Roses and Ruins

by KL Austin

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2026

Reviews

[Stephanie Cade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about this book through a friend of the author. Glad I picked up a copy! Great story & written in a way that will make you want to keep reading. Looking forward to more books from KL Austin.

[Jessi Jetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

First up, spice. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Wow is this book spicy! I was a little taken aback with how fast it got so spicy. If spice is your thing, you’re going to very much enjoy this book.

Secondly, romance ❤️❤️❤️❤️

This book is a head over heels love at first sight romance book. It adds some feel good into your life. It brought me back to when I saw my spouse for the first time and you feel that instant connection!

Dean is a hopeless romantic and Cordelia is a woman who is struggling through her own issues with grief and letting someone into her life as she processes those feelings. It is a slow burn romance that will have you eagerly waiting to see how everything unfolds.

My favorite thing about this book is that it is centered around grown adults who in their 40’s. It’s more mature and realistic than most books on the market. This is the romance novel we need!

I’m reading that there is a book 2 coming, focusing on another couple in this universe so that is something to look forward to.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roses and Ruins checks off all the feels - the depth of the characters, the raw heartbreak and loss that Cordelia experiences (IYKYK), to the emotional connections and spicy romance. Dean is the perfect hottie - patient, protective and understanding. Learning the truth about what happened to shatter Cordelia's world, he gives her the support and safety she desperately needs to open her heart to trust and love again. The kind of guy every girl deserves. This book is emotional, romantic, heartbreaking, and healing after devastating loss all in one. Do not skip this one - and definitely keep tissues nearby!

[Randall Boggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the relationship between Cordelia and Dean. The way the book handles grief is great. I really recommend this book.

[Michelle Doerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Cordy's and Dean's story❤️. Looking forward to the next one. Love that KL is a local author!

[Jinianne Gorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! This is my daughter and she is living with the tragedy she describes in the book. That depth of emotion can only be written by one who has experienced such a loss.
I won’t go into details but the story is well written with good character development. The book flows well and has virtually no flaws.
I hope you read it. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Brittney Klee]

The book 📖 Roses and Ruins by KL Austin, is amazing, I couldn't put it down. The book is the best romance I have read in a while. The author has balanced out the perfect level of spice🌶🔥🌶, with a super sexy-emotionally-available man, and an emotiomally damaged woman finding herself in the her trama. I was so emotionally invested in Cordelia and her journey, 😭 🥰. I wont lie here, I had all the feels, I laughed, I cried and I was angry too. By the end I felt so blessed to have been on this journey. But, let's not forget about Dean🔥, he is spice🌶 personified!!! I will be rereading this one and its on my recommended reads list for this year!!

[Madison Olivo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good romance read. The writing itself was quick and easy to get through and the story kept me interested the entire time. I did not expect it to be so sad. While it is a spicy romance with good dialogue the ending holds some sad realities that are very emotional. I haven't read many books that approach grief this way which made it refreshing and doesn't take away from the romance but adds to it. I also though a lot of other characters were very interesting and would be anxious to see who the other books in the series are based off of.

[Katina Sites · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of "Roses and Ruins". I am writing this review voluntarily. Roses and Ruins is a romance with a semi-slow burn with lots of spice. Emotionally traumatized Cordelia and sexy and supportive Dean meet and sparks fly. With time and patience, their connection deepens and their relationship evolves. Add support and unconditional love and Cordelia is able to address her grief, loss and guilt in a way that allows her to grow, heal and have confidence in her relationship with Dean and her group of friends. I love the female friend group and the group chats are awesome and hilarious as are those between Dean and his brother, Graham. This is an entertaining read.

[Patricia dodds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book mainly because I know the Authors real story.
I can usually tell in the first few paragraphs if I’m going to like a book. This was one of those books. I was enthralled with the story immediately, quickly drawn into the romance, whilst understanding the hesitation of the main character to risk her heart. Although part fantasy and part truth, you can relate to every single character. I couldn’t put it down and read most of it in one sitting. This story is both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time, you need to read it with a box of tissues by your side!
For a first time author, this piece of literature is exceptional. I can’t wait for the next one.

[Michelle Beatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC copy of this book. This was the first book I've read from this author but it will definitely not be the last! The love and pain the FMC feels in this book is heartbreaking and the way the MMC shows his love and loyalty to the FMC is true couple goals! Dean is my new favorite book boyfriend! If you love a story full of heart break( not between the FMC/MMC) slow burn, yearning, melt your kindle love then buckle up and read this book! I can't wait for the next book in this series!!

[Andrea Metzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This slow and steady romance (with lots of spice!) was a delightful and well written book. Each character was developed with such a thoughtful art - I truly enjoyed getting to know each of them. This went beyond our main characters and into the friends and family, each of them seeming like we knew them and cared for them by the end. I am a sucker for a story about a good man loving and being patient with a woman (especially once carrying a hard past) and this book hit the spot. Excited to see what's next for this author.

[Sadina McGuirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean and Cordelia's story will make you fall in love with love again. Their close knit friendships is something we all crave in life. I can't wait for the next one in the series.

[Sierra - Chasing Chapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I originally picked up Roses and Ruins after seeing the author post about it on TikTok, and I'm so glad I did. The premise immediately caught my attention, and I really enjoyed the journey these characters took together.

The character growth of both the FMC and MMC was one of my favorite parts of the story. I also loved the family they built throughout the book, but the relationship that stood out the most to me was the bond between the MMC and his brothers. Those moments felt genuine and added so much heart to the story.

One of the most emotional moments for me came near the end, when the MMC traveled with the FMC for her annual tradition and began to truly understand the depth of her grief and loss. Watching him not only support her but also want to know and honor her son was incredibly touching. That scene, more than any other, stayed with me after I finished.

I also loved the nickname "Rosebud." It fit her perfectly and became one of those little details that made the characters feel even more real.

What kept this from being a five-star read for me was that some of the story's development felt a little uneven. There were moments where certain details seemed to be building toward something bigger, while other parts felt disconnected, making it harder for me to stay fully immersed.

Even so, this was a heartfelt story with wonderful character relationships, meaningful growth, and several emotional moments that I'll continue to remember.