Consummate Ruin: A Dark Second Chance Secret Society Romance with an Obsessive Morally Grey Stalker Hero

by Margot Arden

Escape is no longer hers to choose…



Vicky
On my twenty-eighth birthday, I left my engagement ring on his bed and walked out of his house forever.
My ex-fiancé isn't capable of emotions. What he feels is ownership, not love. And I deserve more than a man who keeps everything at an untouchable distance—even me.
Yet wanting to be free and escaping him turn out to be very different things.


Alex
She thinks she left me. She's wrong.
I've closed a hundred deals. I know when a negotiation is at its start, not its end. Victoria Callahan is a woman who thinks she's already won. And that’s when our game turns interesting.
I will find her. I will keep her.
The only question is whether she'll hate me for it.
But that’s fine too. We could use a little more passion.




* * *

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark

528 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2026

About the author

I'm originally from a small village in England but now live with my partner in Massachusetts—which I still can't spell without help. I graduated with a degree in Computer Science that I've never used since, save to prove my nerd credentials.

​Writing is my passion, and I'm never happier than behind a keyboard—or taking long walks in the countryside, jotting down scene ideas on my phone.

Reviews

[Kiandra 🦋 · Rating 1 out of 5]

These reviews have to be lying

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars

🔪Strong heroine
🔥 Morally grey MMC
🔪Touch her and die
🔥 Secret society
🔪 Dub-Con
🔥 Possessive/obsessive
🔪 Forced proximity
🔥 Spicy
🔪 Dual POV

Wow wow wow this book… I loved this!

Our FMC Vicky decides to leave her fiancé on her 28th birthday, after feeling alone and unwanted.
She finally got tired of waiting around for him and she leaves and escapes to a friend’s house.

Yet wanting to be free and escaping him turn out to be very different things.

I loved Vicky’s inner monologue it was soo good! Vicky tired really hard to resist Alex, but girl you had no chance!

She’s the fiancée he never cared for…until she tried to run!

Eventually our MMC Alex realises she’s gone he is pissed, goes on a mission to find her and bring her home.

‘I will find her and I will keep her! The only question is whether she will hate me for it. But that’s done to we could do with some passion’

Ooff this man is possessive/obsessive and totally unhinged!
And I was there for it!
And boy you wouldn’t want to touch his girl ☠️

The tweezer scene in this book 😳 IYKYK!

This book is unapologetically dark and SPICY! I couldn’t put this book down i had to know what was going to happen next!

The tension in this book 10/10 👌🏽

I would recommend this for the DARK romance girlies! 🔥

Thank you so much to the Author for sending me an early copy of your book.

[kkskreads]

kisses his assistant
bruh

[Marisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

i couldn’t finish the book with 64% in it was unbearable. It started really good but I just can’t stand Alex.

[Michelle Farrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced reader copy from author.

Consummate Ruin by Margot Arden had me from the 1st chapter. This dark romance has lots of spice and an equally gripping storyline.

Vicky is smart, feisty and trying to take control of her life starting by leaving her fiancé after another night spent home alone.
Alex is driven, controlling and arrogant and can't let Vicky go.

They navigate love, and control and obsession in the best way.

Expect
Strong FMC, Morally Grey MMC, Kink, D/s, High-heat, touch-her-and-die, forced proximity, dual pov, possessive/obsessive, dub-con, secret society

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. Vicky and Alex had me turning the pages like a lifeline. These two were perfectly imperfect and I couldn’t get enough of this story. Her walking away, and him chasing in the most delicious way ever. Perfection. I loved the push and pull between them. Their relationship was fire. The spice was spicing. There wasn’t anything about this not to love. Can’t wait to read what comes next.

[Diamanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, people!
The protagonists of the story are Vicky and Alex.
Vicky leaves her fiancé on her birthday and then everything starts to become a fire that burns everything in its path.
This is a fairly dark novel with tension, suspense, secrets and passion, which comes to captivate readers and make them melt. The flow is fast and the characters are quite well structured and developed, they have flaws and strengths.
Finally, the author's writing is captivating, enjoyable, direct, exciting and has depth.

Thank you very much to the author for the eARC!

This is my honest review!

[LucyFaeBae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot & Twisted Engagement

Wow… check the trigger warnings for this book, I'll say that first. The MMC Alex pushes boundaries with Vicky the FMC. Alex is controlling, possessive, cruel even… Everything you'd want (or at least what I want) in a morally corrupt book boyfriend. The spice is so unbelievably hot I couldn't get enough. No spoilers but when Alex calls her Tink or TELLS her to take a bath, it's about to get good. 😉

It's not all spice though, the plot was so good. At first it gave high stakes corporate vibes then it was twist after twist. I didn't know how the book was going to go, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and found the pacing of the book very well thought out. It's a pretty hearty book, but it never felt too long and honestly it was such a quick delicious read.

Something I appreciated as a reader was Margot wrote not only wonderful spice but also detailed what the MMC was thinking during those moments. The lines of consent - obviously blurred but Alex always checks Vicky's body language and it's mentioned she is really fighting herself with this awakening desire of being helpless in the hands of Alex. It made me fall for the MMC more, a man so attuned to his woman's desires… F*ck what's hotter than that?

I can't wait for book two, I'm curious if it will be about other characters introduced in this book and more about the Company. Or if it will take a different direction. Either way, very excited. I'll be keeping an eye on Margot Arden and am also eager to read what else she may have in store, not just this series.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY FUCKING SHIT
Consummate Ruin took me through it.
OhMahGawdddd......
It took me through it.

It is exceedingly rare that I hate a character from the start of a book and end up loving them by the end.
But ALEXANDER REYES?
He’s a man you hate and love, in equal measure.
And our girl, Vicky, understood that so mf well.
She hated him as much as she loved him.
I spent the entirety of the book, both equally, screaming at him and blushing at the dirty shit coming out of his mouth.

*curse you fucking praise kink*

R A T I N G: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
S P I C E: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

Vicky + Alexander are engaged at the beginning of the book and they are the epitome of couples. She's the perfect "trophy wife" and he is highly successful at his job; so much so that he has a secondary home, an apartment, near his office where he can crash when he has to work late instead of driving home to his fiance.

Alexander is successful and sexy, but that man is a promise-breaking liar too.
And this is where my dislike started.
Vicky's too because she was like "fuck this and fuck him" and she bounced. 👏👏👏
But Alex is NOT a man you say "no" to nor is he a man that takes the word "no" for an answer.
So, he sets to hunting Vicky down and he finds her.

The entire book is a captivating chokehold of push + pull, forced proximity, tension, and high heat + spice all mixed with hella plot.
Vicky says she isn't doing something.
Alex says she is...... the easy way or the hard way.
And if you read that tweezers scene..... then you know Alex gives absolutely no fucks about Vicky choosing the hard way because the end result is going to be the same.... him getting what he wanted to begin with.

But my Lord and Savior Jesus.... let another man so much as look at Vicky, let alone touch her, and Alex is ready to tear the world apart with his bare mf hands. He's OTT possessive/obsessive and this was me every time he protected her.... even against herself....




Both Alex + Vicky get into some deep shit in regards to work and I feel like if conversations had been had between them sooner then maybe certain events wouldn't have happened/unfolded. While "miscommunication tropes" really aren't my thing, I'm not mad about this mini one because it set the tone + pace for the entire story and couldn't have been done any other way. And because it really set it up for such growth for the characters both individually and as a couple.
It was absolutely delicious.

Consummate Ruin ends on a HEA, but I am sad because I need more of Alex + Vicky. This 5 ⭐ read is a 100000000 / 10 and lives rent free in my head.


🖤 Strong Heroine
🔪 Morally Grey MMC
🔥 High Heat
➰️ Kink D/S
🖤 Dual POV
🔪 Touch Her + 💀
🔥 Forced Proximity
➰️ Dub-Con
🖤 OTT Possessive/Obsessive
🔪 Secret Society
🔥 Bondage
➰️ Brat
🖤 Second Chance



*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.*

[Morgan Schell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of the characters are ruthless and scheming, amassing collateral damage along the way to get exactly what they want, with zero remorse. No is not an option for anyone in the book, not just the MCs, even when presented as a choice, and failure has truly irreversible consequences (ex. goodbye fingers).

The plots are so perfectly intertwined that you are constantly wondering what will happen and what the result will be as each layer is revealed.

Vicky is defiant and has a tough time keeping her snarky comebacks under control, even when it will make things much easier for her. She had a lot of my respect through the story for not heeling when most would.

Alex required some time for me to warm up to, but I ended up liking him most of all at the end. He is confident, dirty, and brutal in the conference room and the bedroom. There was a huge learning curve for him to truly realize just how badly he treated Vicky, but an even bigger one when showing how much he cares and wants her back in a less demanding and entitled way.

The spice is high, thoroughly enjoyed, and multiple times. Alex's commanding tone and actions, mixed with Vicky's reactions, were great. I'm intrigued to learn what the next book in the series will bring.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notes for me as I read

Alex - on his way up in company

Vicky - PI company

Opens on Vicky’s birthday. He promises to be home, pushed back to 10 pm. Never shows, she leaves him.

His first POV he didn’t making home due to working with Rita, his chief of staff. She tells him he didn’t ask her to put Vicky’s birthday on his calendar, but he knows he did. She confesses later he did.

He comes home 2 days later. She’s gone leaving the dinner still in the kitchen and her engagement ring on the bed. She blocks his number.

His boss tells him they have him in mind for a promotion. But being married is pretty much required.

The promotion is to a secret section of Casrion Holdings. Huge illegal financial rewards, but potential of losing fingers or even death.

In his thoughts Vicky is beautiful and sweet, but the sex is vanilla and disappointing. Once he has to track her down he realizes how much he does care. Her inexperience is on him because he didn’t take the time with her.

During this time Vicky is hired as a PI to investigate a lady’s sister. Coincidentally she is married to the right hand man of Casrion’s leader.

Long story short Alex realizes anything gained is not worth losing Vicky. They run to Spain.

Safety

Rita - present in 79% of the story. As his Chief of Staff she’s invaluable. Her IQ is almost as high as his and she doesn’t let emotions cloud her thinking, usually.

She confesses her love for Alex. He realizes on paper they are perfect together. However only Vicky has his heart. She strong but also vulnerable.

Alex invites Vicky to a gala for the society that’s he pretty much told she has to be there or it looks bad. She’s still apart from him. He invites Rita instead.

Vicky does show up to investigate for her case. Rita and Alex are dancing together and it’s sexual. Once it ends Rita sees her over his shoulder and pulls him down for a kiss. It hurts Vicky. She runs and doesn’t see Alex hiss at her to never try that again. He can’t push her away because it would look bad. Vicky gets him back by dancing with another man.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading this author, and as an avid dark romance reader, I was impressed. Alex was the perfect mix of possessive and dangerous, eventually. In the beginning, he deserved every bit of revenge that Vicky doled out.
There were so many layers to this book, both with the characters and the plot. I was fully invested in seeing them get their HEA, but I also had no clue if this would be resolved in one book (it was, thankfully).
And don't even get me started on the spice! I consider myself an expert at reading in public, but these were making me blush and look over my shoulder to make sure no one was watching.
I would highly recommend this book if you like: a morally grey MMC, an FMC with a spine of steel, and a generous helping of kink.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[After Dark reads club · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book… like actually devoured it. Started at 7pm, looked up and it was 2am, and then spent the entire next day finishing it because I was completely hooked.
The MMC? Feral. Obsessive. Way too smart for his own good… and somehow also the biggest idiot when it comes to love. He has everything: money, power, control, yet completely misses how unhappy the FMC actually is until she finally leaves him.

And honestly? She deserved to.
Watching her finally snap out of a relationship where she was constantly second place and start choosing herself was so satisfying. But of course… he’s not the type to just let her go.

Their dynamic is intense. She fights him at every turn, tries to run, tries to reclaim herself… and he is dominant, possessive, and absolutely relentless in pulling her back to him. It’s messy, it’s complicated, and it’s so addictive to read.

The tension between them?? Insane. The push and pull, the emotional conflict, the way they challenge each other, it kept me completely locked in.

The secret society element adds another layer of danger, putting them in life-or-death situations that raise the stakes even more. And through it all, one thing is clear: he will choose her. Every. Single. Time.

This book is dark, intense, and definitely not for the faint of heart.
If you’re into dynamics that blur the lines between control, restraint, and consent… you’re going to eat this up.

And yes, we do get growth. Watching him slowly learn how to actually show up for her and love her in a way she needs was one of my favorite parts of the ending.

[Kat Curlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the eARC for this book!! All thoughts in this review are my own!!

This was delicious in the darkest most tempting way possible. I still have not emotionally recovered. And I absolutely devoured this read in just a couple of days! If you are looking for a dark contemporary romance I highly recommend! But be warned it is not for the faint of heart, this book delivers on everything that is promised in the tropes and warnings, so make sure to pay attention!

🖤𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞:

😈Morally gray MMC

💪🏻Strong FMC

🥀Possessive, obsessive, touch-her-and-die energy

🥵High heat + forced proximity

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: Anal, Bondage, Death of a Friend, Dominance, Dubious Consent, Explicit Sex (...a lot of it), Forced Orgasms, Knife Play, Offensive Language, Orgasm Denial / Control, Self-Amputation (not MCs), Spanking, Torture of FMC (not by MMC),
Violence (death by gunshot)

5⭐️/4🌶️

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vicky can't believe it's her twenty eight birthday and he's still making excuses why he's late. No Happy Birthday. The meal she was cooking is turned off and left to ruin. She knows he won't be home tonight. Suitcases packed, engagement ring left in the middle of their bed. If that isn't clear enough she doesn't know what is. Alex is work focused. His chief of staff Rita is more than happy to work late. She even leaves putting a reminder to finish early for Vicky's birthday. When he finally gets home the next evening he can't understand why she's gone. This is a brilliant written story. Alex is the perfect combination that you love to hate even though he still pulls you back. Vicky knows he's the one, but she doesn't need all the trimmings of money and status. She just wants to be seen and wanted the way she does with him. It's the perfect amount of suspense and spice. Plus will she or won't she. Rita is the character who has to put herself in Alex's space. It's a little annoying really. The perfect book to sit and rad that will keep you reading

[Krista Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark romance, with secret society and mafia vibes, a FMC who’s prideful and strong in her own ways, and a MMC who would literally kill for her, I couldn’t put this book down once I started it!

You follow the FMC, Victoria, who after months of being engaged to Alex, takes the hint when he bails on her another night for work and misses her birthday completely and decides to leave him before she ends up the trophy wife in a loveless marriage. Little does she know, he really has been busy with work and didn’t realize how much he was pulling away, and after being thrust into a new secret society, he will do anything to maintain his image and get her back. But as the story unfolds, they both end up with more than they signed up for in this new dark underworld he’s forced them both into.

I really enjoyed having multiple POVs in this book and seeing both of their sides of this relationship. While he may be overbearing, it’s clear he cares for her in a very much touch her and die way and she loves him even when she thinks she shouldn’t and would do anything for him too. There was a lot of dark undertones to this book so make sure to check your triggers, but overall I think it balanced the dark and romance well while continuing to tell a compelling story I couldn’t put down of this dark underbelly of society. Those last few chapters has me on the edge of my seat and overall enjoyed how the story wrapped up! My rating 4.7/5!

Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vicky and Alex are engaged at the start of the book. Although they live together, he's been absent, not just physically but emotionally as well. It's Vicky's birthday, and even though he said he would be home for dinner, he doesn't show up until the next night at dinner time. By then, she's already packed up and left him. She isn't willing to stay in a vacant relationship anymore (can you blame her?!).

This was the push Alex needed to realize that he wants her, well, that and the fact that his new promotion depends on him being with Vicky! A married man is a more stable one, so he's expected to tie the knot asap.
 
I really felt for Vicky. She just wanted Alex to care about her and show some affection. And then, when she finally got the courage to leave (👏), he dragged her back and forced her to be with him. Ignoring all the hurt he caused her in the past 😡.

Alex is dominant and driven to succeed. Because of his work, he's invited to a secret society that he soon learns deals in the criminal underworld and being unsuccessful is not an option.

Vicky is an investigator, and she takes a case for a friend of a friend, who happens to be mixed up in the world Alex is now involved in. It turns out that both her and her friends' lives are at risk.

Rita is Alex's chief of staff and does her job well. She's wanted him forever and continues her attempts to seduce him. I was very frustrated that he allowed her to flirt the way she did and even kiss him at the event they attended together. He thought Vicky wouldn't be there, as she said she wouldn't go (she did change her mind and attended, though). He never did want Rita and only kept up appearances for political reasons.

I had a bit of a harder time with their connection because of the OW drama, even though it was mild, but I was glad to see that Alex couldn't stop thinking of Vicky and that he doesn't sleep with Rita.

There's a lot of suspense and drama that happens within the organization, but Alex is willing to burn down the world to keep her safe.
 
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Alex & Vicky
Darkness: 3 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone Novel
Title: Dark Acquisitions Series- Consummate Ruin: Book 1
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
 
 
*OTT Possessive, dominant, and protective MMC
*Rich MMC
*Secret Society
*Second Chance
*O Control
*Dub/Non-Con
*Bondage
*Spanking
*Knife play
*Emotionally Distant MMC in the beginning
*Self-mutilation (forced)
*Some OW Drama/Cheating - I would say no, but it depends on your definition. There is a bit of ow drama (they never sleep together, and it's only for political appearances), he isn't interested in her.
*No sharing
 
 
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vicky and Alex got off to a good start when they first met but over time the spark between them seemed to fade, Vicky felt that Alex had lost interest and this hurt her deeply to the point of breaking her heart. She decided to leave to start over, to build a life far away from him, even though she still loved him because she couldn't stay with someone who didn't reciprocate her feelings.

When Alex realized Vicky was gone he was devastated, he understood that he had failed her, that he hadn't given her the attention or love she deserved, however he wasn't willing to let her go so easily and searched for her determined to win her back. It wouldn't be easy but a new event reconnected them and reignited a tension that had never truly disappeared, that fire that seemed extinguished began to be rekindled although now everything was more complicated and the stakes were much higher.

An intense dynamic developed between them almost like a game of cat and mouse, Vicky fled while Alex pursued her and in that process the passion was rekindled, they begin to get to know each other again discovering aspects they were previously unaware of. Vicky, in particular confronts an unknown side of Alex a darker and more determined one, capable of doing whatever it takes to protect her from the dangers that surround her.

Alex has never been good at expressing his feelings but what he feels for Vicky is deep and intense, she is the only person for whom he would be willing to give up everything. In his own way he struggles to show her that he can offer her love, security and trust, although his actions are sometimes questionable, Vicky begins to notice the change in him and understands that in his imperfect way he truly loves her.

Little by little, after facing dangers and opening their hearts they both manage to be honest with each other, finally they decide to start over in a different place, where they can rebuild their relationship and strengthen their bond. The road wasn't easy Vicky's pain and Alex's emotional intensity are felt in every moment but that electrifying connection between them never faded.

It's a captivating story thanks to the evolution of its protagonists, the constant tension and the way their love is rebuilt despite everything. In the end they overcome the obstacles create a new life together and start a family, finding the happiness they so desperately sought certain that their hearts beat as one ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Eilreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margot Arden’s Consummate Ruin is not a gentle read—it’s intense, provocative, and unapologetically dark.

 From the very first page, the story grips you with a chilling premise: escape is no longer hers to choose. Margot delivers on that promise in a way that is both addictive and emotionally charged.

 Told through dual POVs, we’re pulled into the push-and-pull dynamic between Vicky and Alex. Vicky is a strong, self-aware heroine who knows she deserves more than a cold, transactional engagement. Her decision to walk away feels empowering—at first. But the novel quickly dismantles that sense of control, exploring the unsettling reality that leaving isn’t always the end of the story. Alex is the definition of morally grey. Calculated, obsessive, and deeply possessive. He views relationships through the lens of strategy and control. His voice is sharp and deliberate, making every interaction feel like part of a larger game he refuses to lose. The tension between his need for control and Vicky’s fight for autonomy fuels the entire narrative.

 This is a high-heat, dark romance that leans heavily into power dynamics and obsession. The chemistry is undeniable, but it’s also complicated—often uncomfortable in ways that are clearly intentional.  Margot does not shy away from difficult themes, and readers should take the content warnings seriously.

 This is a story that explores the darker edges of desire, control, and emotional entanglement. What stands out most is how consuming the book feels. It’s the kind of story you don’t just read—you devour. The pacing keeps you hooked, the emotional beats hit hard, and the tension never really lets up. It pulls you into a space where love, control, and obsession blur in unsettling ways. If you’re a fan of dark romance with possessive leads, strong heroines, and intense emotional stakes, Consummate Ruin will absolutely deliver. Just know what you’re stepping into—this isn’t a soft love story. It’s sharp, addictive, and lingers long after the final page.

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from author

Obsession dressed as devotion… and I devoured every second

This book doesn’t knock politely. It kicks the door in, locks it behind you, and whispers “you were never leaving anyway.”

Consummate Ruin is a dangerously addictive spiral of control, power, and razor-edged chemistry that had me flipping pages like I was trying to outrun the tension… spoiler: you can’t.

Vicky is the kind of heroine you root for instantly. She chooses herself—walks away from a man who confuses possession with love—and for a fleeting moment, you think this might be a story about freedom.

It’s not.

It’s about what happens when the man you left decides the story isn’t over.

Alex is cold, calculating, and completely unhinged in that terrifyingly composed way. He doesn’t chase—he acquires. Every move feels like part of a larger game, and the scariest part? He genuinely believes he’s justified. His obsession isn’t loud chaos… it’s quiet inevitability.

And the chemistry?
Sharp. Intense. Suffocating in the best way. Every interaction feels like standing too close to a flame you know will burn you—but you lean in anyway.

✨ What I loved:
• Dark, possessive MMC who is equal parts chilling and captivating
• A heroine who tries to resist—and makes you feel every ounce of that fight
• Tension so thick it practically breathes
• Writing that feels like silk wrapped around a blade

This isn’t a sweet romance. It’s a psychological tug-of-war wrapped in luxury, danger, and obsession. If you like your love stories with a pulse that borders on peril… this one owns you.

Verdict:
If “he’ll burn the world to keep her” is your favorite flavor—welcome home. 🔥

[Rose Gravestone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god. This. Freaking. Book. Five stars, five chili peppers, I am OBSESSED.
I want to read it over and over again. Especially the spicy chapters... iykyk. If you don't yet know, I STRONGLY urge you to read and find out. Phew, those ones had me reaching for some battery-powered friends.
Let's start with Alex. Cold, calculated, controlling... he's everything we love in a morally grey MMC. His journey from a man completely detached from the world to a man completely attached (and obsessed) with his fiancée was beautiful. His obsession with her is a slow burn at first, but once it hits, IT HITS. Nobody does possessiveness like Alexander Reyes.
As for Vicky... I absolutely adored her. Strong, sassy, and doesn't take any sh*t, right up until the moment Alex spanks the attitude out of her. The dichotomy between her power and vulnerability was perfectly written, and the push-pull tension between her and Alex kept me on the edge of my seat.
Despite the STELLAR romance, this book does not lack in plot. It's high-stakes, fast-paced, and the plot intermingles with the romantic tension. Both elements strengthen each other, in a way few authors can achieve.
If you like:
Sassy FMC
Morally Grey MMC
Secret Society
Tension/ angst
"Touch her and die"
"Run and I'll chase you" (WITH FOLLOW THROUGH EVERY TIME!)
D/s themes
And a FANTASTIC nickname Alex gives Vicky...
This book should be an instant buy for you. Don't waste time. Just read it and thank the author later.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be one of the darkest romance books I have ever read.

Our FMC, Vicky, has finally had enough. Her fiancé, Alex (our MMC and acquisitions extraordinaire), has missed another major event so she decides to leave. He has been neglecting her for his job for their entire relationship and she says no more.

While Vicky is at home packing, Alex is at work trying to close a huge deal. His boss pulls him aside and offers him a chance to join the Company, a secret society that will give him more power and money. The catch... he must be married.

Thinking everything is fine, he comes home to find Vicky is gone and has left her ring behind. From this point on, it turns into a game of cat and mouse. Just like any other cat and mouse game, it turns dark very quickly.

This story focuses on their dub-con and D/s kink relationship that forms. Alex becomes more obsessive and possessive than even he thought was possible. Vicky, to her credit, is a strong, badass FMC. She is a brat but uses it to her advantage.

If you liked God of Malice or The Ritual, I think this is a story you will enjoy and I would recommend. There were moments in the story that I enjoyed but also maybe me question my own morality. To me, that's a sign of a good dark romance, enjoying it while questioning your moral standing.



Thank you Margot Arden and IRIS Influencer Society for the ARC. My reviews are my own, shaped by the story and shared of my own accord.

[Booksbubblesbiceps · Rating 5 out of 5]

•A truly dark romance that serves and satisfies•

Are you looking for full-on dark romance with raw, scorching-hot spice, a secret society that plays by its own rules, and a gripping plot that will keep you turning those pages late into the night? Then Consummate Ruin should be on your TBR right now.

Consummate Ruin is the first book in the new Dark Acquisitions Series by Margot Arden. Vicky and Alex seem like they are done for good when Vicky leaves him on her birthday, but Alex just won’t take no for an answer, and Vicky never truly stops loving him. I love that the author goes deep into the dark romance genre (read those trigger warnings as needed), delivering all the gritty, shady drama while also exploring the softer sides of her characters. While they may give into their dark desires, these characters also have some tender and anxious moments. This added layer of realism to the characters is something that draws me to Margot Arden’s writing- she gives the reader a sense of the whys behind their actions.

But don’t go thinking this is a sweet, little romance with some heavy spice sprinkled in. Believe me, this book deepens the shade of morally gray in a devilish and delicious way. No spoilers here, so you just have to read this yourself to see how those boundaries get pushed!

Thank you to the author for the review copy of Consummate Ruin. All opinions are my own.

[Athena, the goddess of books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read this book because I was intrigued by the plot, after all, what relationship doesn’t have its ups and downs? My own has had difficult moments, which we’ve managed to grow through by communicating better and simply being there for each other. I think there’s a crucial point where, if we don’t know how to handle certain situations, we can end up taking the other person for granted.

In this story, I loved the way Alex transformed by the end, and how Tink was able to express what she needed. I also really enjoyed seeing how they reached that point, especially after Vicky got herself involved in a bad situation.

"I nestle back against him and close my eyes. “I love you.”
He’s quiet for a long moment before he replies. “You know, if I don’t always say it back, it doesn’t mean it’s not true.”
My eyes flick open. “I don’t really know how to love,” he continues, voice wistful. “But I think I’m willing to try. To learn.” He shifts my body until he can see my face, his eyes intense. “Is that enough?”

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thank you BookSirens for the opportunity.

[Samantha Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a dark romance where the MMC is truly morally grey, the FMC fights back and the spice pushes boundaries, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗶𝗻 is what you need!⁣
⁣
I have the pleasure of being an eARC reader and this book did not disappoint.⁣
⁣
Alex and Vicky are engaged but is he even capable of love? He is career oriented, detached and she doesn’t want to be a trophy wife. When she decides enough is enough, Alex isn’t keen on letting her walk away and sees it as a challenge to possess all of her. There is more to the story than just the push and pull of their relationship and it unwittingly forced them together.

This book is face-paced, dark, twisted and full of things Alex and Vicky should have unpacked in therapy so prepare for a wild read. I loved that the MMC stayed morally grey through the whole book, while still having a bit of personal growth in his own way. The main characters are forced to accept the darkest parts of each other (and themselves) in order to survive not only their marriage, but also the secrets they stumble into

There is a laundry list of trigger warnings so be sure to read those if you have any concerns.

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spicy dark romance that had my cheeks heating. This book goes from vanilla to VERY non vanilla quickly. Consummate Ruin is a dark romance with secret society and dub con themes. I loved the dual POV showing both Alex and Vickys' thoughts. Margot brilliantly wrote both characters' thoughts and feelings, making it easy to understand their actions and how they regarded their relationship. While Alex character was focused on his career and the image of a perfect relationship. Vicky was missing that piece of their relationship that would give them a future together and was growing tired of waiting. I love how this book takes the relationship from one extreme to the other in the darkest way. Together, they face a challenge that brings them closer than they have ever been. Helping them both to see each other and themselves is ways they never could have imagined. The suspense and spice were addicting. I honestly questioned how this book would end up to the very end. If you desire intense relationships and dark themes, you will love this book!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

Consummate Ruin
4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the author Margot Arden for sending me a digital ARC copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

If you’re looking for a dark romance that actually has a soul, Consummate Ruin is it. Margot Arden absolutely nails the "neglectful billionaire realizes he messed up" vibe, but she turns the intensity up to an eleven.

The story follows Alex and Vicky. They’ve been together for years, but Alex is so obsessed with his empire that he basically treats Vicky like an afterthought. When she finally has enough and leaves him on her birthday, the "cold numbers guy" completely snaps. Watching him shift from a detached fiancé to an obsessive, "I will burn the world to find you" anti-hero is incredibly satisfying.

It’s the perfect start to the Dark Acquisitions series—just make sure to check the trigger warnings first, because it definitely earns its "dark" label.

#arcreview #darkromance #triggerswelove #series #unhinged

[Hannah Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consummate Ruin follows Vicky and Alex, a relationship already breaking under neglect. He never makes time for her, so she walks away. Engagement over. Done for good. Or so she thinks.

Vicky focuses on her PI business and takes on a case that pulls her into something dangerous and way bigger than expected. The kind of danger that doesn’t let you go once you’re in it. And when things spiral, Alex is forced back into her life.

This time, he doesn’t get to stand on the sidelines. He has to fight for her. Protect her. Prove he deserves her. And the feelings he ignored finally come crashing in.

The banter is sharp, the tension stays high, and the twists keep coming. But Vicky really made this for me. Her inner thoughts feel real, messy, and painfully relatable.

Intense, addictive, and an easy five stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of an advanced reader copy from Author.

It's an all consuming love, engagement, and run add on a mystery and a secret society? This story will consume you whole.

Enthralling from the very beginning. Vicky is feisty, strong-willed, and knows her worth. Whereas Alex is a quiet, unhinged, and dark. He quietly calculates and plans steps ahead. These two had a lackluster relationship until she leaves him. As he tries to get her, both are pulled into a secret society for different reasons.

As they navigate this society, Alex and Vicky discovers their true selves through their push and pull. They got undeniable attraction and chemistry. There's a whole new side of Alex and Vicky as then endeavor on this new sexy ride. Let's just say it gets crazy hot. Just tie me up and let me burn!

[The Baker and the Bookmark Nikki Montalvo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute hit! Yes please more dark romance Margot!! I had the privilege of arc reading Vampire so Virtuous which brilliant. Read that too! I love Margot’s writing and I can with 100% certainty tell you I will read anything she writes. What strikes me most about her writing the maturity and thoroughness. By maturity I mean her life experience, her losses, her successes, has shaped her writing and comes across every page and it’s very refreshing!

Vicky and Alex have a soul bond that neither can truly walk away. Alex isn’t as invested into Vicky at the beginning but quickly redeems himself by embracing his touch her and die modus operandi! And I am here for it. It’s so deliciously spicy, angsty, and intense. This will be a number 1 charting book, I have no doubt!