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My Light My Ruin
I wasn’t looking for destiny. I was just trying to survive another day in a life full of doing everything right and still feeling wrong.
College? Check. Business degree and job? Also check. Chasing the wrong guys, and pretending I wasn’t still haunted by the ones who left? Do I even need to answer that one?
Adulthood wasn’t the fresh start I’d imagined. It was more like a series of sharp corners I kept turning too fast. And no matter what I did, nothing ever seemed to fit.
Not until I returned to the only place that ever really felt like home. Then everything changed. From a destiny filled with unknowns bound to me by an ancient bloodline, to a man who is as lethal as he is loyal. One who looks at me like I’m his salvation… and his ruin.
I didn’t plan on becoming the Heiress of Light. Yet here we are. Honestly, all I wanted were answers. I didn’t even know magic was real outside of fantasy novels and late-night conspiracy theories.
Now I’ve got elemental powers I can barely control, a realm depending on me, and a fated mate who can read my thoughts.
Apparently, fate’s got jokes. And this time, the punchline is me.
Turns out the world I knew was only half the story, because—magic is real. Love is legendary. And kisses are cataclysmic.
College? Check. Business degree and job? Also check. Chasing the wrong guys, and pretending I wasn’t still haunted by the ones who left? Do I even need to answer that one?
Adulthood wasn’t the fresh start I’d imagined. It was more like a series of sharp corners I kept turning too fast. And no matter what I did, nothing ever seemed to fit.
Not until I returned to the only place that ever really felt like home. Then everything changed. From a destiny filled with unknowns bound to me by an ancient bloodline, to a man who is as lethal as he is loyal. One who looks at me like I’m his salvation… and his ruin.
I didn’t plan on becoming the Heiress of Light. Yet here we are. Honestly, all I wanted were answers. I didn’t even know magic was real outside of fantasy novels and late-night conspiracy theories.
Now I’ve got elemental powers I can barely control, a realm depending on me, and a fated mate who can read my thoughts.
Apparently, fate’s got jokes. And this time, the punchline is me.
Turns out the world I knew was only half the story, because—magic is real. Love is legendary. And kisses are cataclysmic.
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2026
10 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lou has always felt unworthy—never quite enough. She’s followed the path her father carved out for her and tried to toe the line for her mother, Nora, whose need for perfection makes it feel like paparazzi are constantly watching. After graduation, Lou escapes to the North Carolina mountains to visit her Mimi, whom she hasn’t seen in years. There, the atmosphere shifts. For the first time in a long while, Lou can breathe.
What she discovers changes everything. Her life, as she knew it, has been built on lies. As truths unravel, Lou begins setting boundaries, reclaiming her voice, and taking back control. Despite speed bumps and an ever-present evil lurking in the shadows, she forges ahead—drawing strength from deep within herself, strength that was always there, just waiting to be tapped.
This story introduces an entirely new world filled with elemental powers, intense (and sometimes shocking) training sessions—whether in the arena or a bedroom/shower (why be picky?)—and epic battles that keep the stakes high. Along the way, Lou finds love, family, friendship, and ultimately, acceptance of herself.
I don’t typically gravitate toward the fantasy genre, but Tina Ireson does a remarkable job making this world accessible and captivating. The plot and tone are engaging enough to pull in even those who don’t usually consider themselves fantasy readers, making My Light, My Ruin an impressive and compelling debut. There’s so much more to come !
Lou has always felt unworthy—never quite enough. She’s followed the path her father carved out for her and tried to toe the line for her mother, Nora, whose need for perfection makes it feel like paparazzi are constantly watching. After graduation, Lou escapes to the North Carolina mountains to visit her Mimi, whom she hasn’t seen in years. There, the atmosphere shifts. For the first time in a long while, Lou can breathe.
What she discovers changes everything. Her life, as she knew it, has been built on lies. As truths unravel, Lou begins setting boundaries, reclaiming her voice, and taking back control. Despite speed bumps and an ever-present evil lurking in the shadows, she forges ahead—drawing strength from deep within herself, strength that was always there, just waiting to be tapped.
This story introduces an entirely new world filled with elemental powers, intense (and sometimes shocking) training sessions—whether in the arena or a bedroom/shower (why be picky?)—and epic battles that keep the stakes high. Along the way, Lou finds love, family, friendship, and ultimately, acceptance of herself.
I don’t typically gravitate toward the fantasy genre, but Tina Ireson does a remarkable job making this world accessible and captivating. The plot and tone are engaging enough to pull in even those who don’t usually consider themselves fantasy readers, making My Light, My Ruin an impressive and compelling debut. There’s so much more to come !
January 6, 2026
My Light, My Ruin is what you’d get if a small-town romance set in the mountains and a mystical, dreamy fantasy book had a baby. And it’s just as whimsical as it sounds. Our female heroine is hilariously relatable, and our hero is deliciously mysterious, with a bad-boy from a boy band vibe. I snort-laughed, I cried-sometimes at the same time. This book checks all the boxes. The plot? You’re sucked in the moment you begin. Relatable, lovable FMC with questionable life choices? Yep. Hot men you’ll wish were real and make it to your book boyfriend list? Absolutely. Spicy? You’ll sweat and need a cold shower once you’re done. Hidden fantasy realm? Dreamy and dark and whimsical and historical and you get it without the boring info dump.
***SPOILERS BELOW***
Lou is fresh out of college, with no clear path forward and parents that deliver judgmental comments about her life choices disguised as concern that they want her to be successful. From the first chapter where we meet Lou, it’s impossible not to fall in love with her sense of humor and her inner monologues that honestly sound a bit too close to ones I’ve had myself. Within the first few pages, she’s sworn off men unless the universe drops them on her-jokes obviously on her. We first meet Mr. Gray Sweatpants on a roadtrip with her mom on the way to visit her Mimi in the mountains and it’s clear that she’s going to swoon hard for him. Its in these pages where we truly get a feel that where Lous heart truly lies is in the mountains and the town where her Mimi lives. And also that she’s got amazing taste in music, which is reflective of Tina’s love of music and that moment in time can be defined by the right song. The imagery Tina paints of not just the cabin and the town, but everything else throughout the book is so descriptive, you almost believe you’re there yourself.
It doesn’t take long for questions Lou has had all her life to start to be answered when her whole world gets flipped on its head. She always knew she felt different and now she knows why.
Enter Mr. Dark and Dreamy Badboy with Boyband tendencies who blurs the lines between what remains of her old self and what she is destined to become.
Suddenly her swearing off men when we first met her is laughable because how does one choose between the two men the universe placed in her path?
At its core, My Light, My Ruin is about discovering who you really are, where you belong and surrounding yourself with people that make you feel like home isn’t just a place.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention how panty-melting the men are. Get a fan ready, cause they’ll make you sweat in and out of the bedroom.
For her debut novel, Tina has knocked this out of the park and romantasy fans are going to devour this one and come back for seconds.
***SPOILERS BELOW***
Lou is fresh out of college, with no clear path forward and parents that deliver judgmental comments about her life choices disguised as concern that they want her to be successful. From the first chapter where we meet Lou, it’s impossible not to fall in love with her sense of humor and her inner monologues that honestly sound a bit too close to ones I’ve had myself. Within the first few pages, she’s sworn off men unless the universe drops them on her-jokes obviously on her. We first meet Mr. Gray Sweatpants on a roadtrip with her mom on the way to visit her Mimi in the mountains and it’s clear that she’s going to swoon hard for him. Its in these pages where we truly get a feel that where Lous heart truly lies is in the mountains and the town where her Mimi lives. And also that she’s got amazing taste in music, which is reflective of Tina’s love of music and that moment in time can be defined by the right song. The imagery Tina paints of not just the cabin and the town, but everything else throughout the book is so descriptive, you almost believe you’re there yourself.
It doesn’t take long for questions Lou has had all her life to start to be answered when her whole world gets flipped on its head. She always knew she felt different and now she knows why.
Enter Mr. Dark and Dreamy Badboy with Boyband tendencies who blurs the lines between what remains of her old self and what she is destined to become.
Suddenly her swearing off men when we first met her is laughable because how does one choose between the two men the universe placed in her path?
At its core, My Light, My Ruin is about discovering who you really are, where you belong and surrounding yourself with people that make you feel like home isn’t just a place.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention how panty-melting the men are. Get a fan ready, cause they’ll make you sweat in and out of the bedroom.
For her debut novel, Tina has knocked this out of the park and romantasy fans are going to devour this one and come back for seconds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lou has always felt unworthy-never quite enough. She's followed the path her father carved out for her and tried to toe the line for her mother, Nora, whose need for perfection makes it feel like paparazzi are constantly watching. After graduation, Lou escapes to the North Carolina mountains to visit her Mimi, whom she hasn't seen in years. There, the atmosphere shifts. For the first time in a long while, Lou can breathe.
What she discovers changes everything. Her life, as she knew it, has been built on lies. As truths unravel, Lou begins setting boundaries, reclaiming her voice, and taking back control. Despite speed bumps and an ever-present evil lurking in the shadows, she forges ahead-drawing strength from deep within herself, strength that was always there, just waiting to be tapped.
This story introduces an entirely new world filled with elemental powers, intense (and sometimes shocking) training sessions-whether in the arena or a bedroom/shower (why be picky?) -and epic battles that keep the stakes high. Along the way, Lou finds love, family, friendship, and ultimately, acceptance of herself.
I don't typically gravitate toward the fantasy genre, but Tina reson does a remarkable job making this world accessible and captivating. The plot and tone are engaging enough to pull in even those who don't usually consider themselves fantasy readers, making My Light, My Ruin an impressive and compelling debut.
There's so much more to come !
Lou has always felt unworthy-never quite enough. She's followed the path her father carved out for her and tried to toe the line for her mother, Nora, whose need for perfection makes it feel like paparazzi are constantly watching. After graduation, Lou escapes to the North Carolina mountains to visit her Mimi, whom she hasn't seen in years. There, the atmosphere shifts. For the first time in a long while, Lou can breathe.
What she discovers changes everything. Her life, as she knew it, has been built on lies. As truths unravel, Lou begins setting boundaries, reclaiming her voice, and taking back control. Despite speed bumps and an ever-present evil lurking in the shadows, she forges ahead-drawing strength from deep within herself, strength that was always there, just waiting to be tapped.
This story introduces an entirely new world filled with elemental powers, intense (and sometimes shocking) training sessions-whether in the arena or a bedroom/shower (why be picky?) -and epic battles that keep the stakes high. Along the way, Lou finds love, family, friendship, and ultimately, acceptance of herself.
I don't typically gravitate toward the fantasy genre, but Tina reson does a remarkable job making this world accessible and captivating. The plot and tone are engaging enough to pull in even those who don't usually consider themselves fantasy readers, making My Light, My Ruin an impressive and compelling debut.
There's so much more to come !
January 5, 2026
I don’t want to give too much away but…. This is a MUST read!!! It explores a secret world of elemental magic. The main character Lou is discovering who she is and where she fits into the world. Does she find love or betrayal?? It’s full of amazing world building, gorgeous men, and a prophecy. I couldn’t put this book down and I’m chomping at the bit for more.
If you like magic, love and self discovery then you NEED to pick this up Jan 6th!!!
If you like magic, love and self discovery then you NEED to pick this up Jan 6th!!!
January 5, 2026
I can’t believe this is a debut. I laughed out loud from the start.The humour hooked me, the chemistry was🔥and the writing made me stay. A must read for fantasy lovers who enjoy world-building and rising tension.
Read
January 5, 2026nice mix of modern and fantasy. FMC visits her grandmother (mimi- loved her) after college and learns of her true magical heritage and destiny to save their people the kindred that has been overused by an evil queen in their true realm. fated mates and magical awakening journey
January 7, 2026
eing an alpha reader for Light My Ruin by Tina Ireson was a gift I don’t take lightly.
I witnessed this story from its earliest, rawest form. I saw the questions, the risks, the moments in the book where Tina dug deeper instead of playing it safe. And what she delivered in the end is powerful, aching, and truly unforgettable.
This book is brave. It doesn’t tremble in the dark, but it never loses sight of the light. See what I did there?
The characters feel relatable, vulnerable, and painfully human. Every emotional beat feels intentional, and honest. There were moments that sat heavy long after, and others that made me pause just to breathe. You know the ones ;)
Most of all, I’m so very proud. Proud of the bravery it takes to write a story like this. Of the growth I watched happen in real time. And if the author who trusted her voice and followed it all the way through.
Light My Ruin is more than a book. It’s a testament to courage, craft, and heart. Tina Ireson should be incredibly proud of what she’s created, and I’m honored to have witnessed it from the very beginning.
This book is like nothing you’ve experienced. And I hope you do experience it!
I witnessed this story from its earliest, rawest form. I saw the questions, the risks, the moments in the book where Tina dug deeper instead of playing it safe. And what she delivered in the end is powerful, aching, and truly unforgettable.
This book is brave. It doesn’t tremble in the dark, but it never loses sight of the light. See what I did there?
The characters feel relatable, vulnerable, and painfully human. Every emotional beat feels intentional, and honest. There were moments that sat heavy long after, and others that made me pause just to breathe. You know the ones ;)
Most of all, I’m so very proud. Proud of the bravery it takes to write a story like this. Of the growth I watched happen in real time. And if the author who trusted her voice and followed it all the way through.
Light My Ruin is more than a book. It’s a testament to courage, craft, and heart. Tina Ireson should be incredibly proud of what she’s created, and I’m honored to have witnessed it from the very beginning.
This book is like nothing you’ve experienced. And I hope you do experience it!
January 6, 2026
My Light My Ruin is a great blend of some very well-loved genres. It's part contemporary romance, part mystical fantasy. It seamlessly blends our modern world with magic, fae, other realms, etc in a way that is accessible for new fantasy readers but intricate enough to keep seasoned fantasy readers engaged.
Lou is a likable, relatable character that is easy to root for from the start. Seeing her handle finding out her whole life isn't what she thought it was, was a wonderful journey!
Lou is a likable, relatable character that is easy to root for from the start. Seeing her handle finding out her whole life isn't what she thought it was, was a wonderful journey!
Read
December 29, 2025I was lucky enough to be a part of the alpha/beta team for this amazing book. I loved it from the first few paragraphs. It sucked me right in. Lou is strong, fierce, loyal, funny, smart, and an all around badass. I love the modern take on the magical world. And the MMC!!! Yesss please! I can’t wait for book two and to see where the world and story goes!!!!
January 15, 2026
I cannot believe this is Tinas debut. THIS WAS SO GOOOOOD. like any debut novels (and I say this as someone who reads handfuls of debuts from indies), theres some repetitiveness but HOLY MOLY
The world building isnt heavy and make your brain hurt like some romantasys. I absolutely ADORE this found family, you have hilarious side characters, friends that feel like home
there were moments were I was like ohhhh crap AND THAT ENDING LIKE WHAAAAT ?! I NEED THE NEXT BOOK. Lou is a baddie, i love mimi and declaaaaaan. swooooon. love him.
The world building isnt heavy and make your brain hurt like some romantasys. I absolutely ADORE this found family, you have hilarious side characters, friends that feel like home
there were moments were I was like ohhhh crap AND THAT ENDING LIKE WHAAAAT ?! I NEED THE NEXT BOOK. Lou is a baddie, i love mimi and declaaaaaan. swooooon. love him.
January 9, 2026
Some stories don’t just tell a love story, they leave an echo behind. My Light, My Ruin is absolutely one of those books. It’s a perfect balance of hope and heartbreak, where love feels like salvation one minute and emotional chaos the next (rude, but effective 🤷🏻♀️).
The FMC? Ridiculously relatable and a total badass. Flawed, fierce, and someone you can’t help but root for…even when she’s making questionable choices (haven’t we all?🥴) The MMC? Hot. Dangerous. The kind of man you wish you could accidentally summon into your real life. Their banter is sharp, the yearning is delicious, and the tension? Unhinged in the best way.
Add in magic, emotional depth, and a hell of a plot that keeps hitting harder the deeper you go, and you’ve got a story that refuses to let you go. This book lingers long after the final page, reminding you that the best love stories are never easy… but wow, are they unforgettable.
The FMC? Ridiculously relatable and a total badass. Flawed, fierce, and someone you can’t help but root for…even when she’s making questionable choices (haven’t we all?🥴) The MMC? Hot. Dangerous. The kind of man you wish you could accidentally summon into your real life. Their banter is sharp, the yearning is delicious, and the tension? Unhinged in the best way.
Add in magic, emotional depth, and a hell of a plot that keeps hitting harder the deeper you go, and you’ve got a story that refuses to let you go. This book lingers long after the final page, reminding you that the best love stories are never easy… but wow, are they unforgettable.
January 6, 2026
I had the privilege of reading this masterpiece very early on. I’ve never been big into fantasy or romantasy type books but this story sucked me and I’m still sitting at the Merc waiting for book 2! This story has everything you can possibly need and more.
Badass FMC? Check.
Hot as Sin MMC? Check.
Funny as hell characters? Check.
Finding yourself? CHECK!!
Spice, yearning, love, magic, mystery, and more? Check, check and double check!!
I love my girl Lou and her story so much. The way she grows and finds her self from the start of the book to the end is amazing. Tina truly outdid her self with this one and I cannot wait to see what’s next for this crazy bunch!
Badass FMC? Check.
Hot as Sin MMC? Check.
Funny as hell characters? Check.
Finding yourself? CHECK!!
Spice, yearning, love, magic, mystery, and more? Check, check and double check!!
I love my girl Lou and her story so much. The way she grows and finds her self from the start of the book to the end is amazing. Tina truly outdid her self with this one and I cannot wait to see what’s next for this crazy bunch!
January 6, 2026
I can’t believe this is a debut. I laughed out loud from the start. The humour hooked me, the chemistry held me 🔥🔥 and the writing made me stay. A must read for fantasy lovers who enjoy world-building and rising tension 🔥
January 18, 2026
This book grabbed me from page one and never let me go. The author opens with just enough magic to spark curiosity, and meeting the FMC instantly made me feel like I was reading about someone I could know. She’s messy in the best, most relatable ways—staying in relationships out of comfort, waking up next to someone you wish you hadn't, figuring out your own heart while the world around you shifts. I adored her immediately.
One of the standout emotional moments early on was her reunion with her grandmother. It stirred such real, nostalgic warmth that it brought me straight back to gardening with my own great-grandmother. The story shines whenever it leans into family connections and ancestry, and those scenes were some of the most beautifully written in the entire book.
The small-town atmosphere was perfect: that little local shop with gorgeous, handcrafted items felt so familiar and comforting. And the meet-cutes between the FMC and the MMC were delicious. There’s this constant thread of tension—Is he good? Is he bad? What does he know?—and it kept me hooked right from the start.
And let’s be honest: the MMC is SEXYYYY. From the first interaction he knows exactly what to say and how to say it. I was instantly obsessed. Their chemistry is absolutely explosive—the kind of heat that makes you want to pause, fan yourself, and then reread the line twice. What woman doesn’t love a man who can’t stop staring at her like she hung the moon? I was drooling.
I loved how her grandmother told her about their family history and magic. Those scenes had this grounding, generational weight to them that really balanced the romance and the mystery.
Now… let’s talk about the true MMC, because it may not be who you expect.
His entrance during karaoke night? HOT.
His behavior? Had me thinking red flags at first... And then learning he’s kindred? Oh, I was instantly suspicious, but also very intrigued. The tension only gets hotter from there.
But the moment she finally embraces what’s been building the entire book—her connection to the MMC—I was all in. She is clearly mated to him, and the passion between them is incredible.
The ceremony scenes were gorgeous and atmospheric, and I appreciated that the pacing didn’t get bogged down. Once The FMC steps more fully into her power, the story takes off. thwre was near constantly various looming dangers that had me sweating.
The FMC embracing her ancestral rights during the tunnel plan was one of my favorite character moments. It kept both her and the MMC front and center exactly when it mattered most.
The final battle? PHENOMENAL.
It was powerful, emotional, intense, and the perfect setup for what’s clearly going to be an incredible continuation of the series. The big bad's power is on full display, and it left me dying to see where her arc goes next.
And the ending?
A deliciously cruel cliffhanger. The kind that makes you stare at the last page, whisper “no no no,” and then check to see if there are bonus chapters hidden somewhere.
This book is witchy, magical, emotional, steamy, action-packed, and absolutely addictive. The writing is gorgeous, the romance is breathtaking, the battles are epic, and the characters are unforgettable.
I cannot WAIT for the next book.
One of the standout emotional moments early on was her reunion with her grandmother. It stirred such real, nostalgic warmth that it brought me straight back to gardening with my own great-grandmother. The story shines whenever it leans into family connections and ancestry, and those scenes were some of the most beautifully written in the entire book.
The small-town atmosphere was perfect: that little local shop with gorgeous, handcrafted items felt so familiar and comforting. And the meet-cutes between the FMC and the MMC were delicious. There’s this constant thread of tension—Is he good? Is he bad? What does he know?—and it kept me hooked right from the start.
And let’s be honest: the MMC is SEXYYYY. From the first interaction he knows exactly what to say and how to say it. I was instantly obsessed. Their chemistry is absolutely explosive—the kind of heat that makes you want to pause, fan yourself, and then reread the line twice. What woman doesn’t love a man who can’t stop staring at her like she hung the moon? I was drooling.
I loved how her grandmother told her about their family history and magic. Those scenes had this grounding, generational weight to them that really balanced the romance and the mystery.
Now… let’s talk about the true MMC, because it may not be who you expect.
His entrance during karaoke night? HOT.
His behavior? Had me thinking red flags at first... And then learning he’s kindred? Oh, I was instantly suspicious, but also very intrigued. The tension only gets hotter from there.
But the moment she finally embraces what’s been building the entire book—her connection to the MMC—I was all in. She is clearly mated to him, and the passion between them is incredible.
The ceremony scenes were gorgeous and atmospheric, and I appreciated that the pacing didn’t get bogged down. Once The FMC steps more fully into her power, the story takes off. thwre was near constantly various looming dangers that had me sweating.
The FMC embracing her ancestral rights during the tunnel plan was one of my favorite character moments. It kept both her and the MMC front and center exactly when it mattered most.
The final battle? PHENOMENAL.
It was powerful, emotional, intense, and the perfect setup for what’s clearly going to be an incredible continuation of the series. The big bad's power is on full display, and it left me dying to see where her arc goes next.
And the ending?
A deliciously cruel cliffhanger. The kind that makes you stare at the last page, whisper “no no no,” and then check to see if there are bonus chapters hidden somewhere.
This book is witchy, magical, emotional, steamy, action-packed, and absolutely addictive. The writing is gorgeous, the romance is breathtaking, the battles are epic, and the characters are unforgettable.
I cannot WAIT for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Light, My Ruin is what you’d get if a small-town romance set in the mountains and a mystical, dreamy fantasy book had a baby. And it’s just as whimsical as it sounds. Our female heroine is hilariously relatable, and our hero is deliciously mysterious, with a bad-boy from a boy band vibe. I snort-laughed, I cried-sometimes at the same time. This book checks all the boxes. The plot? You’re sucked in the moment you begin. Relatable, lovable FMC with questionable life choices? Yep. Hot men you’ll wish were real and make it to your book boyfriend list? Absolutely. Spicy? You’ll sweat and need a cold shower once you’re done. Hidden fantasy realm? Dreamy and dark and whimsical and historical and you get it without the boring info dump.
***SPOILERS BELOW***
Lou is fresh out of college, with no clear path forward and parents that deliver judgmental comments about her life choices disguised as concern that they want her to be successful. From the first chapter where we meet Lou, it’s impossible not to fall in love with her sense of humor and her inner monologues that honestly sound a bit too close to ones I’ve had myself. Within the first few pages, she’s sworn off men unless the universe drops them on her-jokes obviously on her. We first meet Mr. Gray Sweatpants on a roadtrip with her mom on the way to visit her Mimi in the mountains and it’s clear that she’s going to swoon hard for him. Its in these pages where we truly get a feel that where Lous heart truly lies is in the mountains and the town where her Mimi lives. And also that she’s got amazing taste in music, which is reflective of Tina’s love of music and that moment in time can be defined by the right song. The imagery Tina paints of not just the cabin and the town, but everything else throughout the book is so descriptive, you almost believe you’re there yourself.
It doesn’t take long for questions Lou has had all her life to start to be answered when her whole world gets flipped on its head. She always knew she felt different and now she knows why.
Enter Mr. Dark and Dreamy Badboy with Boyband tendencies who blurs the lines between what remains of her old self and what she is destined to become.
Suddenly her swearing off men when we first met her is laughable because how does one choose between the two men the universe placed in her path?
At its core, My Light, My Ruin is about discovering who you really are, where you belong and surrounding yourself with people that make you feel like home isn’t just a place.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention how panty-melting the men are. Get a fan ready, cause they’ll make you sweat in and out of the bedroom.
For her debut novel, Tina has knocked this out of the park and romantasy fans are going to devour this one and come back for seconds.
***SPOILERS BELOW***
Lou is fresh out of college, with no clear path forward and parents that deliver judgmental comments about her life choices disguised as concern that they want her to be successful. From the first chapter where we meet Lou, it’s impossible not to fall in love with her sense of humor and her inner monologues that honestly sound a bit too close to ones I’ve had myself. Within the first few pages, she’s sworn off men unless the universe drops them on her-jokes obviously on her. We first meet Mr. Gray Sweatpants on a roadtrip with her mom on the way to visit her Mimi in the mountains and it’s clear that she’s going to swoon hard for him. Its in these pages where we truly get a feel that where Lous heart truly lies is in the mountains and the town where her Mimi lives. And also that she’s got amazing taste in music, which is reflective of Tina’s love of music and that moment in time can be defined by the right song. The imagery Tina paints of not just the cabin and the town, but everything else throughout the book is so descriptive, you almost believe you’re there yourself.
It doesn’t take long for questions Lou has had all her life to start to be answered when her whole world gets flipped on its head. She always knew she felt different and now she knows why.
Enter Mr. Dark and Dreamy Badboy with Boyband tendencies who blurs the lines between what remains of her old self and what she is destined to become.
Suddenly her swearing off men when we first met her is laughable because how does one choose between the two men the universe placed in her path?
At its core, My Light, My Ruin is about discovering who you really are, where you belong and surrounding yourself with people that make you feel like home isn’t just a place.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention how panty-melting the men are. Get a fan ready, cause they’ll make you sweat in and out of the bedroom.
For her debut novel, Tina has knocked this out of the park and romantasy fans are going to devour this one and come back for seconds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I remember the day Tina told me she had the beginning of a book she had been working on and asked if I would read it. I don’t remember everything I said back then, but I remember how it felt reading those early pages. I could tell she had a story she needed to tell. More than that, I could tell she could write. What I wanted most was to hear her voice in it.
That moment started a two-year journey that brings us here, to this book finally being published and finding its way into the hands of readers. I was there at the beginning, when there was a prologue and several early chapters. I’ve been lucky enough to read this story in every form along the way as it grew, changed, and sharpened into what it is now. A lot has been reworked over time, but Tina Ireson’s whole being lives in this debut. Her entire heart. I know that because I watched her put it there.
At its core, My Light, My Ruin follows Lou, a young woman who has done everything “right” and still feels wrong in her own life. She followed the textbook. She chased the version of adulthood she was told would fit. And it doesn’t. On a trip with her mother to visit her Mimi, she begins to find where she belongs, but she is left with more questions than answers.
Lou struggles in the real world because she was never meant to belong there in the way she tried to. She is destined by magic instead. She is called by prophecy and a legacy that existed long before her in the Kindred realm. Her journey isn’t about discovering magic. It’s about realizing that the life she kept failing at was never the one she was meant to survive in.
What makes this story work is how deeply human Lou remains, even as the world around her becomes anything but. Destiny does not arrive as confidence here. It arrives as pressure. As responsibility. As fear of getting it wrong again. Lou doubts, resists, and wrestles with the weight of what she is being asked to become, and that struggle feels real and earned.
I can hear Tina in every character because I know where they came from. I know what inspired them. This world wasn’t built to impress. It was built with intention. The emotions are grounded, the magic feels earned, and the story trusts the reader to sit in uncertainty rather than rushing toward easy resolution.
There will be plenty of reviews that talk about the plot, the romance, the magic, and the twists, and this book deserves that attention. What I want to say is this. My Light, My Ruin feels like a story that waited patiently for its author to be ready to tell it.
This is a five-star read for me. I love the story, and I am incredibly proud of the woman who wrote it. Now it finally belongs to readers too.
I remember the day Tina told me she had the beginning of a book she had been working on and asked if I would read it. I don’t remember everything I said back then, but I remember how it felt reading those early pages. I could tell she had a story she needed to tell. More than that, I could tell she could write. What I wanted most was to hear her voice in it.
That moment started a two-year journey that brings us here, to this book finally being published and finding its way into the hands of readers. I was there at the beginning, when there was a prologue and several early chapters. I’ve been lucky enough to read this story in every form along the way as it grew, changed, and sharpened into what it is now. A lot has been reworked over time, but Tina Ireson’s whole being lives in this debut. Her entire heart. I know that because I watched her put it there.
At its core, My Light, My Ruin follows Lou, a young woman who has done everything “right” and still feels wrong in her own life. She followed the textbook. She chased the version of adulthood she was told would fit. And it doesn’t. On a trip with her mother to visit her Mimi, she begins to find where she belongs, but she is left with more questions than answers.
Lou struggles in the real world because she was never meant to belong there in the way she tried to. She is destined by magic instead. She is called by prophecy and a legacy that existed long before her in the Kindred realm. Her journey isn’t about discovering magic. It’s about realizing that the life she kept failing at was never the one she was meant to survive in.
What makes this story work is how deeply human Lou remains, even as the world around her becomes anything but. Destiny does not arrive as confidence here. It arrives as pressure. As responsibility. As fear of getting it wrong again. Lou doubts, resists, and wrestles with the weight of what she is being asked to become, and that struggle feels real and earned.
I can hear Tina in every character because I know where they came from. I know what inspired them. This world wasn’t built to impress. It was built with intention. The emotions are grounded, the magic feels earned, and the story trusts the reader to sit in uncertainty rather than rushing toward easy resolution.
There will be plenty of reviews that talk about the plot, the romance, the magic, and the twists, and this book deserves that attention. What I want to say is this. My Light, My Ruin feels like a story that waited patiently for its author to be ready to tell it.
This is a five-star read for me. I love the story, and I am incredibly proud of the woman who wrote it. Now it finally belongs to readers too.
January 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I remember the day Tina told me she had the beginning of a book she had been working on and asked if I would read it. I don’t remember everything I said back then, but I remember how it felt reading those early pages. I could tell she had a story she needed to tell. More than that, I could tell she could write. What I wanted most was to hear her voice in it.
That moment started a two-year journey that brings us here, to this book finally being published and finding its way into the hands of readers. I was there at the beginning, when there was a prologue and several early chapters. I’ve been lucky enough to read this story in every form along the way as it grew, changed, and sharpened into what it is now. A lot has been reworked over time, but Tina Ireson’s whole being lives in this debut. Her entire heart. I know that because I watched her put it there.
At its core, My Light, My Ruin follows Lou, a young woman who has done everything “right” and still feels wrong in her own life. She followed the textbook. She chased the version of adulthood she was told would fit. And it doesn’t. On a trip with her mother to visit her Mimi, she begins to find where she belongs, but she is left with more questions than answers.
Lou struggles in the real world because she was never meant to belong there in the way she tried to. She is destined by magic instead. She is called by prophecy and a legacy that existed long before her in the Kindred realm. Her journey isn’t about discovering magic. It’s about realizing that the life she kept failing at was never the one she was meant to survive in.
What makes this story work is how deeply human Lou remains, even as the world around her becomes anything but. Destiny does not arrive as confidence here. It arrives as pressure. As responsibility. As fear of getting it wrong again. Lou doubts, resists, and wrestles with the weight of what she is being asked to become, and that struggle feels real and earned.
I can hear Tina in every character because I know where they came from. I know what inspired them. This world wasn’t built to impress. It was built with intention. The emotions are grounded, the magic feels earned, and the story trusts the reader to sit in uncertainty rather than rushing toward easy resolution.
There will be plenty of reviews that talk about the plot, the romance, the magic, and the twists, and this book deserves that attention. What I want to say is this: My Light, My Ruin feels like a story that waited patiently for its author to be ready to tell it.
This is a five-star read for me. I love the story, and I am incredibly proud of the woman who wrote it. Now it finally belongs to readers too.
I remember the day Tina told me she had the beginning of a book she had been working on and asked if I would read it. I don’t remember everything I said back then, but I remember how it felt reading those early pages. I could tell she had a story she needed to tell. More than that, I could tell she could write. What I wanted most was to hear her voice in it.
That moment started a two-year journey that brings us here, to this book finally being published and finding its way into the hands of readers. I was there at the beginning, when there was a prologue and several early chapters. I’ve been lucky enough to read this story in every form along the way as it grew, changed, and sharpened into what it is now. A lot has been reworked over time, but Tina Ireson’s whole being lives in this debut. Her entire heart. I know that because I watched her put it there.
At its core, My Light, My Ruin follows Lou, a young woman who has done everything “right” and still feels wrong in her own life. She followed the textbook. She chased the version of adulthood she was told would fit. And it doesn’t. On a trip with her mother to visit her Mimi, she begins to find where she belongs, but she is left with more questions than answers.
Lou struggles in the real world because she was never meant to belong there in the way she tried to. She is destined by magic instead. She is called by prophecy and a legacy that existed long before her in the Kindred realm. Her journey isn’t about discovering magic. It’s about realizing that the life she kept failing at was never the one she was meant to survive in.
What makes this story work is how deeply human Lou remains, even as the world around her becomes anything but. Destiny does not arrive as confidence here. It arrives as pressure. As responsibility. As fear of getting it wrong again. Lou doubts, resists, and wrestles with the weight of what she is being asked to become, and that struggle feels real and earned.
I can hear Tina in every character because I know where they came from. I know what inspired them. This world wasn’t built to impress. It was built with intention. The emotions are grounded, the magic feels earned, and the story trusts the reader to sit in uncertainty rather than rushing toward easy resolution.
There will be plenty of reviews that talk about the plot, the romance, the magic, and the twists, and this book deserves that attention. What I want to say is this: My Light, My Ruin feels like a story that waited patiently for its author to be ready to tell it.
This is a five-star read for me. I love the story, and I am incredibly proud of the woman who wrote it. Now it finally belongs to readers too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Weight of Destiny: A Deep Dive into Tina Ireson’s My Light, My Ruin
Tina Ireson emerges as a formidable new voice in the fantasy genre with her debut, My Light, My Ruin. Ireson has successfully constructed a dual-layered world that invites readers to feel like active participants rather than mere observers, blending contemporary relatability with high-fantasy intrigue. It is a story that masterfully balances the grand scale of elemental powers and high-stakes prophecy with the visceral reality of human vulnerability.
The narrative follows Lou, a protagonist whose journey is defined by the poignant realization that her perceived "failures" in the mundane world were simply because she was never meant to belong there; she was destined for the Kindred realm. Ireson treats the concept of destiny with a sophisticated lens—here, magic does not grant immediate confidence. Instead, it arrives as a weight of responsibility, doubt, and fear.
The world-building is immersive and multifaceted, featuring intense training sequences that range from the high-stakes pressure of the arena to the raw intimacy of personal spaces. What distinguishes this work is Ireson’s ability to keep the emotions grounded and the magic earned, trusting the reader to sit in uncertainty rather than rushing toward easy resolution.
Ultimately, My Light, My Ruin is a masterclass in the "outsider" trope, exploring the search for family, friendship, and self-acceptance. Ireson’s ability to make the extraordinary feel accessible ensures this debut will captivate even those who do not typically consider themselves fantasy readers. Tina Ireson is undoubtedly an author on an upward trajectory toward the bestseller lists, and this phenomenal debut is well worth the read.
Tina Ireson emerges as a formidable new voice in the fantasy genre with her debut, My Light, My Ruin. Ireson has successfully constructed a dual-layered world that invites readers to feel like active participants rather than mere observers, blending contemporary relatability with high-fantasy intrigue. It is a story that masterfully balances the grand scale of elemental powers and high-stakes prophecy with the visceral reality of human vulnerability.
The narrative follows Lou, a protagonist whose journey is defined by the poignant realization that her perceived "failures" in the mundane world were simply because she was never meant to belong there; she was destined for the Kindred realm. Ireson treats the concept of destiny with a sophisticated lens—here, magic does not grant immediate confidence. Instead, it arrives as a weight of responsibility, doubt, and fear.
The world-building is immersive and multifaceted, featuring intense training sequences that range from the high-stakes pressure of the arena to the raw intimacy of personal spaces. What distinguishes this work is Ireson’s ability to keep the emotions grounded and the magic earned, trusting the reader to sit in uncertainty rather than rushing toward easy resolution.
Ultimately, My Light, My Ruin is a masterclass in the "outsider" trope, exploring the search for family, friendship, and self-acceptance. Ireson’s ability to make the extraordinary feel accessible ensures this debut will captivate even those who do not typically consider themselves fantasy readers. Tina Ireson is undoubtedly an author on an upward trajectory toward the bestseller lists, and this phenomenal debut is well worth the read.
Read
January 16, 2026My Light My Ruin is a contemporary romance / fantasy that blends modern day with old Irish magic. Including interesting elemental magic, fated mates, prophecy, an unbreakable found family, self discovery and even a badass Irish grandma it was an interesting read.
Set in the south it follows our FMC, Lou, on her journey of uncovering magic and transforming from a normal girl who feels abhorrently average and less than to a fierce queen.
I especially appreciated the found family in this one. In the beginning of the story, Lou is someone who feels like she doesn’t quite belong anywhere. Without a solid friend group or relationship with her immediate family, she is unsure of herself and a little lost in life. By the end she is surrounded by a loyal, comical and somewhat morally grey family willing to walk through fire with her. Some of the supporting characters became my favorites in the book.
I also loved the magic system and extra elements added to it. Think magic from a kingdom in a different dimension meets old Irish lore, taking place in modern day North Carolina. It was enchanting and exactly my style. Elemental magic, fairy pools, a the soul tree where you can communicate with souls already passed, crystals and tea - I couldn’t get enough.
I have to admit, this was a little bit of a slower read for me. It took me a while to really get into the story and a lot of time was spent on the romance aspect rather than the magic and prophecy elements. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the ending, while I can see it’s setting up for the next book, it was a little anti climactic and had too many loose ends. Overall though, I still enjoyed it and would recommend, especially to those who enjoy romance and always had a thing for an Irish accent.
Set in the south it follows our FMC, Lou, on her journey of uncovering magic and transforming from a normal girl who feels abhorrently average and less than to a fierce queen.
I especially appreciated the found family in this one. In the beginning of the story, Lou is someone who feels like she doesn’t quite belong anywhere. Without a solid friend group or relationship with her immediate family, she is unsure of herself and a little lost in life. By the end she is surrounded by a loyal, comical and somewhat morally grey family willing to walk through fire with her. Some of the supporting characters became my favorites in the book.
I also loved the magic system and extra elements added to it. Think magic from a kingdom in a different dimension meets old Irish lore, taking place in modern day North Carolina. It was enchanting and exactly my style. Elemental magic, fairy pools, a the soul tree where you can communicate with souls already passed, crystals and tea - I couldn’t get enough.
I have to admit, this was a little bit of a slower read for me. It took me a while to really get into the story and a lot of time was spent on the romance aspect rather than the magic and prophecy elements. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the ending, while I can see it’s setting up for the next book, it was a little anti climactic and had too many loose ends. Overall though, I still enjoyed it and would recommend, especially to those who enjoy romance and always had a thing for an Irish accent.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Being an alpha reader for Light My Ruin by Tina Ireson was a gift I don’t take lightly.
I witnessed this story from its earliest, rawest form. I saw the questions, the risks, the moments in the book where Tina dug deeper instead of playing it safe. And what she delivered in the end is powerful, aching, and truly unforgettable.
This book is brave. It doesn’t tremble in the dark, but it never loses sight of the light. See what I did there?
The characters feel relatable, vulnerable, and painfully human. Every emotional beat feels intentional, and honest. There were moments that sat heavy long after, and others that made me pause just to breathe. You know the ones ;)
Most of all, I’m so very proud. Proud of the bravery it takes to write a story like this. Of the growth I watched happen in real time. And if the author who trusted her voice and followed it all the way through.
Light My Ruin is more than a book. It’s a testament to courage, craft, and heart. Tina Ireson should be incredibly proud of what she’s created, and I’m honored to have witnessed it from the very beginning.
This book is like nothing you’ve experienced. And I hope you do experience it!
I witnessed this story from its earliest, rawest form. I saw the questions, the risks, the moments in the book where Tina dug deeper instead of playing it safe. And what she delivered in the end is powerful, aching, and truly unforgettable.
This book is brave. It doesn’t tremble in the dark, but it never loses sight of the light. See what I did there?
The characters feel relatable, vulnerable, and painfully human. Every emotional beat feels intentional, and honest. There were moments that sat heavy long after, and others that made me pause just to breathe. You know the ones ;)
Most of all, I’m so very proud. Proud of the bravery it takes to write a story like this. Of the growth I watched happen in real time. And if the author who trusted her voice and followed it all the way through.
Light My Ruin is more than a book. It’s a testament to courage, craft, and heart. Tina Ireson should be incredibly proud of what she’s created, and I’m honored to have witnessed it from the very beginning.
This book is like nothing you’ve experienced. And I hope you do experience it!
January 19, 2026
This book is great!
This new romantasy kept me turning the pages. The author does a great job at building the world & setting the scene. The characters are developed well & get you to fall in love with them quick! Each characters story line brings so much dynamic to the story. You’d never guess this is a first time romantasy write for the author based on how well the story flows. There are so many cliff hangers & foreshadowing within this first book that will make you beg for a quick second to be released, (at least if you’ve loved getting to know the FMC & MMC like I have). Here’s to a romantasy that has some variation compared to the rest of romantasy storylines & still keeps you wanting more & enjoying all the banter and toe curling you can handle.
Hats off to Tina, I can’t wait to see how well the story and characters grow! & how well the author will grow too!
This new romantasy kept me turning the pages. The author does a great job at building the world & setting the scene. The characters are developed well & get you to fall in love with them quick! Each characters story line brings so much dynamic to the story. You’d never guess this is a first time romantasy write for the author based on how well the story flows. There are so many cliff hangers & foreshadowing within this first book that will make you beg for a quick second to be released, (at least if you’ve loved getting to know the FMC & MMC like I have). Here’s to a romantasy that has some variation compared to the rest of romantasy storylines & still keeps you wanting more & enjoying all the banter and toe curling you can handle.
Hats off to Tina, I can’t wait to see how well the story and characters grow! & how well the author will grow too!
Review of advance copy received from Author
In the beginning, Lou seemed all over the place and her life felt unfulfilled. Honestly, her character was a bit frustrating at first, but as the story progressed, she grew alongside her understanding of an entirely new magical world she had no idea existed.
I absolutely loved the banter between the characters — it’s my favorite part of any book because it keeps you interested, entertained, and helps you connect with the characters on a deeper level. Like all great books, this story is a rollercoaster of a ride, and the ending is a true showstopper. My Light, My Ruin was no exception.
I highly recommend this five-star read, especially if you enjoy long books packed with sharp banter, a compelling plot, and a well-developed magical system.
I absolutely loved the banter between the characters — it’s my favorite part of any book because it keeps you interested, entertained, and helps you connect with the characters on a deeper level. Like all great books, this story is a rollercoaster of a ride, and the ending is a true showstopper. My Light, My Ruin was no exception.
I highly recommend this five-star read, especially if you enjoy long books packed with sharp banter, a compelling plot, and a well-developed magical system.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the privilege of reading this masterpiece very early on. I’ve never been big into fantasy type books but this story sucked me and I’m still sitting at the Merc waiting for book 2! This story has everything you can possibly need and more.
Badass FMC? Check.
Hot as Sin MMC? Check.
Funny as hell characters? Check.
Spice, yearning, love, magic, mystery, and more? Check, check and double check!!
I love my girl Lou and her story so much. The way she grows and finds her self from the start of the book to the end is amazing. Tina truly outdid her self with this one and I cannot wait to see what’s next for this crazy bunch!
Badass FMC? Check.
Hot as Sin MMC? Check.
Funny as hell characters? Check.
Spice, yearning, love, magic, mystery, and more? Check, check and double check!!
I love my girl Lou and her story so much. The way she grows and finds her self from the start of the book to the end is amazing. Tina truly outdid her self with this one and I cannot wait to see what’s next for this crazy bunch!
January 6, 2026
I was lucky enough to alpha/beta read this book. And what a book it is. It is not your typical fantasy book. It is set in modern times which was super fun. The FMC Lou is loud, unfiltered, sarcastic, & hilarious. I love her. Her personality helps you connect to the story. And the MMC? Holy hell. Can I have one please?
Not to give away too much...but Lou is just your normal typical woman until a visit at her Grandmothers changes everything and opens up a world she never knew existed. Now it's up to her to be the hero and save the day.
There is banter, magic, family, friends, laughter...all the things I love in my fantasy books.
I can't wait for the second one!!!
Not to give away too much...but Lou is just your normal typical woman until a visit at her Grandmothers changes everything and opens up a world she never knew existed. Now it's up to her to be the hero and save the day.
There is banter, magic, family, friends, laughter...all the things I love in my fantasy books.
I can't wait for the second one!!!
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