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If you love your romances with a hefty dose of steam, angst, and danger, Ruining Me by A.E. Nalle is an absolute must-read. This sizzling second book in the series hits all the right notes, from a brooding, morally grey hero to a fiery, feisty heroine who’ll have you rooting for her every step of the way.
First things first, while you can jump into Ruining Me without reading the first book, I’d recommend starting there to fully savour the tension and history between the characters. The events from the first book set the stage for the emotional rollercoaster that Sofee and Declan's story becomes. Trust me, it’s worth the extra investment for all that backstory!
Declan, the ultimate grumpy bad boy, is everything you want in a tortured male lead. He’s secretly obsessed with Sofee—his best friend’s little sister—but determined to keep his distance. The classic “forbidden” attraction trope is taken to new levels as Declan tries to protect Sofee from the dangerous life he’s part of and from the consequences they both would have to face, even though the pull between them is undeniable. Sofee, on the other hand, brings all the sass and spark, refusing to be just a damsel in distress. Their chemistry? Absolutely explosive.
Sofee’s character development is another highlight of the book. She’s more than just the innocent girl in over her head—she’s strong, relatable, and grows beautifully throughout the story. Watching her navigate the morally grey waters of Declan’s world while holding on to her own let's say normative compass made me like her even more. Her resilience, combined with her vulnerability, makes her a perfect match for Declan’s intense energy.
The “found family” aspect of the MC world shines here brighter than in the first one, which I, personally, loved! Also, A.E. Nalle does an incredible job breaking away from typical MC romance tropes, giving readers a fresh take while keeping the raw authenticity of the genre intact. The lies, betrayals, and high-stakes drama between Sofee and Declan had my heart in a constant chokehold.
Now while I loved a lot about this book, it may have been a bit too much “drama” and the actual romance, the connection took a bit of a back seat. By the end, I was practically begging for these two to find their happy ending. The tension, angst, and longing make it impossible not to fall in love with them, even as their journey twists and turns your gut. It was just a teensy bit too much for me.
In short, Ruining Me is an intense, emotionally charged story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, blending fiery chemistry, solid character development, and heart-pounding tension. If you’re looking for a medium-dark romance with high stakes, spicy moments, and characters you can’t help but root for, this book is definitely for you.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving the ARC didn't affect my opinion of the book.