Empire of Ache &amp; Ruin

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (Rounded up to 4)
🌶️🌶️/5
🥀 Beauty and the Beat Parallels
🦢 Black Swan Parallels
📚 Book 1 of a Trilogy [not complete]
⺁ Cliffhanger

There are a lot of Beauty & the Beast Parallels as well as Black Swan references. The FMC is literally a ballerina who plays the Swan Queen. The entire book is about the revenge plot of the MMC Tristan "Archer" who was left for dead, and his father [Edward] killed by the FMC's father [Maurice] who then assumes the MMC's fathers life and raises his daughter on those lies. Basically everything Paloma knows is a lie, even what her mother looks like.

Her father is completely deranged and keeps her hidden away from the world outside of her going to the ballet theatre for practice. Archer does some really messed up things in the name of revenge, and one of those things is purchasing Paloma who puts herself up for auction to pay off her fathers debt because she thinks her father is a good man despite him showing her over and over that he is not.

There are a lot of twists and turns in this book, and it does end on an explosive cliffhanger. I am intrigued enough that I will defiantly read the next book, but with the hopes that Paloma grows a backbone and starts to be a stronger FMC....Also I really hope that Gardenia is around less in the next book because I really do hate her. No redeeming qualities at all with her.

arc

Lindsey Kelley

43 reviews

May 20, 2025

**I received an ARC of Empire Of Ache & Ruin for an honest review**

Empire of Ache & Ruin is not a book you read — it's a book you survive. Diana A. Hicks has crafted a heart-racing, emotionally charged thriller that had me flipping pages deep into the night, clutching the cover like it could anchor me in the storm she conjured.

From the first chapter, Hicks plunges you into a world of passion, betrayal, and power plays that leave your head spinning and your heart aching. The chemistry between the leads crackles with intensity, and just when you think you’ve figured out where their story is going, Hicks yanks the rug out from under you — again and again. Emotional whiplash? Absolutely. But you’ll love every minute of it.

The writing is lush and raw, dripping with angst and urgency, and while a few plot twists teeter on the edge of disbelief, the sheer force of the characters’ emotions carries the story through. The pacing is relentless — sometimes dizzyingly so — but it fits the chaos of the world Hicks has built.

If you're looking for a tidy romance or a slow burn, this isn't it. But if you're craving a fever dream of a book that drags you through agony and ecstasy, this Empire delivers.

A solid 4 stars — and a bruised heart.

dark read girl

117 reviews4 followers

April 27, 2025

✨ ARC Review ✨

When I first started reading, I honestly thought, How am I going to get through this?
But once the story truly unfolded, I was hooked — and stressed — the entire time!

This book is packed with secrets, unspoken emotions, trauma, pain, and an intense, unforgettable love.
Paloma’s father is a character I wouldn’t wish on anyone; his thirst for revenge leads him to betray the one person he should protect most — his daughter.

And Tristan (I absolutely adore this name!) is fueled by his own quest for vengeance, determined to destroy Paloma’s father for the pain he caused his family.

The story is an emotional rollercoaster — confusing, heartbreaking, and beautiful all at once.
Tristan and Paloma share a breathtaking love, yet outside forces tear them apart again and again. It’s so unfair and so addicting to read.

And the ending… absolutely devastating.
They belong together.
Tristan’s ultimate sacrifice to protect Paloma will stay with me forever.

Release Date: May 6th
Make sure to grab your copy — this is one story you don’t want to miss!

Julia Perez

158 reviews1 follower

4.5
Tho this felt too lusty and the fmc felt too annoying sometimes as well as the mmc girl best friend, it was the plot twist that got me especially the ending. Need book 2 now.

Diana Hicks

Author 164 books789 followers

April 22, 2025

I can't wait to share Tristan and Paloma's dangerous love story...

Jessreads3

550 reviews8 followers

May 11, 2025

* I received an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Holy crap, I can't wait to see how this trilogy goes. I was hooked from the very beginning. so many crazy turns this book took. I really loved Paloma as our FMC, and Archer is set on getting revenge for his father, Paloma is in the middle of that, until feelings are involved. My mouth actually hit the floor on a few of the twist and turns and I can't wait to devour book 2!!!

arcs-2025 physical-tbr

Sandra

679 reviews

"You're mine. You're only mine, Little Dove. And I protect what's mine."~Archer

"Archer is everything at once--love and hate, pain and pleasure, chaos and calm. He's like a vast ocean with deep profound waters that call to me."~Paloma

Whaatt just happened?!🫢 I have been on a non-stop, emotional, frustrating rollercoaster ride with this book and this... this is how it leaves me.😫 I have been on the edge of my seat, wrecked with the world that was Empire of Ache & Ruin; now I don't know what to do. I feel like Charlie Brown, focused on kicking that stupid football and as usual Lucy, with her nonchalant you can do it Charlie Brown chant edging me on, built me up.... and BAM, the ball is gone and I'm on the ground looking up at the sky.☁️🌤️🫨☁️ Oof!🏈 Yes, there's a cliffhanger. A wholly mackerel, in your face, this is where I leave you type of cliffhanger.😲😳🤯

This was my first book by Ms Hicks and I was set before an unsuspecting mountain of a story.⛰️🗻🏔️ It's longgg people. It was a challenge ngl, there were moments were it became tedious, but once I settled into where the story was trying and did go, I held on and ran along side these characters.🏃🏻‍♀️💨💨 It has so many deeply driven elements. High strung tension, drama, murder, betrayal, mob ties, revenge, death, lies, buried secrets, family, heartbreak, obsession, needy desire, cruelty, touch her and die, burn the world for you, is this love, auction of a young woman, and other darker moments. It's Beauty and the Beast-ish meets Sopranos meets Black Swan.

🚩🚩Do make sure to check those TWs. There are events that could be triggering for some readers.🚩🚩

I love, let me repeat that, 💋LOVE💋 Tristan Fitzwilliam Sallows aka Archer. Morally gray, scarred, an overprotective 6'5 man who's trying hard to be more than the monster he sees himself as. Maybe he was a rawrr monster.😈 I didn't see him that way. He's fair. Sometimes he could be distant b/c of his promise. Loves to push for a reaction. He did put up with so much crap from the woman he suddenly can't get enough of. He falls sooo hard for her. HARDD. He has a 20yr vendetta to fulfill until he realizes Paloma Davis is the daughter of his enemy. The one who ruined his life and his family with a lit match.🧨🧨🧨 The Swan Queen, Paloma, got under his skin. He can't let anyone near her. Or to buy her. His Little Dove belongs to him. Only. He was possessive. Jealous, too.🙊😼

Paloma Davis. Where do I begin with her? I get she's 25 but she was flying blind. She didn't think for herself. She was a total BRAT!! Her I hate you comments. Girll, hush your mouth.🤣🤣 You want him like your next breath. Don't lie. She was... annoying.😮‍💨🙄 Archer married her as part of the buy from her Dad, a senator, and she did it for her Dad. Willingly. There's a past there with Maurice, her Dad, b/c that guy was awful and nasty to her, but she still went with it. How messed was that?? Even her brother Chuck was a jerk. Sheesh man. Back off. There's deeper issues going on with her. Cutting. Kleptomania. Nightmares. She wants Archer but acts like she doesn't. And believe me it was frustrating with the back and forth. Girll tell him already. Stop playing these games. However, seeing her character grow was interesting. Just like Archer. Until she slipped back into that ingrained Daddy mode.😬😬 She did NOT!! Oh she's also very jealous and possessive of her man Archer. Mee-ow!👿🙀 hehe

The secondary characters were likable for me. The family. The team. I found Gardenia funny. She was an outspoken straight shooter. Fisher, her Dad, a marine, mentor to Archer, I want him along on any mission. Jacob, sweet guy. Freya, Archer's Mom, was kind. The ending. Mann. That. That was sad.😢 I won't spoil it. There's a lot happening!! The limbo it has left behind will no doubt pick up in the next one. The Guardian. I wonder if... 🤫 I have to read the next book. Like yesterday.😂😂 There's plenty of out of control spice. You want heat and a dirty talking man, then here you go.🥵🔥🥵🔥 Glass swan. Paloma and Tristan {Archer} set it on fiyahhh!🫦🫦🫦

I do recommend. It was well thought out, the world building kept on building, there's OTT moments, I wish they had communicated more instead of pushing and pulling, but hey, it's either go big or go home. Book 1 was BIG.🫡🎉 I was invested and involved. Cheers to you, Ms Hicks. I like the book cover. Happy reading.🌹❤️‍🔥🌹❤️‍🔥

🕴🏻🦢🩰Thank you to Ms Hicks and Bookfunnel for an early book. The opinions shared here are my own.🩰🦢🕴🏻

Ryn Meagher

470 reviews22 followers

Wendy Marie (myrisingphoenixera.reads)

Unhinged, dramatic, and totally obsessed review of Empire of Ache & Ruin by Diana A. Hicks:

From the first chapter I was like “ooh mafia, ballet, a morally gray revenge daddy?” and then BOOM—trauma, betrayal, secret identities, fake marriages, and a whole damn auction. Yes. A human auction. I WAS STRESSED. My eye did that twitchy thing. My jaw clenched like I was about to fight someone. (It was Paloma’s father. I was gonna fight Paloma’s father.)

Let’s talk about that man—Senator Davis. Garbage. Swamp rat. Spawn of Satan. You ever read a character so disgusting you physically recoil when they show up on the page? That was him. He sold his daughter. HIS DAUGHTER!!! For debt. For gambling. For six million dirty, mafia-stained dollars. The audacity? The evil? Someone lock this man up and throw away the plot twist.

Now Tristan/Archer? Oh. My. God. Burned, broody, vengeful, and hotter than the actual fires he crawled out of. This man is the definition of “I hate you but also I would die for you and also maybe I want to ruin your life but oops now I’m in love with you.” That’s my jam. That’s my whole bookshelf. His revenge mission was detailed, calculated, vicious… and then Paloma happened. And he crumbled like a morally ambiguous cookie. Swoon.

Paloma, my sweet summer swan, I wanted to shake you gently like a glittery snow globe and whisper “girl, stand up!” She’s naive, vulnerable, and so desperate for love and validation that it broke me. Like, ma’am, blink twice if you need rescuing—but also maybe stop trusting men who keep locking you in penthouses? JUST A THOUGHT. She deserves a backbone arc in book two and I will be first in line to witness it.

Also?? The Black Swan ballet parallels? ICONIC. Tragic ballerina? Dark prince with a tortured past? Manipulation, sacrifice, inner duality? Diana A. Hicks said “I’ll take Beauty and the Beast and Black Swan, and make it extra spicy and extra devastating,” and she DELIVERED. I devoured it like a gremlin at 3 a.m.

Now let’s address the CLIFFHANGER. I threw my Kindle. Not metaphorically. I yeeted it. My poor brand new kindle! What kind of emotional whiplash was that? I gasped. I cursed. I stared at the wall in silence like I just walked out of therapy with no closure.

10/10. Would let Tristan ruin my life. Would sell my soul for book two. Would fight a senator in a Walmart parking lot at dawn.

Check content warnings — this one’s dark, it deals with trauma, abuse, self-harm, and may punch you in the feelings. But if you like your romance emotionally destructive and painfully addictive? Welcome to the Empire.

Shannon

1,008 reviews45 followers

May 12, 2025

Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: NO!!!!! Duet
Author: Diana A. Hicks
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 4/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Archer (Tristan) and Paloma
Trope(s): Beauty and the Beast Retelling, Enemies To Lovers, Possessive Alpha, Forced Proximity, Billionaire Dark Romance

This is my first read by Diana. It is LONG and DETAILED. It is also a Duet which I did not realize when I signed up to read the book. I do not mind long and detailed, I love all the details, but for me I began to lose interest. I think I would have preferred it to end on a real cliffy. The ending was just there for me. This book had suspense, a bite of dark romance, tension between Archer and Paloma, but for portions of this book I had a hard time staying connected to the characters. At times it felt too long and dragged out for me. I am a fast reader, but it took me four days to finish because I had a hard time staying connected. That being said, just a reminder that this is my first time reading this author. And, I probably would be inclined to read Empire of Lust and Sorrow, to have the conclusion to their story.

Over twenty years ago Archer’s world was rocked to its core. At age eleven he lost his father, his home, and his identity as he and his mother went into hiding to stay out of the clutches of his father’s murderer.

He has moved back to New York after spending years overseas, implementing a revenge plan years in the making, aligning himself with the mob, and slowly dismantling the life of Senator Davis.

Now he is Fitzwilliam Archer, a real estate mogul with billions in the bank.

His first night back in town and he is captivated by the beauty at the bar. Acting on pure emotion he solicited her company. Only his Little Dove played him well.

Imagine his surprise to learn she is his enemy's daughter, Paloma Davis.

So, he adjusts the plan.

Paloma lost her mother young, raised by her father whom she feels indebted to. She is willing to go to extreme lengths to help out, not only her father, but her brother.

At 25 years old all her hard work has paid off to earn her the role of Swan Queen. Following in her mother’s footsteps.
Now she is on Archer’s radar. He sees her as the missing piece to bringing down the senator.

Both men, her father and Archer use her as a means to their end.

Her world altered to its core.

A pawn.

Archer fights his feelings. Trying to hold Paloma at arm's length.

Paloma feels like she has whiplash keeping up with Archer’s moods.

She begins to see the cracks in her father’s character.

She begins to chip away at Archer’s walls.

But, her father has grown desperate with his political career blowing up.

159 reviews80 followers

May 19, 2025

Warning this book ends on a cliffhanger that will leave you feral for book two! Empire of Ache and Ruin on surface is a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a side of revenge, but there is so much more to it. There were also story elements from Swan Lake, both of them being cursed and being deceived by an evil man. Tristan, known as Archer to the world, is back in the states to complete his plan for revenge against Senator Maurice Davis, for the death of his father. Paloma is the Senator’s beloved daughter. She is a ballet dancer and the Swan Queen in this year’s production. She isn’t allowed to deviate from what her father tells her to do. She does everything she can to get love from her father. When Archer and Paloma first meet, Archer decides for the final piece of his plan he’ll steal the Senator’s most prized possession, Paloma. Archer orchestrates his demise and backs him into a corner where he has to use Paloma to save himself. Archer wins Paloma in an auction and marries her the same night. At first Archer doesn’t want a real marriage but after spending time with her he can’t stay away. I enjoyed the call backs to the fairy tail including, ‘east wing is off limits’ and ‘join me for dinner’. I felt the insta-lust between Paloma and Tristan turned to love too quickly for me. They didn’t spend enough time together on page for me to see the feelings develop. The Senator is a truly horrible and the amount of manipulation and verbal abuse Paloma suffered was terrible. However, at times it had me yelling at her because she couldn’t and wouldn’t acknowledge her father’s behavior until that awful party. There were times when the timeline was inconsistent and confusing. The ending had shocking twists and total wtf moments. Not to give away any spoilers, but the ending was heartbreaking and I felt their pain. Now, this cliffhanger I mentioned, what a doozy. It left me questioning what could Paloma and Tristan possibly endure next. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Thank you to Diana Hicks and The Author Agency for the privilege to read an advanced copy of Empire of Ache and Ruin.

4⭐️
4🌶️
📚ARC Review All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦‍🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera 🐦‍🔥

arcs billionaire dark

Veronica Turner

107 reviews3 followers

Empire of Ache & Ruin by Diana A. Hicks is book 1 of the Empire of Ruin Trilogy. This releases on May 6, 2025 and ends on a cliffhanger. Please check the trigger/content warning, it is a dark romance and it gets very heavy at times especially with the trauma and self harm depicted in the storyline. This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling that has parallels with The Black Swan following Triston and Paloma.

Paloma, our FMC is so naive that it sometimes irritated me. I just wanted her to be a little bolder and speak up for herself but it didn’t come as often as I’d like and look forward to more character development for her. She is a beautiful ballet dancer and the lead for The Black Swan, who is easily manipulated by her father the Senator. He lives way beyond his means and eventually gives her up for auction just to clear his debt with the Italian Mafia. The man who wins is none other than Archer, the MMC we know as Tristan.

Oh the morally grey MMC Tristan, who is out for revenge after he finds out the truth on how his father died when he was a boy. He has been preparing for his revenge for many years but he never could have prepared for Paloma, the daughter of the man who murdered his father and the unwavering attraction he has for her.

I enjoyed this book, I typically do choose fairytale re-telling books and I am pleasantly surprised by this one. I will admit, I’m not a fan of cliffhangers, especially if the next book isn’t out for a bit but here we are. I enjoyed the little bit of Mafia element, I love the wives of Santino and Rex. I have mixed feelings about Gardenia, I have to keep reminding myself how young she is but damn she makes it hard to like her. I can’t wait to see how the rest of this journey turns out, I would really like to see Tristan have a HEA. Lord knows he needs one.

I received an ARC for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Little monster

698 reviews19 followers

I absolutely devoured this!!! I loved the Beauty and the Beast parallels plus Black Swan too. So we have Tristan aka Archer who has one thing on his mind and that's revenge!! He wants to destroy the man who killed his father and hurt him and mother in the process too. 20 years later after the "accident" that killed his father and left him with burns he's on a mission to take Senator Davis down once and for all!!! Senator is up for re-election and he needs money and he's in big trouble for using all his money on gambling etc.

Archer's plan changes when he meets Paloma who just so happens to be the Senators daughter! There is an instant attraction on both sides so now Archer has to change his plans and forces him to marry his daughter off to him......for a price!!! 6 million dollars later he has a wife!! one he didn't want in the first place!!! What happens when Paloma finds out who Archer really is? Oh wow this had me on the edge of my seat all the way through, the twists and turns and urgh that ending.....I wanted to scream at the cliffhanger and throw my kindle at the wall!!!

I can't wait for book two I want it now! Will they get their happy ending I truly hope so because I can't and won't have them apart!!!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Lita Thomas

1,568 reviews27 followers

Empire of Ache and Ruin (Empire of Ruin Book 1) by Diana A. Hicks. Tristan, aka Archer, has one focus and one focus only. He is determined to destroy the man who killed his father and hurt not only him and his mother along with slealing everything from them. Now, 20 years later, Archer is back where it all started, and he is out for blood. He has been laying his plan for years. Senator Davis is up for re-election; he needs money and is in big trouble. Senator Davis knew Tristan when he was 11. Now, as Archer, he sees an extremely rich potential donor. Archer's plan changes when he sees someone special. Paloma is Senator daughter. There is an instant attraction to Paloma for Archer. Due to this attraction, Archer's plans for the Senator have changed. Paloma, too, has an attraction to Archer. Paloma has many secrets and issues. Her biggest issue is her relationship with her father. She has endured years of his controlling behavior, and she follows him blindly. This story was definitely more than just revenge. When Archer decided to make Paloma part of the plan, he got more than he bargained for. So much was going in in this story. Yes, it is a long read. And yes, book 2 isn't due until next year. Something to look forward to. 4 stars for me.

Theresa L

438 reviews4 followers

4.25⭐️ 3🌶
Tristan and Paloma give us a passionate, suspenseful, full of secrets, awful tramas, big emotions, fireworks in the bedroom, alot of twists and turns you'll never see coming, its dark,, sexy, and dirty and this is only book 1 of the trilogy. Yes, it ends in a painful cliffhanger that left my jaw on the floor. This book is a lot. There is a ton of world building, inner monolog, and several side characters that play huge roles in this. I did get a bit flustered with so much detail and some of pacing, but it was so worth it.

All the detail and inner dialog, especially with Paloma, give you more understanding and make her less frustrating to me. some might think she is weak and just go along to get along, but if you pay attention, you'll see how she really doesn't know any better. I truly love watching her grow and become her own person. She is my favorite in this book, and I'm waiting on baited breath for her to own herself and Tristan. She has been delt the worst of the worst, and I need to see her rise. She better give Tristan a run for his money and make him grovel.

Tristan is something else, and i ador him. He is out for revenge, but he gets turned upside down by the Beautiful Paloma. He is just grey enough that it makes his concern and care for Paloma really stand out. He has it bad for her, and I loved watching it all unfold. He really has a green flag trying to come out to live. He had a tragic experience that fuled his life and dreams. All to avenged his family, I love a man that will protect his family at all cost.

I can't wait for the next book in need to have more answers. I am completely hooked and invested

Thank you, Diana A. Hicks and Grey's Promotions for this ARC. These are my honest opinions and feelings.

arc kindle

The_Book_Brat

947 reviews162 followers

*M/F
*Contemporary
*Dual-1st-PoV
*Beauty and Beast elements
*Black Swan elements
*Hidden identity
*Morally grey MMC
*Innocent FMC
*Revenge plot line
*Forced Marriage
*Instant Connection
*Slow Burn
*Book 1/3
Revenge - be careful what you wish for 🙈
A first read of this author for me and I really enjoyed the book! The storyline intrigued me with how Tristan/Archer is connected to Paloma’s family and the revenge he seeks…yet it’s clear that plan soon derails after he can’t deny his feelings for this girl 😍 the connection between these two is inevitable and the way they fall for each other comes across as authentic - despite the circumstances that forces them together 🙈
Although trying to come across as a ruthless MMC he’s genuine in how he treats Paloma and what he’s trying to show her about her shady AF father 😡 Paloma herself comes across as childlike at times in her naivety but she grew on me throughout the book ☺️
I like how you think things are going to be resolved and then whoop all of a sudden the story goes in a different direction! Especially with the drama in the last few chapters and that ending - desperately need the next book 😮

Loves2 Read

226 reviews

May 12, 2025

"Empire of Ash & Ruin" by Diana A. Hicks immediately surprised me. I went in thinking it might be a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but it quickly revealed itself to be something much more intricate. Even as I reached the midpoint, I wasn't entirely sure how it would become a series, but the ending masterfully clarified the broader scope of the story.

This book plunges you into a world thick with secrets and unspoken feelings, navigating heavy themes of trauma, death, and pain, all while at the heart lies an intensely unforgettable love.

Let's talk about Paloma's father – Hicks has nailed the narcissistic character. He's utterly self-serving, and you truly understand his manipulative nature.

Then there's Tristan (or Archer), driven by a powerful need for revenge against Paloma's father for the suffering his family endured. His motivations are clear and compelling.

Paloma, for me, is the standout character. She possesses a fascinating depth, and I'm incredibly invested in seeing where her journey takes her. Her internal conflict – loving her father while grappling with her own past traumas and initially prioritizing his happiness until Tristan's arrival – is compelling to witness.

Prepare for an emotional ride! This story takes you through moments of confusion, intense heartbreak, and genuine beauty, often all at once.

The love story between Tristan and Paloma is truly breathtaking, yet the constant external forces that pull them apart create a frustratingly addictive reading experience.

My critiques are minor but worth mentioning. There were instances where I felt the characters could have been more perceptive or inquisitive about certain situations. Additionally, the pacing felt a bit off at times, which I suspect might be linked to the book's length and some details that felt somewhat extraneous.

Overall, "Empire of Ash & Ruin" captivated me, and I absolutely recommend diving into this world.

Release Date: May 6th

Mark your calendars – you don't want to miss the release of this one!

arc

World Of Books 65

3,242 reviews61 followers

May 7, 2025

If you crave a dark, suspense-filled romance that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go, Empire of Ache & Ruin is the book you’ve been waiting for.

Tristan is a man forged by pain, driven by vengeance. His target? The man who shattered his world—none other than Paloma’s father. But when revenge leads him straight to her, everything changes. What begins as a cold, calculated move spirals into something deeper, darker, and far more dangerous.

Paloma and Tristan’s connection is magnetic—fiery, forbidden, and doomed from the start. Every moment they steal is threatened by the chaos surrounding them. Forces beyond their control keep tearing them apart, testing the limits of their trust, loyalty, and love.

Diana A. Hicks masterfully weaves a story of passion and peril, with twists that will leave your heart racing and a slow-burn ache that lingers long after the final page. Buckle up for an emotional rollercoaster through love, betrayal, and the kind of redemption only found in the ruins.

Dark. Gripping. Unforgettable. This isn’t just a love story—it’s a war. And not everyone will survive it.

Miia Salomäki

181 reviews9 followers

I was very excited to read a Beauty and the Beast retelling set in modern day US. The FMC Paloma is a ballet dancer who’s also daddy’s girl, while the MMC Tristan is an alpha billionaire plotting revenge against his father’s killer. There’s a forbidden virgin auction leading to marriage, forced proximity and lots of spice. While the main genre of this book is dark romance, there are also ingredients from other genres as well, and the writer also dips into Swan Lake for inspiration. The first book in a trilogy, a lot of ends are left untied, and there’s a cliffhanger of sorts at the end.
While there’s a lot of good about this book, it could’ve used another round of editing. Now there are some holes in the plot and several problems with the timeline, as well as annoyingly many spelling and grammar errors. Hopefully many of them will get ironed out in the final version.
Read this if you’re into:
📖 Beauty and the Beast retelling
📖 dark romance
📖 alpha billionaire MMC
📖 brother’s best friend
📖 insatiable virgin FMC
📖 forced proximity
📖 lots of spice
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

adult dark fiction

Jamie Wright

133 reviews5 followers

April 26, 2025

Can you say real life Black Swan?

Paloma and Tristan’s chemistry was woooooo!!!!

Tristan, my man!!!! Oooh who doesn’t love a tall, dark haired, blue eyed man? If he doesn’t make you want to read this book the spice, secrets and betrayal def should!

The way the story plays out def keeps you on your toes. You guess one thing and then another thing twist. Such an amazing read! Can’t wait for the next one now. The story brings so many different things I love to read into one great read.

Mafia
Forced Proximity
Touch her and ☠️
Ballet
Billionaire
Family drama for days
Twists and turns
Obsession
Revenge
Morally grey hero
Forced marriage
Found family

Thank you Diana and Grey’s Promo for letting me bring an Arc reader for this great book! So honored to be picked.

Wendy Livingstone

20.1k reviews257 followers

This is the first book in this trilogy and is Paloma and Archer / Tristan’s story.
Paloma is a prima ballerina who has spent her life pleasing her father, while Archer / Tristan is a mysterious billionaire, who is focused on revenge against the man who ruined his life.
This is a well written action packed, slow burn, easy to read story, with family dynamics, friendships, emotions, enemies / lovers, chaos, forced proximity, revenge, secret society, a marriage agreement, undeniable chemistry, and challenges, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, and unpredictable page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

Torianna

45 reviews3 followers

A beautifully dark story where the Beast seeks his revenge and the Beauty begins to question everything she thought she knew. Tristan and Paloma have a powerful connection that draws them together even though their instincts tell them to run the other way. Their story takes you on a journey of secrets, passion, betrayals, and suspense. The cliffhanger at the end will have you questioning what you thought you knew about Tristan and Paloma. This is not a story for the faint of heart as there are many dark and possibly triggering themes throughout, but if you are a lover of these, Tristan and Paloma's story is one you will enjoy.

Demi

205 reviews3 followers

Right from the beginning you are sucked into the story. It is hard to put down.
Like a moth to a flame. Paloma and Tristan. Living in a Romeo and Juliet story. His revenge gets him through the day. He doesn’t want to want her and she doesn’t want to want him. Their pasts are interconnected and she has no idea. Will his motives change has he gets closer to Paloma? Will revenge still be what he needs at the end of the day? Did I mention the beauty and the Beast undertones. So much angst and tension! I love it! Such a beautiful and heart aching story.
#DarkRomance #EroticRomance #NewAdultRomance #EnemiestoLovers #TouchHerandDie #BillionaireRomance #mafia

Keza Campbell

779 reviews12 followers

What a fantastic read.

I was utterly invested in the story from start to finish.

Paloma lives a life of restrictions, those restrictions are placed on her by her senator father.

A vile nasty man, a killer.

Tristan Archer is seeking revenge for his father and from the man who killed him. So he takes what's most precious to him, Paloma.

I found this exciting and that had me turning those pages. The intense connection between Archer and Paloma could be felt and it was sexy.
The suspense I could feel as well made it more intriguing.

I can't wait to read on with Tristan and Paloma in Empire of Lust and Sorrow.

I definitely recommend 👌

booksy.tx.ana

775 reviews8 followers

This is such an amazing, complex, dark romance. There are so many astounding elements that I loved. The revenge. The development of the characters. The suspense. The forbidden romance. Archer is an incredible, morally grey MMC. Paloma has some audacity in some of her actions. However, she’s not unlikable. There’s more buried beneath that takes time to become uncovered. I truly loved the overall plot of revenge and waiting for the truth to come out. There are so many dark secrets left to uncover. I’m absolutely sucked into this story.

Come read with me on instagram @booksy.tx.ana

K Webz

1,919 reviews

Paloma and Tristan’s story will take you on a wild ride full of passion and revenge. They have undeniable chemistry and incredibly unforgettable love story.

Paloma is such an amazing character, with so many layers. The way she is drawn to Tristan from the beginning, creates some great friction when he wins the bid for her at the auction. Tristan tried to deny his feelings for her, as he has plans of revenge against her father, but he can’t help falling for her.

The story is intriguing and keeps the pages turning.

Aimee Parkinson

140 reviews

Paloma & Tristan - loved it

Like magnets they were drawn to each other, each with their hidden pasts. Paloma, the meek and submissive ballet dancer and Tristan, who’s a little bit broken and incomplete . This is their inexplicable forbidden love story

Beautifully written story with unexplained and unexpected twists throughout, and an ending that will have you shouting at the page

Stunningly brilliant work as always from Diana, this story didn’t disappoint

Jess Pierce

264 reviews2 followers

May 10, 2025

What happens when a plan for revenge is changed the moment you see her?

Empire of Ache and Ruin is a nonstop roller coaster ride. Diana A Hicks brings a tale of revenge, betrayal, and murder to readers that is impossible to put down. The story built on revenge and inspired by beauty and the beast is enthralling. Hicks builds a world where you will find a dark underworld waiting to be explored. The characters and the story pull you in and keep you there until you fall off the edge with them.

If you’re looking for a suspenseful, spicy tale that will have your heart racing, grab this one and get ready for a ride.

Victoria

2,263 reviews18 followers