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Destroy Me: (Beautiful Ruin Duet Book 2) An Obsessive Dark Rockstar Romance: Stalker Romance, Obsession, Antihero Love Story
She was stolen from him. He’ll burn the world to bring her back.
Maya’s worst nightmare has come true, she’s been taken.
Raze Draven is out for blood, tearing through the city’s underworld with only one bring her home, no matter the cost.
But saving her is just the beginning.
The secrets between them are darker than either imagined, and the truth threatens to shatter the fragile bond they fought to build. When Raze’s past collides with Maya’s pain, love might not be enough to keep them from breaking.
As enemies close in, revenge is the only language left to speak, and Raze will stop at nothing to silence anyone who dares take what’s his.
Perfect for fans of dark rockstar romance, obsession, and morally gray antiheroes, Destroy Me is the explosive conclusion to the Beautiful Ruin a story of dangerous love, betrayal, and vengeance that will leave you breathless.
Maya’s worst nightmare has come true, she’s been taken.
Raze Draven is out for blood, tearing through the city’s underworld with only one bring her home, no matter the cost.
But saving her is just the beginning.
The secrets between them are darker than either imagined, and the truth threatens to shatter the fragile bond they fought to build. When Raze’s past collides with Maya’s pain, love might not be enough to keep them from breaking.
As enemies close in, revenge is the only language left to speak, and Raze will stop at nothing to silence anyone who dares take what’s his.
Perfect for fans of dark rockstar romance, obsession, and morally gray antiheroes, Destroy Me is the explosive conclusion to the Beautiful Ruin a story of dangerous love, betrayal, and vengeance that will leave you breathless.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 16, 2026
ARC REVIEW
This picks up right where the first one left off, thank goodness, because I was dying to know what happened next. I have to confess, I'm totally obsessed with this book, way more than the first one. It's darker, and I'm all about that drama, plus there's revenge, which is basically my love language. Raze and Maya's chemistry is still sizzling, even after a break, and I'm seriously sad that this is the end of their wild ride. I could totally get lost in another one of their crazy stories.
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review
This picks up right where the first one left off, thank goodness, because I was dying to know what happened next. I have to confess, I'm totally obsessed with this book, way more than the first one. It's darker, and I'm all about that drama, plus there's revenge, which is basically my love language. Raze and Maya's chemistry is still sizzling, even after a break, and I'm seriously sad that this is the end of their wild ride. I could totally get lost in another one of their crazy stories.
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review
May 7, 2026
This picked up right where Devour Me ended, and I was dying to know what happened next. This duet is not a light read so please check TWs before reading. If you thought Raze was obsessive before, then be prepared for the detonation about to happen when Maya is taken and Raze is tearing the world apart to find her. Get ready for the rollercoaster ride in here.
March 12, 2026
"Destroy Me" by Keksi R. Gouldston is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that dives deep into the complexities of obsession, betrayal, and the fragile line between love and destruction. Gouldston delivers a narrative that is as haunting as it is beautiful, making it a standout in contemporary psychological fiction.
Plot Overview
The story follows the tumultuous relationship between two deeply flawed protagonists whose lives become inextricably linked through a series of dark events. As the layers of their pasts are peeled away, the reader is drawn into a high-stakes game of emotional cat-and-mouse. The pacing is masterful, building tension steadily until it reaches a shattering climax that leaves you questioning everything you thought you knew about the characters.
Character Development
Gouldston excels at creating characters that are both relatable and deeply unsettling.
The Protagonist: Their journey is one of profound transformation, marked by a desperate search for identity amidst the chaos of their circumstances.
The Antagonist: Far from a one-dimensional villain, the antagonist is portrayed with a level of nuance that makes their motivations tragically understandable, if not forgivable.
Key Themes
The novel explores several profound themes that resonate long after the final page:
The Nature of Power: How power dynamics within a relationship can shift and ultimately consume those involved.
Memory and Trauma: The way past traumas shape our present actions and the difficulty of escaping one's own history.
Destruction as a Catalyst: The idea that sometimes, something must be completely destroyed before it can be rebuilt.
Writing Style
Gouldston's prose is sharp, evocative, and rhythmic. The author has a gift for capturing the internal monologues of characters in a way that feels raw and authentic. The atmosphere of the book is thick with a sense of impending doom, yet there are moments of unexpected tenderness that provide a stark contrast to the surrounding darkness.
Verdict
"Destroy Me" is not a light read, but it is a necessary one for fans of psychological thrillers and literary fiction alike. It is a bold exploration of the darker side of human nature and a testament to Keksi R. Gouldston’s skill as a storyteller. If you are looking for a book that will challenge you, move you, and stay with you, "Destroy Me" is an absolute must-read.
Plot Overview
The story follows the tumultuous relationship between two deeply flawed protagonists whose lives become inextricably linked through a series of dark events. As the layers of their pasts are peeled away, the reader is drawn into a high-stakes game of emotional cat-and-mouse. The pacing is masterful, building tension steadily until it reaches a shattering climax that leaves you questioning everything you thought you knew about the characters.
Character Development
Gouldston excels at creating characters that are both relatable and deeply unsettling.
The Protagonist: Their journey is one of profound transformation, marked by a desperate search for identity amidst the chaos of their circumstances.
The Antagonist: Far from a one-dimensional villain, the antagonist is portrayed with a level of nuance that makes their motivations tragically understandable, if not forgivable.
Key Themes
The novel explores several profound themes that resonate long after the final page:
The Nature of Power: How power dynamics within a relationship can shift and ultimately consume those involved.
Memory and Trauma: The way past traumas shape our present actions and the difficulty of escaping one's own history.
Destruction as a Catalyst: The idea that sometimes, something must be completely destroyed before it can be rebuilt.
Writing Style
Gouldston's prose is sharp, evocative, and rhythmic. The author has a gift for capturing the internal monologues of characters in a way that feels raw and authentic. The atmosphere of the book is thick with a sense of impending doom, yet there are moments of unexpected tenderness that provide a stark contrast to the surrounding darkness.
Verdict
"Destroy Me" is not a light read, but it is a necessary one for fans of psychological thrillers and literary fiction alike. It is a bold exploration of the darker side of human nature and a testament to Keksi R. Gouldston’s skill as a storyteller. If you are looking for a book that will challenge you, move you, and stay with you, "Destroy Me" is an absolute must-read.
March 13, 2026
Continuing Raze and Maya’s story in the immediate aftermath of her abduction, the second part of this duet plunges headfirst into darker territory. The tension is relentless from the first page—grittier, more brutal, and soaked in the kind of dread that keeps you turning the pages. Raze is no longer just dangerous; he’s a storm unleashed. And when Raze Draven hunts, the world burns. Every step closer to Maya leaves a trail of vengeance, blood, and destruction. Meanwhile, Maya once again finds herself caught in a nightmare she never asked for. This girl truly cannot catch a break. But while Raze is tearing through the underworld to find her, Maya is fighting a battle of her own. She may be traumatized, but she refuses to remain a victim. Her survival is not passive, it’s raw, painful, and determined. The stakes here feel higher in every possible way. Revenge pulses through the story like a heartbeat, mafia shadows lurk around every corner, and secrets detonate one after another. All the while, Raze’s devotion to Maya burns with frightening intensity. His love is fierce, possessive, and protective to the point of suffocation. He would destroy entire cities if it meant bringing her home. Yet the real standout of the story is Maya’s transformation. Watching her claw her way back from unimaginable trauma into a woman who is stronger, sharper, and deeply self-aware was easily the highlight for me. Her resilience feels hard-won and deeply human. Even when her choices test your patience, they never feel hollow. Her growth is messy, complicated, and painfully real. The love between Maya and Raze remains obsessive and consuming, but this time it carries heavier weight. Healing here is not easy, neat, or romanticized. It’s jagged and uncertain, and the story doesn’t shy away from exploring the scars left behind after devastation. Their relationship is intense, morally gray, and undeniably toxic—possessive, volatile, and wrapped in obsession. But beneath all that darkness, the narrative digs into something deeper: trauma, survival, healing, and the dangerous cost of loving someone so completely that it borders on destruction. If the first book lit the match, this one watches the world burn.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 13, 2026
Destroy Me by Kelssi Gouldson picks up with intensity and does not let go, delivering a darker, heavier conclusion to Raze and Maya’s story. Where the first book built obsession and tension, this sequel dives into survival, healing, and the emotional cost of loving someone with a violent past.
The stakes are immediately higher, and the tone is grittier. Raze’s devotion remains fierce and unwavering. He is still the man who would burn everything down for Maya, and that intensity drives much of the momentum in this installment. His love is protective to the extreme, sometimes to the point of suffocation, which makes for both powerful and frustrating moments.
Maya’s journey is where this book truly shines. She evolves from the girl we first met into someone far stronger and more self aware. Her resilience is front and center, and watching her reclaim control over her life after unimaginable trauma adds emotional weight to the story. Her growth feels earned, even when her reactions and choices occasionally test your patience.
That said, some character decisions on both sides stretched longer than necessary. Raze’s stubborn need to control situations and withhold certain truths, though understandable given his personality, became frustrating at times. Similarly, Maya’s emotional outbursts and impulsive moments, while rooted in trauma, sometimes slowed the pacing. The tension between protection and independence is clearly intentional, but it lingers in certain scenes more than needed.
Despite those frustrations, the emotional payoff is strong. The love between them is still obsessive, still consuming, but more layered. Healing is not portrayed as simple or linear, and the story leans into the messy reality of rebuilding after devastation.
Overall, I would rate this a solid 4 stars. It is intense, emotional, and satisfying in its conclusion. Fans of dark romance who appreciate possessive heroes, resilient heroines, and a hard fought happily ever after will find this duet worth the ride.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The stakes are immediately higher, and the tone is grittier. Raze’s devotion remains fierce and unwavering. He is still the man who would burn everything down for Maya, and that intensity drives much of the momentum in this installment. His love is protective to the extreme, sometimes to the point of suffocation, which makes for both powerful and frustrating moments.
Maya’s journey is where this book truly shines. She evolves from the girl we first met into someone far stronger and more self aware. Her resilience is front and center, and watching her reclaim control over her life after unimaginable trauma adds emotional weight to the story. Her growth feels earned, even when her reactions and choices occasionally test your patience.
That said, some character decisions on both sides stretched longer than necessary. Raze’s stubborn need to control situations and withhold certain truths, though understandable given his personality, became frustrating at times. Similarly, Maya’s emotional outbursts and impulsive moments, while rooted in trauma, sometimes slowed the pacing. The tension between protection and independence is clearly intentional, but it lingers in certain scenes more than needed.
Despite those frustrations, the emotional payoff is strong. The love between them is still obsessive, still consuming, but more layered. Healing is not portrayed as simple or linear, and the story leans into the messy reality of rebuilding after devastation.
Overall, I would rate this a solid 4 stars. It is intense, emotional, and satisfying in its conclusion. Fans of dark romance who appreciate possessive heroes, resilient heroines, and a hard fought happily ever after will find this duet worth the ride.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 6, 2026
This is book 2 in the Beautiful Ruin duet. It's the continuation of the story of Raze Draven and Maya Cross. This book picks up immediately after the cliffhanger of book 1. Maya has been kidnapped by an old nemesis of Raze. How in the world did I not remember that Maya knew her kidnapper? Raze thought he left that life behind him when he became a rock star but apparently not. In book 1, there was information given about Raze. I was hoping to find out more about Maya this time around and that does happen. There were a few times I got confused about Maya's past.
Raze's possessiveness has been raised exponentially! Maya forgave Raze too easily. There wouldn't be much of a book if Maya didn't forgive and forget. Raze really didn't do much to get Maya to forgive him except lock her up in a cage of his own making . I did finish this book in less than a day. If there's a book about Isabella and Dorian, I expect it to be explosive!
“But a prisoner is still a prisoner, no matter what the cage looks like.”
"I want him to ruin me so beautifully that no one will ever see me the same again."
"She's my Achilles heel, my siren song as I sail out to sea on a doomed voyage."
“I’ll teach you not to seek pleasure from books."
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Raze's possessiveness has been raised exponentially! Maya forgave Raze too easily. There wouldn't be much of a book if Maya didn't forgive and forget. Raze really didn't do much to get Maya to forgive him except lock her up in a cage of his own making . I did finish this book in less than a day. If there's a book about Isabella and Dorian, I expect it to be explosive!
“But a prisoner is still a prisoner, no matter what the cage looks like.”
"I want him to ruin me so beautifully that no one will ever see me the same again."
"She's my Achilles heel, my siren song as I sail out to sea on a doomed voyage."
“I’ll teach you not to seek pleasure from books."
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 24, 2026
Destroy Me picks up right where the chaos left off, with Maya kidnapped by someone she trusted her entire life, Alonzo. That alone set the stage for something intense, and the rescue arc with Raze and his band of brothers had so much potential.
The storyline itself is strong. The bones of it are so good. But the middle felt like it stalled out a bit, almost like filler between a gripping beginning and an ending that should’ve hit harder. I kept waiting for more action, more revenge, more angst.
Especially with everything Raze did, I wanted to see him work for it, suffer for it, earn her back in a way that really hurt. Maya finding out the truth about her mother’s death should’ve been explosive. Instead, it resolved a little too quickly for me. I needed more tension there, more emotional fallout.
That said, I still really liked this book. Raze and Maya together just work. Their dynamic pulls you in, and it’s easy to root for them even when you’re frustrated.
Overall, it’s a solid continuation with a great premise, I just wanted it to go darker, deeper, and a little more ruthless.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The storyline itself is strong. The bones of it are so good. But the middle felt like it stalled out a bit, almost like filler between a gripping beginning and an ending that should’ve hit harder. I kept waiting for more action, more revenge, more angst.
Especially with everything Raze did, I wanted to see him work for it, suffer for it, earn her back in a way that really hurt. Maya finding out the truth about her mother’s death should’ve been explosive. Instead, it resolved a little too quickly for me. I needed more tension there, more emotional fallout.
That said, I still really liked this book. Raze and Maya together just work. Their dynamic pulls you in, and it’s easy to root for them even when you’re frustrated.
Overall, it’s a solid continuation with a great premise, I just wanted it to go darker, deeper, and a little more ruthless.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 9, 2026
Book 2 of The Eternal Regret Series. This is book 2 of a duet and should be read in series order.
'Destroy Me is a dark rockstar romance soaked in obsession, violence, and a love that refuses to die quietly.
For readers who love their heroes morally gray, fiercely protective, and a little unhinged.'
The characters were very complex and compelling and dark and obsessive and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Destroy Me is a dark rockstar romance soaked in obsession, violence, and a love that refuses to die quietly.
For readers who love their heroes morally gray, fiercely protective, and a little unhinged.'
The characters were very complex and compelling and dark and obsessive and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2026
We were left on a cliffhanger at the end of book one. Maya is being held by Alanzo, and Raze is looking for her.
I enjoyed reading the second book, how the band rallied together to get the resources to find and eventually save Maya.
I really wish Raze had told Maya the secret before everything went to hell; she deserved to know.
I look forward to reading about Isabelle and Dorian & the other bandmates.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed reading the second book, how the band rallied together to get the resources to find and eventually save Maya.
I really wish Raze had told Maya the secret before everything went to hell; she deserved to know.
I look forward to reading about Isabelle and Dorian & the other bandmates.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 28, 2026
We pick up right where we left off in book one. I missed Raze's unhinged brand of love. This was such a thrilling ride from beginning to end. Maya and Raze are just perfect for each other. The action and suspense kept me on my toes, and the spice was extra hot. I devoured this book and loved how it all came together in the end. It's such a great dark stalker rockstar romance duet.
I'm so excited for Ash and Colt's story next!
I'm so excited for Ash and Colt's story next!
March 4, 2026
This Duet Was Deliciously Ruthless
Besties… the finale for "Destroy Me"?! UNHINGED.
If you thought Raze was obsessive in "Devour Me", just wait until Maya is taken. This man does not spiral... he detonates. Raze Draven on the hunt is darker, deadlier, and fully prepared to burn the entire world down to get his girl back. And I ate up every ruthless second of it.😏
The suspense in this installment is intense. We’re talking underworld chaos, revenge-fueled violence, mafia vibes, secrets exploding left and right... and a love that’s hanging on by a thread. Maya isn’t weak in this either. She’s traumatized, yes, but she’s fighting through her pain while Raze is out there leaving destruction in his wake.👀
Their bond is messy, possessive, morally gray, and absolutely toxic in the way dark romance girlies crave. But it also digs into trauma, healing, and the cost of obsession. Please read the trigger warnings. This duet goes DARK.🫣
I genuinely enjoyed this conclusion. Add this duet to your TBR... Seriously.😉
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Besties… the finale for "Destroy Me"?! UNHINGED.
If you thought Raze was obsessive in "Devour Me", just wait until Maya is taken. This man does not spiral... he detonates. Raze Draven on the hunt is darker, deadlier, and fully prepared to burn the entire world down to get his girl back. And I ate up every ruthless second of it.😏
The suspense in this installment is intense. We’re talking underworld chaos, revenge-fueled violence, mafia vibes, secrets exploding left and right... and a love that’s hanging on by a thread. Maya isn’t weak in this either. She’s traumatized, yes, but she’s fighting through her pain while Raze is out there leaving destruction in his wake.👀
Their bond is messy, possessive, morally gray, and absolutely toxic in the way dark romance girlies crave. But it also digs into trauma, healing, and the cost of obsession. Please read the trigger warnings. This duet goes DARK.🫣
I genuinely enjoyed this conclusion. Add this duet to your TBR... Seriously.😉
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
March 12, 2026
This gave me warm and happy feelings. Raze and Maya's story ended the way I thought I should. I was very nervous when I started reading this hoping nothing worse happened. Now I can breath ….. Now I cannot wait to read the next in this series.
May 7, 2026
This was an explosive ending. When Maya was taken, Raze became unhinged. That monster that’s been buried deep inside him, Brooke free. I was blown away with his good this was. The first one was good, but this story trumped it. Absolutely devoured this one.
May 9, 2026
Story 4 ⭐
Spice 4 🌶️
Destroy Me was slower than expected after Devour Me as it focused more on Maya's mental state and healing post captivity with a little bit of revenge and a HEA,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spice 4 🌶️
Destroy Me was slower than expected after Devour Me as it focused more on Maya's mental state and healing post captivity with a little bit of revenge and a HEA,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2026
Amazing read . Loved it . Can’t wait for the
Next books
Next books
March 12, 2026
Destroy Me (part 2 in duet) 3.75⭐️
MMC Raze Drazen
FMC Maya Cross
❤️Tropes: burn the world down for her 😍, emotional healing, romantic suspense, g@ng w@rfare, obsessive/possessive MMC, found family
📍Setting: Chicago
💁POV: dual, first person
🖤Darkness level: 3.75/5
🌶️Spice 3/5
📚Plot 4/5
🌎World building 3.5/5
⚠️Triggers: captivity, PTSD, murd3r, t0rture, panic att@cks
After that suspenseful cliffhanger from the last book 😩 Maya went through some ish!!
No spoilers!!
This book is a bit darker than the last, and dealt with physical and emotional healing, plus we had some major plot points to resolve.
I love that he respected her boundaries (mostly 🤪) of course he NEEDS her, but when she asked him for space or to stop, he immediately backed off. 😍
I think this could have been shortened a bit, I know we had some healing to do, but I was losing steam somewhere in the middle. All in all though, I think it’s a great duet and definitely recommend!
MMC Raze Drazen
FMC Maya Cross
❤️Tropes: burn the world down for her 😍, emotional healing, romantic suspense, g@ng w@rfare, obsessive/possessive MMC, found family
📍Setting: Chicago
💁POV: dual, first person
🖤Darkness level: 3.75/5
🌶️Spice 3/5
📚Plot 4/5
🌎World building 3.5/5
⚠️Triggers: captivity, PTSD, murd3r, t0rture, panic att@cks
After that suspenseful cliffhanger from the last book 😩 Maya went through some ish!!
No spoilers!!
This book is a bit darker than the last, and dealt with physical and emotional healing, plus we had some major plot points to resolve.
I love that he respected her boundaries (mostly 🤪) of course he NEEDS her, but when she asked him for space or to stop, he immediately backed off. 😍
I think this could have been shortened a bit, I know we had some healing to do, but I was losing steam somewhere in the middle. All in all though, I think it’s a great duet and definitely recommend!
April 7, 2026
“Destroy Me” the second book of the Beautiful Ruin Duet was a great continuation and ending for the couple.
If I thought the first book was dark, oh boy was this even better!
The couple goes through hell, especially Maya, but Raze is not far behind as the past and his choices come around to chase them both.
The way they both suffer and get to the finish line is great. Amazing character growth and self discovery.
Now I really need to know more about the side characters especially Isabella and Dorian!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this voluntarily.
If I thought the first book was dark, oh boy was this even better!
The couple goes through hell, especially Maya, but Raze is not far behind as the past and his choices come around to chase them both.
The way they both suffer and get to the finish line is great. Amazing character growth and self discovery.
Now I really need to know more about the side characters especially Isabella and Dorian!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews