE PLOTLINE DISAPPEARS. WOOHOO! Congratulations author.


I pray one day this book mentally gets ripped away from my hippocampus so I WILL NEVER REMEMBER IT AGAIN. Jesus christ just talking about it is pissing me off.

OMG DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON TEAGENS (FMC) FAMILY. HELLO???? DID WE ALL JUST READ THE SAME SHIT BECAUSE EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT HOW GOOD THIS BOOK WAS. THE PERFECT ENDING TO THIS DUOLOGY. HAH! What an absolute joke. If you’re reading this book read with only half your brain, and one eye open. The only reviews on this book that was accurate are the 1&2 stars. Cause it seems like theyve actually read the same thing as me.


I rated the 1st book a 5 star (I dont even remember or care to double check) because it hooked me in.

Then I fucking drowned. The end.

[Florence Riki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.6⭐️
The ending for sebastian pmo so bad that i changed my 4 star rating.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

You definitely have to read book 1 because The Road to Ruined picks up right where it left off. The De Rossi brothers are long gone and no one has heard from them especially Teagan, but that doesn’t stop her from still believing that they’ll come back for her. Soon after she’s released from the mental institution she quickly learns just how hard it is to go back into the real world and try to live a normal life. She’s struggles so much that she can no longer figure out what’s real and what’s fake …. and to top it off there’s a gold masked man following her every move.

I was obsessed with every second of this book, but also not gonna lie I was stressed tf out. I was literally on the edge of my seat hanging on every word. Elle, you did it again - that was freaken AMAZING and the perfect ending to Teagan’s story! 👏🏼

[Legacie Janoah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I needed. After the cliffhanger of book 1, I was in a comatose unable to move on. I was fiending for what was next--I needed to know what happened to Teagan and how she was going to proceed, following the events that occurred in book 1. Needless to say, it was a wild ride. Things are tense, Teagan is struggling to process and cope with everything that transpired, but now she has a new sidekick to help her embrace her inner 'little monster'. Watching how Teagan navigates the relationships she has, both new and old, was so intense and vulnerable--I was in a state of feral and sobbing mess. Elle did so well wrapping up the events that occurred in book 1 with all the new events that transpired in book 2. I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to Teagan's story. This book, and duet, will forever hold a place in my heart and brain.

[valerie pinon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok Elle, I am still staring at my wall.
Because what about Sebastian?
😭

I can't thank you enough for this ARC and I couldn't wait to read their ending.

The way it all tied in...
Idk what you put in these books but can I have like ten more?

They're so incredibly good!
I cried.
I laughed.
I loved everything you wrote.

I need a week to process this.

_______
Update:
I've processed it and I still love it!
I'm honestly happy with each character and how it all came together because I was honestly not sure how it was going to end.

But that detailed ending with the family really made me tear up.

The brothers and the past trauma that gets revealed was so insane.
It was just the right amount of crazy to match Teagan.

Favorite duet this year! ❤️‍🔥

[readwithhanhan (IG) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars 🖤
gonna take an extra half a star away because it didn’t end how I wanted it to end 😂 so ignore my star rating tbh because I’m just being a brat!

this was a really good duet overall! I literally devoured both books so quick! it’s such a different read. I went into this expecting a rockstar romance and while yes they are rockstars.. them being rockstars is not the main plot. There’s SO much other things that happen in the story so idk what to say honestly because I don’t want to spoil anything!

like I said in the beginning, it didn’t end how I wanted it to end. You get an HEA but I guess I wanted more and just expected it to go a different way!

I definitely will still recommend this duet because it’s still a good and entertaining story! Like it’s wild. there’s tons of knife and blood play! LIKE ALOT OF IT. and the spice scenes were really good! 🤭

[lindseysbooklore · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

I enjoyed this very dark rockstar romance.
The second book was a different vibe from the first.
I enjoyed adding “Bone Saw” into this storyline and seeing another dark side with the secret society, although I felt as though I didn’t get the full closure I was hoping.
The last chapter was a different take to an epilogue and I enjoyed that. There’s just a few holes left wide open I would have liked to see tied but. I missed some of the humour the characters from book one brought but overall recommend this duet!

[Yoona · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*
I needed more Declan and Luca 😭😭
Did enjoy though, just wanted more it felt like majority of this was Sebastian 😭

[Tyler | bookishwithty · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

"The Gods of Tomorrow” duet is top notch— A remorselessly twisted, pitch-black thrill that ticked every box on my twisted wishlist. A truly exceptional book leaves you reluctant to turn the final pages, and the ending has me in tears now that it’s over. This duet is a masterfully crafted dark romance that is a wild and morally complex ride that has left an indelible mark on my heart. The characters, particularly Teagan, have made a lasting impression, allowing me to confront and embrace my own inner darkness.
I fell in love with “Bone Saw/S” in “The Road To Ruined.” 🥹 I'll deeply miss these characters, but their impact will stay with me forever… five stars & favorite read of the year. 🖤


** This is a DARK romance. PITCH BLACK.
Please read the tw’s. Your mental health matters. **

[Jessica Shaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5- ugh this was solid but im SOOOOO mad about that ending!!!!!! I wanted Sebastian to come back wtf 😭😭😭. I went from being like who the f is this random dude to him being my fav!!

Justice for Sebastian !! He deserves a HEA 😭😭

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

First half is FMC alone depressed and dubcon. Was not interested but at 50% mmc comes back a n d then we get a HEA that is conveniently wrapped up with Lucas disabled and Sebastian gone and Declan the hero. Augh‼️🤔⁉️

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

*SPOILERS
BOOK2

This book picks up right where book 1 left off with Teagan at the abandoned airfield left by Luca and Declan. Ending up interrogated by the police then at a mental hospital for months. Teagan is devastated and heartbroken, not sure if Luca is even alive. Constantly wondering WHY!? Why did they leave her, why did they not come back for her? Or maybe they still are? But the worst part.. Teagan’s been changed, something inside her has been awaken that she can’t just put back to sleep.
After being released and living back with her parents she try’s to be “normal” and go back to who she was before she went on that tour bus, which she finds absolutely impossible.
She’s seeing Luca all the time, and also a gold masked man from the Order. But are they real? Or just hallucinations? This book was a wild ride! I loved every twist that came and also the ending. I was hoping Sebastian showed up unexpectedly 😔 but it was a perfect ending 🖤

[Paula Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This duet is un-freaking- hinged! Morally black chaos and I was here for it! It had me on the edge of my seat, mouth on the floor wondering wtaf!? There is rock n roll, blood play with a cultish vibe and a secret society to boot. Suspense and a Spicy why choose with found family. I had moments of shock, laughter and in the second book I even ugly cried. I love Teagan, Declan, Luca and surprisingly had a huge soft spot for Sebastian. The Picture of Dorian Gray, ifkyk 🥹 I devoured both books in less than two days. First book has a cliffhanger, so go ahead and grab both! I went in blind, but if you have triggers, you may want to check them. This is a dark romance that is morally black.

[Kirsten Wehrly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m blown away by this duet. Teagan is the most unhinged FMC in the best way. Her journey through this book was just heartbreaking and I felt so bad for her. No one understood how she was feeling, until someone did and she started feeling better. But then things take a turn and she doesn’t know what to believe or what to think.

Definitely check TWs before reading this one even if you read Pretty Poisoned. This one is more on the scary side in my opinion. Lots more 🩸and 🔪. But if you’re into that, I definitely recommend this book.

If Elle blows up for any of her books, I hope it’s this duet🤞🤞

[Sam Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first booked walked so this one could run!! Such a better plot line and it even had me a little giddy, wanting to kick my feet. It’s a wild ride, hold on because this one will break your heart.

“You shouldn't be so surprised, I told you that you're my favorite song—mine. Remember? You've seen the way I take care of the things on my shelves, Teagan. I can take care of you, too."

“I'm going to miss you until the day I die, Teagan.”

[Lex Mak · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 ⭐️ once again - this duet was addicting. No notes! Pure perfection in my mind. 🩸 🎸 💋 🔪

[Ashley Kirkpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ this ended so abruptly!!! I need more. I love that it ended with “most” of the family back together & that Teagan was mostly happy in the end (poor girl went through it). But what about Sebastian?!? :( i low key loved him.

[LolliMolly ⫷fiction addiction⫸ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stand by what I said about book one. Every single character is certifiably insane.
Fucked up people doing fucked up things. Entertaining though.
The epilogue was sooo well done, I absolutely love the way it came around full circle.