Lessons in Ruin

by Lex Lovely

I was never supposed to survive that night.

Now I’m on the run with no one to trust, and no idea what the world really is.

Because everything I thought I knew?
It was a lie.

The people who find us say they can help.
They train like soldiers.
Fight like they’ve already lost everything.

And one of them watches me too closely.
Knows things he shouldn’t.
Pushes me harder than anyone ever has.

I should stay away from him.
I should keep my distance.

But in a world built on secrets, war, and survival…
he might be the only one who can teach me how to fight back.

If he doesn’t destroy me first.
If you Morally gray MMCsHate-to-lovers tensionSlow burn romanceForced proximityFound familyTraining scenes with tension“Who hurt you?” momentsTouch her and die energySecrets, lies, and betrayalDark emotional arcs
Then this might be for you.

Genres: Dystopia, Fantasy, Dark

413 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2026

Reviews

[Books &Chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons in Ruin is an absolute must-read and I will scream it from the rooftops! This book is action-packed, fast-paced and filled with excellent character development. There was never a moment when I wanted to put it down. The story is completely captivating. Just when you think you know what’s going on, this book throws twists at you that I genuinely never saw coming.

I found the FMC, Lia, to be incredibly relatable and likable. She’s first described as a “couch potato,” but throughout the novel we see some amazing growth from her, both physically and emotionally.

The tension between Lia and Kylo was electric. I’m talking barely-there pinky touches that have you screaming at them to just kiss already. Things do heat up fairly quickly and I would describe this as a medium-burn romance with the perfect amount of spice.

There are definitely some trigger warnings to check out before picking this one up, and I think the author handled the heavier topics with a lot of care.

Between the writing and that jaw-dropping ending, I already cannot wait for the next book!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Tropes ✨:
Morally Gray MMC
Touch her and 💀
“Who hurt you?”
Dislike to Love
Medium-Slow Burn
He Trains Her
Forced Proximity
Found Family

🖤: “In my darkest moments, you’re the light.”

Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Tara Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lessons in Ruin had me hooked from the very first chapter with a genuinely shocking opening that immediately grabbed my attention. While the story started strong, it took me a little while to find my footing with where the plot was heading, but once everything began to come together, I was fully invested.

Kylo was easily one of my favourite parts of the book... hot-headed, fierce, and impossible not to love. He definitely stole every scene he was in.

Lia took a little longer to grow on me. Early on, I found myself wishing she trusted her own instincts more and stepped into her strength sooner. That said, I really appreciated her character development by the end, and it was rewarding to see her become more confident in herself.

The magic system was one of the highlights for me. I loved the variety of powers and thought they added so much intrigue to the story. The found family between Lia, Leo, Kylo, Carter and Zayne was also incredibly wholesome and became one of my favourite aspects of the book.

The only thing I found myself wanting was a little more world-building. I was really intrigued by the Aether Hunters and the wider world, and I would have loved more background on their motivations, how the magic system fits into society, and why they’re specifically hunting this small group. A glossary or a little more context early on would have helped me settle into the world more quickly.

Overall, this was an enjoyable dystopian style fantasy with and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.

Thank you to the author, Lex, for sending me an early copy of this book 🤍

[Hira Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Little side note: check your trigger warnings before starting this one.

Okay so umm this one started off with an absolute bang but also what the actual hell??? This was both fast paced and action packed. It’s an urban fantasy, and most of it takes place at a compound.

I loved the relationship between Leo and Lia. They love and support each other through everything. I absolutely loved Lia. She felt very genuine, and I really appreciated that her trauma wasn’t overlooked the way it often is in fantasy books. It affected her day-to-day life, and it was especially evident in her early interactions with Kylo.Their relationship starts exactly as you’d expect: dislike, hatred, and obvious attraction. The banter was hilarious, and the tension between them heats up pretty early. I was begging them to kiss more than a few times. But more than that, Kylo is caring and understanding of her pain and trauma in ways no one else ever was. I absolutely loved them together.

There were also a few twists that genuinely surprised me and kept me completely engaged. And then there was the ending when I got hit by a bus because why is homeboy there?? (Iykyk). I will be sending my therapy bill to Lex.

[Katerina Kuhlmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review

Lia and her twin brother Leo survive when their older brother left them for dead. They run until they find a group of fighters that take them in and train them. Secrets are uncovered, powers are revealed, and an unlikely love develops.

The prologue had my eyebrows raised the whole time! I was instantly hooked to the fate of Lia and Leo.

As the story went on I felt so many emotions. Anger, hurt, laughter, healing and some swooning! The banter between Lia and the MMC Kylo has a funny twist that had me giggling!

Lia went through so much trauma and it was so good seeing her learn to cope and start to open up. Kylo is a swoon worthy book boyfriend with rough edges of course, just how we like them!

This book was gripping and traumatizing in all the best ways! I absolutely DEVOURED it and I need the rest of the series! I’m going to stare at a wall now if anyone needs me.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to say. I read this book in one day. 🫣it was so good. I had a really hard time of rushing to figure out what happened next that I would unintentionally skip ahead. Then have to take a breather, and go back to where I was and slow down to read it all. I was given an arc opportunity on this and it did not disappoint. I went in not knowing what to expect at all and loved that it had magic, a slight slow burn, and a different type of world. I LOVED that the main character Lia didn’t automatically become this badass. She had to work for it and continued working throughout the entire book. The fact that I wasn’t able to guess everything was refreshing as well. It is part of a series, but in all honesty, if you WANTED (which I don’t 🫠) you could even forget the last few pages and be happy with how it ends as well which is another thing I also liked. Some people love these massssive cliffhangers that keep you on the edge, but that’s not me. I want to enjoy the book, and happily wait for the next one, but not feel like I’m dying in the process. I’m a mood reader and overall this gave me 5 star vibes! There wasn’t anything in it that made me not like it at all! I can’t wait for the next one and honestly am hoping that while I follows in the same world, the main character pov switch up!

[Megan Bajorek · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out 5 stars 🤩

I found this book incredibly engaging and thrilling. The nearly constant moments of information dropping was a lot to take in and similar for Lia, it was confusing and a bit frustrating which is absolutely the point.

Lex Lovey wants you to connect completely with Lia, feel like you are on the outside of this secret and violent world only to be thrust in and expected to sink or swim. Despite some moments of "Huh? What?" alongside Lia, I couldn't put the book down! I was obsessed with knowing what happened next and why.

Fully intended as a compliment, I got strong Twilight vibes but without vampires. The concept of someone seemingly normal, with a traumatic past, being strung along with bread crumbs of information by people she loves and is supposed to trust is heavy in this book. Lia and Leo's bond is deeper beyond being twins, it's the unfortunate bond as survivors that is palpable and unfortunately troubling. Lia relies solely on Leo as if she is nothing without his strength; Leo is everything to Lia but the same cannot be said for Leo. His role as protector is broad line toxic/red flag behavior as he keeps her at arms length and hides things from her under the guise of his role as a vision-seeker who has to follow these "rules" but also believes whole heartedly that she should just trust him. He sees her as fragile, broken and incapable of handling the truth even though it's the truth that will allow her to strengthen, be empowered and eventually unleash.

Kylo on the other hand deliberately keeps Lia away for his own trust issues, which is warranted as she is a sudden and complete stranger, and for his own sanity due to blossoming attraction and care. As he lowers his guard he learn she truly is "in the dark" not only about the realities of their world but also about her own self; her power, her potential, her strength. He finds her true self and doesn't back away or balk instead he embraces her and pushes her to embrace herself. Lia needs this type of support after a life of fear and weakness and I was constantly impressed by Lia's resiliency and ability to trust and forgive. I would not have the same level of recovery time if I was oppressed, betrayed, misled and attacked as often as she is. Kylo becomes a believable and improved support system for Lia as he truly sees her beyond her scars and past whereas Leo, the villains and the new allies continue to see her as someone to protect through lies and oppression due to their own inadequacy when it comes to trust and fear. Even in the final pages, you get the vibe that everyone but Kylo still see her a vulnerable weakness to their goals and rather than help her strengthen , the approach is to continue to keep her unaware and in emotional turmoil. Not a good look guys.

I found myself wanting more Lia and Kylo over all other characters as their dynamic presented mostly healthy (if you remove the excessive life of violence and grief), helpful and genuine. All I know is Leo and Carter really need to figure out their bedside manner because they will someday cross the line in "protecting" Lia or the future and they won't be able to walk it back. This is most certainly the case with the conclusion of the book which I feel Lia let go a bit easily for my taste.

A really enjoyable and unique read that I couldn't walk away from! Definitely check this out if you enjoy dark dystopian fantasy, training montages, mentor + mentee developing into more and psychic magic systems.

[Denna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Add this book to your TBR because honestly? You were already late yesterday.

Lessons in Ruin is one of the biggest surprises of the year for me, and I mean that in the best possible way. I expected a typical dark romance, but instead I got a story with an incredible plot where some people have special abilities. That honestly caught me off guard because I completely missed that it was part of the book, but it ended up being one of my favorite things about it.

The characters are amazing. I genuinely hope Carter gets his own story one day because I absolutely love him. That needed to be said.

Lia has been through a lot, but she never gives up, and I absolutely loved her as an FMC. Make sure to check the trigger warnings because Lessons in Ruin covers some heavy topics, but the author handles them incredibly well.

Kylo? My new obsession. I love this man. Yes, I know I said the same thing about Carter two paragraphs ago, but Kylo is a 10 out of 10 with no "but." Okay... maybe there is a tiny "but," considering he is a morally gray MMC, but I refuse to admit there is anything imperfect about him.

The first half of the book focuses more on training. Even though there is less action than in the second half, I did not mind it at all because it gave me the chance to get to know the characters better and become emotionally attached to them.

To sum it all up, Lessons in Ruin is amazing. I cannot wait for the next book. And believe it or not, this book had me staying up until 4 AM more than once. I regret absolutely nothing. It was worth it.

[Shenandoah · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚔️ ARC Review ⚔️

Miss Lex… WTF MAN! Plot twist GALORE! Dare I say we have another Sarah J Maas blooming 👀 I read this in 4 days 🤯 She was sooooo beautiful. I cannot wait for book 2! AHHHHH! I found a new book boyfriend for sure 😏 Kylooooooo is my type! 🎶 That’s my type, mmhmm that’s my time 🎶 I’ll train with him even if I hate it 🥴 the grief that Lia and Leo went through was so insane and the fact they stayed as strong as they did is even MORE insane! This is a HEAVY on the grief book. ⚠️ Grief, Murder, War, R4pe, Thoughts of Suicide, etc ⚠️ I can’t tell you enough about how much I loved this book from my typical genre of Fantasy. It’s always great to have another genre to give me a breath of fresh air from time to time because I enjoy a book that much more! This is a MUST read and an Add to the TBR!!

[FabledWhimsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review. Thank you Lex Lovely for the ARC! This book has elements of found family, supernatural powers and slow-burn romance. It will draw you in and keep you invested through every twist and turn. There was mystery and action to keep you turning the pages. This was an easy read that I absolutely flew through! Lessons in Ruin is a solid 3.75 stars for me.

✩₊˚.⋆🕸️⋆⁺₊✧ ₊⁺⋆.˚୨ৎ .✦ ݁˖ ⋆˚꩜｡

✦ The handling and depictions of survivors were the standouts in this book. Seeing Lia work through her pain and angst was strong narratively, and I was invested in her working through these emotions. I liked Kylo as a brooding and grumpy MMC with a soft heart. Both characters were well versed in the world’s cruelty. It was interesting to see characters at different stages of grief and how their stories ran parallel and eventually overlapped. Lex deals with the trauma in this book, and the real-life effects this may have, with reverence and kindness.

✦ However, the world building, in my personal opinion, fell a bit flat. I think this was partly due to this being set in a world familiar to us, just with added powers. But I would have loved to have seen how these added powers affected society. It posed many interesting questions, like: how could politics ever be fair or just, when there are people who can read your mind? How does the judicial system work? In a world where someone can influence your emotions? I wish some of this was explored. I hope that we dive deeper into this in the sequel.

✦ Kylo and Lia were believable as a couple and I did enjoy them together. Seeing Kylo go from stoic and angry at the world, to sweet and tender with Lia was cute and satisfying for a reader to see unfold. The other characters I wanted more time with. I understand that this was Lia and Kylo’s story, (mainly told through Lia’s POV with Kylo’s perspective sprinkled in) but I wanted to know more about Carter and Zayne. Especially Zayne as we knew next to nothing about him. I believe this in part, due to this being the opening book of a series, we’re laying foundations to be expanded upon in later iterations, but I’m greedy, and I wanted a bit more.

✦ On a personal level, I was mad at Leo. He knew what Lia had suffered through the hands of men, yet threw her into a situation where she was very isolated, living with a group of strange men she didn’t know. I understand that some situations cannot be helped in dystopian worlds, but he very rarely checked in on her, she was left adrift in this new world without her anchor. Once completing the book, I understood his motivation. However, it still didn’t sit right with me. I wanted so much better for Lia, if only all these people hadn’t kept so many secrets from her and would stop making decisions for her. She was entitled to some serious feminine rage, and I was ready to cheer her on if she decided to set the whole world ablaze.

✦ Lessons in Ruin was more heartfelt than I expected. It shows the importance of family, blood or chosen, when your life falls apart. Together we can be stronger if we take the leap and trust the unknown. There were detailed training sections and full-blown action mixed together into a cocktail of intrigue and apprehension. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy urban fantasy full of action and hot, moody men with found family in abundance.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced reader copy sent by the Author.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

What to expect:
Morally grey MMC's • dislike to lovers • slow burn • forced proximity • found family • training scenes with tension • "who hurt you moments" • touch her and ☠️• secrets • betrayal •dark and emotional •

Wow, this book was soo good, if you're after a dark emotional, traumatic, tension fueled dystopian read then look no further.

I flew through this book; I couldn't put it down. I was hooked from the very beginning. And what an emotional journey we went on.

We follow our FMC Lia and her twin brother Leo after they barely escape a fire that was supposed to kill them both.
They are now on the run, not knowing who they can trust. They come across some people who say they can help to train them to be stronger so they can help them bring down the Aether hunters, these hunters target people with 'abilities'.

I loved both Lia and Leo they both have had such a traumatic life. Lia especially, she is plagued with crippling anxiety.
Knowing what she has been through, the fact that this woman is still standing and willing to fight is a testament to her character.
Lia's growth in this book was outstanding; and I love that it wasn't an immediate change it was ongoing throughout the whole book.

Our MMC Kylo, this man🔥he was given the task of training Lia. And boy oh boy were the training sessions between these two, filled with undeniable tension. 👏🏽🫠
Kylo was such a great character, he starts off cold and closed off. But once he starts to show his true colours, he's cheeky, protective, patient and respectful when it comes to Lia.

Kylo's brother Carter was another fantastic character. He was cool calm and collected and someone that people looked up too. He is laser focused on what needs to happen.

Loved the chemistry between Lia and Kylo, both knew how they felt but fought it for so long. But when they finally gave in, I was like finally! 😂

"I feel everything you try to hide, and I still choose you."

"In my darkest moments, you're the light."

The worldbuilding was phenomenal very immersive!

The plot was great, action packed and fast paced. The fight scenes are soo intense and captivating, I could not put the book down.

We get some fantastic, witty banter between the characters. 👏🏽 Loved the telepathic bond that Lia and Kylo share.

Loved the found family vibes you get from this book.

Lex did an amazing job of keeping the suspense and adding little bits of information here and there that continually had you questioning everything. I think that is one of my favorite things about this book. My mind was continually trying to piece it all together.

Wow that ending.. there were two HUGE reveals at the end that had me shook; I didn't see either of them coming. I'm still trying to come to terms with them. 🤯

Cannot wait for the next book.

Highly recommend.

Thank you to the Author for sending me an arc of your book. 🩷

[Lafrenzy.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

This was my first dystopian read, and I quite enjoyed both the plot and the characters.

It was fast paced, action packed, and genuinely gripping. I found myself turning page after page, eager to see what would happen next. One of my favourite aspects was watching Lia grow, not only in her powers but also as a person. Her character development felt rewarding and gave me someone to root for throughout the story.

I also really enjoyed the slow burn romance between Kylo and Lia. I loved their telepathy and whole reading mind thing, I remember smirking and chuckling at those points. I loved Kylo's cheeky teasing once he started realising his feelings for her. The romance added just enough tension without taking away from the main plot. I'd say the spice level sits around a 1.5/5, which feels appropriate for the YA genre. Could it have been spicier? Sure. But considering everything Lia was going through, it honestly would have felt unrealistic for the story to focus more heavily on spice.

I settled on 3.75 stars because I felt the world building could have been explored in greater depth. I found myself wanting more of the "why" behind everything. I was particularly curious about the lore surrounding the powers, where they came from, how they developed, and whether this will be expanded upon in future books. At times, it felt like there wasnt enough explanations how often do people get powers? Are there a lot of normal non powered people? What’s non powered people think of these powered people?? The distinctions and history behind them weren't fully fleshed out.

I also struggled a little with the good vs evil aspect of the story. I never quite understood why Joaquin and Draven were so inherently cruel, even after learning their backstories. Their motivations didn't fully click for me, especially when it came to the way they treated people they supposedly loved.

With stories involving war and conflict, I found it difficult to determine who is truly right or wrong. Here, I found it harder to understand the motivations of each side, which made it difficult for me to fully invest in or justify choosing one side over the other. Especially when “some people” just flipped to the other side in the book. Didn’t your enemy hurt you and your family why would just side with them later?!? Over a girl?

Overall, though, this was an enjoyable read. The pacing kept me engaged, the characters were easy to care about, and I'm definitely curious to see where the story goes next.

[Tracy Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons in Ruin is an absolute must-read and one of those books that completely takes over your life from the very first chapter. I was so captivated that I ended up reading it in a single day because I simply could not put it down. Every time I told myself I would stop after one more chapter, something happened that pulled me right back in. In fact, I was so desperate to know what happened next that I occasionally caught myself skipping ahead, only to force myself to slow down and savor every moment.
This story is action-packed, fast-paced, and filled with twists that kept me constantly guessing. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the author completely surprised me with another unexpected turn. It was refreshing to read a fantasy where not every plot point was predictable, and the mystery surrounding the story kept me fully invested from beginning to end.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was Lia. She felt incredibly real and relatable from the start. Rather than instantly becoming an unstoppable heroine, she begins as someone who is far from perfect and has to work for every bit of progress she makes. Watching her growth throughout the story—both physically and emotionally—was one of the most rewarding parts of the book. Her journey felt authentic because she struggled, learned, and continued pushing herself instead of magically becoming a badass overnight.
The world-building was another pleasant surprise. I went into this book knowing almost nothing about it and loved discovering a unique world filled with magic, danger, and intrigue. The author created a setting that felt fresh while still being easy to immerse yourself in, making every new revelation even more exciting.
The chemistry between Lia and Kylo was absolutely electric. From the smallest touches and lingering glances to the growing emotional connection between them, their relationship had me completely invested. The romance develops at a satisfying pace, striking the perfect balance between slow-burn tension and meaningful progression. When things finally start heating up, the payoff is worth every moment of anticipation, and the spice level feels perfectly suited to the story.
I also appreciated how the author handled the darker themes throughout the novel. While there are definitely trigger warnings readers should check beforehand, the heavier topics are approached with care and sensitivity, adding emotional depth without feeling exploitative.
Perhaps what impressed me most was the ending. The final chapters delivered shocking revelations that left me desperate for more, yet the book still felt satisfying on its own. While it is clearly part of a series, it avoids ending on a massive, frustrating cliffhanger. Instead, it leaves readers excited and eager for the next installment without feeling emotionally tortured while waiting. As a mood reader, I especially appreciated that balance.
Overall, Lessons in Ruin delivered everything I could want in a fantasy romance: action, magic, suspense, incredible character growth, unforgettable chemistry, and plenty of surprises. It gave me complete five-star vibes from beginning to end, and I genuinely can't think of a single thing I didn't enjoy. I am already counting down the days until the next book and can't wait to see where this world goes next.

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️ ARC review of Lessons in Ruin by Lex Lovely ✨️

All thoughts are my own.

WHAT. A. BOOK.
Lex, you have outdone yourself. I am absolutely hands down obsessed with Lessons in Ruin. Dystopian is so back.

The action, the supernatural abilities, and the tension you could cut with a knife?! Top tier. I seriously am in love with Lia and Kylo. They are enemies-to-lovers excellence. I loveeeed seeing the development between them. If you like when the MMC trains the FMC...this is the book for YOU.

I absolutely loved literally every scene with Kylo and Lia. I found myself wanting even moreee of it, even though it definitely was a majority. The bond between Lia and Leo was so sweet. I won't lie I got a little mad at Leo at some point (if I tell you it would be a spoiler), but loved him regardless. Lia and Leo are sooo powerful together. Do NOT threaten or harm one of them when the other is near, I SWEAR you will regret it. Carter and Kylo as a brother duo was so powerful too. I would NOT want to mess with them, SERIOUSLY.

The power/abilities/magic system is so interesting too! I know a lot of people get super tired of a magic system, but genuinely Lex does it in such a way that makes it feel so inviting and unique. Seriously just give it a chance and you will not be disappointed.

You guys will absolutely LOVE Kylo. He's a morally grey, rough around the edges, protective, secret sweetheart. He has his own trauma like the rest of the characters and when you learn about his story you will absolutely fall even more for him. He deserves the WORLD.

Lia is such a strong FMC who turns her trauma into a reason to fight. She's relatable in so many ways, yet I genuinely don't know if I could ever overcome the things she has. I actually feel so proud and happy for her. I love the way she loves her brother Leo. She would (wink wink) seriously go to war for him.

If you ever needed a good representation of a good twin brother, take Leo as one. He LOVES his sister so much. From the very beginning (literally) he just wanted to protect Lia from everything. There were some moments where he made me a little upset but it's okay because he has his reasons...I suppose. Anyways, I love him!

Carter, the reliable, strong, mature leader of the group. I seriously need even more backstory and information on him. We (Lex's street team) need to make him a dating profile NOW. This man is so so so incredible.

This book has seriously cured my insatiable hunger for dystopian dark romance. I am so excited for more. I actually need book 2 NOW.

[Angela Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons In Ruin book review

This book is truly everything you could possibly want in a book, 5/5⭐️ read! There’s trauma, pain, war , violence, wit, love , friendship , found family , self discovery , and a story that sucks you in and sinks It’s fangs into you. These characters have invaded my heart and my mind and I am so not ready to leave them. What this author created is truly a gripping and captivating story.

Meeting Lia and Leo was so fun to see their connection and to see them always having each other‘s backs. Seeing the trauma and the pain and the abuse they had to endure was very difficult, but again seeing their bond and the strength that they gave each other was so beautiful.
Being the children from such an evil and malicious man was hard to see them navigate but also really showed their strength and resilience in themselves and each other.

Lia was such a fun character for me and I resonated and related to her on so many different levels. Watching her find her own strength and realizing how strong she was after all the trauma and abuse was so empowering to read and to see. We may not have gone through the same exact trauma, but seeing the healing she went through from her sexual trauma was very important for me,who has also struggled with the same thing.

Fucking KYLO , my fucking man !!!! Men are just truly better when they are written by women. Strong and protective and possessive. But so charming, sweet, and attentive. His touch her and die vibes are top-tier and the way this man wants to protect her at all costs when he is such a hard ass keeps your heart melting, and your panties wet. 🥵 I want to say so much more, but I do not want to give anything away. The spice and the witty banter and all the slow burn tension and angst between him and Lia was so fucking hot and I loved every moment of it🥵🔥

The story and the plot were filled of action and suspense, and kept you so engrossed and captivated by the story and to see what was going to come next. The last few chapters had so many plot twists and surprises, and honestly left me in all my emotions.

I’m still completely floored with how amazing this book is and I cannot wait for the release date so so many other readers can read this masterpiece. I cannot wait to have more Lia and Kylo and so pumped for book 2 🖤🖤.

[Ravin Rose]

ARC REVIEW 🖤


"For those who learned to survive first and feel later. I see you." From the very first page, this dedication sets the exact tone for the emotional wreckage Lex Lovely is about to put you through.

ARC Review: Lessons in Ruin by Lex Lovely
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️ it's more Plot driven with selective, high tension romance

I completely lost trackof time diving into this world, and by the final page, I was left completely breathless and aching for the next book. Lex Lovely has crafted a beautifully devastating fantasy that balances high stakes with raw, heavy emotion.

The Characters & Dynamics
The heart of this story lies entirely within its characters and how they navigate immense trauma.

Lia: Our protagonist is a force of nature. She isn't just a strong heroine; she is a survivor. Watching her protect the people she loves while carrying a crushing emotional weight was incredibly moving.

The Twin Bond: The loyalty and fiercely protective dynamic between Lia and her twin brother, Leo, provides a beautiful, grounded emotional anchor to the entire narrative. Their mutual sacrifices are the definition of heartwarming and gut-wrenching all at once.

Kylo: The enemies to lovers dynamic here is an absolute masterclass in slow burn tension. The chemistry between him and Lia is palpable, built entirely on meaningful glances, loaded arguments, and a magnetic push and pull.

Plot & World Building
What makes this book stand out is that the romance never eclipses the plot. The story handles heavy themes of survival, fear, and loyalty with incredible maturity. While the world building and magic system leave you intrigued and begging for just a little bit more explanation.
As for the spice level, it is definitely plot forward, The intimate moments are handled with high intensity and deliver exactly what you want, without taking away from the gravity of the overarching story.

Final Verdict
An absolute emotional rollercoaster. It is raw, intense, beautifully paced, and features a cast of characters you will instantly want to protect. Go ahead and clear your calendar before starting this one, because you won't be able to put it down.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons in Ruin by Lex Lovely completely pulled me in from the stat and immersed me in its world. From the atmosphere to the character dynamics, this story had me fully invested emotionally and constantly questioning what was true as the story unfolded.

The dedication alone — “For those who learned to survive first and feel later. I see you.” – hit me hard, and honestly set the tone perfectly for the emotional depth this book carries.

Early on, the dynamic between Lia and Kylo gave me strong Four and Tris vibes from the Divergent series, in the best way. Kylo’s harshness initially comes from the reality that he’s training soldiers for war, while Lia is carrying damage and trauma of her own that slowly begins to unpack itself. Watching him gradually adjust his approach to her, even before fully understanding everything she’s been through, made their dynamic incredibly compelling. Seeing Lia begin to thrive as a result added so much depth to both characters.

One of the strongest aspects of this story was the way memory, perception, and truth were woven into the narrative. The fragmented memories we’re given —combined with the possibility of an unreliable narrator (fear/trauma) – created such an engaging reading experience. Just when I thought I had a grasp on what was happening, another twist completely shifted my perspective. The exploration of how perception can become so distorted that it barely resembles the truth was done exceptionally well. While I wouldn’t call this a central theme – I think it was an incredibly important one.

More than a third of the way into the book, I already knew that this was shaping up to be a 5* read for me —and it absolutely delivered. The character development throughout was excellent, and the emotional layers behind the story carried a lot of weight that isn’t always typical of a fantasy romance.

This is absolutely a must-read in my opinion, but I would strongly encourage readers to check the trigger warnings beforehand because there is a lot to unpack emotionally throughout the story.
I’m already looking forward to seeing what comes next in this universe and can’t wait to read more from this author in the future. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.

[Manuela Molteni · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are opening chapters that ease you in gently, and then there are opening chapters that grab you by the collar before you have even settled into your seat. Lex Lovely has written the second kind, and the audacity of it sets an immediate, very specific expectation for everything that follows.
The story takes a beat or two to reveal its full shape, and there is a brief, slightly untethered stretch in the early middle where the plot's intentions remain pleasantly opaque. Patience, it turns out, is rewarded. Once the pieces begin locking into place, the investment arrives swiftly and stays.
The male lead is, without question, a highlight: volatile, fierce, magnetically readable, and constitutionally incapable of sharing a scene without owning it entirely. The female protagonist requires a slightly longer runway. For a stretch, one wishes she would simply trust what she clearly already knows and step into herself with greater urgency. That she eventually does, and convincingly, makes the journey retrospectively worthwhile. Her arc, slow-burning as it is, lands with genuine satisfaction.
The magic system deserves its own sentence of appreciation. Varied, inventive, and woven into the narrative with enough intricacy to add real texture without tipping into overwhelm. The found family at the story's emotional core is, frankly, wholesome in the best possible way, the kind of ensemble whose dynamics make even quieter scenes worth savouring.
Where the book leaves a quiet hunger is in its wider world. The antagonistic forces pursuing this small group are compelling in outline but underexplored in depth, and the broader architecture of how power, magic, and society intersect feels like territory the author has mapped but not yet fully opened to the reader. One hopes subsequent installments remedy this, because the foundation is genuinely intriguing.
As for the final pages: nothing will be revealed here. Only this: do not begin them somewhere you cannot immediately continue.
A cliffhanger awaits. It is not subtle. You have been warned, and wished the very best of luck.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up

This story is quite a journey that really hits you emotionally. It explores some darker themes of abuse and the lasting impact trauma has on a person. It got pretty rough pretty fast, and my heart was breaking for the twins and everything they’d been forced to endure already 🥺

This world feels more similar to our own than a lot of the romantasy books I read, only with the addition of magic. There’s the hunters who are taking out the magic wielders that won’t join their cause, and then there’s the rebellion group that is working to take them down and earn their peace and freedom. You can expect a lot of secrets and betrayals, along with one shocking twist that left me staring mouth wide open at the screen 😅

The FMC/MMC dynamic was fun to watch unfold. She struggles at first because of her past, and he has to earn her trust so he can train her. He’s dark and broody, and she’s a total pain in his butt 🤣 There’s a lot of great banter and funny scenes both with them and with some of the side characters along the way, many stemming from those with telepathic powers hearing things they weren’t meant to hear 😅

I really enjoyed watching Lia grow and heal, becoming stronger and more self-assured along the way. The found family element was also really sweet, and it helps lighten the tone and the vibe a bit. That ending though… I was very suspicious close to the end, but never would have seen THAT coming 🫠

Some fave quotes:

“I’m built for destruction, not comfort. But right now? I’d turn that destruction on anyone who’s ever made her feel unsafe, and anyone who tries again.”

“Not here. Not now. But soon. I’ll f*ck you until the only thing you feel is me.” He steps away abruptly. “I’ll see you in an hour for training.”

“I’m done being a soft place for men to land their rage.”

“I’ve walked through war and invited death to take me. I’ve survived everything that was designed to break a man until there was nothing left. Then I met you and realized I’m still capable of being destroyed.”

[Alexandra Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so grateful to be an ARC reader for this book because wow… this story completely pulled me in.

From the very beginning, I was invested in the characters. The emotional weight they carried, the trauma they were working through, and the family they found along the way made this story feel so much deeper than just a romance. Every decision felt like it mattered, and I found myself genuinely rooting for them.

The relationship between Lia and Kylo was hands down one of my favorite parts. Their slow burn was done so well. It wasn’t rushed, it wasn’t forced, and you could feel the trust slowly being built piece by piece. Watching two broken people learn to rely on each other made every moment between them worth the wait.

I also loved the found family aspect of the story. The side characters weren’t just there to fill space they each brought something meaningful to the story, and I became just as invested in them as I was in the main characters.

The plot kept me guessing too. Every time I thought I knew where things were going, something happened that completely changed the direction. The twists were well done, the pacing kept me turning pages, and that ending… wow. I immediately wanted the next book.

The only thing that kept this from being a full five stars for me was that I wanted more of the world’s history. I found myself wanting to know more about how everything came to be how the powers originated, why the different groups exist, is everyone aware of the two groups of people, how society functions outside of the main conflict, and what everyday life looks like for people caught in the middle. The foundation of the world is incredibly interesting, and I just wanted even more of it because I was so invested.

Overall, this was an emotional, action packed, slow burn fantasy that balanced romance, found family, character growth, and plot twists really well. It had heart, it had depth, and it had me completely hooked.

I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC reader, and I cannot wait to see where this series goes next.

[Dalia M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was such an incredible read! There were so many things, I was NOT expecting to happen! Before diving in, please check your TW. Your mental health is important and a top priority!

We go on a journey of secrets and betrayal, lots of training, an epic slow burn, and some healing and growth. It was absolutely fantastic. We have elements of magical powers, found family, and trauma. I honestly wasn't expecting elemental magic in this book 😅 I thought it'd be more military like but I was pleasantly surprised!

The Lockhart Twins, Leo and Lia, escape a terrible attempt on their lives by their brother and father and try to survive the best way that they can. They alley themselves with the Radshaw brothers in attempt to end the war with these Aether Hunters, who go around and murder innocent families. Before they can go to war, Leo and Lia, have to learn how to strengthen their powers and learn hand to hand combat to the best of their abilities.

Kylo Radshaw is the epitome of power. He is strong and relentless when he needs to be. His brother, Carter assigns Kylo to train Lia. Although, they bump heads and don't seem to get along, they manage to put things aside so that Lia can become strong and be in control of the many powers that she has.
Carter, trains Leo, and between the two of them they end up keeping a lot of secrets hidden to have the outcome that they want in this war.

Overall, this was an incredible read and even though some parts were rough, I felt everything. I laughed and I cried. Some moments felt absolutely devasting, but the twists and turns we go through on this journey was definitely not what I was expecting. I absolutely loved that we got to see Lia's growth from being unsure and afraid to being in control and confident in her abilities.
I cannot wait for book 2!

Thank you Lex for giving me the privilege to read your book before release and I am so sorry it took me so long to leave a review 😅

[hails · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

sooooooo… after devoting all of my free time to this story, i finally reached the end of Lessons in Ruin.

i fell in love with these characters so effortlessly, the chaotic found family was done so incredibly well. i am more attached to these characters than i ever thought i would be after finishing this. this read was so fast-paced, engaging, it kept me on my toes at ALL times, i genuinely found it so difficult to put down and when i was forced to, found myself thinking about the characters and where the plot could be going until i picked it back up.

although this read definitely incorporates romance, the story is not romance driven. lia’s relationship with her own emotions and trauma was done so breathtakingly well, leo’s compassion and protectiveness as her twin was so meaningful and wholesome. if i wasn’t rocking back and forth from an intense scene, i was swooning over kylo’s banter with lia. lex knows how to write TRUE enemies to lovers— the tension and connection lia and kylo share was so incredible to watch unfold on the pages.

the reason this is not a 5* read for me was just because i felt like i needed a bit more world building right from the beginning in order to fully comprehend the “magic system” if you will, but i am a slow learner and need all of the explaining i can get. additionally i typically like a SLOWWWWWWWWW burn and kylo and lia’s dynamic is more slow-ish burn, so i did wish there was more of a buildup but given the pacing and intensity of the story and situations the characters are involved in, it makes sense. all of that being said, i genuinely cannot WAIT to see where lovely takes us in the next installment, and i am going to need to take a couple of sick days whenever that may be. 🖤

thank you to lex lovely for the arc— i am so grateful to have been apart of this! :)

[gena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. Lessons in Ruin completely consumed me from beginning to end, and that ending?! The last page turned everything upside down and left me staring at my Kindle thinking, OMG, what just happened?!
One of my favorite parts of this story was the bond between the twins, Lia and Leo. Their relationship was incredibly strong, and I loved watching them rely on each other while they were forced to go on the run...The trust they slowly built with others along the way felt natural and added so much depth to the story.
The found-family dynamic among Carter, Kylo, and Zayne was everything I love in a book. And speaking of Kylo...the chemistry between him and Lia was amazing! The love-hate tension had me hooked, and I couldn't get enough of their interactions. The little "pinky" touch shocks! Stolen glances, eye rolls, pure honesty. They both work through so much trauma; they are better together. ❤️
This story doesn't shy away from difficult topics as Lia works through her trauma, and those emotional moments hit hard. Marco's betrayal was shocking, and Leo's sacrifice for the greater cause absolutely broke my heart. The twists kept coming, the pacing was fast, and I never wanted to put it down.
Lia's growing powers added another exciting layer to the story, and every chapter left me wanting more.

Favorite Quotes:
"I'm done being a soft place for men to land their rage."

"For those who learned to survive first and feel later."

This book has found family, romance, betrayal, action, emotional depth, and twists that will leave your jaw on the floor. 🛑Be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading.🛑
An absolutely fantastic read that I won't be forgetting anytime soon! 📚✨💜 This book is a MUST TBR 📚 when does book 2 come out?? This is an ARC read, and this is my honest opinion.

[Birdie | Reading with Birdie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons in Ruin completely pulled me into its world from the very beginning. It’s a fast-paced urban fantasy that combines action, mystery, elemental powers, and a slow-burn romance while gradually revealing its secrets. I found it difficult to put down because every answer seemed to lead to another question, keeping me constantly curious about what would happen next.

What I appreciated most was Lia’s character development. Instead of becoming instantly powerful, her growth feels gradual and earned through training, resilience, and determination. The story doesn’t overlook the impact of her past, allowing her trauma and healing to remain an important part of her journey. Watching her slowly gain confidence in herself and her abilities made her growth especially rewarding.

The relationship between Lia and Kylo was another highlight for me. Their dynamic evolves naturally from distrust and tension into mutual understanding and support, making the slow-burn romance feel believable. Beyond the romance, I also liked how the novel explores trust, secrecy, and the complicated ways people try to protect those they care about, even when those choices have unintended consequences.

The pacing kept me engaged throughout, balancing action, emotional moments, and unexpected twists that genuinely surprised me. I also enjoyed the themes of found family, survival, resilience, and empowerment woven throughout the story, giving it emotional depth alongside its fantasy elements.

If you enjoy urban fantasy with magical abilities, intense training sequences, compelling character growth, and a slow-burn romance, Lessons in Ruin is well worth picking up. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings beforehand, as the story explores several heavier themes. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.

[Chrissy Ricarda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lessons In Ruin was a very fun read that deals with some heavy subjects. Before you go into this book, please check your trigger warnings.

Lex Lovely leads us on a journey of secrets, betrayal, tension and growth as the Lockhart twins escape an attempt on their lives by their father and older brother. They ally themselves with the Radshaw brothers in the war against the Aether Hunters, but before they’re ready for to fight they’ll both need to hone their skills. Our MMC Kylo Radshaw is assigned to train our FMC Lia Lockhart to control her recently manifested powers and, much to their shared chagrin, must find a way to make sure she’s ready for battle. These two cannot stand each other, and witnessing the progression as they work through their trauma and learn to trust each other is a treat.

I did struggle a bit with the pacing in this book; some of the relationship development and plot progression felt abrupt at times despite the lead up being slow and steady. There was also one plot twist in particular that frustrated me because it caused a really important moment earlier in the book to lose a lot of its impact.

Both of these things aside, I enjoyed reading Lessons In Ruin. There is definitely an influence from ATLA and as a lifelong fan, I was thrilled to see the parallels. The main cast of this book is very memorable and the chemistry between Lia and Kylo is delightful. We love a grouchy, tortured, touch-her-and-d!e kind of MMC and Lex absolutely delivered. I am excited to see what happens in the future as she writes more in this universe!

3.75/5 ✨

**Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book at no cost to myself and am leaving this review voluntarily**

[Jenna Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me from the very first page, and I was instantly obsessed. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down!
The writing was incredibly descriptive creating a vivid world that was easy to picture and get lost in. I especially loved the unique abilities each character possessed they added so much excitement and depth to the story.
Lia and Leo's relationship was absolutely adorable. Their bond as twins was heartwarming and I loved how fiercely supportive they were of one another. They always had each other's backs, no matter what.
Lia quickly became one of my favorite characters. She was relatable, strong and resilient despite everything she had been through. Watching her grow and develop throughout the story was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Kylo had his own struggles and trauma but wow he was definitely swoon-worthy! The romance was everything I wanted and the spice was the perfect addition. It was well-written, added to the characters' connection, and had me kicking my feet and grinning like an idiot
Carter was another standout character. As the leader of the group he always seemed to have a plan ready making him someone everyone could rely on.
The anxiety representation felt very realistic and was handled so well. It added another layer of authenticity to the story that I really appreciated.
The banter between the characters was hilarious and had me laughing out loud more than once. I also loved the found-family dynamic and seeing everyone come together by the end.
And that ending?! Absolutely powerful. The twists completely caught me off guard, and I was left shocked in the best way possible. Now I'm fully invested and counting down the days until book two!

[Gabby05]

"I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review."


From the very beginning, this story completely pulled me in. Lia’s life changes in a single night, and from that moment on, nothing feels safe or certain anymore. I loved how quickly I got attached to her perspective — you really feel her confusion, fear, and determination as she tries to understand what’s real and what’s been hidden from her.

When Kylo is introduced, the energy of the story shifts in such an interesting way. There’s this constant tension between him and Lia — like neither of them fully trusts the other, but at the same time, they can’t ignore the connection building between them. Every interaction between them feels loaded, even in the quieter moments, and that’s what made it so addictive to read.

The whole world around them feels intense and dangerous in a way that keeps you alert the entire time. There’s always this feeling that something bigger is going on, and every answer just leads to more questions. I really enjoyed how the story keeps that sense of mystery alive without ever feeling boring or slow.

What stood out most for me was the dynamic between Lia and Kylo. The training, the forced proximity, the emotional push and pull — it all comes together in a way that makes you want to keep reading just to see what happens between them next. Their relationship has that perfect mix of tension, trust issues, and unspoken feelings that slowly build up in the background of everything else going on.

By the end, I was completely invested in both of them and everything unfolding around them. I genuinely can’t wait to see what happens next with Lia and Kylo and where their story is going to take them.
3.5-4⭐️/5

[Summer Breanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lessons in Ruin by Lex Lovely is an adult dystopian romance book releasing June 30th! I just finished this book and I am in awe of how good it was. I’m not usually one for dystopian books because of how repetitive I feel like they are, but this one was so refreshing and unique. First of all, Lovely sheds so much light on the realities of grief, trauma, and loss, and it makes the book so easy to relate to. I felt an immediate connection with these characters, just as they found connections within each other. Our FMC Lia and her brother Leo share such a strong bond and their love for each other is carried throughout the story. We get to watch their journeys as they heal through their trauma and ultimately grow into themselves and it is beautiful to see. The relationship between Lia and our MMC Kylo is filled with so much tension and yearning- it was so intriguing to read. Kylo absolutely has my heart in both the way he helps Lia heal and how he handles and carries himself. He is the STANDARD of morally grey with a dash of groveling (but just for her) and I am here for it. Now the world building- don’t get me started. I love when authors world build in a thin layer throughout the story that doesn’t feel too heavy, but also lets the reader see it. This is that. Lovely did an amazing job slowly showing us this dystopian world so that it made sense and had all the details without the confusion. Overall, this book was so so good and that ending is leaving me so excited for book two!

Thank you so much Lex Lovely for this amazing eARC (which I will be purchasing as a hardcopy in the future). Your writing talent is inspirational and congratulations on your first book!

[Noëlle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

ARC review! All opinions are my own.

​"I should have listened."

​"For those who learned to survive first and feel later. I see you."

​Right from the very first page, this book hit me in the feelings. The author’s note reads: “For those who learned to survive first and feel later. I see you.” This gave me instant goosebumps and made me feel incredibly seen before the story had even truly begun.

​I went into Lessons in Ruin by Lex Lovely based purely on vibes and the promise of a good time, but I ended up on a wild rollercoaster ride of emotions and mind-bending plot twists. Even now, days after finishing, my mind is still racing, piecing together the subtle secrets that were cleverly strewn throughout the pages.

​Lex spent seven years crafting this debut novel, and honestly, it shows. The sheer amount of thought, effort, and intricate planning that went into this story is insane. Elements I had completely forgotten about came back to bite me in the ass in the best way possible. The world-building and setup are brilliant.

​The story is heavily packed with intense training and fighting scenes. At times, the action moved so fast that I temporarily lost my train of thought and found myself wondering how a scene had suddenly shifted, though that might just be my own attention span getting overwhelmed by the chaos! That said, the writing is incredibly solid overall.

​Lessons in Ruin is a powerful debut that absolutely leaves you staring at the wall thinking, "What the fuck just happened?" I cannot wait to see what Lex Lovely does next.

[Elly Ando · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“For those who learned to survive first and feel later. I see you.”

That author note alone nearly took me out before the story had even started.

I went into Lessons in Ruin expecting a dark fantasy romance with good vibes and some morally grey characters. What I got was a meticulously crafted story that has had my brain working overtime ever since I finished it.

The amount of thought that went into this debut is honestly insane. Lex Lovely spent seven years crafting this story and it shows. Details that seemed insignificant early on come back later in ways that had me questioning everything I thought I knew.

The world-building is fantastic, the training and combat scenes are intense, and the plot twists kept me constantly trying to piece together the bigger picture.

One of my favourite things was how balanced the story felt. The fantasy plot never got overshadowed by the romance, and the romance never felt like an afterthought. Both were given room to breathe and develop naturally.

Character-wise, Carter absolutely stole the show for me, with Zayne not far behind. They kept it grounded in reality for me and were mission focused. Every time either of them appeared on page, I was invested.

Spice-wise, I’d call this a 🌶️🌶️ out of 5. The tension and emotional development are much stronger than the spice, which worked perfectly for this story.

By the end, I was left staring into space trying to connect all the clues, secrets, and revelations that had been scattered throughout the book.

An incredibly impressive debut and I cannot wait to see what Lex Lovely does next.

[Betweenthecoversza · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review 💞

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)

Lessons in Ruin completely pulled me in from the start. The pacing was one of my favorite parts of the book it never felt too slow or rushed, and I felt like I got enough time with the characters to truly understand who they were and what drove them.

The story blends dystopian elements with romance and a fascinating magic system, featuring abilities like telekinesis, siphoning, and future visions. It added so much depth to the world and kept me hooked throughout.

Lia was such an interesting FMC to follow. She goes through so much, but watching her slowly grow into herself was incredibly rewarding. I can already see so much potential for her character development in the next book, and I’m excited to see where her journey goes from here.

And then there’s Kylo. This man. 😩❤️ As someone who loves a good enemies-to-lovers romance, I was absolutely invested. His chemistry with Lia had me turning pages way too late at night, and he quickly became one of my favorite parts of the book.

My only small critique—and the reason this wasn’t a full five stars—is that I wanted a little more emotional depth in some of the grief-related moments. The emotion was there, but I personally would have loved to sit in those feelings a bit longer. Then again, I am someone who loves a book that absolutely destroys me emotionally.

Overall, Lessons in Ruin was beautifully written, engaging from beginning to end, and left me genuinely excited for book two. If you enjoy unique powers, character growth, and enemies-to-lovers tension, this is definitely one to add to your