Ruined

by Alyson Dawn

She catches the eyes of a masked man, but he soon realizes he's not the only monster hidden in the darkness.
(Full blurb to come!)Masked MMCenemies to loversTouch her and dieForced proximityThis is a dark romance and contains themes that may not be suitable for all readers.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 18, 2026

Reviews

[BooksandAshes · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jenny Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Kendra Steward · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jaimie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to receive this book as an early ARC.
My review is my honest opinion.


Ruined is such an amazing story! Immediately you feel connected to both the FMC (Ember) & MMC (Silas). Rooting for them to be together but also enjoying the ride along the way.

I very much appreciate how Ember isn’t a pushover when it comes to Silas. She will hit him with such amazing & hilarious comebacks. Staying true to herself while also being independent & powerful. It’s refreshing to have an FMC stand strong and not just give in…. Although my ass easily would for Silas.🤣

Silas, oh my my Silas. He is amazing and boy does he know it.😅 He’s just another daddy!! Knowing exactly what he wants & doing whatever he wants to get it.🔥I loved seeing his background show us why he is the way he is.

The pace was perfection. The plot & storyline flowed effortlessly. Plus the glimpses into Kyrin & Greyson just make you so excited for what’s to come.

Overall seriously amazing!! ❤️❤️‍🔥

[Natalie Harp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a ARC copy of this book so a MASSIVE thank you to the author.


" The darkness here tends to destroy anything it deems too bright."


I read this book in less than 8 hours, if that says anything. This is the story of Ember and Silas. I loved Ember, she's fiesty, brave and strong. For a FMC she rocks. Silas is a dream, he takes control but also knows when Ember needs to be in control. He is protective even if its a little over the top.
I honestly thought I knew who the villian was the entire time. All the way until they were revealed and I was so wrong.

This book wrapped me up in all things exciting, sexy and intriguing. There is humor and all the things you are looking for in a book titled RUIINED.

I CANNOT wait to read the next in the series!!

[Amy Frye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was epic. The perfect amount of spice and a twisted storyline that had me screaming for answers. I did not put this down until I finished it. I couldn't, I had no control (lol, IYKYK).

Our FMC Ember is strong willed, fiesty and defiant in all the best ways. She knows it drives him crazy, but his darkness is what she craves.

MMC Silas, yummy. Lust at first sight, thinks he can extinguish her fire with his darkness. Only to learn he needs the fire more than he knows.

This is a beautifully dark story with a twist that you will not see coming. I thought I knew who and how. I was so very wrong. But im not even mad about it.

Alyson, absolutely phenomenal! Excited to see what you do next! Im here for it all.

[Jade Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I loved this book! It was fast paced and hot with a side of danger and heart.

One thing about me is I love a s*x club setting. The tone is immediately set on page one. The tension between our mmc (Silas) and fmc (Ember) is delicious, and it carries through the whole book. I loved Embers confidence and strength from the beginning. Usually fmcs in these types of books start off more meek and gain their strength, not miss Ember!! And I loved that. We also get some mental health representation with both characters, which is always appreciated. The plot twist was good and gave Silas a chance to be a hero. I knew exactly who the culprit was. All in all, great binge-able dark romance. Be sure to check triggers and enjoy!!!

[Hira Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh it’s been so long since I absolutely devoured a book in less than 4 hours. This was absolutely delicious and I loved every second of it.

I adore Ember. She’s stubborn, sassy, and absolutely keeps Silas on his toes. I loved never knowing what she’d do next. But omg Silas 🥵 he reminded me exactly why I love dark romance so much. Ember constantly getting under his skin had me laughing. I knew he’d be addicted to her the second she defied him. And spice was spicing. Also despite all the darkness, I loved how sweet he was with her too, always knowing exactly what she needed.

But also holy twist!! Absolute 10/10 experience. I need more immediately.

[ShelvedWithShell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me absolutely hooked from page one. It delivers everything I want in a dark romance. Silas is broody, guarded, and completely consumed by his past, but the moment Ember enters his world, the walls around him slowly begin to crack. Their chemistry was intense, emotional, and impossible to look away from.

If you love dark romance, masked men, obsession, tension, and a love story that completely pulls you in, this book is for you. I couldn’t put it down! Alyson Dawn created such beautifully broken characters and made me feel every emotion right alongside them.

5 huge stars from me. Thank you to Alyson Dawn for the ARC.

This story completely ruined me in the best way!

[Rensmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous, seductive, and utterly addictive from page one. The masked men aren't just a trope here, they're a threat, and the moment the line between captor and protector blurs, you're done for. Ember is a stubborn hothead you can't turn away from because you're terrified she'll burn the whole world down and enjoy every second of it. Silas is the kind of control freak you’ll thank for ruining you. The dynamic between them burns slowly, then explodes into something intense and consuming—and just when you think you've mapped every shadow, Dawn proves there are monsters hiding in the ones you forgot to check.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an arc from the author for an honest review

I loved this story! My only complaint is I wanted it to be longer! It has some of my favorite tropes - masks, stalking, touch her and 💀. Ember is a fiery FMC that gives broody, controlling Silas a run for his money right from the beginning. I loved every interaction of theirs. I also enjoyed the side characters, especially Kyrin. Id love for him and Greyson to both get stories as well. This is a dark romance so be sure to check your triggers!

[Renita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such an interesting book! I loved the uniqueness of the club but what I loved most was the depth behind everything - the reasoning behind the club and the masks. Silas and Ember are so cute. The way that Silas loves her is everything. The plot twist was crazy and I didn’t see that coming. I loveddd Silas’ brothers. They’re crazy and I love that lol. Also the backstory of why Silas “hates” the color yellow?? 😭Overall, I enjoyed this book!

Tropes to look forward to:
🖤 Masked man
🖤 Stalker
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Trauma
🖤 Feisty FMC
And more!

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

I feel like I needed a bit more with the plot! I also feel like the plot twist fell a little flat for me… but regardless this was a fun read. I did enjoy the setting being in the club, that was definitely fun 😏 🥵

Ember is a relatable FMC! I love her fiery attitude and how she doesn’t take any shit.
I absolutely love Silas. He is such a perfect MMC. Under all those layers he’s so caring and will go above and beyond for those he loves.

Thank you Alyson for the eARC!

[Jessica Routt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was soooo AMAZING.....I didn't want it to end. Alyson really knows how to bring her characters to life. I can't wait for the next book in this series. Silas and Ember are one of the best couples I have read about recently. Their connection is so strong you can feel it as your reading. Everyone needs to read this book because I can promise you won't be disappointed.

[Kalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am speechless, I am floored, and I am in love with this story!!!!!! Alyson did an amazing job snatched my soul out of my body and absolutely ruined it with Ruined. I will scream about this from rooftops because this story was incredible and I can't wait for what's next!!! I love a good book that'll wreck me

[Angie Shandley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This book was so good. It had stalking, spice, suspense and obsession. It had everything from my palms to my thighs sweating. 🥵. Ember and Silas were amazing characters both with so much fire. I honestly think Ember is one of my favorite fmcs ever. I give this one all the ⭐️s and 3 🌶️s. This is definitely one you will want to add to your TBR!

[Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chefs kiss 🤌🏼 This was such a good read! Grumpy/sunshine, he falls first, masked men, taboo club, touch her and… Well you know the rest! The spice was spicy and the plot will have you addicted not being able to set it down! As aways this author captivates you and leaves you wanting more!

[Audrey Klamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

OBSESSED! I love a good dark romance and this one was perfect. Very different from others I have read and had me thinking about it constantly. Just when you think you know what is happening, the plot thickens and throws you for a loop. I highly recommend this!!!

[Martha Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

He falls first
Touch her and D*e
Masked men.

If you enjoy any of these tropes I would highly recommend this book. It was so good that I didn't want to put it down and read it in one setting. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Becka Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Arc review**
Once I started reading I couldn't stop. Absolutely loved the FMC and the MMC. Plot was incredible and was not expecting to see what I read!!!! No spoilers so once you know you know!