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Devoted In Darkness #2
Beautifully Ruined: A Dark Rom-Com
Violet
I should be happy that Cade rescued me, but all I can think of is the girl who was being held captive with me.
I made a promise that I’d get her out of there. A promise that I intend to keep. Even if it means exposing myself, exploring desires I never even knew I had.
I tell myself that I can handle it, but how far am I willing to go for someone I barely know?
CADE
Vi is fixated on this girl. She’s not going to stop until she finds her. I use every available source to try and figure out who this girl is.
Our search leads us to a forbidden club called The Dungeon. Turns out, Vi’s got more fantasies hidden away than she realized, I’m determined to help her unlock them.
I thought finding out who I really am might kill our spark, but if anything, it’s burning even brighter than before. But the thing with fire is someone always ends up getting hurt…
Beautifully Ruined is book 2 of the Devoted in the Darkness duet one, where Cade & Violet’s dangerously addictive story began in Sweetly Unhinged —a brother’s best friend, golden-retriever hacker romance with age gap tension and sinful heat.
I should be happy that Cade rescued me, but all I can think of is the girl who was being held captive with me.
I made a promise that I’d get her out of there. A promise that I intend to keep. Even if it means exposing myself, exploring desires I never even knew I had.
I tell myself that I can handle it, but how far am I willing to go for someone I barely know?
CADE
Vi is fixated on this girl. She’s not going to stop until she finds her. I use every available source to try and figure out who this girl is.
Our search leads us to a forbidden club called The Dungeon. Turns out, Vi’s got more fantasies hidden away than she realized, I’m determined to help her unlock them.
I thought finding out who I really am might kill our spark, but if anything, it’s burning even brighter than before. But the thing with fire is someone always ends up getting hurt…
Beautifully Ruined is book 2 of the Devoted in the Darkness duet one, where Cade & Violet’s dangerously addictive story began in Sweetly Unhinged —a brother’s best friend, golden-retriever hacker romance with age gap tension and sinful heat.
Audible Audio
Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews
November 26, 2025
Picking up where Sweetly Unhinged ended, Cade calls in the cavalry to rescue Violet, who is hesitant to walk away.
You would have thought the worst was behind them after recovering Vi from Ivan. Somehow it was just the beginning.
Excellent premise for the duet with well-balanced smut and storyline. Despite wanting to throat punch Vi a few times, I really enjoyed the unexpected twists we had in the conclusion. I would definitely love to see a book for Enzo because you just know when he falls, it’s gonna be hard!! I wouldn’t be mad about more Lia either!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😩
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark-ish, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (10), Forbidden, Forced Proximity, Friends-to-Lovers, Heroine in Danger, Hidden Identity, Kidnapped/Captive, Stalker
💫 Microtropes: Boy Obsessed, Caretaker MMC, Golden Retriever, Hand Necklace
🔆 Character: Hacker, Vigilante
💋 Kinks: 🍑, Angel Wings, Blindfold, Bondage/Restraints, CNC, Degradation, Dirty Talk, Discipline/Punishment, Domination, Edging, Exhibitionism, Finger Licking Good, Gagged, Humiliation, Power Exchange, Public Play, Toys as Teammates
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: Minor Storyline
🚩 Red Flags: Jealous/Possessive/Obsessive, MINE!, Touch-Her-and-💀, Tracking/Spying
⛔️ Safety Squad: Kidnapping/Captive (Not by MMC), Trafficking, Unaliving, Violence and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: New York City, Sex Club
⚠️ Warning: This one-handed read may cause blushing, squirming, combusting panties, and/or self-care. It may also leave you questioning your morals.
📣 Type: Beautifully Ruined is the conclusion to the Devoted in Darkness duet. This series must be read in order.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
You would have thought the worst was behind them after recovering Vi from Ivan. Somehow it was just the beginning.
Excellent premise for the duet with well-balanced smut and storyline. Despite wanting to throat punch Vi a few times, I really enjoyed the unexpected twists we had in the conclusion. I would definitely love to see a book for Enzo because you just know when he falls, it’s gonna be hard!! I wouldn’t be mad about more Lia either!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😩
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark-ish, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (10), Forbidden, Forced Proximity, Friends-to-Lovers, Heroine in Danger, Hidden Identity, Kidnapped/Captive, Stalker
💫 Microtropes: Boy Obsessed, Caretaker MMC, Golden Retriever, Hand Necklace
🔆 Character: Hacker, Vigilante
💋 Kinks: 🍑, Angel Wings, Blindfold, Bondage/Restraints, CNC, Degradation, Dirty Talk, Discipline/Punishment, Domination, Edging, Exhibitionism, Finger Licking Good, Gagged, Humiliation, Power Exchange, Public Play, Toys as Teammates
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: Minor Storyline
🚩 Red Flags: Jealous/Possessive/Obsessive, MINE!, Touch-Her-and-💀, Tracking/Spying
⛔️ Safety Squad: Kidnapping/Captive (Not by MMC), Trafficking, Unaliving, Violence and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: New York City, Sex Club
⚠️ Warning: This one-handed read may cause blushing, squirming, combusting panties, and/or self-care. It may also leave you questioning your morals.
📣 Type: Beautifully Ruined is the conclusion to the Devoted in Darkness duet. This series must be read in order.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
January 26, 2026
An overall review of both books.
The smut was HOT and I enjoyed the first book more than the second, i just did not care for the plot of the second book at all. I loved the ghost plot line in the first but after that it just seemed to fizzle out. Definitely didn’t need a second book and alot of things just didn’t make sense also a major pet peeve of mine is characters putting themselves at risk for absolutely no reason which violet does alot in the second book. To say she’s meant to be a smart and well educated woman she sure did some stupid shit.
The smut was HOT and I enjoyed the first book more than the second, i just did not care for the plot of the second book at all. I loved the ghost plot line in the first but after that it just seemed to fizzle out. Definitely didn’t need a second book and alot of things just didn’t make sense also a major pet peeve of mine is characters putting themselves at risk for absolutely no reason which violet does alot in the second book. To say she’s meant to be a smart and well educated woman she sure did some stupid shit.
January 8, 2026
The story was not as gripping as the first book. I skimmed through the book and just got to the last part to know what happened to Gianna, the truth about Joseph and what happens to Jack. Overall it was just a sub par book.
May 9, 2026
Hot Take: this was not good. The writing was confusing and disconnected. There were tons of errors. There was no consistency in the characters. And it was boring! I will not be continuing the series. Also, the safe word? Pointless. She used it just to see if it worked. 🤨 so Smuthood led me astray a bit on this one.
Recap: Cade Maddox is an elite hacker known as "The Ghost" who works for The Syndicate, a criminal organization that chooses which bad actors to work with. He lives a double life, presenting as an IT professional while conducting sophisticated cyber operations. Violet is a graduate student pursuing her PhD in political science who needs internship experience to qualify for her program.
She previously worked for Councilman Isaac Stengal, who sexually harassed her, and dated Cade's younger brother Jack before their relationship ended due to Jack's infidelity and lack of attention. Violet and Cade initially connected through an anonymous voyeuristic arrangement where Cade, as The Ghost, watched her through cameras, which evolved into a consensual relationship exploring their shared interest in exhibitionism, dominance, and submission. Cade works closely with Enzo, his trusted partner and fellow Syndicate operative, who helps him navigate the dangerous criminal underworld. The story takes place primarily in New York City, moving between Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Queens.
The central conflict begins when Russian mobster Ivan Andronski kidnaps both Cade and Violet, using her as leverage to force Cade to hack into various accounts and steal money. Ivan holds Violet in a basement cell where she communicates through a small hole with another captive named Jean, who has been imprisoned for eight months and shows signs of severe abuse and drug addiction. Cade completes the hacking tasks but deliberately leaves a digital trail to alert Enzo, and claims to have set up an automatic police alert as leverage. Enzo and his team rescue Cade and Violet, killing several of Ivan's men, though Ivan escapes. Violet refuses to leave without Jean, but when they search the basement cells, Jean has been moved. Through DNA analysis of a hairclip Violet found, they identify Jean as Gianna Walsh, daughter of Congressman Joseph Walsh, who disappeared nearly a year ago.
Cade and Violet devise a plan to find Gianna by having Violet intern at Congressman Walsh's office while Cade investigates an exclusive sex club called The Dungeon, owned by billionaire Thomas Allistair. Cade poses as a hacker named Max to gain access to the club and its owner, hoping to find connections to Gianna's disappearance.
Throughout their investigation, Cade and Violet continue their intense sexual relationship, engaging in increasingly daring exhibitionist encounters in public places including parks, theaters, and streets. Their relationship deepens emotionally as they work together, though Cade struggles with wanting to protect Violet while respecting her independence and capabilities. They discover that Macy, a coworker at Walsh's office, also works at The Dungeon and knew Gianna before her disappearance. The investigation reveals that The Dungeon operates a training center hidden behind a fishing supply store, where girls are groomed and potentially trafficked.
The situation escalates when Enzo's uncle Gino kills Ivan during a meeting with Congressman Walsh, potentially alerting Walsh to their investigation. Against Cade's explicit orders, Violet infiltrates the training center alone using hacking tools she took from Cade's apartment, believing she can plant surveillance equipment and escape.
She is discovered by Joseph Walsh, who drugs her and imprisons her in a cell with Gianna. Walsh reveals himself as complicit in his daughter's captivity—he owed money to Ivan and allowed Gianna to be taken as payment rather than face exposure of his sexual crimes. Thomas Allistair plans to sell both Violet and Gianna, along with other captive women, to the highest bidders in an international trafficking network.
Cade, Enzo, and Uncle Gino's men raid the training center to rescue Violet and the other captive women. They fight through armed resistance and discover ten naked, chained women including Violet and Gianna in a warehouse space. Cade frees all the women and uploads a virus to destroy the trafficking network's computer systems. A corrupt detective named Zayne arrives to help the rescued women and handle the authorities. Cade and Enzo capture both Thomas Allistair and Joseph Walsh, forcing them to write detailed confessions naming everyone involved in the trafficking network. They torture and kill Thomas, staging it as suicide, then give Walsh the choice between dying slowly or shooting himself—he chooses suicide. Gianna reunites emotionally with her mother Cassandra, who thanks Violet for saving her daughter. Cade proposes to Violet with a diamond ring over a romantic dinner, and she accepts. Shortly before their wedding, Violet discovers she is pregnant. They marry in a Brooklyn church surrounded by friends and family from both The Syndicate and the mafia. At the reception, Uncle Gino requests that Violet work with his son in politics as a favor, suggesting their connection to the criminal underworld will continue. The book ends with Cade and Violet dancing at their wedding reception, discussing their honeymoon plans as a married couple expecting their first child.
Recap: Cade Maddox is an elite hacker known as "The Ghost" who works for The Syndicate, a criminal organization that chooses which bad actors to work with. He lives a double life, presenting as an IT professional while conducting sophisticated cyber operations. Violet is a graduate student pursuing her PhD in political science who needs internship experience to qualify for her program.
She previously worked for Councilman Isaac Stengal, who sexually harassed her, and dated Cade's younger brother Jack before their relationship ended due to Jack's infidelity and lack of attention. Violet and Cade initially connected through an anonymous voyeuristic arrangement where Cade, as The Ghost, watched her through cameras, which evolved into a consensual relationship exploring their shared interest in exhibitionism, dominance, and submission. Cade works closely with Enzo, his trusted partner and fellow Syndicate operative, who helps him navigate the dangerous criminal underworld. The story takes place primarily in New York City, moving between Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Queens.
The central conflict begins when Russian mobster Ivan Andronski kidnaps both Cade and Violet, using her as leverage to force Cade to hack into various accounts and steal money. Ivan holds Violet in a basement cell where she communicates through a small hole with another captive named Jean, who has been imprisoned for eight months and shows signs of severe abuse and drug addiction. Cade completes the hacking tasks but deliberately leaves a digital trail to alert Enzo, and claims to have set up an automatic police alert as leverage. Enzo and his team rescue Cade and Violet, killing several of Ivan's men, though Ivan escapes. Violet refuses to leave without Jean, but when they search the basement cells, Jean has been moved. Through DNA analysis of a hairclip Violet found, they identify Jean as Gianna Walsh, daughter of Congressman Joseph Walsh, who disappeared nearly a year ago.
Cade and Violet devise a plan to find Gianna by having Violet intern at Congressman Walsh's office while Cade investigates an exclusive sex club called The Dungeon, owned by billionaire Thomas Allistair. Cade poses as a hacker named Max to gain access to the club and its owner, hoping to find connections to Gianna's disappearance.
Throughout their investigation, Cade and Violet continue their intense sexual relationship, engaging in increasingly daring exhibitionist encounters in public places including parks, theaters, and streets. Their relationship deepens emotionally as they work together, though Cade struggles with wanting to protect Violet while respecting her independence and capabilities. They discover that Macy, a coworker at Walsh's office, also works at The Dungeon and knew Gianna before her disappearance. The investigation reveals that The Dungeon operates a training center hidden behind a fishing supply store, where girls are groomed and potentially trafficked.
The situation escalates when Enzo's uncle Gino kills Ivan during a meeting with Congressman Walsh, potentially alerting Walsh to their investigation. Against Cade's explicit orders, Violet infiltrates the training center alone using hacking tools she took from Cade's apartment, believing she can plant surveillance equipment and escape.
She is discovered by Joseph Walsh, who drugs her and imprisons her in a cell with Gianna. Walsh reveals himself as complicit in his daughter's captivity—he owed money to Ivan and allowed Gianna to be taken as payment rather than face exposure of his sexual crimes. Thomas Allistair plans to sell both Violet and Gianna, along with other captive women, to the highest bidders in an international trafficking network.
Cade, Enzo, and Uncle Gino's men raid the training center to rescue Violet and the other captive women. They fight through armed resistance and discover ten naked, chained women including Violet and Gianna in a warehouse space. Cade frees all the women and uploads a virus to destroy the trafficking network's computer systems. A corrupt detective named Zayne arrives to help the rescued women and handle the authorities. Cade and Enzo capture both Thomas Allistair and Joseph Walsh, forcing them to write detailed confessions naming everyone involved in the trafficking network. They torture and kill Thomas, staging it as suicide, then give Walsh the choice between dying slowly or shooting himself—he chooses suicide. Gianna reunites emotionally with her mother Cassandra, who thanks Violet for saving her daughter. Cade proposes to Violet with a diamond ring over a romantic dinner, and she accepts. Shortly before their wedding, Violet discovers she is pregnant. They marry in a Brooklyn church surrounded by friends and family from both The Syndicate and the mafia. At the reception, Uncle Gino requests that Violet work with his son in politics as a favor, suggesting their connection to the criminal underworld will continue. The book ends with Cade and Violet dancing at their wedding reception, discussing their honeymoon plans as a married couple expecting their first child.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2026
2/5 ⭐️
This could've easily been wrapped up in one book...
No need for it to be a duet
This could've easily been wrapped up in one book...
No need for it to be a duet
December 20, 2025
So, I really enjoyed the first book. Though I do wish it was a single book. I had a feeling I wouldn't love this one, but I needed to get my HEA, so I went for it anyway.
I want to start with, I found nothing wrong specifically with the writing. My problem very well may just be me. I got bored. I seriously didn't care and started skimming to hope to get to the HEA. While I enjoyed the dark kink aspect in book 1. Book 2 was a little over the top for me. It was too much, too many times, and too repetitive. I'm glad they found each other. But it would have been a great story, if it just was completed with one book. The whole side quest of book 1 turning into a main plot of book 2 wasn't enjoyable. Plus how stupid can a girl be. Come on Violet, for as educated and seemingly intelligent as she was. This girl should have been killed off. Seriously, if you could make a bad decision, this girl was all "hold my beer" with her dumb choices. None of it really made sense for any normal individuals. I was annoyed with her behavior throughout the whole book. To the point I wish I never read the series. Or just stopped after the I love yous in book 1 and pretended it was their HEA.
I want to start with, I found nothing wrong specifically with the writing. My problem very well may just be me. I got bored. I seriously didn't care and started skimming to hope to get to the HEA. While I enjoyed the dark kink aspect in book 1. Book 2 was a little over the top for me. It was too much, too many times, and too repetitive. I'm glad they found each other. But it would have been a great story, if it just was completed with one book. The whole side quest of book 1 turning into a main plot of book 2 wasn't enjoyable. Plus how stupid can a girl be. Come on Violet, for as educated and seemingly intelligent as she was. This girl should have been killed off. Seriously, if you could make a bad decision, this girl was all "hold my beer" with her dumb choices. None of it really made sense for any normal individuals. I was annoyed with her behavior throughout the whole book. To the point I wish I never read the series. Or just stopped after the I love yous in book 1 and pretended it was their HEA.
December 26, 2025
DNF 79%. Violet’s brashness and impatience is grating. I tried postponing reading it but it’s been a week and I finally came to the conclusion that if I can’t force myself to read this, to the point that I’m avoiding my Kindle, then I should just return it.
January 21, 2026
Meh
This wasn’t a horrible book, but I did struggle to get through it since it seemed to drag on and on. It was difficult to not get frustrated with the MFC because she was naive and hardheaded… A horrible combination. The book had so much potential but the excessive inner monologue ruined it.
This wasn’t a horrible book, but I did struggle to get through it since it seemed to drag on and on. It was difficult to not get frustrated with the MFC because she was naive and hardheaded… A horrible combination. The book had so much potential but the excessive inner monologue ruined it.
September 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
April 13, 2026
1.5 ⭐
This was somehow worse than the first book. I'm a masochist for reading it, but I wanted to know what happened to the girl, Gianna.
This was somehow worse than the first book. I'm a masochist for reading it, but I wanted to know what happened to the girl, Gianna.
February 10, 2026
This was just okay. It felt unnecessary, and I think Cade and Violet’s story could have been wrapped up nicely in one book with a few additional chapters. I wanted to slap Violet throughout most of the book. Both books harp on how smart and mature Violet is, but damn did she make some reckless, ill-informed decisions in this book. The banter was still there, but it wasn’t as engaging and funny as it was in the first book. I also still think the lust to love transition happened too quickly and without developing a deeper connection beyond their kinky interests.
January 31, 2026
This book is what happens when the female lead doesn’t have a fully formed frontal lobe
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2026
Beautifully Ruined picks up immediately after Sweetly Unhinged and dives even deeper into the dark, obsessive world of Violet and Cade. Where the first book focused on discovery and tension, this sequel raises the stakes with a heavier, more dangerous plot and a stronger emotional pull.
Violet's determination to rescue the girl she left behind adds a new layer to her character. She's more reckless, more driven, willing to push boundaries in ways that made the story feel more intense at times, unsettling. Cade, on the other hand, remains just as devoted and obsessive, but we see more of his protective side as the risks around them escalate.
Violet's determination to rescue the girl she left behind adds a new layer to her character. She's more reckless, more driven, willing to push boundaries in ways that made the story feel more intense at times, unsettling. Cade, on the other hand, remains just as devoted and obsessive, but we see more of his protective side as the risks around them escalate.
May 5, 2026
So I really like the stalker vibes. The audio of this is what I really loved. I know why the fmc was brash. Trauma and a strong will does that. The mmc was great and I love that there was a happy ending here. The spice was great. The danger was awesome. I usually prefer more but it still had me wondering what would happen.
February 8, 2026
4 stars
So this one was fun. There was some repetitive word usage, but I enjoyed the writing. The characters drove me crazy sometimes. The MMC with his protective news and the FMC being impulsive, but overall, it was great fun!
So this one was fun. There was some repetitive word usage, but I enjoyed the writing. The characters drove me crazy sometimes. The MMC with his protective news and the FMC being impulsive, but overall, it was great fun!
January 23, 2026
I fear I held back a lot in my review of the first book. So I won't be doing that in this one.
Violet was one of the most infuriating, stubborn, and foolish fmc's I've ever read about. It did not help that after every time she made a terrible decision it was just swept away like nothing. It hurt my brain even more when the mmc tried to make her understand what she did wrong just to give in and sleep with her. Once again brushing it all away.
It landed them in trouble one too many times, trouble the mmc had to fix every. single. time. Which was honestly hurtful considering she's supposed to be getting her PhD.
However, I digress... for now.
Aside from that, the only problem I had with the Cade's character is how he continuously gave into her. Because at the end of the day it hurt them more than it helped. He stuck his neck out a lot to help ease her mind. I absolutely loved the way he adored her.
I also loved Enzo's character. He was honestly a great relief and was always right. I'm even tempted to read his books because of it!!
Violet was one of the most infuriating, stubborn, and foolish fmc's I've ever read about. It did not help that after every time she made a terrible decision it was just swept away like nothing. It hurt my brain even more when the mmc tried to make her understand what she did wrong just to give in and sleep with her. Once again brushing it all away.
It landed them in trouble one too many times, trouble the mmc had to fix every. single. time. Which was honestly hurtful considering she's supposed to be getting her PhD.
However, I digress... for now.
Aside from that, the only problem I had with the Cade's character is how he continuously gave into her. Because at the end of the day it hurt them more than it helped. He stuck his neck out a lot to help ease her mind. I absolutely loved the way he adored her.
I also loved Enzo's character. He was honestly a great relief and was always right. I'm even tempted to read his books because of it!!
June 30, 2026
Okay I actually liked this one way more. It was still very intense but the “fantasies” they explored were less rapey and more just exciting. The main focus though was the drama of searching for this missing girl and them just being in love.
When Violet and Cade were taken by the Russian at the end of the last book, she was put in a cell and she ends up meeting another girl and talking to her, even though she couldn’t see her. When Enzo saves them, she wants to save her but they couldn’t find her so they leave and decide to search on their own. They discover the girl (likely being trafficked) was named Gianna and shes the daughter of a politician. Cade and Enzo start their techy searching and Violet gets an internship at that politicians office to get some inside info. She ends up really liking that guy so it was sad for her when she finds out that she’s bad at the end. During this search, they find a connection to some sex club called The Dungeon, and go there to get a connection to the other and hope to get some inside access. They obviously do and not only does it help their search but it lets Cade and Vi kind of experience some new fantasies together. Violet then befriends a girl at the politicians office that also works at the club and she thinks getting her a job at the club would help find Gianna but Cade says no. Vi goes behind his back and does it anyways and gets caught and almost sold away to traffickers but luckily he saves her with the help of Uncle Gino. Cade was supposed to own him some favors but some cop guy made that go away like it was nothing… I thought that was odd. Anyways, the evil
Russian, the club owner and the dirty politician all die and Vi and Cade get their HEA. He proposes and she finds out they’re pregnant on their wedding day. Alls well that ends well. Still a very smutty book but just glad there was a lot more to it this time. Still hated Jack (the brother) so thought it was hilarious when he found them in the middle of a very sexual scene lol
For future reference, spice level is like 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ lol
When Violet and Cade were taken by the Russian at the end of the last book, she was put in a cell and she ends up meeting another girl and talking to her, even though she couldn’t see her. When Enzo saves them, she wants to save her but they couldn’t find her so they leave and decide to search on their own. They discover the girl (likely being trafficked) was named Gianna and shes the daughter of a politician. Cade and Enzo start their techy searching and Violet gets an internship at that politicians office to get some inside info. She ends up really liking that guy so it was sad for her when she finds out that she’s bad at the end. During this search, they find a connection to some sex club called The Dungeon, and go there to get a connection to the other and hope to get some inside access. They obviously do and not only does it help their search but it lets Cade and Vi kind of experience some new fantasies together. Violet then befriends a girl at the politicians office that also works at the club and she thinks getting her a job at the club would help find Gianna but Cade says no. Vi goes behind his back and does it anyways and gets caught and almost sold away to traffickers but luckily he saves her with the help of Uncle Gino. Cade was supposed to own him some favors but some cop guy made that go away like it was nothing… I thought that was odd. Anyways, the evil
Russian, the club owner and the dirty politician all die and Vi and Cade get their HEA. He proposes and she finds out they’re pregnant on their wedding day. Alls well that ends well. Still a very smutty book but just glad there was a lot more to it this time. Still hated Jack (the brother) so thought it was hilarious when he found them in the middle of a very sexual scene lol
For future reference, spice level is like 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2026
Was about to give up and dnf at 50% but mama raised no quitter. She did, however, raise a complainer and this is a public platform, so hear ye hear fucking ye.
There is a reason why when you search "How many words does a contemporary romance novel have", Google says between 50 and 90k - and that's because it is very much enough words for one couple to meet, get together, have their 3rd act breakup and make up in time for their HEA. The biggest issue BY FAR is that when there are too many words, the author tends to have the FML (and yes, it's always the FML) do something so dumb that I want to throw the book against the wall. What do you mean the smartest girl in the room who is about to get her PHD and interns for a congressman thinks it's a great idea to interrupt her boyfriends work dinner wearing nothing but a trenchcoat? And as punishment he then makes her walk around naked?! The girl that was willing to endure her previous handsy boss to get her dream career is now willing to risk everything (because let's face it, what congressman wants to have someone who is one photograph away from a scandal on staff) because she trusts her boyfriend and doesn't want to use her safeword? You know who doesn't have a safeword? Everyone else walking and driving there!
2.5 stars just because of the ending.
There is a reason why when you search "How many words does a contemporary romance novel have", Google says between 50 and 90k - and that's because it is very much enough words for one couple to meet, get together, have their 3rd act breakup and make up in time for their HEA. The biggest issue BY FAR is that when there are too many words, the author tends to have the FML (and yes, it's always the FML) do something so dumb that I want to throw the book against the wall. What do you mean the smartest girl in the room who is about to get her PHD and interns for a congressman thinks it's a great idea to interrupt her boyfriends work dinner wearing nothing but a trenchcoat? And as punishment he then makes her walk around naked?! The girl that was willing to endure her previous handsy boss to get her dream career is now willing to risk everything (because let's face it, what congressman wants to have someone who is one photograph away from a scandal on staff) because she trusts her boyfriend and doesn't want to use her safeword? You know who doesn't have a safeword? Everyone else walking and driving there!
2.5 stars just because of the ending.
July 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Kira Cole delivered the perfect mix of obsession, angst, spice, and emotional chaos.
Cade is absolutely unhinged in the best dark romance way. He’s possessive, filthy, has a mouth that should come with its own warning label, and somehow manages to be both infuriating and irresistible. If you like morally gray men who love pushing boundaries and aren’t afraid to leave you blushing, Cade is definitely one to add to your list.
But this book isn’t just spice. As Cade and Violet search for Gianna, they uncover dark secrets that completely change what they thought they knew. The mystery kept me hooked, and I loved how the suspense was woven into the romance, making me desperate to know what would happen next.
The chemistry between Cade and Violet is explosive from the very beginning. Their relationship is messy, toxic at times, addictive, and packed with tension that keeps the pages flying. The spice is HOT, and the power dynamics between them definitely won’t be for everyone—but if you love dark romance that embraces the darker side of desire, you’ll eat this up.
Beyond the spice, I really enjoyed watching Violet find her strength. She isn’t perfect, and neither is Cade, but seeing their journey unfold kept me completely invested.
Kira Cole delivered the perfect mix of obsession, angst, spice, and emotional chaos.
Cade is absolutely unhinged in the best dark romance way. He’s possessive, filthy, has a mouth that should come with its own warning label, and somehow manages to be both infuriating and irresistible. If you like morally gray men who love pushing boundaries and aren’t afraid to leave you blushing, Cade is definitely one to add to your list.
But this book isn’t just spice. As Cade and Violet search for Gianna, they uncover dark secrets that completely change what they thought they knew. The mystery kept me hooked, and I loved how the suspense was woven into the romance, making me desperate to know what would happen next.
The chemistry between Cade and Violet is explosive from the very beginning. Their relationship is messy, toxic at times, addictive, and packed with tension that keeps the pages flying. The spice is HOT, and the power dynamics between them definitely won’t be for everyone—but if you love dark romance that embraces the darker side of desire, you’ll eat this up.
Beyond the spice, I really enjoyed watching Violet find her strength. She isn’t perfect, and neither is Cade, but seeing their journey unfold kept me completely invested.
May 13, 2026
Beautifully Ruined is the second book in the Devoted in Darkness series by Kira Cole.
Narrated by Zoe Black and James Cassidy.
Audiobook 5
Story 2
I want to thank Blue Nose and Kira Cole for giving me the opportunity to listen to this book. I have to start by saying that Zoe and James did an incredible job with the narration, they truly brought the characters to life in their own unique ways. Their narration alone was enough to keep me engaged and motivated to finish the book. The spice levels in both books were fantastic, but unfortunately, this one wasn't quite for me. I found myself a bit lost in the plot, and I struggled to connect with the FMC and some of the choices she made. Still, I really appreciate the opportunity to experience this story, and I acknowledge the effort that went into creating it by Blue Nose, the narrators, and Kira Cole.
Narrated by Zoe Black and James Cassidy.
Audiobook 5
Story 2
I want to thank Blue Nose and Kira Cole for giving me the opportunity to listen to this book. I have to start by saying that Zoe and James did an incredible job with the narration, they truly brought the characters to life in their own unique ways. Their narration alone was enough to keep me engaged and motivated to finish the book. The spice levels in both books were fantastic, but unfortunately, this one wasn't quite for me. I found myself a bit lost in the plot, and I struggled to connect with the FMC and some of the choices she made. Still, I really appreciate the opportunity to experience this story, and I acknowledge the effort that went into creating it by Blue Nose, the narrators, and Kira Cole.
May 7, 2026
I loved this one even more than the first!
It had that perfect dark romcom balance. Like yes, it’s twisted and a little unhinged, but I was also smiling and giggling way more than I expected. The pacing was super exciting too I flew through it because something was always happening.
I really appreciated how the book handled kinks and intimacy. It didn’t just throw spice in for shock value, it actually showed the importance of trust, communication, and creating a safe space to explore fantasies. That made everything hit so much harder (and hotter 🥵).
But honestly, my favorite part was the way he loves her. Like sir… stand UP. The devotion?? The obsession?? I ate it up.
It had that perfect dark romcom balance. Like yes, it’s twisted and a little unhinged, but I was also smiling and giggling way more than I expected. The pacing was super exciting too I flew through it because something was always happening.
I really appreciated how the book handled kinks and intimacy. It didn’t just throw spice in for shock value, it actually showed the importance of trust, communication, and creating a safe space to explore fantasies. That made everything hit so much harder (and hotter 🥵).
But honestly, my favorite part was the way he loves her. Like sir… stand UP. The devotion?? The obsession?? I ate it up.
May 16, 2026
That was very satisfying 😏
This is one of those times that, yes, you do have to read book 1 first.
Cade and Violet have hopped out of the fire just to land in the frying pan. Through it all they have to learn to trust each other. The explosive chemistry brought them together, their love is undeniable, but in trying to protect each other, they stop listening and trusting. But don't worry, it all works out in the end, because this is romance and it has to, regardless of how f-d up things get in between.
And the spice is off the charts. Role play, CNC, s*x clubs, and more! Check the CW and TW.
This is one of those times that, yes, you do have to read book 1 first.
Cade and Violet have hopped out of the fire just to land in the frying pan. Through it all they have to learn to trust each other. The explosive chemistry brought them together, their love is undeniable, but in trying to protect each other, they stop listening and trusting. But don't worry, it all works out in the end, because this is romance and it has to, regardless of how f-d up things get in between.
And the spice is off the charts. Role play, CNC, s*x clubs, and more! Check the CW and TW.
October 21, 2026
I loved the first book in this series, but was truly bored by this one. This entire book could have been an additional 10 chapters added to the first. Quite literally every scene with the MCs ended in a spicy scene, and unfortunately, spice is not a plot. I loved finding out what happened to Gianna, but again, that could have been wrapped up in an additional 75 pages to the first book.
May 9, 2026
3.5/5
May 15, 2026
Absolute perfection.
September 3, 2026
This was a really good read. I enjoyed that Violet showed her bravery. I also enjoyed the progression of the storyline. The ending was absolutely perfect! I can't wait to read the next book!
May 10, 2026
3.75⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this alc and first off I will say that the narrators were great in their performance and it def kept me entertained. The craziness that was happening throughout this part was just wild. I felt like the first oart was better but all and all it was a good audio.
I received this alc and first off I will say that the narrators were great in their performance and it def kept me entertained. The craziness that was happening throughout this part was just wild. I felt like the first oart was better but all and all it was a good audio.
September 23, 2026
🎧📚 Beautifully Ruined by Kira Cole
Narrated by James Cassidy & Zoe Black
⭐ Overall: 3/5
❤️ Romance: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice: 3.5/5
🖤 Darkness: 2.5/5
😱 Suspense: 2/5
🎧 Narration: 5/5
💀 VIBE CHECK
Okay, so this one started out as a strong 4 stars for me. I was invested, the plot had my attention, Cade and Violet still had that chemistry and banter I enjoyed from the first book, and there were enough shady people running around that I was happily waiting to see how everything connected.
And then somebody apparently yelled RUN and this book never stopped. 🏃♀️💨
The pacing is FAST. Not cute little page-turner fast, either. More like do not fall asleep while listening to this audiobook fast. You will close your eyes for ten minutes and wake up three questionable decisions, two dangerous people, and an entire criminal organization behind.
I kept waiting for the story to slow down and let some of these plotlines breathe because there was actually a LOT here that interested me. Hacking, dangerous connections, powerful people with secrets, an exclusive underground club, missing people, organized crime…the ingredients were sitting right there.
Unfortunately, some of those ingredients apparently never made it into the casserole. 😂
The plot kept me hooked for a good portion of the book, but eventually Violet made one particular decision and my suspense immediately packed a suitcase and left the building.
Because ma’am…
CADE WARNED US.
At that point I wasn’t wondering if something was going to go horribly wrong. I was just waiting for Violet to discover that the dangerous thing Cade specifically said was dangerous was, in fact…
✨ dangerous. ✨
💜 CADE & VIOLET
Here’s the frustrating part: I still really like these two together.
Their chemistry is great, their banter is genuinely funny, and Cade continued to work for me throughout this book. For the most part, his decisions made sense, and watching him try to keep up with Violet’s chaos was half the entertainment.
Violet, though…girl, we need to talk. 😭
In the first book, I really liked her. She was intelligent, witty, funny, adventurous and bold. Those qualities made her fun.
But as this book progressed, adventurous slowly started turning into reckless, and bold started turning into “I’m not getting my way fast enough, so I’ll just do it myself.”
The more she was told something was dangerous, the more determined she seemed to be to personally verify that information.
And every time that bratty side came out, I liked her a little less.
At one point Cade’s entire mood can basically be summarized as:
I need to save her because I want the opportunity to kill her myself.
And Cade…
I understood you on a spiritual level. 😂
🌶️ SPICE — 3.5/5
Oh, there is spice.
There is PLENTY of spice. 👀🌶️
Cade and Violet definitely do not suffer from a lack of chemistry, and some of these scenes were very enjoyable.
My issue was that after a while, they started feeling repetitive.
Violet talks about having all these fantasies, and with some of the situations and locations this book introduces, I thought we were about to start checking things off that list like we were grocery shopping.
Instead, I kept thinking:
You showed me the entire menu…why do we keep ordering the same entrée? 😂
For the amount of spice we got, I wanted more variety. Especially because the story itself kept teasing opportunities to get a little more adventurous.
Plenty of spice.
Just…not all of it was nice.
🖤 DARKNESS & SUSPENSE
This one is interesting because if I listed the subject matter alone, you’d probably expect me to rate the darkness much higher.
Organized crime. Kidnapping. Trafficking. Powerful people doing terrible things. An exclusive underground club where almost anything goes.
That’s a recipe for me to be sitting there whispering “Ohhhh, we’re going DARK dark.” 👀
Except…we really didn’t.
The potential was absolutely there, but the execution felt surprisingly light considering the subject matter. That’s why I landed around 2.5/5 for darkness.
Suspense was even lower at 2/5.
And once again, I must call my witness to the stand:
CADE WARNED US. 😂
Once Violet decided she knew better and went charging ahead anyway, I knew where this train was headed. I was no longer nervous about what might happen. I was waiting for the consequences we’d already been warned were coming.
Then we hit the ending and apparently somebody looked at the remaining page count and PANICKED.
Suddenly problems are being solved, people are making peace, loose ends are getting tied up, and I’m sitting there thinking…
Wait. Wait wait wait. We’re wrapping up?!
There were plot threads that seemed like they were building toward something important, only for very little to come from them. Other problems were resolved so quickly that I barely had time to process what happened before we were already moving on.
This book began running and crossed the finish line at the exact same speed. 🏃♀️
🎧🚗 AUDIOBOOK DRIVING SAFETY WARNING
Now we need to discuss a legitimate public-safety concern.
James Cassidy.
Sir.
I am trying to operate a motor vehicle. 🚗🥵
James Cassidy and Zoe Black were both fantastic, and the narration was easily one of the strongest parts of this audiobook. 5/5, chef’s kiss. They sold the chemistry, the banter, the tension, and absolutely helped keep me invested when I was getting frustrated with the story itself.
But James Cassidy during certain scenes?
🚨 HIGH DRIVING RISK. 🚨
Hands at ten and two.
Eyes on the road.
Increase following distance.
Maybe crack a window.
Because that man’s voice has gravity and apparently my common sense is susceptible to it. 😂
🏁 FINAL VERDICT
Beautifully Ruined wasn’t a bad book for me. Honestly, that’s almost what makes it more frustrating.
I could see the better book hiding inside it.
I really liked Cade and Violet’s relationship. Their banter remained one of my favorite things about them. Cade held up as a character, the narration was fantastic, and the plot genuinely had me interested for a good portion of the story.
But the pacing never gave anything enough room to breathe. Violet became increasingly bratty and reckless as the story progressed, the spice started getting repetitive despite all the possibilities being teased, and several interesting plot threads either didn’t go where I expected or were wrapped up before they had the chance to really hit.
And that ending?
That ending came flying toward me like it had somewhere else to be. 😂
So this started as a strong 4-star listen and slowly worked its way down to a weak 3 stars by the end.
Would I continue the series?
I know Enzo is over there being funny and trying to tempt me…
But buddy, respectfully…
I think I’m good. 😂📚
Narrated by James Cassidy & Zoe Black
⭐ Overall: 3/5
❤️ Romance: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice: 3.5/5
🖤 Darkness: 2.5/5
😱 Suspense: 2/5
🎧 Narration: 5/5
💀 VIBE CHECK
Okay, so this one started out as a strong 4 stars for me. I was invested, the plot had my attention, Cade and Violet still had that chemistry and banter I enjoyed from the first book, and there were enough shady people running around that I was happily waiting to see how everything connected.
And then somebody apparently yelled RUN and this book never stopped. 🏃♀️💨
The pacing is FAST. Not cute little page-turner fast, either. More like do not fall asleep while listening to this audiobook fast. You will close your eyes for ten minutes and wake up three questionable decisions, two dangerous people, and an entire criminal organization behind.
I kept waiting for the story to slow down and let some of these plotlines breathe because there was actually a LOT here that interested me. Hacking, dangerous connections, powerful people with secrets, an exclusive underground club, missing people, organized crime…the ingredients were sitting right there.
Unfortunately, some of those ingredients apparently never made it into the casserole. 😂
The plot kept me hooked for a good portion of the book, but eventually Violet made one particular decision and my suspense immediately packed a suitcase and left the building.
Because ma’am…
CADE WARNED US.
At that point I wasn’t wondering if something was going to go horribly wrong. I was just waiting for Violet to discover that the dangerous thing Cade specifically said was dangerous was, in fact…
✨ dangerous. ✨
💜 CADE & VIOLET
Here’s the frustrating part: I still really like these two together.
Their chemistry is great, their banter is genuinely funny, and Cade continued to work for me throughout this book. For the most part, his decisions made sense, and watching him try to keep up with Violet’s chaos was half the entertainment.
Violet, though…girl, we need to talk. 😭
In the first book, I really liked her. She was intelligent, witty, funny, adventurous and bold. Those qualities made her fun.
But as this book progressed, adventurous slowly started turning into reckless, and bold started turning into “I’m not getting my way fast enough, so I’ll just do it myself.”
The more she was told something was dangerous, the more determined she seemed to be to personally verify that information.
And every time that bratty side came out, I liked her a little less.
At one point Cade’s entire mood can basically be summarized as:
I need to save her because I want the opportunity to kill her myself.
And Cade…
I understood you on a spiritual level. 😂
🌶️ SPICE — 3.5/5
Oh, there is spice.
There is PLENTY of spice. 👀🌶️
Cade and Violet definitely do not suffer from a lack of chemistry, and some of these scenes were very enjoyable.
My issue was that after a while, they started feeling repetitive.
Violet talks about having all these fantasies, and with some of the situations and locations this book introduces, I thought we were about to start checking things off that list like we were grocery shopping.
Instead, I kept thinking:
You showed me the entire menu…why do we keep ordering the same entrée? 😂
For the amount of spice we got, I wanted more variety. Especially because the story itself kept teasing opportunities to get a little more adventurous.
Plenty of spice.
Just…not all of it was nice.
🖤 DARKNESS & SUSPENSE
This one is interesting because if I listed the subject matter alone, you’d probably expect me to rate the darkness much higher.
Organized crime. Kidnapping. Trafficking. Powerful people doing terrible things. An exclusive underground club where almost anything goes.
That’s a recipe for me to be sitting there whispering “Ohhhh, we’re going DARK dark.” 👀
Except…we really didn’t.
The potential was absolutely there, but the execution felt surprisingly light considering the subject matter. That’s why I landed around 2.5/5 for darkness.
Suspense was even lower at 2/5.
And once again, I must call my witness to the stand:
CADE WARNED US. 😂
Once Violet decided she knew better and went charging ahead anyway, I knew where this train was headed. I was no longer nervous about what might happen. I was waiting for the consequences we’d already been warned were coming.
Then we hit the ending and apparently somebody looked at the remaining page count and PANICKED.
Suddenly problems are being solved, people are making peace, loose ends are getting tied up, and I’m sitting there thinking…
Wait. Wait wait wait. We’re wrapping up?!
There were plot threads that seemed like they were building toward something important, only for very little to come from them. Other problems were resolved so quickly that I barely had time to process what happened before we were already moving on.
This book began running and crossed the finish line at the exact same speed. 🏃♀️
🎧🚗 AUDIOBOOK DRIVING SAFETY WARNING
Now we need to discuss a legitimate public-safety concern.
James Cassidy.
Sir.
I am trying to operate a motor vehicle. 🚗🥵
James Cassidy and Zoe Black were both fantastic, and the narration was easily one of the strongest parts of this audiobook. 5/5, chef’s kiss. They sold the chemistry, the banter, the tension, and absolutely helped keep me invested when I was getting frustrated with the story itself.
But James Cassidy during certain scenes?
🚨 HIGH DRIVING RISK. 🚨
Hands at ten and two.
Eyes on the road.
Increase following distance.
Maybe crack a window.
Because that man’s voice has gravity and apparently my common sense is susceptible to it. 😂
🏁 FINAL VERDICT
Beautifully Ruined wasn’t a bad book for me. Honestly, that’s almost what makes it more frustrating.
I could see the better book hiding inside it.
I really liked Cade and Violet’s relationship. Their banter remained one of my favorite things about them. Cade held up as a character, the narration was fantastic, and the plot genuinely had me interested for a good portion of the story.
But the pacing never gave anything enough room to breathe. Violet became increasingly bratty and reckless as the story progressed, the spice started getting repetitive despite all the possibilities being teased, and several interesting plot threads either didn’t go where I expected or were wrapped up before they had the chance to really hit.
And that ending?
That ending came flying toward me like it had somewhere else to be. 😂
So this started as a strong 4-star listen and slowly worked its way down to a weak 3 stars by the end.
Would I continue the series?
I know Enzo is over there being funny and trying to tempt me…
But buddy, respectfully…
I think I’m good. 😂📚
January 20, 2026
Not A Fan
Only read because the first one ended on a cliffhanger. Truthfully, I skimmed through this one just to see how it would end.
I just didn't enjoy the writing. I don't think things need to be explained several times (like Violet's fantasies) and the plot just wasn't very strong.
Could be that this particular genre is just not for me, but I definitely won't be reading it again or recommending it.
Only read because the first one ended on a cliffhanger. Truthfully, I skimmed through this one just to see how it would end.
I just didn't enjoy the writing. I don't think things need to be explained several times (like Violet's fantasies) and the plot just wasn't very strong.
Could be that this particular genre is just not for me, but I definitely won't be reading it again or recommending it.
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