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Ruin
In a galaxy ruled by the ruthless, where the line between hero and villain is blurred, Lira’s only hope for freedom lies in the most unlikely of hands…
Those of a killer.
A corrupt, crime-ridden spaceport in the Outer Rims is the last place Ruin expects to see a human female. And damn sure not on the end of a Mogovian slaver’s leash.
Despite the instant pull he feels toward her and as much as he despises slavery, he isn’t there to play hero. He’s been hired for a job—to assassinate some high-ranking executive in the Onyx Corp.
Yet, one look into those haunted green eyes, and he knows there’s no going back.
He’s gonna free her, consequences be damned.
***
For the last seven years, Lira has been a slave, a pet. Stripped of her memories, she doesn’t know who she is or where she came from. But one look at the monstrous Lurian sitting in the shadows and she knows he’s her one chance at escape.
What she doesn’t realize is that the information she unwittingly holds could be the key to Ruin’s mission—and make her the target of a deadly conspiracy.
On the run through the spaceport’s dark underworld, their bond ignites into something neither of them saw coming—something raw, fierce, and unbreakable.
But with an intergalactic corporation hunting them and a galaxy’s worth of secrets threatening to tear them apart, survival is anything but certain.
A corrupt, crime-ridden spaceport in the Outer Rims is the last place Ruin expects to see a human female. And damn sure not on the end of a Mogovian slaver’s leash.
Despite the instant pull he feels toward her and as much as he despises slavery, he isn’t there to play hero. He’s been hired for a job—to assassinate some high-ranking executive in the Onyx Corp.
Yet, one look into those haunted green eyes, and he knows there’s no going back.
He’s gonna free her, consequences be damned.
***
For the last seven years, Lira has been a slave, a pet. Stripped of her memories, she doesn’t know who she is or where she came from. But one look at the monstrous Lurian sitting in the shadows and she knows he’s her one chance at escape.
What she doesn’t realize is that the information she unwittingly holds could be the key to Ruin’s mission—and make her the target of a deadly conspiracy.
On the run through the spaceport’s dark underworld, their bond ignites into something neither of them saw coming—something raw, fierce, and unbreakable.
But with an intergalactic corporation hunting them and a galaxy’s worth of secrets threatening to tear them apart, survival is anything but certain.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2025
About the author
Stacy Jones
28 books826 followersStacy Jones is an award-winning romance author living in beautiful Hot Springs, Arkansas. She can usually be found at her desk, with an oversized coffee cup, bringing the fantastical worlds and captivating characters in her imagination to life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 12, 2025
4.2
I really enjoyed both the main characters. The strong female main character was my favorite. I’ve really enjoyed how even though she was a slave and her memory was wiped, it didn’t stop her from being fearless and a kick ass. Both the main characters were dependent on each other, they could not live without each other. It was a beautiful love story and I enjoyed it immensely.
I really enjoyed both the main characters. The strong female main character was my favorite. I’ve really enjoyed how even though she was a slave and her memory was wiped, it didn’t stop her from being fearless and a kick ass. Both the main characters were dependent on each other, they could not live without each other. It was a beautiful love story and I enjoyed it immensely.
January 27, 2025
Usually I am Stacy Jones' biggest fan but this novel wasn't for me.
I couldn't get into it, and then I skimmed a lot because I got bored.
This was also very fast-burn and maybe that's why I didn't buy the connection between the characters.
Better luck next time!
I couldn't get into it, and then I skimmed a lot because I got bored.
This was also very fast-burn and maybe that's why I didn't buy the connection between the characters.
Better luck next time!
January 10, 2025
This is very much a fast burn, with both characters falling very quickly. I think it is more of a sweet, fluffy (but very spicy) read because even though she has been a slave for 7 years and had to do things to survive, it doesn’t delve into those aspects and feelings too much.
Honestly, for a read that has high chemistry and a romance that you just want to wrap yourself up in, this hits the spot. I think I did want a bit more from this though, I have read most (maybe all?) of the authors previous works and I LOVE their world building and how imaginative they are, and I didn’t get that from this. It was very much more focused on characters and relationship progression, but done very well!
I like how the series has started, one of the side characters in this I'm hoping will have his own story 🤞🏼 and I have all fingers crossed for some why choose reads in the series too. I love how the author writes her characters and can't wait for the next in the series!
Honestly, for a read that has high chemistry and a romance that you just want to wrap yourself up in, this hits the spot. I think I did want a bit more from this though, I have read most (maybe all?) of the authors previous works and I LOVE their world building and how imaginative they are, and I didn’t get that from this. It was very much more focused on characters and relationship progression, but done very well!
I like how the series has started, one of the side characters in this I'm hoping will have his own story 🤞🏼 and I have all fingers crossed for some why choose reads in the series too. I love how the author writes her characters and can't wait for the next in the series!
April 21, 2025
Exactly what I expected and a little more!
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 2.5/5 (Alien/monster but nothing crazy)
🧠 4/10 (Several different alien species with physical characteristics to keep track of. Plus some sci-fi environment world building but not a lot)
For such a short book, I would say it's a tale of two halves. The first half is nearly 100% character driven, which is really good for what it is. Big scary alien mercenary becomes a big cuddly teddy bear for the girl he rescues. When I say Ruin is a simp for his girl, there is no wiggle room in that statement. Textbook definition. The thing I liked best about the first half was the writing. Stacy Jones was spitting poetry onto paper at times. That alone has me following her future pubs.
In the 2nd half of the book, we get a switch up, and the plot kicks in. As paper thin as it is, it's there. We get found family that has very fun dynamics. We also get a little bit of a Star Wars vibe in the last 25%.
The only major call out that some may not enjoy is the size difference as a trope that's played upon heavily. If that's not your cup of tea, don't drink this. But as a character driven story, it has great writing, fun environments, action, and good spice.
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 2.5/5 (Alien/monster but nothing crazy)
🧠 4/10 (Several different alien species with physical characteristics to keep track of. Plus some sci-fi environment world building but not a lot)
For such a short book, I would say it's a tale of two halves. The first half is nearly 100% character driven, which is really good for what it is. Big scary alien mercenary becomes a big cuddly teddy bear for the girl he rescues. When I say Ruin is a simp for his girl, there is no wiggle room in that statement. Textbook definition. The thing I liked best about the first half was the writing. Stacy Jones was spitting poetry onto paper at times. That alone has me following her future pubs.
In the 2nd half of the book, we get a switch up, and the plot kicks in. As paper thin as it is, it's there. We get found family that has very fun dynamics. We also get a little bit of a Star Wars vibe in the last 25%.
The only major call out that some may not enjoy is the size difference as a trope that's played upon heavily. If that's not your cup of tea, don't drink this. But as a character driven story, it has great writing, fun environments, action, and good spice.
Read
January 16, 2025I only got through 4% before I just decided to not waste my time. The writing is reading like a bad wattpad.
September 20, 2025
“So how do we solidify this keeping? Do I add my name to your tattoos or—oooh—maybe we can get some kind of implant so you can only go a certain distance from me? I like that idea. Can we do that?” Adorable, deranged little female. Gods, he didn’t think he’d ever been so turned on in his fucking life.
This was such a fast read. Super short and sweet. Lira is rescued by Ruin and their adventure begins. There instantly attraction that turns into lust then love real quick. Like I said short and sweet. There’s also a big found family vibe towards the end that I really enjoyed. I need more books from the crew members.
This was such a fast read. Super short and sweet. Lira is rescued by Ruin and their adventure begins. There instantly attraction that turns into lust then love real quick. Like I said short and sweet. There’s also a big found family vibe towards the end that I really enjoyed. I need more books from the crew members.
January 11, 2025
This was a cute read!
What a cute, sweet, just great alien romance! This was the easy, adorable read I needed. Ruin was everything and Lira was this weird mix of sweet and brutal - I loved them both! I hope we get to know more of the crew soon.
What a cute, sweet, just great alien romance! This was the easy, adorable read I needed. Ruin was everything and Lira was this weird mix of sweet and brutal - I loved them both! I hope we get to know more of the crew soon.
Did Not Finish
March 2, 2025I’m not gonna lie, I started to read this because I was really into the cover on the ebook (with the image of Ruin & Lira). But, sadly, I wasn’t into the story/characters/writing.
July 3, 2025
**3-Star Review for *Ruined* by Stacey Jones**
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, so *Ruined* is one of those books where you blink and suddenly everyone’s shirtless and emotionally compromised.
This story is *short* and *fast-paced*, which worked great for the action and side plots—there was no time to get bored, and I appreciate a plot that doesn’t meander. But when it came to the romance? Whew. That escalated quickly. Like, *we-just-met-but-let’s-make-out* quickly.
Don't get me wrong, the chemistry was there, but it felt like the characters were more interested in ripping each other’s clothes off than having an actual conversation. I like a little buildup with my steamy scenes—some smoldering glances, a bit of angst, maybe an almost-kiss with interrupted tension. But this was more “Hello, nice to meet you—let’s wreck each other emotionally and physically within 48 hours.”
It had some solid bones and entertaining moments, but I didn’t get the chance to *really* invest in the couple before things got hot and heavy. A little more depth, a little less insta-lust, and I would’ve been all in.
Still, not a bad ride—just one I wish had lasted a little longer before flooring the gas on the romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, so *Ruined* is one of those books where you blink and suddenly everyone’s shirtless and emotionally compromised.
This story is *short* and *fast-paced*, which worked great for the action and side plots—there was no time to get bored, and I appreciate a plot that doesn’t meander. But when it came to the romance? Whew. That escalated quickly. Like, *we-just-met-but-let’s-make-out* quickly.
Don't get me wrong, the chemistry was there, but it felt like the characters were more interested in ripping each other’s clothes off than having an actual conversation. I like a little buildup with my steamy scenes—some smoldering glances, a bit of angst, maybe an almost-kiss with interrupted tension. But this was more “Hello, nice to meet you—let’s wreck each other emotionally and physically within 48 hours.”
It had some solid bones and entertaining moments, but I didn’t get the chance to *really* invest in the couple before things got hot and heavy. A little more depth, a little less insta-lust, and I would’ve been all in.
Still, not a bad ride—just one I wish had lasted a little longer before flooring the gas on the romance.
May 5, 2025
READ
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 3/5⭐
𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾 / 𝖲𝖼𝗂𝖾𝗇𝖼𝖾 𝖥𝗂𝖼𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: 𝖨𝗇𝗍𝖾𝗋𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗇𝖾𝖼𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖲𝗍𝖺𝗇𝖽𝖺𝗅𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗌
𝗔𝗚𝗘: 𝖠𝖽𝗎𝗅𝗍
𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬: 🔴
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡:
𝖢𝗈𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗉𝗍 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺: 4/𝟻 🤔
𝖯𝗅𝗈𝗍: 3/𝟻 📖
𝖶𝗈𝗋𝗅𝖽 𝖡𝗎𝗂𝗅𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀: 2/𝟻 🌎
𝖶𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀: 3/𝟻 📝
𝖯𝖺𝖼𝗂𝗇𝗀: 3/𝟻 ⏱
𝖫𝖾𝗇𝗀𝗍𝗁: 3/5 📏
𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌: 2/𝟻 👥
𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾: 1/𝟻 ❤️
𝖲𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾: 2/𝟻 🔥
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦 / 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘:
👽 𝖠𝗅𝗂𝖾𝗇 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾
🥷 𝖠𝗌𝗌𝖺𝗌𝗌𝗂𝗇
🚀❣️ 𝖨𝗇𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗇𝗍 𝖫𝗈𝗏𝖾
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
A very surface level novel, but still enjoyable. Just non-remarkable characters and an interesting storyline.
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖻𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗋? ❔
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝖾𝗇𝖽? ✔️
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗧𝗪 / 𝗖𝗪:
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 3/5⭐
𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾 / 𝖲𝖼𝗂𝖾𝗇𝖼𝖾 𝖥𝗂𝖼𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: 𝖨𝗇𝗍𝖾𝗋𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗇𝖾𝖼𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖲𝗍𝖺𝗇𝖽𝖺𝗅𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗌
𝗔𝗚𝗘: 𝖠𝖽𝗎𝗅𝗍
𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬: 🔴
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡:
𝖢𝗈𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗉𝗍 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺: 4/𝟻 🤔
𝖯𝗅𝗈𝗍: 3/𝟻 📖
𝖶𝗈𝗋𝗅𝖽 𝖡𝗎𝗂𝗅𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀: 2/𝟻 🌎
𝖶𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀: 3/𝟻 📝
𝖯𝖺𝖼𝗂𝗇𝗀: 3/𝟻 ⏱
𝖫𝖾𝗇𝗀𝗍𝗁: 3/5 📏
𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌: 2/𝟻 👥
𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾: 1/𝟻 ❤️
𝖲𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾: 2/𝟻 🔥
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦 / 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘:
👽 𝖠𝗅𝗂𝖾𝗇 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾
🥷 𝖠𝗌𝗌𝖺𝗌𝗌𝗂𝗇
🚀❣️ 𝖨𝗇𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗇𝗍 𝖫𝗈𝗏𝖾
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
A very surface level novel, but still enjoyable. Just non-remarkable characters and an interesting storyline.
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖻𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗋? ❔
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝖾𝗇𝖽? ✔️
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗧𝗪 / 𝗖𝗪:
February 21, 2025
2.5
This story was both short and fast-paced, which did some favors for a couple of sub-plots, but it kind of made the romance too abrupt. It just was difficult for me to get fully invested when they wanted to get in each other's pants almost from the get-go.
I like FMCs who are a little unhinged and are not afraid to do something crazy in order to survive, and that was Lira for some portions of the book. I enjoyed not only how adaptable she was but also how useful... now that I think about it, maybe she was a little too useful to the point she made the MMC seem like a noob at his job as an assassin, which in turn made me question his proficiency without her. And, no, her past didn't justify or explained about why was she so competent with a gun.
MMC wasn't bad himself but there wasn't much to him, and I was annoyed the way he praised Lira. It reminded me of how you praise a child or even a pet. The constant mention of their size difference was too much for me 😆 I was like, I GET IT! She's ✨️ṭıɲƴ✨️ and he's 👹HUMONGOUS👹
The 🌶🔥 scenes halted for lack of a better term, which took me out of the story several times because I didn't feel much chemistry between them.
I see the potential and I believe there were some interesting ideas, but I also think the pace of it ruined the flow of the story. I wouldn't be surprised if this became a series, but more time needs to be spent on fleshing out the story. That goes from the way characters are written to the way plot-points are structured so they don't feel brushed over like I felt while reading about Lira's past.
P.s.: I think the cover where we can appreciate both main characters is pretty.
This story was both short and fast-paced, which did some favors for a couple of sub-plots, but it kind of made the romance too abrupt. It just was difficult for me to get fully invested when they wanted to get in each other's pants almost from the get-go.
I like FMCs who are a little unhinged and are not afraid to do something crazy in order to survive, and that was Lira for some portions of the book. I enjoyed not only how adaptable she was but also how useful... now that I think about it, maybe she was a little too useful to the point she made the MMC seem like a noob at his job as an assassin, which in turn made me question his proficiency without her. And, no, her past didn't justify or explained about why was she so competent with a gun.
MMC wasn't bad himself but there wasn't much to him, and I was annoyed the way he praised Lira. It reminded me of how you praise a child or even a pet. The constant mention of their size difference was too much for me 😆 I was like, I GET IT! She's ✨️ṭıɲƴ✨️ and he's 👹HUMONGOUS👹
The 🌶🔥 scenes halted for lack of a better term, which took me out of the story several times because I didn't feel much chemistry between them.
I see the potential and I believe there were some interesting ideas, but I also think the pace of it ruined the flow of the story. I wouldn't be surprised if this became a series, but more time needs to be spent on fleshing out the story. That goes from the way characters are written to the way plot-points are structured so they don't feel brushed over like I felt while reading about Lira's past.
P.s.: I think the cover where we can appreciate both main characters is pretty.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2025
4& 1\2 fabulous🌟's for Ruin!
This author is completely new to me and I chose this book on a whim and I'm thrilled that I did! I absolutely loved it. I loved the world building and that characters have serious appeal. They are well thought out and each has a distinct personality that shines through . Villains Some might say that others like myself might say beings that have seen too much , have a code of honor but work out side the official law. Ruin is a Mercenary and an assassin. He has a moral code and thief are hard lines he will not cross. While out on a job he encounters a human female in terrible condition and saves her. His life will never be the same. Lira a hu.an female in the outer rim held against her will she longest to be free but knows there is little hope. until the day she looks up and sees the most Terrifyingly fierce but beautiful being she has ever seen. And when that being rescues her everything in he life changes for the better. I don't want to give too much more away but these characters are so well done. Lira is quirky , funny a d oddly perfect for Ruin. Ruin is possessive , protective and is constantly amazed buy Lira's Resilience. I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out! And I'm going to check out other books by this author as well. Highly recommend is a great read!💖🌟🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥💖🌟💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🌟🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🔥💖🌟🔥🔥
This author is completely new to me and I chose this book on a whim and I'm thrilled that I did! I absolutely loved it. I loved the world building and that characters have serious appeal. They are well thought out and each has a distinct personality that shines through . Villains Some might say that others like myself might say beings that have seen too much , have a code of honor but work out side the official law. Ruin is a Mercenary and an assassin. He has a moral code and thief are hard lines he will not cross. While out on a job he encounters a human female in terrible condition and saves her. His life will never be the same. Lira a hu.an female in the outer rim held against her will she longest to be free but knows there is little hope. until the day she looks up and sees the most Terrifyingly fierce but beautiful being she has ever seen. And when that being rescues her everything in he life changes for the better. I don't want to give too much more away but these characters are so well done. Lira is quirky , funny a d oddly perfect for Ruin. Ruin is possessive , protective and is constantly amazed buy Lira's Resilience. I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out! And I'm going to check out other books by this author as well. Highly recommend is a great read!💖🌟🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥💖🌟💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🌟🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🔥💖🌟🔥🔥
April 21, 2025
Hmmm
So, first off, I wanna say that this was a decent story. I noticed that the author brushed past things they had no knowledge in, and that was fine. The spice was good and with proper size differences to boot. The only thing that I found extremely irksome is that most of the book and ALL the spicy scenes were from the male perspective. For me, at least for the first time where size differences are concerned, I prefer it to be from the female's perspective. After that, back and forth is preferred. Now, this is the first book in the series, but based off of what I saw at the end of the book (it acts like we are gonna get a female perspective and then it just skips it over) I'm a bit worried this is going to be a recurring theme. Like I said. The book was good. But that part, if it continues, will be a deal breaker for me
P.s. I don't know if its supposed to be a "translation" issue, but most of the characters don't have alien names. Its like if someone said their name was "Hana" but because it means "Blossom" in Japanese all you here is "Blossom." So, I don't know if that was intentional, or maybe they're just code names, but considering the MMC didn't suddenly say "Oh and by the way my real name is-" I highly doubt that's the case. Anyways, that is all. Crossing my fingers that the next book is better.
So, first off, I wanna say that this was a decent story. I noticed that the author brushed past things they had no knowledge in, and that was fine. The spice was good and with proper size differences to boot. The only thing that I found extremely irksome is that most of the book and ALL the spicy scenes were from the male perspective. For me, at least for the first time where size differences are concerned, I prefer it to be from the female's perspective. After that, back and forth is preferred. Now, this is the first book in the series, but based off of what I saw at the end of the book (it acts like we are gonna get a female perspective and then it just skips it over) I'm a bit worried this is going to be a recurring theme. Like I said. The book was good. But that part, if it continues, will be a deal breaker for me
P.s. I don't know if its supposed to be a "translation" issue, but most of the characters don't have alien names. Its like if someone said their name was "Hana" but because it means "Blossom" in Japanese all you here is "Blossom." So, I don't know if that was intentional, or maybe they're just code names, but considering the MMC didn't suddenly say "Oh and by the way my real name is-" I highly doubt that's the case. Anyways, that is all. Crossing my fingers that the next book is better.
January 11, 2025
Do you think you could fall in love with an assassin? I did with this one! Ruin is on an assignment when he comes across a tiny, human female who is being abused and held as a slave. Normally, he wouldn't care, but there seems to be something about her... Humans are extremely rare in the Outer Rim. Lira appears frail and subservient. But what I love about her is that she is made of steel on the inside. She has endured more than anyone should, yet she still survives. I am a big sucker for the alpha-male-saves-helpless-female trope. Jones killed it with this story! Ruin has a razor hard edge, but he is tender with Lira. Once recovered, Lira becomes an asset. One he's developing feelings for. The tension between this couple is superb. The action and fighting scenes are chef's kiss. Seriously! Ruin will be on my reread list. And I'm hoping there's more to come because Ruin travels with a whole crew. Let Jones' most recent anti-hero ruin you. You won't be sorry! 5 stars, 3 spice emojis!
January 20, 2025
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read. Despite the characters being assassins and slaves, the overall tone of the book is light. Truthfully, the story is mostly sex, with a bit of storytelling. I feel like there was so much wasted potential in the storyline. Lira was a slave whose memory had been wiped. A huge potential for interesting backstory lie there. But it sadly was anticlimactic and over in a few sentences. Why was her memory wiped in the first place? Just so she wouldn’t remember the time frame? Where did Lira’s ability to repair robots come from? Why is her robot different to others? Does she know anything to help locate the world with the secret mineral? How did her time as a slave affect her? How did Ruin become an assassin? There are just so many questions, and even though I’m sure this series will continue, it will be with a new couple and the questions most likely won’t be answered.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read. Despite the characters being assassins and slaves, the overall tone of the book is light. Truthfully, the story is mostly sex, with a bit of storytelling. I feel like there was so much wasted potential in the storyline. Lira was a slave whose memory had been wiped. A huge potential for interesting backstory lie there. But it sadly was anticlimactic and over in a few sentences. Why was her memory wiped in the first place? Just so she wouldn’t remember the time frame? Where did Lira’s ability to repair robots come from? Why is her robot different to others? Does she know anything to help locate the world with the secret mineral? How did her time as a slave affect her? How did Ruin become an assassin? There are just so many questions, and even though I’m sure this series will continue, it will be with a new couple and the questions most likely won’t be answered.
April 22, 2025
Lira is a slave who was saved by Ruin, an alien mercenary. Despite being treated like trash and having her memory of pre-slavery life wiped, she immediately trusts Ruin and isn’t suspicious of him at all. She is all sunshine and he is grumpy. She tells him he’s handsome and lovable but he doesn’t believe it. He says she shouldn’t be into him but really doesn’t give a good reason. She doesn’t mind that he kills people and this kind of blows his mind.
She was able to fix a robot she found in the trash. You’d think she was an engineer or some highly educated person in her past life. When she gets her memory back, she remembers she used to like to tinker with things. She was poor so not really educated. Shes just amazing?
Idk sex was vanilla, the FMC was too chill given her situation, and the MMC needed more depth.
She was able to fix a robot she found in the trash. You’d think she was an engineer or some highly educated person in her past life. When she gets her memory back, she remembers she used to like to tinker with things. She was poor so not really educated. Shes just amazing?
Idk sex was vanilla, the FMC was too chill given her situation, and the MMC needed more depth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2025
I'm a fan of Stacy Jones's books, and I was excited to read Ruin. So excited that as soon as it hit my Kindle, I dove in without any breaks and finished in 3 hours.
Lira is a seemingly innocent character in a horrible situation who is saved by the morally gray Ruin, but they end up helping each other. I liked their dynamic, and Ruin's best friend was a fun side character who I hope we'll get to see more of in the future (maybe as the star in his own book?). There's plenty of action and defeating bad guys alongside steamy moments. And despite the characters' dark background/situation, it wasn't a very dark book. There is a happy ending and no cliffhanger!
My only issue is that the book felt too short: everything takes place quickly in a matter of days, including the romance. I'm not a huge fan of instalove, so I was disappointed by how quickly Ruin and Lila come together, though their relationship is sweet anyway. Still, I enjoyed the book overall, and I will be reading the next books in the Villains for Hire series.
Lira is a seemingly innocent character in a horrible situation who is saved by the morally gray Ruin, but they end up helping each other. I liked their dynamic, and Ruin's best friend was a fun side character who I hope we'll get to see more of in the future (maybe as the star in his own book?). There's plenty of action and defeating bad guys alongside steamy moments. And despite the characters' dark background/situation, it wasn't a very dark book. There is a happy ending and no cliffhanger!
My only issue is that the book felt too short: everything takes place quickly in a matter of days, including the romance. I'm not a huge fan of instalove, so I was disappointed by how quickly Ruin and Lila come together, though their relationship is sweet anyway. Still, I enjoyed the book overall, and I will be reading the next books in the Villains for Hire series.
January 17, 2025
So I'm torn on this. On one hand it was cute and the smut was fine but on the other, the story felt a little simplistic and our heroine Lira is as bland as milk. She's saved from slavery but has absolutely NO personality and it was a bit trying to read after a while. Like there are some times they try to make her interesting (ex. Her needing to kill to survive) but it all stays very surface level and we never get her feelings or struggles. The MC, Ruin was hot and growly, but aside from that I couldn't get invested in this one and the plot fell flat for me unfortunately. Also, they basically fall in love in a few chapters which felt a little unrealistic to me, maybe if there was foreshadowing about his kind being attracted to mates it might have worked?
April 22, 2025
Lira is so sweet and intelligent
This was a surprise the way that the author wrote the main female character Lira, from Earth. She was timid and had been treated poorly but Lira still had some spunk. Lira had been a pet for a while now and her evil owner had wiped her memories to prevent her from running away. Lira lived inside her mind a lot to escape her reality and her owner’s cruelty. One day, during a visit to a new planet for a secret meeting, Lira makes eye contact with Ruin, an assassin, from across the room. Both Lira and Ruin feel something that moves them both. Ruin looks away but has already decided to rescue the tiny human female. Their story from there . . . . Read On!
This was a surprise the way that the author wrote the main female character Lira, from Earth. She was timid and had been treated poorly but Lira still had some spunk. Lira had been a pet for a while now and her evil owner had wiped her memories to prevent her from running away. Lira lived inside her mind a lot to escape her reality and her owner’s cruelty. One day, during a visit to a new planet for a secret meeting, Lira makes eye contact with Ruin, an assassin, from across the room. Both Lira and Ruin feel something that moves them both. Ruin looks away but has already decided to rescue the tiny human female. Their story from there . . . . Read On!
June 19, 2025
This was a short story that I nevertheless had trouble finishing because I couldn't connect to the characters. I had a very hard time picturing ruin as the deadly assassin he was supposed to be, neither he nor his sidekick hush came off as deadly.The names for the characters were another issue,Ruin, Hush and Thrill just doesn't sound like a name a deadly assassin would go by. Our female lead was a bit of a bore I understood the trauma she had been through but her fully trusting so quickly had me shaking my head. The insta i love you was another boring tripe and the story was a bit lackluster. I'm not sure what type of fantasy creature ruin was supposed to be but from the little description given I'm thinking hush may have been a naga.
November 7, 2025
not a favorite.
The book was a ok, I guess, but as someone who loves sci-fi alien romance books, this felt like it could have been a regular world book if just switched to humans and set on Earth. The aliens used earth terminology and sayings (like “lovebirds”). They all spoke and acted just like humans do. Other than their physical appearance, all of the aliens had very little genuine alien language or personality characteristics.
It was definitely insta-love which I don’t always mind, but given how Ruin found Lira, it seemed very over the top. For someone who was abused for 7 years, she had virtually no trauma response in the entire book. She was quick to trust and at times was TSTL.
The book was a ok, I guess, but as someone who loves sci-fi alien romance books, this felt like it could have been a regular world book if just switched to humans and set on Earth. The aliens used earth terminology and sayings (like “lovebirds”). They all spoke and acted just like humans do. Other than their physical appearance, all of the aliens had very little genuine alien language or personality characteristics.
It was definitely insta-love which I don’t always mind, but given how Ruin found Lira, it seemed very over the top. For someone who was abused for 7 years, she had virtually no trauma response in the entire book. She was quick to trust and at times was TSTL.
March 16, 2026
Free To Fly
Ruin was an assassin, meeting an informant when he spied the human slave. He could tell she wasn’t treated well but when he looked into her eyes it was game over. Lira was a slave to a cruel alien who had wiped her memories and physically abused her. When Ruin rescues her and kills her owner she is relieved and grateful. There was something in his eyes that told her she could trust him. I loved this alien romance because it was interesting, sexy and funny. It wasn’t heavy and dark which made me an instant fan of the author. Sometimes you just need an escape and she’s provide that. I will be looking forward more of her books.
Ruin was an assassin, meeting an informant when he spied the human slave. He could tell she wasn’t treated well but when he looked into her eyes it was game over. Lira was a slave to a cruel alien who had wiped her memories and physically abused her. When Ruin rescues her and kills her owner she is relieved and grateful. There was something in his eyes that told her she could trust him. I loved this alien romance because it was interesting, sexy and funny. It wasn’t heavy and dark which made me an instant fan of the author. Sometimes you just need an escape and she’s provide that. I will be looking forward more of her books.
January 15, 2025
This is the (hopefully) first book in a series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It featured an antihero named Ruin and the human he rescues (Lira). Although she seems helpless, it turns out that she has some darkness in her as well and I struggled to relate to her once the darkness was revealed. I LOVED the character Hush - he was fierce and plucky and mischievous and brought a lot to the story. I hope that we will get his story because he was fun! I happily and voluntarily reviewed this story.
March 6, 2025
great story
This is my first story by Stacy Jones & I really liked it!!!
This has all my fav. thing in it, the most important is world building & character building, if you do these two well the story writes itself.
This book is so worth your time & money & I really looking forward to reading more by Stacy Jones.
I read this book on Kindle Unlimited which is great for me as I’m on a disability & I can read as many books as books as I want& can reread then anytime I want for only $10 ca./month
Take Care & Be Safe.
This is my first story by Stacy Jones & I really liked it!!!
This has all my fav. thing in it, the most important is world building & character building, if you do these two well the story writes itself.
This book is so worth your time & money & I really looking forward to reading more by Stacy Jones.
I read this book on Kindle Unlimited which is great for me as I’m on a disability & I can read as many books as books as I want& can reread then anytime I want for only $10 ca./month
Take Care & Be Safe.
June 24, 2025
WOW
What a great story. Action and fast paced from start to finish. Ruin and Lira so very different but so very perfect for each other. I loved Hush. I could just picture him dancing while he worked and his larger than life personality. Beep was also a great addition. I really, REALLY hope that there will be more books for "Villains for Hire". If you're looking for a great read that has action, good vs evil, romance, a robot and non biological family, this is the book for you.
What a great story. Action and fast paced from start to finish. Ruin and Lira so very different but so very perfect for each other. I loved Hush. I could just picture him dancing while he worked and his larger than life personality. Beep was also a great addition. I really, REALLY hope that there will be more books for "Villains for Hire". If you're looking for a great read that has action, good vs evil, romance, a robot and non biological family, this is the book for you.
January 13, 2025
A wonderful new addition
Stacy has an insanely envious talent for building the worlds that we want to live in. This book sucked me in from page one and held on to me until I finished it a couple of hours later. It was well written and the banter was absolutely hilarious. The spice was absolute fire and didn't take away from the story, it added to it. One or two things could have been explained a bit more thoroughly but other than that, this was a great and fun read. 4.75 ⭐️
Stacy has an insanely envious talent for building the worlds that we want to live in. This book sucked me in from page one and held on to me until I finished it a couple of hours later. It was well written and the banter was absolutely hilarious. The spice was absolute fire and didn't take away from the story, it added to it. One or two things could have been explained a bit more thoroughly but other than that, this was a great and fun read. 4.75 ⭐️
February 1, 2025
Soooo Good!
From the beginning this book flows well, one scene to another, easily capturing your interest. The character and world building is fantastic, and while some readers might not appreciate the quick attachment between Ruin and Lira, I felt it was organic and wonderful. I didn’t want it to end. Great read, thank you Stacy Jones! I can’t wait to read the other “Villains” stories.
From the beginning this book flows well, one scene to another, easily capturing your interest. The character and world building is fantastic, and while some readers might not appreciate the quick attachment between Ruin and Lira, I felt it was organic and wonderful. I didn’t want it to end. Great read, thank you Stacy Jones! I can’t wait to read the other “Villains” stories.
February 13, 2025
Tripped At The Finish line
Well it was great all the way up to the big reveal *Spoiler alert* Lira is a “tiny” human, this is repeated over & over, yet she could kill grown human men, is a calm killer under pressure being skilled in using a foreign weapon, can rebuild an obscure robot/android, all with “memory loss” & the explanation is “nothing!” the back story was so lame i wrote this review. What a waste! Biggest plot hole ever!
Well it was great all the way up to the big reveal *Spoiler alert* Lira is a “tiny” human, this is repeated over & over, yet she could kill grown human men, is a calm killer under pressure being skilled in using a foreign weapon, can rebuild an obscure robot/android, all with “memory loss” & the explanation is “nothing!” the back story was so lame i wrote this review. What a waste! Biggest plot hole ever!
January 12, 2025
This was a fun and fast read. It is insta love where our MMC is a ruthless assassin and yet falls first for this human slave. Lira is a fighter I highly enjoyed her as our FMC. Everything that Stacy writes is a guaranteed read from me, she has excellent world building and the relationships between all the characters is always well written.
February 8, 2025
Here’s hoping
That Stacy will continue with a series in this realm . I love how she makes both the female lead and male lead strong but kind characters. It’s a perfect balance. I’ve read all books by Stacy Jones and they have never disappointed you won’t be either I’m sure.
Well done Stacy!
That Stacy will continue with a series in this realm . I love how she makes both the female lead and male lead strong but kind characters. It’s a perfect balance. I’ve read all books by Stacy Jones and they have never disappointed you won’t be either I’m sure.
Well done Stacy!
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