Beautifully Ruined: A Dark Rom-Com

Devoted In Darkness

by Kira Cole, Zoe Black (Narrator), James Cassidy (Narrator)

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.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, BDSM, Audiobook, Contemporary, Rom Com

Audible Audio

Published May 5, 2026

Reviews

[Kursed Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[BookishAnya · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Loch C · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Sarah♡books · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5 ⭐️

This could've easily been wrapped up in one book...
No need for it to be a duet

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[antimony · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Emms-hiatus(ish) · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Deidre Smallwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[angelictaleslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Zen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Tricia H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is what happens when the female lead doesn’t have a fully formed frontal lobe

[Leena · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!!

[Brenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Brittany Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jamie Stahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[erin.reads.the.things · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute perfection.

[Fallon Story · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Carolin Aichner · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Rachel Leven · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lackluster

Samey sort of Mafia trope, the spice didn't save it even that fell a bit flat. Preferred the first book of the series, disappointed the story took the full on underworld Mafia direction.

And man she wasn't bright, or a heroine - she was thick as mince, the only reason she wasn't trafficked was cos... Guess what - oh yay! A man saved her a woman from her stupid rash decisions.

Hmmm

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet & Cade have moved back into his penthouse. What happened to the brother?* He used to live with Cade. I can’t remember him moving out nor any details regarding the councilman Violet used to intern for. I know he’s dead but not how or why. I’ve read too many books in between.

Violet is starting to get on my nerves. Her idiotic stunt wearing nothing but a coat to ambush Cade at a dinner meeting is so stupid. Also, it doesn’t seem logical that Cade and Enzo would be having a “business” meeting between just the two of them. They work together every day. Why would they need to go to a restaurant? Now, it would be different if they were meeting a potential client (which in actuality Cade was)

Their venture into tracking down a woman who may have been trafficked is admirable on Cade and Enzo’s part as they’re experienced in dealing with criminals. Violet not so much. Did she learn nothing from being abducted and put in a cell?** I wish she’d stay out of it. Oh, and what’s with her obsession with politics? I can’t imagine a more unsatisfying career. Is her new congressman boss somehow involved in his daughter’s disappearance? Maybe he’s not as squeaky clean as Vi believes.*** OMG! OMG! I’m right!

Violet: Or maybe I am being stupid and naive. First intelligent thought she’s had.

I’ve said it before and I'll keep on saying it- I hate these stupid women who truthfully have nothing to offer whatever the situation is but insist on being caught up in the middle.

Violet: “It’s my life, Cade. Not yours. I can do what I want when I want. You don’t actually own me.” Maybe not but she does need a keeper. She’s dumb as a box of rocks.

Violet referring to Congressman Walsh and the Dungeon: “And he goes there, I know he does.”
I’m not sure how long Macy’s been working there but wouldn’t she be afraid of ruining into him. Oops, I spoke too soon. Macy says she doesn’t want anyone at work to know about her side gig. Maybe she’s in on the kidnapping? The water keeps getting murkier.

I love Uncle Gino and his mafia movie thugs.

I’ll admit that Violet did help in exposing the bad guys but she was using a program that Cade had developed and I’m pretty positive he could have managed without her interference. But then there wouldn't be drama, drama, drama.

All the loose ends are wrapped up for a satisfying conclusion. Looking forward to the next duet featuring Enzo.

*He eventually makes an appearance and his new living arrangement is disclosed. But what kind of job is he working at since Cade doesn’t believe he's bartending?
**It’s deja vu all over again.
***I wonder if Ivan knows that Violet is working for Walsh. That would be interesting.

[Shawna Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

🌶️ I’m curious about calling this a “rom com” because really the comedy portion isn’t between the two leads but the male main character and his best friend… the friendship between Cade and Enzo is what really got me to stay until the end.

Loads of smut, which is not what I was looking for, and the books could easily have worked without it (which I would have preferred). Yes, it has its darkness, but there is a balance to it that is well done and the characters are likable.

Cade Maddox is a dual character where you have the sweetness of his everyday IT guy persona and then his darker turn as The Ghost, a vigilante hacker who works with The Syndicate. Plenty of questions abound regarding just who and what the Syndicate is though, plus Enzo’s uncle Gino is a mafia boss, so hello, what’s the story there?

Violet is the wide-eyed innocent who is a bit too naive for this series, and even though she is supposed to be highly intelligent, boy does she make some huge mistakes that put her at risk and needing rescue.

Do I feel this twisted romance is why I stayed with the story? No.

Best friend Enzo is incredibly funny and easily my favorite character, and while he has his own love story coming out in a couple of months, I am not sure I will be reading it. Why? Because I have never been a fan of the mafia/organized crime genre. Am I curious about how Enzo and Cade first met and who/what the Syndicate is and their ultimate mission- I’d dive right in if it was only a thing- but Cade’s story only gives us hints at what it is the boys really do. I want more, not just hints and the author’s decision to not give us more to enrich the world-building is disappointing.

The fact that these two are not only digital masterminds but have no problems whatsoever with getting their hands bloody (quite the surprise the first time it happens) it’s obvious that there is a backstory here crying to be revealed as they are no strangers to darkness.

This duology does hint that we just may see more of Cade’s little brother, Jack, who was the catalyst bringing Cade and Violet together. I don’t know if it will pop up at some point in Enzo’s story (please bring on more of the Enzo/Cade bromance!!!) or if maybe Jack will get his own story one day… it would be nice to know Jack finally figures his life out, but he’s not been in the picture enough to really peak my interest. Does it really matter if we ever find out what it is that this new job entails? No, it doesn’t, but it never hurts to set up a possible future storyline..

The book could have used a final edit as there are some spelling errors, misuse of words and a mountain of punctuation mistakes.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐-> ♾️🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶.5


💜 Dark Romance
🖤 Smex Club
💜 Dual POV 
🖤 Stalker Vibes
💜 Sweetly Spicy 
🖤 Protective + Possessive Vibes
💜 Deliciously Dark
🖤 Forbidden Tension
💜 Golden Retriever Hacker
🖤 Angst + Spice Balance
💜 Broken Obsessed Characters
🖤 Emotional Damage W/ Healing


✨️ 🎧 ALC 🎧 REVIEW ✨️

🎙Narrators: Zoe Black & James Cassidy 🎙

These two are literally the GOAT! This book along with the first are easily at the top of my favorites that these two have done!! The inflection that they gave the4se characters along with the angst, tension, emotion that really gave this book that much more edge! They are so easioly able to convey the emotional damage that they both suffer from. I honestly couldn't imagine anyone else giving these characters life! I cannot wait to see what else they narrate!

✨️📖 On To The Book Review 📖✨️

Kira has such an amazing way of grabbing from the very beginning and not letting me go until the book is over! I love Cade and Violet so fiercely! These two couldn't be more perfect for each other! They are the yin to each other's yang!

Violet is different from the first book, she has been through some serious trauma. But she doesn't let that stop her from finding the girl that was missing. She will go as far as she can to find her, even if it exposes her to the underground of people that Cade deals with all the time. Violet can't help but be so raw emotionally, stubborn, reckless in such a way that she feels beyond real. Like she is telling us a story first hand.

Cade has to be one of the most fiercely protective men that lives in the the grey area that so many don't breach. But he is comfortable in those areas because that is his playground. Cade refuses to let Violet go anywhere she isn't supposed to without him being the buffer she needs.

I honestly cannot recommend this series enough! Go ahead and grab the e-book so you can immersively read these babies! 

       🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵: 
                   🌶️🌶🌶.5 /5

💜 Chaotically Kinky
🖤 Exhibitionism
💜 Outdoor Smex
🖤 Humiliation
💜 Love Bites
🖤 He Pulls Her Hair
💜 Submissive
🖤 Anal


Thank you 🫶🏻 to ✨️ Kira Cole & Blue Nose Audio ✨️ for the complimentary 🎧 ALC 🎧. ✨️ All opinions are my own, honest, and voluntary✨️.

[Nour · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Beautifully Ruined : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#2 (Duet)
Cade & Violet 🖤💜

-✨ Tropes : hacker romance / tension / age gap / stalker / trafficking / obsessive MMC / violence / dark rom-com / mystery

Random thoughts : (spoilers)

J'adore la relation entre Cade et Enzo (best friend), leur humour >>>

Fallait que ça sorte 😅 :
Bon Violet qui veut faire une surprise à Cade, évidemment elle le surprend en pleine réunion avec un gangster. Ça m'énerve trop les décisions stupides comme ça, en plus elle s'enfonce, elle parle, elle dit n'importe quoi STOP !!! Bon ok, elle veut lui faire une surprise et tout mais elle a quand même été kidnappée, emprisonnée dans une cellule, son boyfriend a été battu etc..., et la elle décide de sortir sans ses bodyguards, elle sort tranquille. Aucune notion du danger !!! Il te faut quoi pour te sentir en danger. --> C'est trop pour moi

Y'avait vraiment moyen que ce livre soit un 5 étoiles ! mais j'ai vraiment eu du mal avec les décisions de Violet, ok elle veut participer, ok elle veut que ça aille plus vite, ok elle veut aider MAIS Y'A DES FOIS faut réfléchir !!! on parle de trafic d'être humain, trafic sexuel et elle se dit lets go je vais 'infiltrer' le truc comme ça ! --> pour moi, c'est juste stupide, les FMC naïve qui prennent des décisions stupides : je peux pas !

En vrai j'ai quand même bien aimé l'histoire dans son ensemble, l'enquête se finit mais l'histoire continue derrière, on a le temps de "profiter" des personnages et ça c'est vraiment cool !

- Spicy : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️+++

(Ps : Ce n’est qu’un simple avis personnel ! Mes review sont destinés plutôt pour moi-même que pour les autres, c’est pour ça que c’est écrit de façon random mais si ça peut vous donner envie de lire le livre lets gooo 🫣 et ptit mix français-anglais parce que WHY NOT )

[AshlynNichole31 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully Ruined is book 2 in the Devoted in the Darkness duet -- Cade & Violets story

We pick up where we left off from in Sweetly Unhinged with Cade and Vi trying to find out what happened to Gianna after their escape from Ivan.

There is so many moving parts to finding a missing girl, but Cade, Enzo and Vi are searching from all avenues, and while Cade and Enzo have always worked as a team and from the shadows, Vi is very impatient and doesn't exactly play by Cades rules (and this is usually always met with "funishments" in some way, so Vi doesn't really have a reason to stick to the rules, especially with her and Cade dynamic being what it is) but that means Vi is putting herself in dangers that Cade just can't deal with.
As much as I enjoy the storyline, and I understand tension is necessary and doing the simplest of tasks means the story ends faster, I seriously was close to wanting to tie Vi up to keep her out of harms way just as much as Cade considered it, her doing thing against his better judgement was half the dang problems, but it also leads her to be exactly where she is needed when she is needed.
Cade and Enzo are of course right there as always with the best laid plans, and the storyline takes a slight shift and prepares of for the next book in the series from Kira Cole that will feature Enzo (which I am also looking forward to reading)
The narration of Cade from James Cassidy was incredible as always, his voice is so smooth and is meant for domineering MMC's and I am recently obsessed with Zoe Black (Violet) she's got a unique voice that I could listen to for hours.

This story is meant for 18+ audiences and readers should absolutely check the trigger warnings prior to reading as this book does contain some dark themes that may not be for everyone. Your mental health matters.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
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[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible and I could not put it down! (Spoiler alert for book 1)

Cade and Vi managed to escape from Ivan's clutches, but Vi can't stop thinking about the girl in the other room. She wonders who the girl is and wants to rescue her. As Cade and Enzo dig to find her identity and location, they are led to a club called The Dungeon. The Dungeon is an exclusive BD$M club that may very well also be cover for a trafficking organization. When the girl is identified as the daughter of a congressman, Vi starts an internship in his office to get closer to him, but things shift when they uncover a connection between the congressman and the club owner. As Cade and Vi get to explore more fantasies at the club, their chemistry burns bright. But as they disagree on how to proceed in their investigation, their actions could lead them even deeper into trouble.

This duology was a page turner through and through. The pacing was perfect so I never felt like things were rushed or drawn out. I loved how Cade and Vi were able to discuss their desires and fantasies. I also liked how Vi took time to examine her own desires and did not just acquiesce to Cade. I loved the complex plot and twists and turns. It was so fun to find all of the hidden connections between various characters and how they may not have been as nice as they seemed on the surface. Violet really embraced the social justice mission that she admired in The Ghost and she absolutely shined in this book. I genuinely hope that Enzo, Lia, Gianna, and even Jack all get their own books because I want them all to get their happy endings.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.