Ruined

The Dahlia District #1

by Audrey Rush

I’ll ruin her innocence.

Haley thinks she’s a good girl. The kind of woman who would never break the club’s rules. While others flaunt their pleasures, Haley protects her innocence like it’s her most valuable possession, and that intrigues me.

Deviant hunger lurks behind her pure eyes, calling to me. She craves degradation as much as I do.

So when my rival and I make a bet, I indulge. Whoever takes Haley’s innocence will win the other’s business, and I intend to win.

It doesn’t matter that I want to take her. To claim her. To show her what it means to be mine.

I will corrupt her, destroying everything she holds sacred.

Because in the end, Haley’s innocence will give me power.
And her life will be ruined.

Author’s Note: This dark romance includes the billionaire manipulating the heroine. It contains disturbing content. Reader discretion is advised.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, BDSM, Romance, Suspense

Unknown Binding

About the author

Audrey Rush writes kinky dark romance and erotic horror. She celebrates spooky season every day, and she is obsessed with Disney. You can find her in the South, drowning in coffee.


TikTok: @audreyrushbooks

Instagram: @audreyrushbooks
Readers Group: bit.ly/rushreaders
Threads: @audreyrushbooks

Reader Newsletter: audreyrush.com/newsletter
Banned Account Info: bit.ly/bannedsupport
Amazon: amazon.com/author/audreyrush
Website: audreyrush.com
Facebook: fb.me/audreyrushbooks
Email: audreyrushbooks@gmail.com


Reviews

[Maria11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

A tad predictable but good. A very slow burn. The writing at times was choppy and chapters kind of just ended when there should have been more to the moment the characters were in. The characters would have a moment the bam we were on to something totally different and even the next day.

Going to read more of the series.

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book was intense! Lucas Conway, a billionaire with dark desires and complicated history with women and money. Hayley Ramsey, an innocent, indebted entertainment worker trying to protect her family while maintaining her innocence.

Hayley works at the Dahlia District, which caters to billionaires through various forms of entertainment. She’s had many clients including a long-term client Aldrich. Lucas wasn’t one for seeking entertainment at the Dahlia District but has plans to meet his enemy and once employer, Aldrich, to discuss business. Upon seeing Hayley and discussing her entertainment at the Dahlia District, both men decide to make a bet on who will take Hayley’s virginity putting their companies as the prize.

Lucas and Hayley spend time together and Lucas breaks down her walls, learning about Hayley’s debt and her secret, protecting her baby sister Nora. Ultimately Lucas wins the bet against Aldrich. Miscommunication things from their past cause Lucas and Hayley to stop seeing each other wanting nothing more than to confess their love and be with each other.

In an attempt to fix things between them Lucas pays off Hayley’s debt and secures Nora’s future. Aldrich unable to handle the loss of the bet and feeling entitled to Hayley’s virginity threatens Nora. With no choice Hayley turns to Lucas for help, choosing to handle Aldrich herself. Hayley deals with the Aldrich situation rendering him not a threat. Lucas and Hayley confess their love for each other and live happily ever after.

I could not stop reading this book, but this book is a dominant and submissive romance, and contains rough scenes, manipulation, and degradation, so reader discretion is advised.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

**FULL REVIEW**

Okayyyy….

Definitely a different twist on this billionaire/stripper trope. I liked it!

Haley has generations of debt to pay and a secret to keep.

Lucas has revenge to exact on a former mentor over the loss of his love.

Things get interesting when Haley finds out the kinks she’s into can only be fulfilled by one person…one person she chooses. And while losing her virginity feels like just that, there’s empowerment in choices she makes all of her own feee will…no matter the consequences.

This book is a slow burn for sure, has a fun, suspenseful twist, but ultimately awards us readers with what we’re after.

I look forward to reading the next books in the series…after all, who wouldn’t be curious about Dahlia and the Dahlia District?

**4 Shhh, That’s a Secret I’ll Never Tell, Stars**

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can guarantee you that this book Ruined: A Dark Billionaire Romance, by Audrey Rush, is like nothing you have ever read before. This story immerses the reader inside the world of the elite whose tastes lean towards the deprived, the unconventional, they kinky and, most importantly, the need for control in all areas of lust. All the players, their personalities, their backgrounds, and their pasts and presents are exceptionally written, provoking all five of the reader's senses to the forefront. It is a fast-paced read, however, it must be read slowly because of the many twists and turns with unexpected results that drive all the players to the end.
I received a free book from Booksprout posted by the author.

[Sylvie Rochon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when familiar trope have a different edge. This story is different. Yes there is a billionaire, Lucas and the poor virgin Haley. The difference is that the interactions happen in a "adult entertainment club" with different rules. And the dominant submissive part in the story is also unique. It's nice to read something different once in a while. It was a very good read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewing through Kindle Unlimited

I started this series with book 4, without realising they are intertwined. I am so glad I decided to begin at the “beginning”. I think I enjoyed this story more. It is intense and suspenseful and I could not put it down. 5 stars ⭐️ well deserved.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Grabbed My attention and focus so strong I could not put it down. A word of advice when you get your copy. Grab a snack, a comfy seat, kick back and relax. You will not be moving until you finish this bad boy here. Remarkable job. Thanks for sharing.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predictable. Many grammar and spelling mistakes. It felt like a Wattpad story tbh. I only read this bcs I saw the authors TikTok and wanted to try out one of her books😫

[Max Fictional · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily writing an honest review.

PHEW!!! What a book.

I loved the characters. The pacing was great. Fast enough, yet also slow enough to thoroughly savour the story.

Some of the things that Haley believed were silly and would’ve been fixed if she communicated. (I’m not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope.)

The spice in this book was… excellent, to say the least. When the spice came in I was thoroughly enjoying it.

Can’t wait to read the next one!

Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haley taught Lucas truth, honesty, love and self worth!
by sewsummore

Haley had made a promise to her mother that she would always take care of her sister. it was because of that promise that Haley became indebted to the Dahlia District. Until she was eighteen she working in the kitchens but later became a server who entertained the clients and made them happy. For some of the servers sex was involved, but Haley refused to consider becoming a woman who sold sexual favors for money. She became the favorite of an Aldridge, older, wealthy man who wished to become her first lover. One night she was introduced to a younger man who had once worked for Aldridge. His name was Lucas Conway, a man who was to become her lover and win a bet that would give him total control of Aldridge's Investment firm. This was a story of twisted revenge and powerful love. Lucas did not believe in love after his fiance's betrayal. It was money that caused people to lie and cheat and he felt love was for fools. I found this book compelling reading, Haley was determined that Nora would have a life free from the indentured slavery that had been a part of her mother's life and the cause of her own enslavement. Lucas had been hurt in the past and felt everything had it's price, but from Haley he learnt that there was also truth, honesty, love and self worth. The relationship between Haley and Lucas was conflicted and at times painful, it was the push and pull of the relationship that kept me reading until the dramatic conclusion of this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[olovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didnʻt know what to expect with this book. What I do know, is that the blurb captivated me, but when I read the excerpt—thatʻs what reeled me in.

Haley is smart, strong willed, caring, and puts everyone before herself. Her fire and determination to make sure her sister leads a better life than her and to also do everything on her own so that she is not indebted to anyone else is what made her character stick out so much for me. She isnʻt what you would expect her to be and that is what I love to see!

Lucas is everything you want in a hero. He is strong, confident, an a**hole, and not as heartless as he thinks he is. I knew that I wasnʻt going to hate Lucas when he defended and respected women. I donʻt care what anyone says, but that is an automatic YES for me! Even though, he is about that BDSM life he doesnʻt do anything without consent or being begged👀 He knew what was wrong and tried to fix it, BUT the way he tries to make things up to Haley...be still my heart.

I loved seeing their relationship grow from what they both saw as something completely different to love. Their story is beautiful and I was so happy to read their happily ever after.

This was my first read by this author and it did not disappoint. It hit all the things I love in a book—A strong and caring heroine, an a**hole hero that will do anything for the woman he loves, hot scenes, a great plot that didnʻt bore me, & of course HEA. Thank you for this read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Yoneidis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dahlia District is a place that fascinates and intrigues me, in this entertainment club you can find everything you want or desire.
In this first book we see Hayley’s story, a 23-year-old girl who has been working for Dahlia for 7 years to pay the debt that she inherited from her mother and for take care of her teenage sister in secret.
Hayley is a dancer and one night at the club she meets Lucas while talking to one of her regular clients, Aldrich.
Lucas and Aldrich are old acquaintances, former friends, metro and pupil until Aldrich bet him that he would take away the woman Lucas loved. It’s been a decade and when Lucas sees the fascination that Aldrich feels for Hayley, he decides it’s time for revenge, so he bets that he will get Hayley deflowered and they both risk their companies.
But Lucas doesn’t know that in the end something more than money, power and revenge are in this game, his heart will too.
Very entertaining, with super🔥🔥🔥scenes.

“I’m going to break you, Haley,” he said, his words calm and deep, letting them sink into me. “I’m going to ruin you. You’re not as good as you think.”

“I don’t fuck, Haley,” he said. “I break. I ruin. You will never be the same after I’m finished with you.” I held my breath, trying to match his hard stare, but I could feel my resolve slipping. I wished I was on my knees, licking his shoes. It was easier that way. “Do you want me to do that?” “Yes,” I whispered. “Then beg me to ruin you.”

He had ruined me. Broken my resolve. Body and soul. But I didn’t care. Because this felt right. Every single part of it.

[Shelly Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Audrey Rush,,,, I rather enjoyed it ,,,,,

Haley Ramsey has been at The Dahlia District for 7 years now, she is now 23 years old ,,,,,, Haley works at this entertainment center for billionaire club members only,,,, Haley's mom was an employee there and when she was thru with her time, her "debt" she incurred over the years was added on to the debt that Haley was already acquiring,,,, but Dahlia will never get her hands on Haley's little sister Nora, whom attends "The Sage and Ivy Preparatory Academy" where Haley also pays for Nora's tuition,,,,,, although Haley is usually being attended to by Reeves Aldrich, a rich billionaire whom owns "Aldrich Inspired Investments" ,,,, lately a different billionaire has Haley's attention,,,, one Mr Lucas Cobway,,,,

Lucas Conway is a billionaire whose financial firm, "Conway Capital" has surpassed "Aldrich Inspired Investments" and not only that, but Lucas has been monopolizing Haley's time,,,, and Haley is loving every minute of it ,,,, and Aldrich and Lucas have made a bet,,,, whomever takes Haley's virginity, will own the other's company ,,,, this won't be an easy thing to do as "The Dalia District" isn't a brothel ,,,, although everything is about Money at "The Dahlia"

I really enjoyed this new author I've found and will most definitely read more of her books ,,,, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Ronel Olver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the book to be engaging and very entertaining and it held my attention the end. The book is well written with a great plot and story line that takes place in adult entertainment where Lucas makes a bet with his ex-friend Aldrich that whoever takes Haley, a server working off her and her mother’s debt, virginity will own the other one’s company. The book has humor, banter, chemistry, drama, betrayals, danger, and friendship.

The characters are well developed with great personalities and it’s easy to relate to them. What I did not like was the indentured servant/ human trafficking take on this book and the fact that none of the people frequenting the club does anything about it. I really did not care for Dahlia as she kept adding debt via penalty clauses and since no one is allowed to have sex she feels like treating these people as indentured servant servants is ok as it’s not sex trafficking. The fact that Haley leaves her friend Mel, who saves her life to get more debt and to her own devices did not sit well with me or endear Haley. I really would have liked to see her take some kind of action to help Mel.

If you are sensitive reader please know that this book might have some triggers for you. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Little Blue Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review

This book is book 1, in the Dahlia District series. Author, Audrey Rush, really wrote a fantastic story!! It has a well written great storyline!! It is the tale of a beautifully dark love story between Lucas and Haley ♥️🖤 The dialogue was wonderful, the chemistry between these two characters was off the charts 🔥🔥 Audrey Rush really created an amazing world, that is within the Dahlia District Club. This club is high end, run by a shady lady named Dahlia, and caters to the city’s elite billionaires!! Once you owe a debt, you’re pretty much there for life!! I highly recommend this book!! I can’t wait to read book 2!! Beautiful job, Audrey ♥️

Haley is a “server” at the Dahlia District Club. Working off hers and her mother’s debt. She is very strong willed, giving and smart!! Aldrich has his eye on Haley. He’s always trying to go further than allowed with her!! Lucas, a billionaire, starts coming to the club. He also sets his sights on Haley. Aldrich has a failing company, so him and his ex friend, Lucas, make a wager. Whoever can take Haley’s virginity first, will own the other ones business. The more time Haley spends with Lucas, she really starts to trust him. They really start to develop something. How will this factor into a certain wager......

[Nicole Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read 11.5.21
3.5☆
I enjoyed this book!
It was a Medium-Fast paced book for me
》TW: Sex, Violence, Language

•I liked this book quite a bit, it’s a trope I am familiar with and enjoy, but it was also different. There was a nice slower burn, but then the Dominant and submissive aspects were less typical, some parts of the romance were sweet and made me like the characters even more. It was a nice change.
•The book is written from 2 POVs, Haley and Lucus, our two main characters. Some of the writing itself threw me off. The characters were introduced well, and filling in bits and pieces about their lives was easy to follow, but there were some awkward parts. Some terminology used in reference to anatomy and some descriptive words used during spicy scenes were awkward. There were also sentences that seemed to trip over themselves. I was able to look past this to continue and I do plan on reading the second book, however, it may be a bit difficult for me to read through to all 5 books if it continues like this.
•I enjoyed the happy ending but was sad to see it end, I wanted more of these characters. It seems as though all of the books are based on different people who worked with Haley at The Dahlia District that intertwine, so I am very intrigued!

**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary Nikolettou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story. It is well written and the main characters are very likeable. The concept was very refreshing. A young woman binded to a contract she actually inherited from her deceased mother. I liked how even though her situation was dire she didn't lose focus or hope. She knew what needed to be done and how her first priority was to protect her younger sibling. I liked how she stood on her own two feet and didn't depened on anyone's help despite the fact she was offered it.

Now about the main male lead...hmm, what can I say. It was evident that he would play a significant role in her life but it was unclear to what extent. However, as the story unfolded it was made clear. I did have a few issues with his behavior and mentality but it seemed to work well for the plot. And like every story we have the *love to hate* character who imo got what was coming to him in the end.

I gave it 4 stars for the sole reason that at some point it became predictable. There was no element of surprise or major twists. Well there was one twist in connection to the h's mother's death but it was just in passing coversation and it was not addressed further which made it seem insignificant.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "RUINED" This was a interesting, entertaining, intriguing, suspense emotional drama, secrets revealed, angst, hot steamy scenes, trust, past issues, sit back and enjoy this addicting story my first read by this author Audrey Rush I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Lucas and Aldrich used to be friends he knows his business is in trouble and he's been trying to seduce Haley for years so he suggests a bet whoever takes her innocent gets the others company.
Haley owes an immense amount of money to Dahlia District as a promise to mother she would do everything to take care of her sister she was innocent untouched she would do what her mother did when working for the Exclusive Men's Club.
Haley had secrets in her past no one can know about Aldrich pushes the boundaries with her always trying she knows he's a dangerous man but when she meets Lucas things change their road is a bumpy one dealing with demons from the past.
I definitely recommend to get this well written story that pulls at the heart strings, so much happens you can't stop reading will these two get a HEA it's a must have book you don't want to miss I'd love to read more of the "Dahlia District Series" FANTASTIC READ!!!!

[Maria Reynoso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haley is a young lady working off her and her mother's debt in Dahlia's District while maintaining her virginity. Lucas is a billionaire who is out to seek revenge on his former co-worker. When Haley and Lucas meet, sparks fly. Their chemistry is intense, but they're both keeping secrets from each other that could possibly ruin their future. What starts of as a bet, soon turns in to reality. Will Lucas win the bet and keep his relationship with Haley? Will Haley forgive Lucas and finally be able to pay off her debt and be a free woman? You will have to read Ruined to find out.

I found Ruined to be an entertaining book. The characters were well written. You will either love them or hate them. The story was captivating and complete. There were many small occurrences throughout the book that helped to form the whole picture. This book is for those 18+ due to graphics sexual scenes, adults themes, and violence. Thank you booksprout for introducing me to a new author and giving me a copy of this book. This was my honest and free opinion.

[M H · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Will you fuck me?” I asked. He didn’t move. “Please,” I whispered. “It’s all I want.” He took my wrists in his hands. I trembled in his touch. He moved me closer. His breath was warm on my cheeks. “I don’t fuck, Haley,” he said. “I break. I ruin. You will never be the same after I’m finished with you.”

Haley knew her role in life even as a teenager. Her life was not her own, she was the property of the Dahlia District. Her style purpose in life was to entertain billionaires and protect the one person she loved in the world. Lucas wanted revenge and Haley was his ticket. However, when attraction is palpable can both remember that they reach have a role to play.

The story was a little slow and some grammar mistakes got in the way at times. Slow burn. The story was good, the ending was a little unrealistic.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.

[Romaine Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dahlia District is a club that caters to billionaires and their desires. Haley was forced to work there to pay off her deceased mother's debt. If the club learned of her secret it would be history repeating itself. She abides by the club's rules never crossing the line like other workers do.
Aldrich is the douche that owns the clubs and is determined to make Haley his. After several years he still hasn't had any luck.
Lucas met with his ex friend who betrayed him in the worse way. Upon seeing Haley he made a bet with Aldrich. Whoever wins gets the others company.
As the chemistry between Lucas and Haley gets more intense he tries to back out of the bet.
When Nora's future is put in danger there is only one option for Haley.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Ruined was fabulous! Haley and Lucas were brilliant. Lucas and Aldrich make a bet and only one can be the winner of Haley! The billionaire match is on.

What did I like? This was a fun read and Lucas was very scrupulous. I enjoyed how he mastered Haley and fell in love with her honest and beautiful spirit. Such a loyal submissive to a very dominant master! Five stars! Devoured it!

Would I recommend or buy? I’m fangirling… seriously this box set so far …has me so excited! All the stories look like fun and so far so good! I can’t wait to read the next one. I definitely recommend this author and look forward to more dominant characters!

I received the box set to read and voluntarily left a review!

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really riveting story that kept me entertained until the very end. Haley worked as a server at the Dahlia District Club that catered to wealthy patrons. There are strict rules that the girls have to follow and Haley had to take over her mother's debt. There is a bet made between Aldrich and Lucas. The bet was whoever succeed in taking Haley's innocents got the others company. Plenty of dark theme, trust issues, demons, intense and suspense. Who is going to win this bet? If they win, what happens to Hailey who's innocent caught between rivals? I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sad, dark tale with mystery, hot and sexy scenes, and suspense. The main couple have a lot of issues with trust because of a dark past, and each have a single man to thank for it. Lucas knows who he had tho thank and knows how evil he is, or suspects, and he wants revenge. Haley is in the dark on so much because of secrets and lies, but by the end everything will be clear and though they go through quit a bit of pain to get there, they finally find their happiness together. I love how this story is so dark and gritty, yet it has such sweet romance woven through it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ “What would Mama say?” ★

—>>> Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars - Haley Ramsey’s most fervent rule for herself was to not repeat her mother’s history at Dahlia’s exclusive men’s club, while she was strapped with an exorbitantly rising debt as a promise to her mother to take care of her younger sister, as well as absorbing the existing debt. Nothing but the best for Nora, including keeping her a secret from everyone. But when two of the club’s billionaires make a bet in the dark involving Haley with high stakes all around, it is Haley with the most to lose. This was an entertaining read with an interesting characters, suspense, action, and steamy moments!

[Madeleine Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read a book from this author and I loved it. It is original with plenty of twists and turns. Haley is working to pay off her mother's debt. Lucas and Aldrich make a bet whoever takes Haley's innocence gets the others business. There is plenty of suspense that keeps you turning the pages to find out more. Steamy scenes that will leave you breathless. It has a happy ending and can be read as a standalone. You do not want to miss out, I highly recommend Ruined. I cannot wait to read more from Audrey Rush.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ellie A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my usual genere but I looked at the blurb and said let’s give it a try. And oh my goodness am I glad I read this. I loved these two characters. What starts off as a bet turns into something a whole lot bigger for Lucas and Haley. Haley is working to pay off her mother’s debt at Daliah District Club. And Lucas well.. he’s a billionaire that frequents the club and that wants Haley. There is a lot of steamy moments and I got what I wanted at the end. There are some triggers so be warned but if you can get past them then you will truly enjoy this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

It starts with a bet and ends with his heart

Ruined is the first book in The Dahlia District series and also the first time I have read this author, Audrey Rush. I am not sure why it took me so long to actually load this book up and cracked it open but I am kicking myself that it did. The story of Haley and Lucas is a deliciously dark and intense read that kept me reading late into the night. I did not like the bet, as I hate that sort of thing, but it worked for the starting premise of the story.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[kait · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really liked all 5 of the books in the series. I am huge fan of characterization and I’m really glad that there very clear distinctions between each of the female characters and the men they end up with. I also liked that while this was dark and the couples were far from perfect people they had a HEA that was realistic but still heartwarming. Loved it and highly recommend! My rating would be closer to a 4.5/5, because there were a few times where a character made a very sudden shift from earlier behaviour but it’s very minor and just a preference.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The story was placed in an adult entertainment club known as the Dahlia District. While many stories involve adult entertainment, this book gave it a twist. The girls who worked here owed a debt to Dahlia, working there not because they wanted to but because they had to. The characters each had their own very different personalities. I couldn't help but hate both Dahlia and Aldrich from the very beginning. Ruined kept me entertained with scenes that involved degradation, action scenes, a little mystery, and the overall aspect of the entertainment club. It was a slow burn, quick read that I would recommend to others.