Raze

Raegan of Ruin #2

by A.L. Rook

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.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Why Choose, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal

453 pages, Paperback

Published November 20, 2024

About the author

A.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.

Reviews

[Kimberlylovesreadingbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diabolical ending 💀. The next book is going to be a fucking rollercoaster of emotions 😭💔

[Cheyyleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Britney ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this series, and this book was fantastic. Well paced, top notch spice, relationship building and a few betrayals. And that ending 😭

[Elizabeth Fowler · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Crystal Flanagin · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Ines · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Aubree Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Kay West · Rating 4 out of 5]

“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!

[Krystal (KindlyKReads) A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Krystyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[LivingReadGirl666 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Batwoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jessica Proulx · Rating 4 out of 5]

i support women’s rights & wrongs idc (how am i meant to wait over a month for the next book)

[Melissa Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Moonbelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Jessica Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

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😞

[Jenna (Bookstagramer) · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Anto~mcbr · Rating 3 out of 5]

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:

"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?

[novel_m0m · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.
.
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"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.

[Theresse (Tess) Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

♚ “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.” ♚

♚ “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.” ♚

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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.

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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(?)

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Note: I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my fair and objective opinion. Thank you, A.L. Rook!

[Maegan Britain · Rating 4 out of 5]

DO NOT START THIS SERIES UNLESS ALL 5 ARE OUT.
When I started Ravage there was no indication that there would be 5 books, and if I had known, I would have waited to start. You do not want to read the end of book 4 without having the next one readily available.

I made the mistake of tearing through these books without writing a review after each one. So this is an overall review of the series (books 1-4). Overall, I love this series. It's a very good balance of contemporary and paranormal elements. The paranormal parts are easy to understand and follow, which I count as a bonus. The basis of the series is a world where there are "gifted" people. Reagan and her guys (Aiden, Jackson, Kellan and Dane) grew up on an island under Gifted Enterprises (the bad guys). Now they're fighting against Gifted Enterprises to take them down to protect the gifted people of the world.

A quick recap/breakdown for each book, as best as I can remember:
Ravage: Reagan is a strong willed and bad ass character that comes in hot. She's been wronged in the past and she's trying to get revenge. She lands in the same city as the guys she grew up with on the island, but it's not all rainbows and butterflies. There's a lot of hatred and unresolved betrayal among them. All 5 of them are trying to take down GE but aren't willing to work together.

Raze: There is a lot of character development. Reagan and the guys start to work together and you start to get a good breakdown of the past trauma and betrayal between all the main characters - and it's not all that it seems.

Ramshackle: Book 3 really starts to pick up. Reagan continues her sacrifices for the guys, which I just don't think are ever appreciated enough. More of her past trauma is revealed and the guys really start to realize how wrong they've been about her. The conflict with GE is really coming to a head in this book and the pace picks up.

Remnants: Finally to the meat and potatoes. Reagan and the guys are fully in sync and working together to take down GE. There is a lot of focus on training and enhancing their powers as well as growing their allies. There was a lot more spice in this book. Reagan is fully engaged with all 4 guys so it's nonstop. I will say that I was not emotionally prepared for this book, specifically the end. They're going up against some of the strongest gifted people in GE so the tension is high and there's a lot to lose.

**I have very much enjoyed all of these books and the overall story. I will forever be upset about not knowing there are 5 before I started. I also think that this entire story could have been paced to fit into 4 books.

[Cadence may · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a bit to finish it, but I ended up finishing it on time lol. I really liked this book, loved the writing style, enjoyed the characters and their developments. The only reason I’m giving it a 4 star is because there was some things I didn’t like…
1. Reagan and Dane weren’t being the smartest when it came to Vera (especially Dane), but the fact that Reagan willingly let Dane go and went with him alone to go see Vera knowing how she is was such a dumb move on her part.
2. I didn’t really like the whole time jump within every few chapters; Reagan getting a job out of nowhere, Jackson disappearing for a month all of a sudden, and the wig… when did she get a wig etc lol.
3. The whole thing with Jack and Throne, I don’t really get it. Why did Jackson all of a sudden pretend to be on his side? It explains a bit on why he did it afterwards but nothing that was found through his head while deciding that. Thorne tries to kill them and then all of a sudden Jackson goes to make a deal with him.
4. Half the book was mostly them at the house, and although it made some character development with Dane, I did want to see more action with them and the GE.
There was a few other things I didn’t really like, but fortunately the guys made up for it/we got an insight in their head (which made me feel much better).
I honestly can’t wait for the next one, especially with that ending, I want to see the rest of their relationships start. I want more scenes with Aiden. As much as he makes me so mad, I have a feeling I’ll probably like him as much as i like Jackson. I’m also hoping to see more k!nks, especially with Jackson and Aiden.
Vera, Cassandra and Yahaira honestly can beat it, I don’t like their characters at all tbh. No redemption for Vera imo, Cassandra can’t understand the word no when it comes to Aiden and Yahaira… I just didn’t like her lmao.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! A.L. Rook has outdone herself. Raze is the second book in the Raegan of Ruin series, and I loved it even better than the first, which was hard to do but she did it.


Raegan and the guys are back, but this time they are working together, sort of. Rae is just as strong-willed and fabulous as ever. I love her. One thing is for sure, she's not bending to Aiden's every whim. Speaking of... there was more character development with the guys. Now that Rae is with them, I'm getting a better understanding of their personalities. I still want to shake Aiden and Dane though. Right now it's a tie between my favorites. I loved Kellan's playfulness, he was more insightful than I thought, and Jackson, who turns out is a psychopath and utterly devoted to Rae, I loved it.


I enjoyed the plot. I loved seeing Raegan interact with the guys, whether it be the family moments, the mini battles between Rae and Aiden, or the little adventures she goes on with each guy. Something was always going on, my attention never lagged. Plus, the questions are steadily building around Raegan. What's the real truth about her past and what happened to Rae in her time apart from the guys?


Raze was flipping fantastic! A.L. Rook has the best endings. They are completely savage and leave readers gasping, but they're so good. I'm guaranteed to come back for more. Good thing Rook has already announced the next book, I'm so ready for Ramshakle.

[Amanda Schumacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down; it definitely built on the first book.. and I'm looking forward to the next... I highly recommend this series because its amazing!

Reagan continues her fight with GE and is living with the guys. Jackson starts disappearing for a while, but then bodies and mass casualties start appearing. Jackson has also had someone from his past show up; Thorne. He taught Jack everything he knows. Things continue to be tense between the four guys and Reagan. She’s hiding things from her past because of how badly the things she’s done are. Vera is still gunning to take out Reagan, however, Dane is finally awoken to just how twisted his sister has become when the truth of what Reagan told him about Vera killing him for the purpose of harnessing his powers. Vera reveals things about Reagan that even Reagan didn’t even know. Things are getting better between her and Dane after these revelations that Reagan has tried to protect the memory of his sister. Kellan has been training Reagan thanks to Aiden needing her to know how to protect herself.

Will she manage to choose just one guy? Will she end up with all four? Can they really take down the giant GE? Will trust be built so that Reagan can feel safe enough to share her past with them?

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raze is book 2 in the Raegan of Ruin series. It picks up right after book 1 and dives right in. Due to the events in book 1, Reagan has lost her biggest ally in helping her take down the group that held her captive for so long. Usually the enemy of your enemy is your friend but in this case no one trusts anyone completely and everyone seems to have their own agenda on what their priority is. Raegan and the guys have a lot of trauma and truths that need to be worked through in order for them to finally be able to work together - but will they be able to figure it out before it's too late?

I would give this book a 3.5/5 stars - The storyline is very interesting and it has a great pace. But once again just about everyone is running off without really thinking about the consequences for everyone else or with regards to their own safety. I'm really hoping with the next book the group is able to get everything on the table and work through their past hurts. I'm definitely intrigued by the mystery revolving around the bad guys corporation and how it ties back to Raegan. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received an ARC from the author and all thoughts are my own.

[Wendy K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, it is still good and has me hooked into reading. I kinda wish I would’ve jumped straight into book 2 instead of reading a few books in between, but I was able to get back into the groove of it.

Raegan is now living in hiding with her four guys and several relationship dynamics are being worked here. She is an obsession for two of the guys, Kellen and Jackson, and they will do anything for her. Dane, well, Raegan and Dane are working on repairing their relationship/friendship and I hope it picks up more in the next. And Aiden…I don’t know what is up with this guy yet but he secretly is obsessed and wants to control Raegan in a kinky way it at the same time, but they clash so hard and have a lot of issues to work though before she can trust him again. That’s gonna put a smile on my face when it finally comes to a head.

They are still fighting GE, aka The Bad Guys, who are trying to control the people who have powers. So there is also a lot of fighting and action in this book. Action, spice, fight scenes, bed room scenes, and men who want to save her and take care of her and more. I’m jumping right into the next one this time, especially because this one ended on cliff that I just didn’t like.