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Ruined
Not yet published
Expected 18 Jul 26Ember:
The job was supposed to be easy, a simple photography contract at an exclusive club. Little did I know that Silas, the owner, would be arrogant and completely insufferable. Within his dark world, he ruled from behind a mask and within the shadows, while everyone around him bowed at his feet. But I was never the type to obey, and I wasn't about to let him believe he had any control over me.
Silas:
The rules were supposed to be simple, like everything else inside my club. I never expected them to be openly defied by someone made of pure chaos and fire. My anger toward her defiance quickly twisted into an obsession. The more I watched her, the more I wanted to burn. But I soon realized that someone else was tempted by her flames, and I wasn't about to let anyone else claim the woman I planned to ruin.
Written for readers who crave the obsessive type of dark romance. Ruined is filled with masked men and intense "who did this to you" energy, making it a perfect story for those who loved Lights Out and Haunting Adeline.
The job was supposed to be easy, a simple photography contract at an exclusive club. Little did I know that Silas, the owner, would be arrogant and completely insufferable. Within his dark world, he ruled from behind a mask and within the shadows, while everyone around him bowed at his feet. But I was never the type to obey, and I wasn't about to let him believe he had any control over me.
Silas:
The rules were supposed to be simple, like everything else inside my club. I never expected them to be openly defied by someone made of pure chaos and fire. My anger toward her defiance quickly twisted into an obsession. The more I watched her, the more I wanted to burn. But I soon realized that someone else was tempted by her flames, and I wasn't about to let anyone else claim the woman I planned to ruin.
Written for readers who crave the obsessive type of dark romance. Ruined is filled with masked men and intense "who did this to you" energy, making it a perfect story for those who loved Lights Out and Haunting Adeline.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
June 5, 2026
Review:
this book kicked off my June reading strong by being a 5 star read! it was very much different from what I have read lately with the aspect of the setting of a spicy club - this was a first for me and i LOVED it ! The banter between the FMC and MMC was AMAZING made me laugh a kick my feet quite a bit through out the book. I would definitely suggest minding the trigger warnings for this one and yes there was alot of spice but it did not overshadow the plot for me. The plot was so good, it kept me guessing and running to the author to rant about my theories and the feels this book was giving me. I NEED ANOTHER BOOK ASAP Ms. DAWN This was 5/5 !
this book kicked off my June reading strong by being a 5 star read! it was very much different from what I have read lately with the aspect of the setting of a spicy club - this was a first for me and i LOVED it ! The banter between the FMC and MMC was AMAZING made me laugh a kick my feet quite a bit through out the book. I would definitely suggest minding the trigger warnings for this one and yes there was alot of spice but it did not overshadow the plot for me. The plot was so good, it kept me guessing and running to the author to rant about my theories and the feels this book was giving me. I NEED ANOTHER BOOK ASAP Ms. DAWN This was 5/5 !
June 19, 2026
*Advanced Reader Copy review*
Ruined by Alyson Dawn is gripping, fast-paced, and full of tension!
The characters are well written and help you get invested in the story early on. Kyrin is definitely my favourite character, but Silas is so morally grey it’s enough to make your toes curl.
It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, with the added stalker/manipulation elements and the question over who else is keeping tabs on Ember.
Ruined by Alyson Dawn is gripping, fast-paced, and full of tension!
The characters are well written and help you get invested in the story early on. Kyrin is definitely my favourite character, but Silas is so morally grey it’s enough to make your toes curl.
It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, with the added stalker/manipulation elements and the question over who else is keeping tabs on Ember.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 4.25⭐️
Spice: 4🌶️
Advance Reader Copy Review
The punch this packs in less than 300 pages!!! Fast paced and to the point. We have insta-lust. We have angst. We have amazing banter. The Author just gave it all to us.
Our FMC is sassy and has a wild fire burning within. She isn’t scared to stand ten toes down and dive in head first. Her strength was amazing.
Our MMC is a man of very few words but the words he does speak will burn you up!!! He wants to break her and snuff out that wild flame but once he gets burnt by that flame he realizes that, that flame is what’s making him feel alive after being so numb.
The way he falls in love with her is so beautiful. He is willing to do anything to keep her safe. They way they heal each other 🥰
The spice was spicing. lol. I love a man who takes control!!!
I need more of his brothers ASAP though. Please?
Thank you so much Alyson for the opportunity to read this amazing story early! You definitely did your thing.
Spice: 4🌶️
Advance Reader Copy Review
The punch this packs in less than 300 pages!!! Fast paced and to the point. We have insta-lust. We have angst. We have amazing banter. The Author just gave it all to us.
Our FMC is sassy and has a wild fire burning within. She isn’t scared to stand ten toes down and dive in head first. Her strength was amazing.
Our MMC is a man of very few words but the words he does speak will burn you up!!! He wants to break her and snuff out that wild flame but once he gets burnt by that flame he realizes that, that flame is what’s making him feel alive after being so numb.
The way he falls in love with her is so beautiful. He is willing to do anything to keep her safe. They way they heal each other 🥰
The spice was spicing. lol. I love a man who takes control!!!
I need more of his brothers ASAP though. Please?
Thank you so much Alyson for the opportunity to read this amazing story early! You definitely did your thing.
May 30, 2026
ARC review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From the moment I read Ruined, I knew this wasn’t going to be a typical romance. A masked man becoming fascinated with a woman is intriguing enough, but the real hook is the chilling realization that he may not be the most dangerous thing lurking in the shadows.
What makes this story so compelling is the atmosphere. Every interaction feels loaded with tension, secrecy, and the constant sense that something terrible is waiting just around the corner. Instead, it twists expectations by suggesting that monsters come in many forms and not all of them wear masks.
The suspense is what kept me turning pages. Just when I thought I understood who held the power, the story shifted, revealing new layers of darkness beneath the surface. The line between predator and prey becomes increasingly blurred, creating an addictive push and pull that leaves you questioning everyone’s motives.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From the moment I read Ruined, I knew this wasn’t going to be a typical romance. A masked man becoming fascinated with a woman is intriguing enough, but the real hook is the chilling realization that he may not be the most dangerous thing lurking in the shadows.
What makes this story so compelling is the atmosphere. Every interaction feels loaded with tension, secrecy, and the constant sense that something terrible is waiting just around the corner. Instead, it twists expectations by suggesting that monsters come in many forms and not all of them wear masks.
The suspense is what kept me turning pages. Just when I thought I understood who held the power, the story shifted, revealing new layers of darkness beneath the surface. The line between predator and prey becomes increasingly blurred, creating an addictive push and pull that leaves you questioning everyone’s motives.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I came to Ruined as a sworn romantasy reader, someone whose idea of a good time is magic systems and enemies to lovers arcs spanning three kingdoms and 5 books. Dark romance was entirely new territory for me. I had no map. I had no compass. What I had, by the end, was absolutely zero chill and a new favorite book.
Ruined follows Ember, a photographer hired to shoot inside an exclusive, secretive club; the kind of world that operates by its own rules, shrouded in masks and power and things you aren't supposed to see. Then she meets Silas. A masked man who commands absolute control over everyone in his orbit. Everyone, that is, except her.
What immediately won me over was how immersive this book felt. Ember's work as a photographer isn't just a job title, it's a lens (pun intended) through which the entire story breathes. The scenes inside the club are rendered with such sensory detail that I felt like I was in that mirrored room alongside her, watching the world refract back in a hundred directions at once. Alyson Dawn doesn't just describe a scene, she paints it, and you feel the heat of the room and the electric charge of eyes meeting across a crowd. As someone who loves worldbuilding in fantasy, I didn't expect a contemporary dark romance to scratch that itch so completely.
And then there's Ember herself. She is sassy. Gloriously, relentlessly, unapologetically sassy. In a world where everyone bows to Silas, she asks pointed questions about his ego and dick size. She even throws away his flowers (I personally would have kept the flowers, but I respect the commitment to the bit), and she delivers lines that made me laugh out loud in public. Her humor is a shield, but it's also genuinely who she is and that authenticity makes her feel real in a way that's rare.
Silas, for his part, is everything the genre promised and then some. His ego is enormous, his control is absolute, and the moment Ember refuses to fall into line something in him breaks. He wants to ruin her (duh!). He becomes obsessed. And yet, underneath all of that, there is a protectiveness that had me grinning like a fool. The shift from resistance to desire is layered and absolutely delicious. You feel every step of it. I missed dinner. I skipped sleep. I turned into what I can only describe as a gremlin.
What makes Silas more than just a dark, brooding love interest is the world Alyson Dawn builds around him, specifically, his brothers. Kyrin and Greyson are not background characters; they are essential to understanding who Silas is and why. Dawn handles this with a grace that genuinely surprised me. The trauma is not glossed over, but neither is it used as cheap backstory. It lives in the way the brothers interact, in a loyalty so deep and instinctive it feels almost feral. And once you understand what Silas has always been to the people he loves, his obsession with protecting Ember stops being just a dark romance trope. It becomes something that makes complete, aching sense.
But here is what elevates Ruined from a great dark romance into something I think about long after closing it: the writing. Truly, genuinely beautiful writing. I had to put the book down. I stared at the ceiling. That is the kind of writing that makes you want to press the book into strangers' hands in the middle of the grocery store. It is not an accident or a happy coincidence, it's the work of someone who understands that dark romance at its best is not just about heat and tension. It's about being undone. About being, as the title so perfectly says, ruined.
Coming from a fantasy background, I was curious whether dark romance would feel shallow or purely surface level by comparison. Ruined answered that question definitively. The emotions here are just as vast, the character work just as careful, and the world just as lived in. It's simply packaged differently, in a dark club filled with masks and two people who have no business being as compelling together as they are.
Ruined follows Ember, a photographer hired to shoot inside an exclusive, secretive club; the kind of world that operates by its own rules, shrouded in masks and power and things you aren't supposed to see. Then she meets Silas. A masked man who commands absolute control over everyone in his orbit. Everyone, that is, except her.
What immediately won me over was how immersive this book felt. Ember's work as a photographer isn't just a job title, it's a lens (pun intended) through which the entire story breathes. The scenes inside the club are rendered with such sensory detail that I felt like I was in that mirrored room alongside her, watching the world refract back in a hundred directions at once. Alyson Dawn doesn't just describe a scene, she paints it, and you feel the heat of the room and the electric charge of eyes meeting across a crowd. As someone who loves worldbuilding in fantasy, I didn't expect a contemporary dark romance to scratch that itch so completely.
And then there's Ember herself. She is sassy. Gloriously, relentlessly, unapologetically sassy. In a world where everyone bows to Silas, she asks pointed questions about his ego and dick size. She even throws away his flowers (I personally would have kept the flowers, but I respect the commitment to the bit), and she delivers lines that made me laugh out loud in public. Her humor is a shield, but it's also genuinely who she is and that authenticity makes her feel real in a way that's rare.
Silas, for his part, is everything the genre promised and then some. His ego is enormous, his control is absolute, and the moment Ember refuses to fall into line something in him breaks. He wants to ruin her (duh!). He becomes obsessed. And yet, underneath all of that, there is a protectiveness that had me grinning like a fool. The shift from resistance to desire is layered and absolutely delicious. You feel every step of it. I missed dinner. I skipped sleep. I turned into what I can only describe as a gremlin.
What makes Silas more than just a dark, brooding love interest is the world Alyson Dawn builds around him, specifically, his brothers. Kyrin and Greyson are not background characters; they are essential to understanding who Silas is and why. Dawn handles this with a grace that genuinely surprised me. The trauma is not glossed over, but neither is it used as cheap backstory. It lives in the way the brothers interact, in a loyalty so deep and instinctive it feels almost feral. And once you understand what Silas has always been to the people he loves, his obsession with protecting Ember stops being just a dark romance trope. It becomes something that makes complete, aching sense.
But here is what elevates Ruined from a great dark romance into something I think about long after closing it: the writing. Truly, genuinely beautiful writing. I had to put the book down. I stared at the ceiling. That is the kind of writing that makes you want to press the book into strangers' hands in the middle of the grocery store. It is not an accident or a happy coincidence, it's the work of someone who understands that dark romance at its best is not just about heat and tension. It's about being undone. About being, as the title so perfectly says, ruined.
Coming from a fantasy background, I was curious whether dark romance would feel shallow or purely surface level by comparison. Ruined answered that question definitively. The emotions here are just as vast, the character work just as careful, and the world just as lived in. It's simply packaged differently, in a dark club filled with masks and two people who have no business being as compelling together as they are.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ruined had several elements that immediately caught my attention. I always enjoy a morally gray MMC, and Silas delivered on that front. The sex club setting also felt fresh for me, as it’s not a trope or backdrop I’ve encountered often outside of a handful of recent reads.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the relationship between Silas, Greyson, and Kyrin. Their dynamic felt authentic, and I found myself just as invested in their sibling bond as I was in the romance. While it’s clear there are pieces of Greyson and Kyrin’s history that will likely be explored further, I would have loved a little more insight into Greyson specifically in this book.
Where the story lost me was with Ember’s characterization and some of the surrounding plotlines. Nearly every man in the book seemed obsessed with her while she remained completely unaware of it. For me, that dynamic felt unnecessary and unrealistic. Silas’s attraction to Ember didn’t need to be justified by having every other man covet her first. Ember already had qualities that could naturally draw someone to her, and the constant attention from other men ultimately made parts of her characterization feel frustrating rather than endearing. This also tied into the subplot involving her boss secretly being in love with her, which felt like another example of the story piling on male attention rather than adding meaningful depth to Ember’s character or the overall plot.
I also struggled with the masquerade event storyline. After Ember worked hard to earn the photography opportunity and proved herself during the trial shoot, I was excited to see her step into that role. Instead, the event became more focused on her relationship with Silas than on the opportunity she’d worked so hard to achieve. That shift felt disappointing and took away from a moment that could have showcased her growth and ambition.
Overall, Ruined had some strong elements, particularly the morally gray hero, the sibling relationships, and the unique setting. While some character and plot choices didn’t quite land for me, I’ll still be interested to see where the series goes next and learn more about the characters, especially Greyson and Kyrin.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ruined had several elements that immediately caught my attention. I always enjoy a morally gray MMC, and Silas delivered on that front. The sex club setting also felt fresh for me, as it’s not a trope or backdrop I’ve encountered often outside of a handful of recent reads.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the relationship between Silas, Greyson, and Kyrin. Their dynamic felt authentic, and I found myself just as invested in their sibling bond as I was in the romance. While it’s clear there are pieces of Greyson and Kyrin’s history that will likely be explored further, I would have loved a little more insight into Greyson specifically in this book.
Where the story lost me was with Ember’s characterization and some of the surrounding plotlines. Nearly every man in the book seemed obsessed with her while she remained completely unaware of it. For me, that dynamic felt unnecessary and unrealistic. Silas’s attraction to Ember didn’t need to be justified by having every other man covet her first. Ember already had qualities that could naturally draw someone to her, and the constant attention from other men ultimately made parts of her characterization feel frustrating rather than endearing. This also tied into the subplot involving her boss secretly being in love with her, which felt like another example of the story piling on male attention rather than adding meaningful depth to Ember’s character or the overall plot.
I also struggled with the masquerade event storyline. After Ember worked hard to earn the photography opportunity and proved herself during the trial shoot, I was excited to see her step into that role. Instead, the event became more focused on her relationship with Silas than on the opportunity she’d worked so hard to achieve. That shift felt disappointing and took away from a moment that could have showcased her growth and ambition.
Overall, Ruined had some strong elements, particularly the morally gray hero, the sibling relationships, and the unique setting. While some character and plot choices didn’t quite land for me, I’ll still be interested to see where the series goes next and learn more about the characters, especially Greyson and Kyrin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Characters:
Ember:
Ember is what you get if you mix someone an eldest child, a yellow dress and a brat. I love her independence, I like she wants to be financially stable and not rely on her rich friend at all.
Silas:
You have beige people, and you have grey people. He is someone who had to grop up too fast, who hides pain and trauma under control. But he also is someone who will stop at nothing to protect those he cares for.
Greyson:
He kind of brother you call at 2 am, tell him you need to dispose of a body and burn it, and he answer: “Give me 45 min”
Bodhi:
If you are a fan of bodhi in Fourth Wing, I’m sorry.
Romance:
It’s marketed as enemies-to-lovers, and not really. It’s more clashing personalities than lovers. The romance between them is slow. The lust happens fast, and you will have a good bit of action early in the book.
But the romance itself is slow because both characters need to come to terms with a lot in their lives. Even with all that, it happens fast, timeline-wise.
BUT, I still loved it. I cheered for them, I was on the edge of my couch, and I giggled.
Mission accomplished.
My thoughts:
I was in the mood for a good stalker romance, and guuuuurl was I served. I ATE THAT BOOK UP. It’s so damn unfair with how good it is!
The writing style was the first thing that hooked me; I don’t know why exactly, but it did. Before I even noticed, I had finished the book, devouring it within a morning.
I cheered for quite a few characters; I didn’t expect the conclusion. Well, no, I expected it, but I didn’t expect who the asshole would be.
The story is truly captivating; I couldn’t stop reading, wanting to know what would happen, what Silas would do, how Ember would answer and fight back.
Another good point is the way the author talked about trauma, different kinds of trauma and how different people process and live with it differently.
Now I’m sad because I have to leave those characters behind, but a little bird told me there will be more books in the series for the other two brothers. So it’s not the last we hear about Silas and Ember.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 ⭐️ / 🌶️🌶️
First of all, thanks to Alyson for giving me the opportunity to ARC read Ruined.
Silas, our broody MMC, is the owner of a masked sex club called Ruined and spends most of his days observing operations and living a somewhat routine lifestyle. Ember, our bubbly FMC, is the opposite in almost every way! Where Silas is darkness, Ember is light. Where Silas is quiet and broody, Ember is loud and has a fire inside of her that is fitting of her name.
The two collide when Silas’s brother, Kyrin, recommends Ember to be the photographer for the clubs annual masquerade. Silas agrees to give Ember a trial run to see her work and the moment they meet, the shift in the story begins. What starts off as a mutual “dislike” of each other turns into something much more raw, at times spicy and a bit obsessive as the story goes on.
Overall I enjoyed the storyline and liked the little plot twist at the end.
However, there were some things I would’ve like to see more of (or less of) throughout the story. The main ones being:
- I wish we had more time at Ruined. I loved the club dynamic and wished it was more involved.
- I feel like Ember’s job at the bookstore and her boss’s obsession with her was kind of random. I feel like it all could have been left out.
- I wish we had more from Kolby to really sell his obsession with Ember. It seemed like we were supposed to assume he was the one messing with Ember but there really wasn’t anything sketchy about him to give that vibe other than vaguely being told he was into her.
- I wish we had more info about Silas’s background. He vaguely mentioned that his father killed his mom toward the end and then it just got swept under the rug like it wasn’t a big deal.
- I feel like the cop showing up at Silas’s to ask about Bhodi and then nothing else happening with that was odd. Bhodi’s remains most likely would’ve been discovered in the aftermath of the fire so a death investigation would have been more fitting than a missing person investigation IMO.
Those things aside, I still enjoyed the story and the writing style and would read more from Alyson in the future.
First of all, thanks to Alyson for giving me the opportunity to ARC read Ruined.
Silas, our broody MMC, is the owner of a masked sex club called Ruined and spends most of his days observing operations and living a somewhat routine lifestyle. Ember, our bubbly FMC, is the opposite in almost every way! Where Silas is darkness, Ember is light. Where Silas is quiet and broody, Ember is loud and has a fire inside of her that is fitting of her name.
The two collide when Silas’s brother, Kyrin, recommends Ember to be the photographer for the clubs annual masquerade. Silas agrees to give Ember a trial run to see her work and the moment they meet, the shift in the story begins. What starts off as a mutual “dislike” of each other turns into something much more raw, at times spicy and a bit obsessive as the story goes on.
Overall I enjoyed the storyline and liked the little plot twist at the end.
However, there were some things I would’ve like to see more of (or less of) throughout the story. The main ones being:
- I wish we had more time at Ruined. I loved the club dynamic and wished it was more involved.
- I feel like Ember’s job at the bookstore and her boss’s obsession with her was kind of random. I feel like it all could have been left out.
- I wish we had more from Kolby to really sell his obsession with Ember. It seemed like we were supposed to assume he was the one messing with Ember but there really wasn’t anything sketchy about him to give that vibe other than vaguely being told he was into her.
- I wish we had more info about Silas’s background. He vaguely mentioned that his father killed his mom toward the end and then it just got swept under the rug like it wasn’t a big deal.
- I feel like the cop showing up at Silas’s to ask about Bhodi and then nothing else happening with that was odd. Bhodi’s remains most likely would’ve been discovered in the aftermath of the fire so a death investigation would have been more fitting than a missing person investigation IMO.
Those things aside, I still enjoyed the story and the writing style and would read more from Alyson in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really appreciated that the story focuses on the present rather than heavily diving into the characters' past traumas. Those were briefly explored but I like how that didn't take away from their current situation.
There are definitely some spelling and editing issues that get more noticeable as the story progresses. For example in one sentence it said "aign" when it was supposed to say "sign." Another time Greyson said that Greyson sent him when it was supposed to say that Kyrin sent Greyson. Also nearly every man in the story seemed to desire Ember. Personally, that's something I find a bit overdone and annoying. It did not turn me off of the book, it just made me roll my eyes.
I did find Ember to be pretty frustrating at times. She was extremely short-tempered and so determined to get her way that it became a little irritating. However, I do think those traits fit the role she played as Silas’ opposite. Silas, on the other hand, completely won me over from the beginning. He never pretended to be someone he wasn’t, and he was consistently caring and honest about his feelings. While Ember kept denying her feelings for him, which is common in romance stories, it was refreshing to see Silas immediately accept how he felt about her instead of fighting it.
I liked the pace of the story, their banter and their inner thoughts. Silas, club owner, and Ember, photographer, could not be more different and yet their chemistry is off the charts. It was so funny to basically feel how anxious Silas was while reading about Ember not having a savings account nor an emergency contact. I loved the playlist the author put together for this book!
Overall I really enjoyed this book, I'd definitely recommend it and am so glad I got the chance to meet these characters. I'm hoping we get more books focused on the brothers, Kyrin and Greyson.
I really appreciated that the story focuses on the present rather than heavily diving into the characters' past traumas. Those were briefly explored but I like how that didn't take away from their current situation.
There are definitely some spelling and editing issues that get more noticeable as the story progresses. For example in one sentence it said "aign" when it was supposed to say "sign." Another time Greyson said that Greyson sent him when it was supposed to say that Kyrin sent Greyson. Also nearly every man in the story seemed to desire Ember. Personally, that's something I find a bit overdone and annoying. It did not turn me off of the book, it just made me roll my eyes.
I did find Ember to be pretty frustrating at times. She was extremely short-tempered and so determined to get her way that it became a little irritating. However, I do think those traits fit the role she played as Silas’ opposite. Silas, on the other hand, completely won me over from the beginning. He never pretended to be someone he wasn’t, and he was consistently caring and honest about his feelings. While Ember kept denying her feelings for him, which is common in romance stories, it was refreshing to see Silas immediately accept how he felt about her instead of fighting it.
I liked the pace of the story, their banter and their inner thoughts. Silas, club owner, and Ember, photographer, could not be more different and yet their chemistry is off the charts. It was so funny to basically feel how anxious Silas was while reading about Ember not having a savings account nor an emergency contact. I loved the playlist the author put together for this book!
Overall I really enjoyed this book, I'd definitely recommend it and am so glad I got the chance to meet these characters. I'm hoping we get more books focused on the brothers, Kyrin and Greyson.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review!
When darkness calls to you? Do you answer the call or do you run, hide, and bury it deep beneath the surface?
When a simple photography contract at an exclusive club turns into something no one anticipated.
Ember catches the eyes of a masked man, but Silas soon realizes he's not the only monster hidden in the darkness. Will his flame be taken or will he burn everything down to protect his vicious flame for himself🔥
The way this ARC read completely captured me and has become a part of me! I was completely immersed in the story only coming up for air to work, sleep, and eat! The dialogue and banter between Ember and Silas, I ATE it up!
The way Ember stands up to challenges, she is such a spitfire! I love her for it! The growth, chef's kiss! The first chapter had me hooked and I was a goner when she arrived to fulfill the photography contract! I literally have no criticism of this! Except that I adore!
This story has everything you can think of! Suspense and thrill ✔️ Attention grabbed ✔️ Sexy masked men✔️ 🔥😏🤌✔️ Forced Proximity ✔️
Enemies to lovers ✔️ Stalking✔️ Taboo Club✔️
As a teaser, here are five chapters you're gonna want to buckle in for..
As for how you buckle in, that's up to your discretion 😏....
-Chapter 9 🔥🫠👀
-Chapter 17 💀🙌🫠
-Chapter 22💀💀🙏
-Chapter 29🤌🔥💯😳
-Chapter 37 ❤️🙌🫠
My spice rating 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 *chef's kiss*
My rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another masterpiece by the Amazing Indie author Alyson Dawn!
Obsessed!
This book is a dark, masked stalker, romance. The story contains adult content and lists several trigger warnings.
Proceed with caution!
Perfect for dark romance readers who love masked men, “who did this to you” energy, and obsession.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS!
PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY NOW!!
Official release date: 07/18/2026
preorder links:
-https://a.co/d/0g3Uj58r
-https://www.alysondawn.com/product-pa...
#Ruined #maskedmen #indieauthor #darkromance
When darkness calls to you? Do you answer the call or do you run, hide, and bury it deep beneath the surface?
When a simple photography contract at an exclusive club turns into something no one anticipated.
Ember catches the eyes of a masked man, but Silas soon realizes he's not the only monster hidden in the darkness. Will his flame be taken or will he burn everything down to protect his vicious flame for himself🔥
The way this ARC read completely captured me and has become a part of me! I was completely immersed in the story only coming up for air to work, sleep, and eat! The dialogue and banter between Ember and Silas, I ATE it up!
The way Ember stands up to challenges, she is such a spitfire! I love her for it! The growth, chef's kiss! The first chapter had me hooked and I was a goner when she arrived to fulfill the photography contract! I literally have no criticism of this! Except that I adore!
This story has everything you can think of! Suspense and thrill ✔️ Attention grabbed ✔️ Sexy masked men✔️ 🔥😏🤌✔️ Forced Proximity ✔️
Enemies to lovers ✔️ Stalking✔️ Taboo Club✔️
As a teaser, here are five chapters you're gonna want to buckle in for..
As for how you buckle in, that's up to your discretion 😏....
-Chapter 9 🔥🫠👀
-Chapter 17 💀🙌🫠
-Chapter 22💀💀🙏
-Chapter 29🤌🔥💯😳
-Chapter 37 ❤️🙌🫠
My spice rating 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 *chef's kiss*
My rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another masterpiece by the Amazing Indie author Alyson Dawn!
Obsessed!
This book is a dark, masked stalker, romance. The story contains adult content and lists several trigger warnings.
Proceed with caution!
Perfect for dark romance readers who love masked men, “who did this to you” energy, and obsession.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS!
PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY NOW!!
Official release date: 07/18/2026
preorder links:
-https://a.co/d/0g3Uj58r
-https://www.alysondawn.com/product-pa...
#Ruined #maskedmen #indieauthor #darkromance
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC Copy of Ruined sent by the author in exchange for an honest review**
3.5 Stars
3 Spice
Genre: Dark Romance
Tropes: Masked Men, Stalking, Obsession, Touch Her and Die
Main Characters: Silas Solstice and Ember Vale
Ember Vale is a budding photographer who is asked to take some promotional shots for the club, Ruined. When she arrives, she learns that ruined is a Kink Club where a member can determine why they're there by which mask they choose to wear for the duration of their attendance - either a Dominant, a volunteer or a watcher.
The owner, Silas,is arrogant and quiet, and while he meets Ember when she's there to take pictures, he quickly dismisses her presence, which sets Ember off. She continues to do photography work for the club, breaking every rule of the club until Silas has no choice but to handle her in the only way he knows how.
It is then, Silas becomes obsessed with her, wanting to know everything about her, stalking her, putting a tracking device on her phone, and cameras in her home and alternative place of work. Meanwhile, it turns out Ember has another stalker who's keeping themselves in the shadows and unknown, pining all of their actions on Silas.
Overall, this was a very interesting plot that kept me interested. I really liked Ember as a character - she's feisty, intelligent and talented, and it takes her a long time to consider Silas as someone she can trust. I also like the banter between Silas and his brothers, who make a regular appearance throughout the book.
Some points in the plot became a little dry and I found myself wanting to speed through it a bit to get the the information about the second stalker. Some of the description went on a little long and maybe wasn't completely necessary as part of the story.
Over all, this is a really interesting dark romance and I did really enjoy the "two stalkers" plot.
3.5 Stars
3 Spice
Genre: Dark Romance
Tropes: Masked Men, Stalking, Obsession, Touch Her and Die
Main Characters: Silas Solstice and Ember Vale
Ember Vale is a budding photographer who is asked to take some promotional shots for the club, Ruined. When she arrives, she learns that ruined is a Kink Club where a member can determine why they're there by which mask they choose to wear for the duration of their attendance - either a Dominant, a volunteer or a watcher.
The owner, Silas,is arrogant and quiet, and while he meets Ember when she's there to take pictures, he quickly dismisses her presence, which sets Ember off. She continues to do photography work for the club, breaking every rule of the club until Silas has no choice but to handle her in the only way he knows how.
It is then, Silas becomes obsessed with her, wanting to know everything about her, stalking her, putting a tracking device on her phone, and cameras in her home and alternative place of work. Meanwhile, it turns out Ember has another stalker who's keeping themselves in the shadows and unknown, pining all of their actions on Silas.
Overall, this was a very interesting plot that kept me interested. I really liked Ember as a character - she's feisty, intelligent and talented, and it takes her a long time to consider Silas as someone she can trust. I also like the banter between Silas and his brothers, who make a regular appearance throughout the book.
Some points in the plot became a little dry and I found myself wanting to speed through it a bit to get the the information about the second stalker. Some of the description went on a little long and maybe wasn't completely necessary as part of the story.
Over all, this is a really interesting dark romance and I did really enjoy the "two stalkers" plot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🔥 Ruined 🔥
Hot damn.
Masked men, stalking, enemies-to-lovers... this book had me hooked from the start.
Ember was an FMC I could relate to in so many ways. Her spark, her strength, her need for control, and her determination to keep going even when she's completely conflicted. Every emotion she felt made sense, and I found myself rooting for her from the very beginning.
Then there's Silas.
From the moment he appeared on the page, I wanted to figure him out. How can someone be so broody yet soft, demanding yet protective, cold one minute and completely wrecking your heart the next? Ugh. 💙
The story kicks off when Silas's brother hires a random photographer for their masked club. A club where everyone has to wear masks, no exceptions. Honestly, I'm convinced his brother knew exactly what he was doing. Those brothers seem to know each other a little too well.
I loved the dynamic between Silas and Ember right from the start. The pacing is fast, but it never feels rushed. Every chapter kept me guessing about what was really going on behind the world and secrets.
And then...
This book gets dark. Twisted. Messed up in the best way.
There was a moment where I literally yelled, "What the actual fuck?!" followed closely by, "WHY?!" and then a I immediately yelled at Ember too.
No spoilers here, because this is definitely a book that deserves to be experienced blind.
Just know that while you're reading, you'll probably find yourself questioning everything. Is Silas the problem? Is he the villain? Is he the danger? But sometimes the real villain is the one you never see coming.
The title couldn't be more fitting. Ruined absolutely wrecked me, and honestly, Ember's name fits her perfectly too. She burns bright, leaves a mark, and refuses to be extinguished.
Happy reading. 🔥
Hot damn.
Masked men, stalking, enemies-to-lovers... this book had me hooked from the start.
Ember was an FMC I could relate to in so many ways. Her spark, her strength, her need for control, and her determination to keep going even when she's completely conflicted. Every emotion she felt made sense, and I found myself rooting for her from the very beginning.
Then there's Silas.
From the moment he appeared on the page, I wanted to figure him out. How can someone be so broody yet soft, demanding yet protective, cold one minute and completely wrecking your heart the next? Ugh. 💙
The story kicks off when Silas's brother hires a random photographer for their masked club. A club where everyone has to wear masks, no exceptions. Honestly, I'm convinced his brother knew exactly what he was doing. Those brothers seem to know each other a little too well.
I loved the dynamic between Silas and Ember right from the start. The pacing is fast, but it never feels rushed. Every chapter kept me guessing about what was really going on behind the world and secrets.
And then...
This book gets dark. Twisted. Messed up in the best way.
There was a moment where I literally yelled, "What the actual fuck?!" followed closely by, "WHY?!" and then a I immediately yelled at Ember too.
No spoilers here, because this is definitely a book that deserves to be experienced blind.
Just know that while you're reading, you'll probably find yourself questioning everything. Is Silas the problem? Is he the villain? Is he the danger? But sometimes the real villain is the one you never see coming.
The title couldn't be more fitting. Ruined absolutely wrecked me, and honestly, Ember's name fits her perfectly too. She burns bright, leaves a mark, and refuses to be extinguished.
Happy reading. 🔥
Read
June 9, 2026Genre: Dark Romance
Pages: 330
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Series or Standalone: Series , Book 1 in the Sons of Solstice Series
Tropes or Themes: Masked Men, Touch her and d!e, Enimies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Stalking, Taboo Club, Voyeurism, Dubcon, NonCon,
Check Triggers⚠️
Thank you to Alyson for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book.
Ruined was exactly the kind of dark, suspenseful read I was hoping for. A masked man becoming fascinated with a woman is intriguing enough, but the real draw is realizing that he may not be the most dangerous presence lurking in the shadows.
The FMC was one of the highlights for me. She’s fierce, sharp-tongued, and carries a fire that refuses to be extinguished. Rather than backing down, she meets challenges head-on, which made her easy to root for throughout the story.
What kept me glued to the pages was the suspense. Every time I thought I understood who was pulling the strings, the story revealed another hidden layer, shifting the power dynamics and making everyone seem a little more dangerous. The blurred line between predator and prey created an addictive tension that had me.
My only small critique was that some of the attention directed toward the FMC felt a bit excessive at times. The central connection was strong enough on its own, so a few additional characters' interest in her felt somewhat repetitive rather than adding to the story. I also found myself wanting to see more focus on her personal achievements, as some opportunities that seemed poised to showcase her strengths occasionally took a back seat to the darker plot developments.
Overall, Ruined is a gripping blend of mystery, suspense, and psychological tension that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Pages: 330
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Series or Standalone: Series , Book 1 in the Sons of Solstice Series
Tropes or Themes: Masked Men, Touch her and d!e, Enimies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Stalking, Taboo Club, Voyeurism, Dubcon, NonCon,
Check Triggers⚠️
Thank you to Alyson for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book.
Ruined was exactly the kind of dark, suspenseful read I was hoping for. A masked man becoming fascinated with a woman is intriguing enough, but the real draw is realizing that he may not be the most dangerous presence lurking in the shadows.
The FMC was one of the highlights for me. She’s fierce, sharp-tongued, and carries a fire that refuses to be extinguished. Rather than backing down, she meets challenges head-on, which made her easy to root for throughout the story.
What kept me glued to the pages was the suspense. Every time I thought I understood who was pulling the strings, the story revealed another hidden layer, shifting the power dynamics and making everyone seem a little more dangerous. The blurred line between predator and prey created an addictive tension that had me.
My only small critique was that some of the attention directed toward the FMC felt a bit excessive at times. The central connection was strong enough on its own, so a few additional characters' interest in her felt somewhat repetitive rather than adding to the story. I also found myself wanting to see more focus on her personal achievements, as some opportunities that seemed poised to showcase her strengths occasionally took a back seat to the darker plot developments.
Overall, Ruined is a gripping blend of mystery, suspense, and psychological tension that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so unexpected in multiple ways, but I loved it! I’m always a fan of books with masked and morally grey men, so if you’re like me, you definitely want to give this book a try.
The story is about Silas and Ember. Silas is all about control and he knows what he wants. He’s a very dominant type and isn’t used to people not doing what he says. But then there comes Ember. She’s a photographer and gets hired by Silas brother Kyrin. Her job is to capture the taboo club and their guests in their natural habitat. After one look, Silas is obsessed with Ember. He stalks and tracks her, trying to find out everything there is to know about Ember. Silas may also find out he’s not the only monster lurking in the dark.
When I read the blurb about masked men I didn’t expect it to be in a taboo club, masquerade setting. But I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The story itself was also very different than how I thought it was going to go. Silas is this serious, almost brooding type. Whereas Ember is a breath of fresh air that disrupts Silas’s life. I love Silas and Ember’s dynamic. They truly compliment each other. Also their chemistry and the spice was hot. Couldn’t get enough.
The brothers Solstice are amazing. They really have each others back when necessary. Kyrin and Greyson have their own personalities and it’s so fun to see how they handle each situation.
Everything about this book was great and I thought it was very fast-paced without it being rushed. I was also on the edge of my seat for the big reveal at the end. It was definitely a plottwist for me. Overall I really enjoyed this book and give it four stars.
Thank you Alyson Dawn for the e.ARC!
The story is about Silas and Ember. Silas is all about control and he knows what he wants. He’s a very dominant type and isn’t used to people not doing what he says. But then there comes Ember. She’s a photographer and gets hired by Silas brother Kyrin. Her job is to capture the taboo club and their guests in their natural habitat. After one look, Silas is obsessed with Ember. He stalks and tracks her, trying to find out everything there is to know about Ember. Silas may also find out he’s not the only monster lurking in the dark.
When I read the blurb about masked men I didn’t expect it to be in a taboo club, masquerade setting. But I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The story itself was also very different than how I thought it was going to go. Silas is this serious, almost brooding type. Whereas Ember is a breath of fresh air that disrupts Silas’s life. I love Silas and Ember’s dynamic. They truly compliment each other. Also their chemistry and the spice was hot. Couldn’t get enough.
The brothers Solstice are amazing. They really have each others back when necessary. Kyrin and Greyson have their own personalities and it’s so fun to see how they handle each situation.
Everything about this book was great and I thought it was very fast-paced without it being rushed. I was also on the edge of my seat for the big reveal at the end. It was definitely a plottwist for me. Overall I really enjoyed this book and give it four stars.
Thank you Alyson Dawn for the e.ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
Themes:
Touch Her and ☠️🖤
Masked Med 🖤
Enemies to Lovers 🔥
Summary:
Ember: The job was supposed to be easy, a simple photography contract at an exclusive club. Little did I know that Silas, the owner, would be arrogant and completely insufferable. Within his dark world, he ruled from behind a mask and within the shadows, while everyone around him bowed at his feet. But I was never the type to obey, and ! wasn't about to let him believe he had any control over me.
Silas: The rules were supposed to be simple, like everything else inside my club. I never expected them to be openly defied by someone made of pure chaos and fire. My anger toward her defiance quickly twisted into an obsession. The more I watched her, the more I wanted to burn. But I soon realized that someone else was tempted by her flames, and I wasn't about to let anyone else claim the woman I planned to ruin.
Review:
This book pulls you in from the first page!! It was an easy read that completely envelopes you. I loved how the FMC (Ember) isn’t some “victim” but a woman full of fire and strength, with a f*ck it attitude. The MMV (Silas) is a broody male who will protect her at any cost, even if she doesn’t know. 😏 If you want to read a story where the MMC’s stalking catches a stalker, this is for you!! There are some dark themes so please look at trigger warnings ‼️
Favorite Quote:
“Our darkness is one that invades without you knowing, a slow kind of ruin. A type that eats you until you’re ready to admit exactly who you are.”
Thank you to Alyson Dawn for the gifted eARC #Ruined #Booktok #SonsOfSolstice
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
Themes:
Touch Her and ☠️🖤
Masked Med 🖤
Enemies to Lovers 🔥
Summary:
Ember: The job was supposed to be easy, a simple photography contract at an exclusive club. Little did I know that Silas, the owner, would be arrogant and completely insufferable. Within his dark world, he ruled from behind a mask and within the shadows, while everyone around him bowed at his feet. But I was never the type to obey, and ! wasn't about to let him believe he had any control over me.
Silas: The rules were supposed to be simple, like everything else inside my club. I never expected them to be openly defied by someone made of pure chaos and fire. My anger toward her defiance quickly twisted into an obsession. The more I watched her, the more I wanted to burn. But I soon realized that someone else was tempted by her flames, and I wasn't about to let anyone else claim the woman I planned to ruin.
Review:
This book pulls you in from the first page!! It was an easy read that completely envelopes you. I loved how the FMC (Ember) isn’t some “victim” but a woman full of fire and strength, with a f*ck it attitude. The MMV (Silas) is a broody male who will protect her at any cost, even if she doesn’t know. 😏 If you want to read a story where the MMC’s stalking catches a stalker, this is for you!! There are some dark themes so please look at trigger warnings ‼️
Favorite Quote:
“Our darkness is one that invades without you knowing, a slow kind of ruin. A type that eats you until you’re ready to admit exactly who you are.”
Thank you to Alyson Dawn for the gifted eARC #Ruined #Booktok #SonsOfSolstice
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, thank you to Alyson Dawn for trusting me with an ARC, first one and I’m so happy! 💙💙
Ruined absolutely had me hooked. I told myself “just one more chapter”… and suddenly it was the middle of the night and my husband woke up asking me if I had put my book down yet. The tension? Yes, Incredible. The emotions? Yes, Emotional damage in the best way. The chemistry between these characters had me kicking my feet one minute, screaming at them the next and wanting me to put down the book but read more at the same time!
The characters felt real, flawed, and impossible not to get invested in. Reading everything unfold had me completely glued to the pages, and there were so many moments that had me gasping, smiling, or wanting to throw my phone across the room. I’m an Apple Books user, sorry. Haven’t gotten a Kindle just yet.
Now let’s talk about the spice… 🌶️🔥 Because if you’re wondering whether there’s such a thing as “too much spice,” the answer is NOPE. Alyson Dawn understood the assignment and DELIVERED. Every spicy scene had me fanning myself, wanting more and it all fit the story instead of feeling forced. If you’re a spice lover, you’re going to be well FED.
If you love dark romance with emotional angst, chemistry, tension that will have you screaming, and spice that keeps delivering, add this to your TBR immediately.
So incredibly grateful for this opportunity for my first ARC read, thank you so much Alyson Dawn, I can’t wait to see what you have in store next! 📚💙💙
Ruined absolutely had me hooked. I told myself “just one more chapter”… and suddenly it was the middle of the night and my husband woke up asking me if I had put my book down yet. The tension? Yes, Incredible. The emotions? Yes, Emotional damage in the best way. The chemistry between these characters had me kicking my feet one minute, screaming at them the next and wanting me to put down the book but read more at the same time!
The characters felt real, flawed, and impossible not to get invested in. Reading everything unfold had me completely glued to the pages, and there were so many moments that had me gasping, smiling, or wanting to throw my phone across the room. I’m an Apple Books user, sorry. Haven’t gotten a Kindle just yet.
Now let’s talk about the spice… 🌶️🔥 Because if you’re wondering whether there’s such a thing as “too much spice,” the answer is NOPE. Alyson Dawn understood the assignment and DELIVERED. Every spicy scene had me fanning myself, wanting more and it all fit the story instead of feeling forced. If you’re a spice lover, you’re going to be well FED.
If you love dark romance with emotional angst, chemistry, tension that will have you screaming, and spice that keeps delivering, add this to your TBR immediately.
So incredibly grateful for this opportunity for my first ARC read, thank you so much Alyson Dawn, I can’t wait to see what you have in store next! 📚💙💙
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Review for Ruined*
"You are going to be whatever the f**k I say you are, sunshine"
Ruined is a dark romance, please read trigger warnings!
Silas is the brooding owner of the s*x club, Ruined. Every patron of Ruined must wear one of three masks...one for voyeurs, one for doms and one for volunteers.
To celebrate another year of the club, Silas is hosting a masquerade event and needs a photographer to cover the event.
Unfortunately for him, his brother has already taken care of it and hired none other than quirky and colourful Ember. Her bratty attitude and bright attire immediately gets on Silas' nerves, especially when she ignores the strict rules of his club. She is under his skin and he is desperate to put her in her place...
This was such an addictive read for me. The tension between the two main characters is stifling from the get-go, and whilst the spice in this book is plentiful, this does not take away from the main storyline, which is tense in itself! Ember seems to always end up in less than favourable situations, and Silas is always ready to claw her straight back out of them. Their relationship is full of sparks but also has a gentleness under the surface that just really makes these two perfect for each other.
5 stars for me! And an author I will definitely be reading more from.
(Plus I need to hear more about Greyson...;))
Thank you to Alyson Dawn for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I am forever grateful <3
"You are going to be whatever the f**k I say you are, sunshine"
Ruined is a dark romance, please read trigger warnings!
Silas is the brooding owner of the s*x club, Ruined. Every patron of Ruined must wear one of three masks...one for voyeurs, one for doms and one for volunteers.
To celebrate another year of the club, Silas is hosting a masquerade event and needs a photographer to cover the event.
Unfortunately for him, his brother has already taken care of it and hired none other than quirky and colourful Ember. Her bratty attitude and bright attire immediately gets on Silas' nerves, especially when she ignores the strict rules of his club. She is under his skin and he is desperate to put her in her place...
This was such an addictive read for me. The tension between the two main characters is stifling from the get-go, and whilst the spice in this book is plentiful, this does not take away from the main storyline, which is tense in itself! Ember seems to always end up in less than favourable situations, and Silas is always ready to claw her straight back out of them. Their relationship is full of sparks but also has a gentleness under the surface that just really makes these two perfect for each other.
5 stars for me! And an author I will definitely be reading more from.
(Plus I need to hear more about Greyson...;))
Thank you to Alyson Dawn for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I am forever grateful <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced reader copy...
Ruined by Alyson Dawn is a captivating dark romance that pulls readers into a world of mystery, obsession, and undeniable chemistry. The story follows Ember, a strong-willed photographer who finds herself drawn into the dangerous world of Silas, a masked man who exudes power and control. What begins as a clash of personalities quickly develops into a complex relationship filled with tension, secrets, and emotional.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its character development. Ember is independent, witty, and refuses to be intimidated, making her an engaging heroine. Silas is equally compelling, balancing confidence and vulnerability in a way that makes him impossible to ignore. Their banter and evolving relationship keep the story moving at a perfect pace.
The dark romance elements are well-executed, creating an atmosphere of suspense while maintaining an emotional connection between the characters. Alyson Dawn's writing is immersive, and the storyline flows naturally, making it difficult to put the book down. The combination of romance, mystery, and intrigue keeps readers invested from beginning to end.
Overall, Ruined is a must-read for fans of dark romance who enjoy enemies-to-lovers dynamics, forced proximity, strong character chemistry, and a touch of danger. It delivers both emotional intensity and engaging storytelling, leaving readers eager for the next installment in the series.
Ruined by Alyson Dawn is a captivating dark romance that pulls readers into a world of mystery, obsession, and undeniable chemistry. The story follows Ember, a strong-willed photographer who finds herself drawn into the dangerous world of Silas, a masked man who exudes power and control. What begins as a clash of personalities quickly develops into a complex relationship filled with tension, secrets, and emotional.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its character development. Ember is independent, witty, and refuses to be intimidated, making her an engaging heroine. Silas is equally compelling, balancing confidence and vulnerability in a way that makes him impossible to ignore. Their banter and evolving relationship keep the story moving at a perfect pace.
The dark romance elements are well-executed, creating an atmosphere of suspense while maintaining an emotional connection between the characters. Alyson Dawn's writing is immersive, and the storyline flows naturally, making it difficult to put the book down. The combination of romance, mystery, and intrigue keeps readers invested from beginning to end.
Overall, Ruined is a must-read for fans of dark romance who enjoy enemies-to-lovers dynamics, forced proximity, strong character chemistry, and a touch of danger. It delivers both emotional intensity and engaging storytelling, leaving readers eager for the next installment in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly, thank you so much Alyson Dawn for allowing me to ARC read your amazing novel.
Omg, I am obsessed with this book.
Absolutely loved it! Many occasions of feet kicking!
Ember, the FMC, is a lovable character with a strong will and fabulous at driving men wild without trying.
Silas, the MMC, is dark, brooding and controlling. He runs an exclusive nightclub hosting surprises inside. He and his two brothers (Kyrin is my fav!) have dark pasts that have moulded them into the men they are today.
When Ember is hired as a photographer for the club, Silas is raging. She wears a bright yellow dress making her stand out and he doubts her abilities. What he doesn't know is that she is strong, talented and stubborn!
He falls first and is obsessed! What will happen, will she fall too or run him off.
Key tropes are:
Masks
Enemies to Lovers
Stalker romance
Obsession
Touch her & die
Forced Proximity
Taboo club
Voyeurism
Spice level 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
Favourite quotes:
"I mean, who would pay for a membership like that? However, the second section was where those questions faded as my eyes halted on the word masks."
"Beautiful chaos cloaked in different forms of stimulation."
"I want everything. History. Records. Real name, if that isn't it. Bank accounts. Web presence. Social. Family. Anything you can find."
"Mine."
"Even then, she had ruined me completely."
Review left voluntarily.
Omg, I am obsessed with this book.
Absolutely loved it! Many occasions of feet kicking!
Ember, the FMC, is a lovable character with a strong will and fabulous at driving men wild without trying.
Silas, the MMC, is dark, brooding and controlling. He runs an exclusive nightclub hosting surprises inside. He and his two brothers (Kyrin is my fav!) have dark pasts that have moulded them into the men they are today.
When Ember is hired as a photographer for the club, Silas is raging. She wears a bright yellow dress making her stand out and he doubts her abilities. What he doesn't know is that she is strong, talented and stubborn!
He falls first and is obsessed! What will happen, will she fall too or run him off.
Key tropes are:
Masks
Enemies to Lovers
Stalker romance
Obsession
Touch her & die
Forced Proximity
Taboo club
Voyeurism
Spice level 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
Favourite quotes:
"I mean, who would pay for a membership like that? However, the second section was where those questions faded as my eyes halted on the word masks."
"Beautiful chaos cloaked in different forms of stimulation."
"I want everything. History. Records. Real name, if that isn't it. Bank accounts. Web presence. Social. Family. Anything you can find."
"Mine."
"Even then, she had ruined me completely."
Review left voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just finished reading Ruined by Alyson Dawn and honestly… this book had me feeling confused in the best possible way.
From the beginning, I loved the tension between Silas and Ember. They absolutely were not fans of each other, but watching Silas slowly become completely obsessed with her? Addicting. The entire dynamic with the cameras and him always having access to her had me constantly questioning myself, was I supposed to be terrified… or a little turned on? Because somehow it was both. 😮💨
What I enjoyed most was how layered the characters felt. Ember goes through so much emotionally, and seeing her slowly thrive with Silas instead of breaking apart made me love their relationship even more. Beneath all the darkness, obsession, and tension, there was still this deep sense of being wanted and treasured.
And that ending?! I genuinely did not see it coming. I kept trying to figure out where the story was heading and was still surprised in the best way. I’m honestly so glad it ended the way it did because Ember finally found not only someone who truly valued her, but also a family she could belong to.
If you enjoy dark romance with obsession, tension, morally gray characters, and the kind of story that keeps you questioning your own feelings the entire time… Ruined is definitely worth the read
From the beginning, I loved the tension between Silas and Ember. They absolutely were not fans of each other, but watching Silas slowly become completely obsessed with her? Addicting. The entire dynamic with the cameras and him always having access to her had me constantly questioning myself, was I supposed to be terrified… or a little turned on? Because somehow it was both. 😮💨
What I enjoyed most was how layered the characters felt. Ember goes through so much emotionally, and seeing her slowly thrive with Silas instead of breaking apart made me love their relationship even more. Beneath all the darkness, obsession, and tension, there was still this deep sense of being wanted and treasured.
And that ending?! I genuinely did not see it coming. I kept trying to figure out where the story was heading and was still surprised in the best way. I’m honestly so glad it ended the way it did because Ember finally found not only someone who truly valued her, but also a family she could belong to.
If you enjoy dark romance with obsession, tension, morally gray characters, and the kind of story that keeps you questioning your own feelings the entire time… Ruined is definitely worth the read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received my advanced reader copy of Ruined yesterday, and finished it today. It was absolutely fabulous!
✅️ MMC is the owner of a taboo club where everyone has to wear a mask.
✅️ feisty spitfire of a FMM who shows up in a bright yellow dress
✅️ impressive stalking and surveillance
✅️ the perfect level of spice that actually adds to the plot and isn't just spice for the sake of spice
This one was a fast paced, funny and thoroughly enjoyable read with a major plot twist that had me yelling at fictional men. Ember is a bookish girl and a photographer who finds herself in a club unlike any she's ever been to before. She has good friends and a seriously hotter than hot stalker she picked up when she used her actual skills and talent to begrudgingly impress him.
Dark and broody Silas did not want to like this literal ray of sunshine but he also could not stop himself from protecting her. When her safety is compromised he neutralizes the threat with extreme prejudice and I loved it! He then goes on to create the environment she needs to heal from it. We need more of him in the real world. Preferably with the hot sex and masks too.
This one could have easily gotten very dark and heavy but the banter and writing style made it the perfect balance of darkness and levity to make me fall in love with it.
✅️ MMC is the owner of a taboo club where everyone has to wear a mask.
✅️ feisty spitfire of a FMM who shows up in a bright yellow dress
✅️ impressive stalking and surveillance
✅️ the perfect level of spice that actually adds to the plot and isn't just spice for the sake of spice
This one was a fast paced, funny and thoroughly enjoyable read with a major plot twist that had me yelling at fictional men. Ember is a bookish girl and a photographer who finds herself in a club unlike any she's ever been to before. She has good friends and a seriously hotter than hot stalker she picked up when she used her actual skills and talent to begrudgingly impress him.
Dark and broody Silas did not want to like this literal ray of sunshine but he also could not stop himself from protecting her. When her safety is compromised he neutralizes the threat with extreme prejudice and I loved it! He then goes on to create the environment she needs to heal from it. We need more of him in the real world. Preferably with the hot sex and masks too.
This one could have easily gotten very dark and heavy but the banter and writing style made it the perfect balance of darkness and levity to make me fall in love with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC COPY REVIEW**
This book was a quick fun read! I do think if you love Dark Romance with a confident and strong FMC/Morally Gray MMC this one is for you. Masked men, taboo, voyeurism, touch her and die vibes. I would definitely say check your trigger warnings. I was honestly hooked from the first page because it’s fast paced so it was immediately wild. The spice is this one was delicious! The tension between the FMC and MMC was one of my favorite parts of the book because it was always there until the FMC fully submits. The plot twist in this book was great, any book that was a twist will do it for me every single time. I feel like I also just resonated with our FMC Ember for multiple reasons, but mainly her background is literally my background story, I wasn’t triggered by any means but just read and and was like damn me too girl. I also just love her name so much(Elemental is my favorite Pixar film). I feel like it’s typically hard to picture myself in books but this one I did see apart of myself in Ember which is so cool for me because that rare for me. Im excited to read more books by this author. Please check this one out for a quick fast paced Dark Romance with great tension and spice with a delicious MMC.
This book was a quick fun read! I do think if you love Dark Romance with a confident and strong FMC/Morally Gray MMC this one is for you. Masked men, taboo, voyeurism, touch her and die vibes. I would definitely say check your trigger warnings. I was honestly hooked from the first page because it’s fast paced so it was immediately wild. The spice is this one was delicious! The tension between the FMC and MMC was one of my favorite parts of the book because it was always there until the FMC fully submits. The plot twist in this book was great, any book that was a twist will do it for me every single time. I feel like I also just resonated with our FMC Ember for multiple reasons, but mainly her background is literally my background story, I wasn’t triggered by any means but just read and and was like damn me too girl. I also just love her name so much(Elemental is my favorite Pixar film). I feel like it’s typically hard to picture myself in books but this one I did see apart of myself in Ember which is so cool for me because that rare for me. Im excited to read more books by this author. Please check this one out for a quick fast paced Dark Romance with great tension and spice with a delicious MMC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🖤 ARC REVIEW 🖤
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Ruined was such a fun read! If life had not been lifeing I would have easily finished this is 2 days!
One thing I absolutely loved was the FMC, Ember. She had a backbone, stood up for herself, and never felt like a pushover. It was so refreshing to read an FMC who knew her worth and wasn't afraid to hold her ground.
Silas was exactly the kind of protective MMC I love. His need to keep Ember safe definitely bordered on overprotective at times, but it only made me love him more. And can we talk about Greyson for a second? I need that man to get his own book because I need to know everything about him.. ASAP!
My only (very) minor critique is that the pacing felt a little quick in places. That said, with the story coming in at under 300 pages, the faster pace made sense and never took away from my overall enjoyment of this book and the characters (I reiterate.. CAN WE TALK ABOUT GREYSON?! NEED MORE!)
Overall, Ruined was an entertaining Dark Romance with a strong characters and enough tension to keep me turning the pages. If you're looking for a quick read with great chemistry and characters, I'd definitely recommend reading this!
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Ruined was such a fun read! If life had not been lifeing I would have easily finished this is 2 days!
One thing I absolutely loved was the FMC, Ember. She had a backbone, stood up for herself, and never felt like a pushover. It was so refreshing to read an FMC who knew her worth and wasn't afraid to hold her ground.
Silas was exactly the kind of protective MMC I love. His need to keep Ember safe definitely bordered on overprotective at times, but it only made me love him more. And can we talk about Greyson for a second? I need that man to get his own book because I need to know everything about him.. ASAP!
My only (very) minor critique is that the pacing felt a little quick in places. That said, with the story coming in at under 300 pages, the faster pace made sense and never took away from my overall enjoyment of this book and the characters (I reiterate.. CAN WE TALK ABOUT GREYSON?! NEED MORE!)
Overall, Ruined was an entertaining Dark Romance with a strong characters and enough tension to keep me turning the pages. If you're looking for a quick read with great chemistry and characters, I'd definitely recommend reading this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an advance reader copy of Ruined by Alyson Dawn. Needless to say, I will definitely be reading more from her!
The first chapter had me hooked immediately. Alyson does such a great job introducing her characters that I instantly connected with them. From the moment I met Silas, I already knew he was going to be one of my favorite MMCs. Then we meet Kyrin and Greyson, and I absolutely loved them too. They’re easily becoming some of my favorite book brothers.
I’m also a sucker for a masked MMC, so that trope had me sold from the beginning. And don’t even get me started on the “touch her and die” vibes—I eat that up every single time.
Ember is a photographer who lands a contract to work at Silas’s exclusive club, and once the story gets going, it doesn’t slow down. There were so many moments where I wanted to scream because I could feel something big was about to happen. Alyson knows exactly how to build suspense and keep you on the edge of your seat. I was completely invested and honestly crashing out right along with Silas. 🤣
Overall, I had such a fun time reading this book. I cannot wait to see what happens next, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book as soon as it’s available!
The first chapter had me hooked immediately. Alyson does such a great job introducing her characters that I instantly connected with them. From the moment I met Silas, I already knew he was going to be one of my favorite MMCs. Then we meet Kyrin and Greyson, and I absolutely loved them too. They’re easily becoming some of my favorite book brothers.
I’m also a sucker for a masked MMC, so that trope had me sold from the beginning. And don’t even get me started on the “touch her and die” vibes—I eat that up every single time.
Ember is a photographer who lands a contract to work at Silas’s exclusive club, and once the story gets going, it doesn’t slow down. There were so many moments where I wanted to scream because I could feel something big was about to happen. Alyson knows exactly how to build suspense and keep you on the edge of your seat. I was completely invested and honestly crashing out right along with Silas. 🤣
Overall, I had such a fun time reading this book. I cannot wait to see what happens next, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book as soon as it’s available!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
🖤 Ruined by Alyson Dawn 🖤
This book had me hooked from the start! It was fast-paced, addictive, and one of those reads where you keep telling yourself "just one more chapter"... and then suddenly you're at the end. 😅
The FMC and MMC completely won me over. Their chemistry was incredible, the tension was chef's kiss, and the spice definitely delivered. 🌶️🔥 But what really made this story stand out for me was how invested I became in the characters themselves.
I absolutely loved the bond between Silas, Greyson, and Kyrin. The brotherly relationship felt so genuine and added so much heart to the story. I'm always a sucker for strong family dynamics, and Alyson Dawn gave us that alongside the romance.
If you're looking for a spicy, character-driven read with great chemistry, family bonds that will make your heart happy, and a plot that keeps the pages turning, then Ruined is definitely one to add to your TBR. 📚✨
Thank you to Alyson Dawn for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. ❤️
#ARCReview #Ruined #AlysonDawn #Bookstagram #BookReview #RomanceBooks #SpicyBooks #BookishLove #ReadersOfInstagram #RomanceReader
🖤 Ruined by Alyson Dawn 🖤
This book had me hooked from the start! It was fast-paced, addictive, and one of those reads where you keep telling yourself "just one more chapter"... and then suddenly you're at the end. 😅
The FMC and MMC completely won me over. Their chemistry was incredible, the tension was chef's kiss, and the spice definitely delivered. 🌶️🔥 But what really made this story stand out for me was how invested I became in the characters themselves.
I absolutely loved the bond between Silas, Greyson, and Kyrin. The brotherly relationship felt so genuine and added so much heart to the story. I'm always a sucker for strong family dynamics, and Alyson Dawn gave us that alongside the romance.
If you're looking for a spicy, character-driven read with great chemistry, family bonds that will make your heart happy, and a plot that keeps the pages turning, then Ruined is definitely one to add to your TBR. 📚✨
Thank you to Alyson Dawn for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. ❤️
#ARCReview #Ruined #AlysonDawn #Bookstagram #BookReview #RomanceBooks #SpicyBooks #BookishLove #ReadersOfInstagram #RomanceReader
June 17, 2026
Trigger Warnings: ON PAGE SA
ARC review, thank you for letting me jump into this world with you!
This was such a quick burning snack of a story (I read it in one day). Starting off with insta-lust and undeniable attraction, our FMC and MMC are circling each other from the beginning. The setting is a spicy adult club where masks set the rules and inhibitions are left at the door.
Our characters develop a surprising amount of depth given the story length, they each have their reasons for their resistance, rage and ultimately reasons for giving in.
This book is spicy, exploring anonymity, possession, power dynamics and trust within the red light lens of obsession and the freedom of consensual participation in "play". I devoured this story, was absolutely here for the FMC/MMC arc even if our MMC is a *little* unhinged.
Trigger Warning: There is a story line within that involves unhealthy obsession, manipulation, grooming and SA. I think it is very important going in to know that there is ON PAGE SA, that the scenes are first person and third person/in retrospect, and that if you are sensitive or triggered by these descriptions that you should be aware of their presence and do what is best for your mental health and well being.
ARC review, thank you for letting me jump into this world with you!
This was such a quick burning snack of a story (I read it in one day). Starting off with insta-lust and undeniable attraction, our FMC and MMC are circling each other from the beginning. The setting is a spicy adult club where masks set the rules and inhibitions are left at the door.
Our characters develop a surprising amount of depth given the story length, they each have their reasons for their resistance, rage and ultimately reasons for giving in.
This book is spicy, exploring anonymity, possession, power dynamics and trust within the red light lens of obsession and the freedom of consensual participation in "play". I devoured this story, was absolutely here for the FMC/MMC arc even if our MMC is a *little* unhinged.
Trigger Warning: There is a story line within that involves unhealthy obsession, manipulation, grooming and SA. I think it is very important going in to know that there is ON PAGE SA, that the scenes are first person and third person/in retrospect, and that if you are sensitive or triggered by these descriptions that you should be aware of their presence and do what is best for your mental health and well being.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re looking for a book that completely consumes you, Ruined is exactly that. From the very first page, it pulls you into a dark, intoxicating world where desire, danger, and power blur together in the most addictive way.
This book is spicy in all the right ways—not just for the heat, but for the tension that builds underneath every interaction. The chemistry is electric, the kind that lingers in your chest long after you’ve put the book down… except you won’t want to put it down. Every chapter leaves you needing just one more, and suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you’re still turning pages.
What really makes Ruined stand out is how it balances that intensity with atmosphere. It’s moody, seductive, and just a little haunting. The writing pulls you in so deeply you feel like you’re right there—watching, feeling, wanting more. The characters are layered and magnetic, drawing you into their world whether you’re ready or not.
If you love books that are dark, passionate, and completely unputdownable, this one will wreck you in the best way possible.
⭐️ Highly recommend for readers who want spice, tension, and a story that lingers long after the last page.
This book is spicy in all the right ways—not just for the heat, but for the tension that builds underneath every interaction. The chemistry is electric, the kind that lingers in your chest long after you’ve put the book down… except you won’t want to put it down. Every chapter leaves you needing just one more, and suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you’re still turning pages.
What really makes Ruined stand out is how it balances that intensity with atmosphere. It’s moody, seductive, and just a little haunting. The writing pulls you in so deeply you feel like you’re right there—watching, feeling, wanting more. The characters are layered and magnetic, drawing you into their world whether you’re ready or not.
If you love books that are dark, passionate, and completely unputdownable, this one will wreck you in the best way possible.
⭐️ Highly recommend for readers who want spice, tension, and a story that lingers long after the last page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was one of the lucky ones to be an ARC reader for Ruined! First time I’ve got to do this!
I really enjoyed the spiciness in this book 🥵 Silas gets what he wants. It’s his way or no way but Ember is the perfect mix for him and I loved how she would confront him and break his rules. She knew she was playing with fire but did it anyway. I loved the obsessive need he had for her. His punishment for her when he counted how many times she “broke the rules” for the number of orgasms he made her do….Holy quacamole 🥵🥵🥵
The different masks to wear for the club - BRILLIANT IDEA and it stood out to me compared to other sex club plots I’ve read.
The Kolby situation I did not see coming so that took me by surprise and added more darkness to the story.
I did feel there could have been more emphasis/storyline throughout the book. Several scenes were quickly to the point and I would have liked to see a bigger buildup and more of a fight from Ember to Silas when he first “destroyed” her. The questioning about Kolby Dead was hardly anything but overall I did enjoy the obsession and “my property” Silas had over Ember and the many surprises towards the end ❤️
I really enjoyed the spiciness in this book 🥵 Silas gets what he wants. It’s his way or no way but Ember is the perfect mix for him and I loved how she would confront him and break his rules. She knew she was playing with fire but did it anyway. I loved the obsessive need he had for her. His punishment for her when he counted how many times she “broke the rules” for the number of orgasms he made her do….Holy quacamole 🥵🥵🥵
The different masks to wear for the club - BRILLIANT IDEA and it stood out to me compared to other sex club plots I’ve read.
The Kolby situation I did not see coming so that took me by surprise and added more darkness to the story.
I did feel there could have been more emphasis/storyline throughout the book. Several scenes were quickly to the point and I would have liked to see a bigger buildup and more of a fight from Ember to Silas when he first “destroyed” her. The questioning about Kolby Dead was hardly anything but overall I did enjoy the obsession and “my property” Silas had over Ember and the many surprises towards the end ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced Reader Copy Review: This was such an addictive read! Ruined pulled me in from the very first chapter and refused to let me go. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book but it completely exceeded my expectations. I loved how it blended romance, suspense, and mystery, keeping me questioning everyone’s interactions until the very end.
The chemistry between the characters was absolutely electric and chaotic all at the same time. The masks added such a unique layer to the beginning interactions. The spice level was perfectly woven into the story- it was hot without taking away from the plot and it only made the tension that much better.
I originally planned to take my time with this book and really savor it but that plan quickly went out the window. Every chapter ended with me telling myself “just one more chapter” and before I knew it I’d finished the entire book in just two days. I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
If you enjoy dark romances with secrets, twists, moral grey characters, and plenty of suspense (and spice!!) this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Thank you to Alyson Dawn for the opportunity to read this arc!
The chemistry between the characters was absolutely electric and chaotic all at the same time. The masks added such a unique layer to the beginning interactions. The spice level was perfectly woven into the story- it was hot without taking away from the plot and it only made the tension that much better.
I originally planned to take my time with this book and really savor it but that plan quickly went out the window. Every chapter ended with me telling myself “just one more chapter” and before I knew it I’d finished the entire book in just two days. I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
If you enjoy dark romances with secrets, twists, moral grey characters, and plenty of suspense (and spice!!) this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Thank you to Alyson Dawn for the opportunity to read this arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this as an arc reader for the author. I am so glad that I was picked to read it. It was a 5 star for me. 3.5 chili peppers!
The chemistry between Silas and Ember is one for the books. They are perfect together. His dark to her light and the fire they bring to the pages was perfect. Silas owns a club that helps one discover their darker side with anonymity to keep this private side, private. Ember is hired to do a photo shoot for the club. She walks into his dark world in a bright yellow dress and stands out like a star on fire. He can't stand it. He can't stand her. She makes him crazy. And he can't get her out of his mind.
Ember is a fly by the seat of her pants, girl. She is free and lives life to the fullest. She can't stand to be told what to do. So when this uptight club owner tries to control her she rebels in every way she can.
But she quickly realizes that she can't escape him now that he's had a taste. He will stop at nothing to have her. And to save her!
Fast paced, high energy, spicy read!!! Highly recommend!
The chemistry between Silas and Ember is one for the books. They are perfect together. His dark to her light and the fire they bring to the pages was perfect. Silas owns a club that helps one discover their darker side with anonymity to keep this private side, private. Ember is hired to do a photo shoot for the club. She walks into his dark world in a bright yellow dress and stands out like a star on fire. He can't stand it. He can't stand her. She makes him crazy. And he can't get her out of his mind.
Ember is a fly by the seat of her pants, girl. She is free and lives life to the fullest. She can't stand to be told what to do. So when this uptight club owner tries to control her she rebels in every way she can.
But she quickly realizes that she can't escape him now that he's had a taste. He will stop at nothing to have her. And to save her!
Fast paced, high energy, spicy read!!! Highly recommend!
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