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Devotion & Damage #1
The Ruin I Chose
Sometimes the person who heals you… is the one you hurt the most.
Interior designer Roxanne Talati isn’t looking for love when she travels to Italy—only space to breathe after years in a suffocating marriage. But distance brings clarity… and Marcello Vitale, a man who is everything her husband wasn’t—controlled, intense, impossible to read—begins to unravel her carefully held world.
When secrets come to light, he walks away.
Months later, fate draws them back into each other’s orbit—into a world of restrained passion, sharp edges, and a love that comes with a price. The man she thought she’d lost forever returns—changed, watchful, and far more dangerous to her heart than before.
Desire and guilt collide in this dark, addictive romance about second chances, forbidden longing, and a love that both heals and consumes.
A love that ruins before it redeems.
Interior designer Roxanne Talati isn’t looking for love when she travels to Italy—only space to breathe after years in a suffocating marriage. But distance brings clarity… and Marcello Vitale, a man who is everything her husband wasn’t—controlled, intense, impossible to read—begins to unravel her carefully held world.
When secrets come to light, he walks away.
Months later, fate draws them back into each other’s orbit—into a world of restrained passion, sharp edges, and a love that comes with a price. The man she thought she’d lost forever returns—changed, watchful, and far more dangerous to her heart than before.
Desire and guilt collide in this dark, addictive romance about second chances, forbidden longing, and a love that both heals and consumes.
A love that ruins before it redeems.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2025
About the author
Velrith Rose
3 books3 followersVelrith Rose writes dark, emotional romance rooted in longing, devotion, and the quiet devastation of choosing love when it costs everything.
Her stories explore morally grey desire, slow-burn intimacy, and the fragile strength of women who refuse to disappear inside someone else’s shadow.
The Ruin I Chose is her debut novel and the first book in the Devotion & Damage series.
Her stories explore morally grey desire, slow-burn intimacy, and the fragile strength of women who refuse to disappear inside someone else’s shadow.
The Ruin I Chose is her debut novel and the first book in the Devotion & Damage series.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 28, 2026
Some stories don’t begin with love they begin with a fracture. And The Ruin I Chose is exactly that kind of story. It doesn’t ease you in; it pulls you under.
Roxanne is a beautifully layered character restrained, emotionally suffocated, and quietly breaking beneath a life she never truly chose. And then comes him dangerous, controlled, and devastatingly intense. He isn’t a savior. He is a storm. The kind that doesn’t protect you… but changes you.
Their connection is not soft or comforting. It is raw, volatile, and deeply consuming. The kind of love that exists in the grey where desire clashes with guilt, and vulnerability feels like both a risk and a release.
What stood out to me the most was the writing. It’s poetic yet piercing, almost surgical in how it dissects human emotions. The author doesn’t try to justify love instead, she exposes it in all its flawed, chaotic, and painfully real form.
And the way he calls her “Mia meta” it’s intimate, possessive, and hauntingly tender all at once. It stays with you long after you’ve closed the book.
This story isn’t just about romance it’s about emotional surrender, moral conflict, and the courage it takes to choose yourself, even when it hurts.
💬 Favorite Lines:
“It wasn’t love. Not at first. It was something deeper, darker. Something sharper. Something that made me feel alive. And I let it happen. I let him happen. Even though I knew it would cost me my conscience, my guilt, my sanity.”
“I love you for you for every piece, every ache, every truth you carry. I want to spend the rest of my life showing you all the ways I’ll learn to love you without conditions, without timelines.”
Roxanne is a beautifully layered character restrained, emotionally suffocated, and quietly breaking beneath a life she never truly chose. And then comes him dangerous, controlled, and devastatingly intense. He isn’t a savior. He is a storm. The kind that doesn’t protect you… but changes you.
Their connection is not soft or comforting. It is raw, volatile, and deeply consuming. The kind of love that exists in the grey where desire clashes with guilt, and vulnerability feels like both a risk and a release.
What stood out to me the most was the writing. It’s poetic yet piercing, almost surgical in how it dissects human emotions. The author doesn’t try to justify love instead, she exposes it in all its flawed, chaotic, and painfully real form.
And the way he calls her “Mia meta” it’s intimate, possessive, and hauntingly tender all at once. It stays with you long after you’ve closed the book.
This story isn’t just about romance it’s about emotional surrender, moral conflict, and the courage it takes to choose yourself, even when it hurts.
💬 Favorite Lines:
“It wasn’t love. Not at first. It was something deeper, darker. Something sharper. Something that made me feel alive. And I let it happen. I let him happen. Even though I knew it would cost me my conscience, my guilt, my sanity.”
“I love you for you for every piece, every ache, every truth you carry. I want to spend the rest of my life showing you all the ways I’ll learn to love you without conditions, without timelines.”
March 29, 2026
4.75⭐️
3.5🌶️
This story begins with a woman who feels broken—touch-starved in a marriage that had already fallen apart long before it ended. A fateful work trip to Italy brings her face-to-face with the man of her dreams. From the very first moment, his captivating eyes and intoxicating presence cling to her, and just as quickly, he claims her.
As their story unfolds, I was completely drawn in. This isn’t just a soft love story—it’s obsession laced with vulnerability, desire tangled in guilt. It’s the kind of love that makes you stop and wonder… is this truly right?
Roxanne and Marcello are just so perfect!😍🖤
I cannot wait to see what the second installment is going to be, because I feel the tension between two characters and I’m hoping that they come together!
⚠️Cheating trope, if that is a trigger for you⚠️ even with this trigger I still think this book was written beautifully!
3.5🌶️
This story begins with a woman who feels broken—touch-starved in a marriage that had already fallen apart long before it ended. A fateful work trip to Italy brings her face-to-face with the man of her dreams. From the very first moment, his captivating eyes and intoxicating presence cling to her, and just as quickly, he claims her.
As their story unfolds, I was completely drawn in. This isn’t just a soft love story—it’s obsession laced with vulnerability, desire tangled in guilt. It’s the kind of love that makes you stop and wonder… is this truly right?
Roxanne and Marcello are just so perfect!😍🖤
I cannot wait to see what the second installment is going to be, because I feel the tension between two characters and I’m hoping that they come together!
⚠️Cheating trope, if that is a trigger for you⚠️ even with this trigger I still think this book was written beautifully!
March 10, 2026
There was instant attraction fmc felt towards MMC & they kept meeting accidentally .She was on trip for business then for another 5 days for herself ,a little break from her life.
She met MMC in airport crashed into him,spilled coffee on his shirt & she don’t know he’s a Mafia.
When the 2 broken souls met they were attracted to each other trying to fill each others void.There was instant lust kinda thing so be prepared for loads of spice (not complaining,I loved it).
Because of his business & also knowing truth he kept her away,then whatever he did to get her is something you need to read.
I really liked her maturity after stuff happened she decided to give the relationship one last try but when it felt it’s not working she decided not anymore.That genuinely need patience & then how she came clean about everything,also how her husband understood everything.
She also has a pretty daughter name Kyra.
I loved the part where MMC was confused about his feelings,how to be soft for her.
Her story is basically a story of some Indian wife’s .it’s just she decided to move but others decide to compromise by draining themselves.She was lucky to meet guy like Marcello who understood her & loved her so much in 5 days,which her husband in years couldn’t do.She decided to go end that agony.I think many women should be like her,prioritise yourself first.
It would have been my another 5 star read if not for the cheating trope,basically the relationship was already done for her or maybe to her husband to emotionally & physically but they were bound by law.Staying in one house living separately yeah it’s bit of grey but still it was cheating for me.
She met MMC in airport crashed into him,spilled coffee on his shirt & she don’t know he’s a Mafia.
When the 2 broken souls met they were attracted to each other trying to fill each others void.There was instant lust kinda thing so be prepared for loads of spice (not complaining,I loved it).
Because of his business & also knowing truth he kept her away,then whatever he did to get her is something you need to read.
I really liked her maturity after stuff happened she decided to give the relationship one last try but when it felt it’s not working she decided not anymore.That genuinely need patience & then how she came clean about everything,also how her husband understood everything.
She also has a pretty daughter name Kyra.
I loved the part where MMC was confused about his feelings,how to be soft for her.
Her story is basically a story of some Indian wife’s .it’s just she decided to move but others decide to compromise by draining themselves.She was lucky to meet guy like Marcello who understood her & loved her so much in 5 days,which her husband in years couldn’t do.She decided to go end that agony.I think many women should be like her,prioritise yourself first.
It would have been my another 5 star read if not for the cheating trope,basically the relationship was already done for her or maybe to her husband to emotionally & physically but they were bound by law.Staying in one house living separately yeah it’s bit of grey but still it was cheating for me.
July 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️.5
This is a debut and I am obsessed!!!!
Marcello and Roxanne both had me in love and ready to knock them aside the head at the same time!!!!!
Miscommunication/lack of communication is something I actually love and boy is it here!
I also enjoyed having chapters in the pov of our villain!!!
And the way it ended?!?!?! Not a cliffy but kind of a cliffy?!?! What is happening!!!!
Now I need book 2 asap and also really hope Santino gets a book!!! Hes mine!!!
What to expect
Dark mafia romance
Insta lust
Strangers to lovers
Mother fmc
Plus size fmc
Second chance
This is a debut and I am obsessed!!!!
Marcello and Roxanne both had me in love and ready to knock them aside the head at the same time!!!!!
Miscommunication/lack of communication is something I actually love and boy is it here!
I also enjoyed having chapters in the pov of our villain!!!
And the way it ended?!?!?! Not a cliffy but kind of a cliffy?!?! What is happening!!!!
Now I need book 2 asap and also really hope Santino gets a book!!! Hes mine!!!
What to expect
Dark mafia romance
Insta lust
Strangers to lovers
Mother fmc
Plus size fmc
Second chance
June 30, 2026
ARC received by author
I was hookeddd from the beginning! This was such a different read for me. It had the mafia romance that I love, with some aspects from the Indian Culture.. both MCs had character growth and the book was overall very well written!
The story follows Roxanne who is a successful interior designer, a loving mother, and in major need of a break.. she goes to Italy for work and literally runs into our MMC, Marcello Vitale, at the airport.. and the attraction was 🌶️🥵.
Roxy and Marcello run into each other again at an exhibition.. they go for dinner and she gives him her itinerary for Italy. Marcello becomes her guide, travelling with her, stealing little moments. Roxy hasn’t felt this alive in years!! The attraction is real!!
Marcello has been hurt previously and his late wife was murdered in an accident. He doesn’t trust easily but it’s different with Roxanne.. he’s fallen for her, but she has secrets that she’s kept from him. Once the secrets are out will Marcello be able to forgive her? Will he be able to save her from his enemy?
Tropes:
Mafia romance
Slow burn
Forbidden love
Groveling
I was hookeddd from the beginning! This was such a different read for me. It had the mafia romance that I love, with some aspects from the Indian Culture.. both MCs had character growth and the book was overall very well written!
The story follows Roxanne who is a successful interior designer, a loving mother, and in major need of a break.. she goes to Italy for work and literally runs into our MMC, Marcello Vitale, at the airport.. and the attraction was 🌶️🥵.
Roxy and Marcello run into each other again at an exhibition.. they go for dinner and she gives him her itinerary for Italy. Marcello becomes her guide, travelling with her, stealing little moments. Roxy hasn’t felt this alive in years!! The attraction is real!!
Marcello has been hurt previously and his late wife was murdered in an accident. He doesn’t trust easily but it’s different with Roxanne.. he’s fallen for her, but she has secrets that she’s kept from him. Once the secrets are out will Marcello be able to forgive her? Will he be able to save her from his enemy?
Tropes:
Mafia romance
Slow burn
Forbidden love
Groveling
January 18, 2026
It's been a while since a book has made me this emotional, especially a dark romance book. I genuinely have no words to describe what this book made me feel, because It's not meant to be described. Dark romance, as a genre, has been misunderstood a lot, but if you want to understand the true crux of dark romance, and what dark romance truly at its very core is, then this book is for you.
Have you ever read a book that has made you literally question a lot of things you know about society and human nature, and how much we humans tend to ignore things, pretending it's a problem far? This book is exactly that.
Yes, this book has an incredible love story, with amazing and realistic, complex characters (hehe with mind blowing Smut), But that isn't the highlight for me ngl. The highlight for me, is how impactful this book is, this is what I call TRUE DARK ROMANCE.
Anyway! Let's move on to the big 3s ✨
Language: The Language is simple, highly simple so that anyone no matter what their English proficiency is, can read and enjoy this book without any issue. I have to appreciate the author on this, it is NOT easy to explore such complex characters and lessons using simple, easy language. This was a MAJOR HIGHLIGHT for me.
The CHARACTERS: I WON'T SAY ANYTHING, BUT by the end of the story, you will feel utterly betrayed by your own favourite character. The characters are HIGHLY WELL-ROUNDED, and Complex to such an extent, that You will see yourself in them. I also love how The author has used CHARACTERS as not only just people in a story but as instruments for social critique.
Plot: HAHAHAHA THE PLOT WILL LEAVE ME BAFFLED. This book ends at a cliffhanger and OH BOY WHAT A CLIFFHANGER IT IS (I definitely did not pester the author to tell me what the ending means immediately after finishing the book)
I have NO WORDS, for how WELL and GOOD this book is. And of course, Sir MARCELLO (the MMC) could ask me for my soul and I'll happily provide :D-
Anyway! I Loved, LOVEDDDD this book, and I am sure you will too, Genuinely GO GET YOURSELF A COPY, GO I AM WATCHING YOU👀👀
Have you ever read a book that has made you literally question a lot of things you know about society and human nature, and how much we humans tend to ignore things, pretending it's a problem far? This book is exactly that.
Yes, this book has an incredible love story, with amazing and realistic, complex characters (hehe with mind blowing Smut), But that isn't the highlight for me ngl. The highlight for me, is how impactful this book is, this is what I call TRUE DARK ROMANCE.
Anyway! Let's move on to the big 3s ✨
Language: The Language is simple, highly simple so that anyone no matter what their English proficiency is, can read and enjoy this book without any issue. I have to appreciate the author on this, it is NOT easy to explore such complex characters and lessons using simple, easy language. This was a MAJOR HIGHLIGHT for me.
The CHARACTERS: I WON'T SAY ANYTHING, BUT by the end of the story, you will feel utterly betrayed by your own favourite character. The characters are HIGHLY WELL-ROUNDED, and Complex to such an extent, that You will see yourself in them. I also love how The author has used CHARACTERS as not only just people in a story but as instruments for social critique.
Plot: HAHAHAHA THE PLOT WILL LEAVE ME BAFFLED. This book ends at a cliffhanger and OH BOY WHAT A CLIFFHANGER IT IS (I definitely did not pester the author to tell me what the ending means immediately after finishing the book)
I have NO WORDS, for how WELL and GOOD this book is. And of course, Sir MARCELLO (the MMC) could ask me for my soul and I'll happily provide :D-
Anyway! I Loved, LOVEDDDD this book, and I am sure you will too, Genuinely GO GET YOURSELF A COPY, GO I AM WATCHING YOU👀👀
July 8, 2026
Review: The Ruin I Choose
⭐️ 4/5 Stars
🌶️ 3/5 Spice
📖 Read this if you love:
🖤 Strangers to lovers
🖤 Morally grey characters
🖤 Explicit spice
🖤 Mafia romance & brutality
🖤 Dark romance themes
🖤 Obsessive devotion
🖤 Emotional healing through love
🖤 Tension, angst & impossible choices
⚠️ Please check trigger warnings before reading.
This story follows Roxanne, a woman who’s been existing in a marriage that emotionally ended long ago. Feeling unseen and disconnected from herself, a work trip to Italy introduces her to Marcello—and from the moment they meet, there’s an undeniable connection that neither of them can walk away from. Whether you love their choices or question them, their story changes everything.
This story isn’t just romance—it’s emotional surrender, impossible choices, messy feelings, and finding the courage to choose yourself even when it hurts.
I genuinely don’t have enough words for how well this was written. The emotional build, the tension, the reveals… everything pulled me in and refused to let go.
I didn’t know it was possible to be ruined by love… but this book showed me maybe being ruined isn’t always a bad thing. This is a story about being completely changed by love, by connection, and by someone walking into your life and making you question everything you thought you wanted. Sometimes being ruined is what finally lets you heal.
And I could not put this book down.
That ending… WHO? WHAT? UMMM… WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!
This book ends on a CLIFFHANGER, and not just any cliffhanger. The kind that leaves you staring into space, replaying every chapter, and immediately needing the next book.
I really enjoyed this book and I truly think so many people will too.
Now genuinely…go get yourself a copy.
⭐️ 4/5 Stars
🌶️ 3/5 Spice
📖 Read this if you love:
🖤 Strangers to lovers
🖤 Morally grey characters
🖤 Explicit spice
🖤 Mafia romance & brutality
🖤 Dark romance themes
🖤 Obsessive devotion
🖤 Emotional healing through love
🖤 Tension, angst & impossible choices
⚠️ Please check trigger warnings before reading.
This story follows Roxanne, a woman who’s been existing in a marriage that emotionally ended long ago. Feeling unseen and disconnected from herself, a work trip to Italy introduces her to Marcello—and from the moment they meet, there’s an undeniable connection that neither of them can walk away from. Whether you love their choices or question them, their story changes everything.
This story isn’t just romance—it’s emotional surrender, impossible choices, messy feelings, and finding the courage to choose yourself even when it hurts.
I genuinely don’t have enough words for how well this was written. The emotional build, the tension, the reveals… everything pulled me in and refused to let go.
I didn’t know it was possible to be ruined by love… but this book showed me maybe being ruined isn’t always a bad thing. This is a story about being completely changed by love, by connection, and by someone walking into your life and making you question everything you thought you wanted. Sometimes being ruined is what finally lets you heal.
And I could not put this book down.
That ending… WHO? WHAT? UMMM… WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!
This book ends on a CLIFFHANGER, and not just any cliffhanger. The kind that leaves you staring into space, replaying every chapter, and immediately needing the next book.
I really enjoyed this book and I truly think so many people will too.
Now genuinely…go get yourself a copy.
May 9, 2026
a work trip to Italy that turned out one of the best choices of her life ? She’s a mother but living in a loveless marriage and being trapped in loosing herself more and more. She felt she is never enough and she couldn’t keep it any longer. And then he just came into her life - not by choice, but maybe already like it was already written.
I am so in love by how poetically beautiful the story was written. It shows every ugly and true shade of thoughts and complexion in life and in the choices we take. The characters were so flawless and so head over heels for each other, it was pleasure to read it. To learn their story and saw the development of the characters by time . By mistakes. By things they chose to protect each other while destroying things they finally had .
Marcello‘s dark but charmant aura with his deep esmerald eyes was a perfect match to Roxanne - who is walking sin on legs with an confident attitude. And the way she is curvy and he is worshipping her ? Yes please, we need more of that in books ❤️🔥 and bonus point when he is a part of the mafia .
If you want a book who takes, gives you real and pure feelings in all his difficulties, shapes, morality and people who finally chooses themselves and finally accepting being worth of love and to be seen - to be chosen- then is this book maybe perfect for you ✨🖤
I am so in love by how poetically beautiful the story was written. It shows every ugly and true shade of thoughts and complexion in life and in the choices we take. The characters were so flawless and so head over heels for each other, it was pleasure to read it. To learn their story and saw the development of the characters by time . By mistakes. By things they chose to protect each other while destroying things they finally had .
Marcello‘s dark but charmant aura with his deep esmerald eyes was a perfect match to Roxanne - who is walking sin on legs with an confident attitude. And the way she is curvy and he is worshipping her ? Yes please, we need more of that in books ❤️🔥 and bonus point when he is a part of the mafia .
If you want a book who takes, gives you real and pure feelings in all his difficulties, shapes, morality and people who finally chooses themselves and finally accepting being worth of love and to be seen - to be chosen- then is this book maybe perfect for you ✨🖤
June 2, 2026
This book has strong mafia romance vibes and follows the story of Roxanne, a married woman and mother, and Marcello. What starts as a chance encounter between two complete strangers soon turns into something they can’t imagine living without.
Set in Italy, the story begins when Roxanne arrives there and unexpectedly crosses paths with Marcello. Even after their first meeting, they remain on each other’s minds. When they meet again, one impulsive decision changes everything. As the story unfolds, we learn more about Marcello’s life and watch their relationship evolve from something casual into an intense obsession where they crave each other more and more.
What I enjoyed most was the chemistry between the characters. Their connection feels immediate, intense, and impossible to ignore. The author does a great job of building tension, making every interaction between them feel meaningful. The Italian setting also adds a beautiful backdrop to the story, balancing the darkness of the plot with moments that feel almost dreamy.
This is a dark romance featuring morally grey characters, plenty of intensity, and a bold FMC, which was one of my favorite aspects of the book. Roxanne knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. Having experienced loneliness and abandonment in her past, she is now embracing herself unapologetically. I also loved that she is portrayed as curvy and chubby rather than fitting the typical FMC stereotype.
While the story is packed with passion and obsession, it also explores themes of loneliness, desire, self-acceptance, and the need to be truly seen by someone. Watching both characters navigate their feelings while dealing with the complications of their lives kept me invested throughout.
Read this if you love:
• Strangers-to-lovers romance
• Morally grey characters
• Intense chemistry and obsession
• Explicit sexual content
• Mafia-related brutality
• Dark romance themes
Please read the trigger warnings before starting the book. If you’re comfortable with them, you’ll likely enjoy this story. Between the tension, the chemistry, the drama, and the emotional moments, this book kept me turning the pages. It reminded me why dark romances can be so addictive when done well.
Set in Italy, the story begins when Roxanne arrives there and unexpectedly crosses paths with Marcello. Even after their first meeting, they remain on each other’s minds. When they meet again, one impulsive decision changes everything. As the story unfolds, we learn more about Marcello’s life and watch their relationship evolve from something casual into an intense obsession where they crave each other more and more.
What I enjoyed most was the chemistry between the characters. Their connection feels immediate, intense, and impossible to ignore. The author does a great job of building tension, making every interaction between them feel meaningful. The Italian setting also adds a beautiful backdrop to the story, balancing the darkness of the plot with moments that feel almost dreamy.
This is a dark romance featuring morally grey characters, plenty of intensity, and a bold FMC, which was one of my favorite aspects of the book. Roxanne knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. Having experienced loneliness and abandonment in her past, she is now embracing herself unapologetically. I also loved that she is portrayed as curvy and chubby rather than fitting the typical FMC stereotype.
While the story is packed with passion and obsession, it also explores themes of loneliness, desire, self-acceptance, and the need to be truly seen by someone. Watching both characters navigate their feelings while dealing with the complications of their lives kept me invested throughout.
Read this if you love:
• Strangers-to-lovers romance
• Morally grey characters
• Intense chemistry and obsession
• Explicit sexual content
• Mafia-related brutality
• Dark romance themes
Please read the trigger warnings before starting the book. If you’re comfortable with them, you’ll likely enjoy this story. Between the tension, the chemistry, the drama, and the emotional moments, this book kept me turning the pages. It reminded me why dark romances can be so addictive when done well.
July 11, 2026
Okay but can we just take a moment for this cover??? A white rose wrapped in smoke on a dark background soft yet dangerous, pure yet ruined. It literally sets the tone before you even open the first page. And trust me… what’s inside? EVEN MORE INTENSE. 🖤
I went into this thinking it’ll be a typical dark mafia romance… but NOPE. This book completely pulled me in and refused to let go. It’s not just a love story it’s messy, consuming, and emotionally charged in a way that stays with you.
At the heart of the story, we have Roxanne strong, layered, and so real. She’s not your usual romance heroine, and that’s exactly what makes her stand out. Watching her navigate her emotions, her past, and her desires felt so raw and honest. And then comes Marcello… and oh god, this man is the definition of morally grey. Dangerous, intense, and the kind of character you know you shouldn’t fall for… but you do anyway.
Their connection? ELECTRIC. What starts as curiosity slowly turns into something deeper, darker, and almost obsessive. Every interaction between them had me hooked there’s tension, there’s vulnerability, and there’s this constant feeling that things could fall apart any second.
What I loved the most is how the story doesn’t try to sugarcoat anything. It’s complex. It’s uncomfortable at times. But that’s what makes it feel real. The emotions aren’t loud they simmer, build, and then hit you when you least expect it.
💭 If you’re someone who loves:
• Morally grey characters
• Dark romance with depth
• Emotional tension + angst
• Obsessive, all-consuming love
• Stories that stay with you after the last page
Then PLEASE add this to your TBR.
⚠️ Just a small heads-up: do check trigger warnings before diving in.
Honestly, this book felt like a quiet storm beautiful, destructive, and impossible to ignore.
I went into this thinking it’ll be a typical dark mafia romance… but NOPE. This book completely pulled me in and refused to let go. It’s not just a love story it’s messy, consuming, and emotionally charged in a way that stays with you.
At the heart of the story, we have Roxanne strong, layered, and so real. She’s not your usual romance heroine, and that’s exactly what makes her stand out. Watching her navigate her emotions, her past, and her desires felt so raw and honest. And then comes Marcello… and oh god, this man is the definition of morally grey. Dangerous, intense, and the kind of character you know you shouldn’t fall for… but you do anyway.
Their connection? ELECTRIC. What starts as curiosity slowly turns into something deeper, darker, and almost obsessive. Every interaction between them had me hooked there’s tension, there’s vulnerability, and there’s this constant feeling that things could fall apart any second.
What I loved the most is how the story doesn’t try to sugarcoat anything. It’s complex. It’s uncomfortable at times. But that’s what makes it feel real. The emotions aren’t loud they simmer, build, and then hit you when you least expect it.
💭 If you’re someone who loves:
• Morally grey characters
• Dark romance with depth
• Emotional tension + angst
• Obsessive, all-consuming love
• Stories that stay with you after the last page
Then PLEASE add this to your TBR.
⚠️ Just a small heads-up: do check trigger warnings before diving in.
Honestly, this book felt like a quiet storm beautiful, destructive, and impossible to ignore.
June 28, 2026
"I thought I was picking up another mafia romance... but this story completely pulled me into its world, and I couldn't stop thinking about it." 🖤
Some books simply entertain, while others leave a lasting impression long after you've finished reading. This one unquestionably falls into the latter.
Against the stunning backdrop of Italy, the story revolves around Roxanne—a devoted wife and mother—and Marcello, whose unexpected meeting changes everything. What starts as a brief encounter gradually transforms into an irresistible bond filled with passion, obsession, and constant danger. With every chapter, the tension grows, making it nearly impossible to guess what comes next.
The highlight of this novel for me was Roxanne. She's bold, self-assured, and far from the usual romance heroine. Seeing her rediscover her strength and sense of self after years of emotional emptiness made her character feel authentic and inspiring. Marcello is equally unforgettable—a classic morally grey mafia hero who's ruthless, complicated, and incredibly captivating.
If you're drawn to dark romances packed with electric chemistry, morally grey protagonists, mafia intrigue, emotional depth, and a generous dose of spice, this book is absolutely worth adding to your TBR. Just be sure to read the trigger warnings before starting.
QOTD: Which dark romance with a morally grey hero has stayed with you the longest? 🖤📚
July 6, 2026
The Ruin I Chose is an emotionally layered dark romance that blends passion, heartbreak, and redemption with remarkable depth. Velrith Rose creates characters who feel real, allowing their flaws, fears, and desires to shape a story that is as compelling as it is intense. Roxanne’s journey of rediscovering herself after a broken marriage is both relatable and inspiring, while Marcello’s morally grey personality brings intrigue, vulnerability, and emotional conflict to every chapter.
The chemistry between the protagonists is undeniable, but what truly stands out is the way their relationship evolves through guilt, longing, and second chances rather than relying only on romance. The mafia backdrop adds suspense and raises the emotional stakes without taking attention away from the personal growth at the heart of the novel.
The writing is immersive, with beautifully crafted emotional moments that linger long after the final page. Themes of healing, forgiveness, and self-worth are woven naturally into the narrative, making the story feel meaningful despite its darker elements. Readers who enjoy emotionally intense romances with flawed characters, forbidden love, and a satisfying balance of angst and hope will find this an engaging and memorable read.
The chemistry between the protagonists is undeniable, but what truly stands out is the way their relationship evolves through guilt, longing, and second chances rather than relying only on romance. The mafia backdrop adds suspense and raises the emotional stakes without taking attention away from the personal growth at the heart of the novel.
The writing is immersive, with beautifully crafted emotional moments that linger long after the final page. Themes of healing, forgiveness, and self-worth are woven naturally into the narrative, making the story feel meaningful despite its darker elements. Readers who enjoy emotionally intense romances with flawed characters, forbidden love, and a satisfying balance of angst and hope will find this an engaging and memorable read.
June 26, 2026
This book was a refreshing change from what I usually read. The characters were relatable, flawed, and wonderfully ordinary, which made it easy to connect with their emotions and understand their decision-making. Rather than creating perfect protagonists, the author presents characters with obvious imperfections who occasionally make questionable choices—decisions that might be frowned upon, but ultimately feel realistic because that's how people often behave in real life.
For a new author, she writes with confidence, clarity, and skill. The storyline and character development were well structured, making the plot easy to follow without ever becoming confusing. The balance between character growth and the unfolding story kept me engaged throughout.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it both authentic and compelling.
I was given an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
For a new author, she writes with confidence, clarity, and skill. The storyline and character development were well structured, making the plot easy to follow without ever becoming confusing. The balance between character growth and the unfolding story kept me engaged throughout.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it both authentic and compelling.
I was given an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 31, 2026
The story is incredibly emotional.
Raw, intense, and heartbreaking.
The connection between the characters is so all-consuming and devastating that it genuinely hurt my heart at times.
Their love is the kind that destroys everything in its path, yet you can’t help but root for it anyway.
I absolutely loved the FMC. She’s strong, complex, and incredibly relatable. Her emotions felt so real and I was rooting for her the entire time, even when things got painfully difficult.
The MMC is intensely devoted and possessive in that dark, obsessive way.
The spice was steamy and emotional. It added so much depth to their relationship.
This was a powerful and gripping start to the series.
Raw, intense, and heartbreaking.
The connection between the characters is so all-consuming and devastating that it genuinely hurt my heart at times.
Their love is the kind that destroys everything in its path, yet you can’t help but root for it anyway.
I absolutely loved the FMC. She’s strong, complex, and incredibly relatable. Her emotions felt so real and I was rooting for her the entire time, even when things got painfully difficult.
The MMC is intensely devoted and possessive in that dark, obsessive way.
The spice was steamy and emotional. It added so much depth to their relationship.
This was a powerful and gripping start to the series.
June 21, 2026
I am so excited I found this series! I'll be up front-lots of spice! So if you like spice, definitely pick it up. However, it isn't just the spice that makes you turn each page (or click each page since I read it on KU!) The swapping POVs, the story itself, you want to know what will happen next. The novel is very character driven, and as someone who has not read a ton of novels set in India, getting a glimpse of the culture I feel sets this story in a category of its own. Pick this one up, you won't want to put it down!
July 26, 2026
Dark Romance with Truly Morally Gray Characters
This is what Dark Romance actually looks like. Morally gray characters making messy decisions that somehow have us wanting to follow along and find out what happens.
The writing itself is gorgeous and engaging. Spicy scenes are spicing!
The plot is well-paced and stays connected.
The characters are deep and human.
And based off the ending, I just know there’s gonna be more ruin to come.
This is what Dark Romance actually looks like. Morally gray characters making messy decisions that somehow have us wanting to follow along and find out what happens.
The writing itself is gorgeous and engaging. Spicy scenes are spicing!
The plot is well-paced and stays connected.
The characters are deep and human.
And based off the ending, I just know there’s gonna be more ruin to come.
August 6, 2026
This was such an emotional read, two broken people finding solace and healing in each other. I like the low stakes in this book, even though there is a villain. The FMC is stuck in a loveless marriage, until she meets someone in another country for a job. The pacing is actually good and I enjoy this kind of writing. It’s direct, but I could definitely see the angst and emotions in it.
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