He’s the heir of ruin. My ruin.For the past six months, Callie Fray has served the Ashbournes―a brutal, powerful family with enough influence to get whatever they want. My family.For Callie, the job is a lifeline. It keeps a roof over her head, protects her independence, and lets her hold on to the life she’s built. She knows the keep her head down, take the money, and stay far away from the Ashbourne heirs. Especially me.People whisper that I’m cruel, irresistible, and dangerously bored. They’re not wrong. I’m used to getting whatever I want. So when my cousins bet I can’t seduce the waitress who refuses to be impressed by my name, my money, or my family’s power, I take the deal without a second thought.But Callie isn’t a game. She sees the darkness beneath my polished persona and isn’t afraid to call me out. And beneath the glittering surface of Ashbourne luxury, the line between temptation and obsession begins to blur. The bet was supposed to be simple―until Callie becomes the one thing I can’t afford to lose.
I. A. Dice writes emotionally intense romance—both dark and light—but always equally spicy. When she’s not dreaming up love stories, she’s probably drinking too much coffee and swooning over fictional men.
This was my first book by this author, and honestly, I picked it up purely because of the cover! Just look at how gorgeous it is. How could I possibly resist?! As for the actual story, we have a poor waitress who lives in a trailer and is dating a guy who doesn't appreciate her. Then there's a billionaire who's bored with his life most of the time until he meets her—because, of course, she's not like other girls. Cliché, right?
Despite that, I really enjoyed the first half of the book. It was fun watching the MMC get jealous and do everything he could to make her leave her boyfriend. But the second half became too sweet and cringey for me. The MMC basically turned into a lovesick puppy.
Still, this was an easy, fun read that I flew through, and I had a good time overall. I'm not sure I'll continue with the series. Judging by the hints about the MMC's friends, though, it definitely seems like there might be more books coming!
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
PERSONALLYYYYY….. I loved this. It’s exactly what I was expecting/wanting plus more! Thanks to this book, I now feel that I am out of my reading slump. The story was fun, sexy, and so hard to put down! It was a great quick read and I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes! Highly recommend if you are looking for a billionaire romance with a touch of darkness, heartfelt moments and a lot of laughs. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You know what?! Hell yeah. I actually really, really liked this!
Every once in a while my TBR begins to feel monotonous, and I need something silly and stupid and slightly feral to shake things up. Normally I pick up a (let's be honest, poorly written) mafia romance, but I took a chance on Heir of Ruin to see if it would do the job. To my utter surprise, I thought it was actually good! While it wasn't your typical mafia romance, I liked that we got a possessive, obsessed, borderline psychotic MMC without the mafia antics/killing sprees. I also loved that our heroine wasn't a damsel in distress. She was damaged yes, but she was also independent, fierce, and strong. I liked seeing her stand her ground, set boundaries and actually abide by them. Some of the actual was plot felt a bit exaggerated and insane, but you get what you signed up for.
I'm also hoping this is the start of a series, and we'll get to see Wild and Ava's book next...
All in all, this was fun and ridiculous and it did exactly what I needed it to. I liked it, and would definitely read any interconnected stand alones that Dice may write. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC in exchange for my honest review! All opinions are my own. Expected publication is 2/9/2027.
Completely outside my usual genre, but that was kind of the point since I’ve been in a HORRIBLE reading slump and sometimes switching genres helps. Well, it sort of worked bc I finished this in like 4 hours, but at what cost......
Honestly, I can’t really say there was anything I particularly enjoyed. I think what bothered me the most was the ending, which felt so out of character that I was left genuinely confused lmao. I can definitely see dark romance fans enjoying this one, but I’m afraid I’m just not the target audience.
There's something about finding a book that scratches an itch you have. I was looking for a book I would describe as edgy, something that's not fully dark, but skirts the boundaries of what's considered acceptable, with a heroine who is strong and can hold her own, and a hero who would burn the world down for her. I found all of those things in HEIR OF RUIN by I.A. Dice. It's very much a new adult romance, with characters in their lower 20s, and their actions and sometimes choices reflect that.
You're going to love Callie, and Sin too. He's a product of his upbrining, unhinged and toxic, but still loveable, teachable, and redeemable.
I love that this is the start to a new series, as I'm excited to see how Sin's cousins handle the pressures on them placed by their families along with matters of the heart.
I'm so glad my instincts about this book were right. If you enjoy reading Penelope Douglas, Allie Oleander, Katy Evans, and others, you'll enjoy this one.
There’s a fine line when writing a romance novel, and for it to be done tastefully, an author needs skill and an awareness of why dark romance captivates readers. There are pulse points throughout the story arc, and the genre is often built on tension. Each pulse point needs to be grounded in motivation, as motivation is the foundation of the narrative. Heir of Ruin doesn’t take this into consideration and ultimately fails to deliver.
The privilege is reeking, wrapped in a “woe is me” good ol’ boy system. The man (aka Sin) feels uncomfortable leaving the gilded halls of Ivy League Harvard to return to a ballroom and go slumming with a waitress? Is that the main takeaway? The socioeconomic disparity storyline only lands when an author can execute the plot without falling into stereotypes in service of delivering “spice.” Are we really sacrificing the potential of a narrative for this?
I will also note that cramming all the side characters (and potential leads for future books in a series) into the first chapter was the second-most bold pitch I’ve read this year and I don’t like it. Use a reader’s time wisely. I’d much rather have a stronger introductory chapter than an info dump of side characters with the hopes of setting up future books. Solidify the plot points and even the leads of the novel first.
I will say that the cover art is gorgeous, but the content inside? Not so much.
That is all! Thanks to Forever for the early digital copy.
I had more fun reading the first part of Heir of Ruin. I. A. Dice captured the chase between Sin and Callie well. It got somewhat overbearing for me when babies kept getting mentioned. Also, Sin crashing his car on purpose is just as abusive as her previous ex, just in a different way. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC.
You ever read a book that’s so good, you stay up until the break of dawn to finish?
Heir of Ruin was that book for me.
Sinclair Ashbourne is bored. He’s bored of his life, his father’s expectations, his world. So when a fire spitting waitress doesn’t worship the ground he walks on, he takes notice and it sparks his interest. But things get messy after his cousins makes a bet he can’t refuse. Callie and Sinclair’s worlds collide, and neither of them are prepared for the unexpected whirlwind that’s in store for them both.
I really, really liked the first half of this book. The banter between Callie and Sin was soooo good! The development of their relationship was even better. I’ve noticed there is a lack of emotional development between the main characters in romance these days because they cut straight to the spice and the characters often feel two-dimensional, but I.A. Dice takes her time allowing both characters to explore getting to know each other, which intensifies the chemistry between them, and once they’re finally together…BANG!—fireworks.
I loved that Callie wasn’t your typical FMC. I feel like most dark romance or romance in general tends to write the same FMC who can’t fend for herself and needs a man to come to her rescue. Sinclair is also a breath of fresh air because there are things about him that surprised not only Callie, but me as I read the book.
Make no mistake, this is a dark romance, so things do get a bit crazy towards the end, like Sin and his possessive nature. And while I didn’t particularly love some of Sinclair’s choices, I knew what I was getting into when I decided to read this book. Overall, I think it was an enjoyable read. I loved it so much that I finished it in one day!
A huge thanks to NetGalley, I.A. Dice, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I binged this in 24 hours. It was like a train wreck that i couldn't look away from. I'm so sorry, but wth was this? This is the most manipulative, toxic relationship I've read about. And it's not because it's on the darker side or anything, but the characters act like genuine children. The things this man does... I wanted to rip him to shreds. He... burned down her trailer so she'd stay with him. A trailer full of her possessions and family photos btw and she FORGIVES HIM??? I wanted to throw this book out the window. It's ridiculousness got me out of a reading slump so i'll give it that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love a man obsessed, with a filthy mouth. Im talking a man SO OBSESSED he feels like he can’t breathe without his woman. And Sin was the definition of a man obsessed!
Sin and Callie do start unconventional but MAN they are hot! The spice was spicin, the steam was STEAMY!
Callie is so strong and independent and doesn’t let any man forget it, I admire her strong will. She’s such a perfect fit for Sin!
Sin, Sin my man. You get down BAD for your woman. This man surprised me with how he responded to things. Everytime I think he’d go right, he’d go left. And I was left shooketh.
These two, *chefs kiss*
Also can we maybe get the lowdown on Wild and Ava because ummmm MAAM 👀
I’m sorry but the female main character is distraught over her stinky ex boyfriend that she doesn’t even like and the MMC can’t tell that she faked an orgasm after he literally did nothing but put it in??? It’s like the authors never read a romance book before….
This book was terrible and I haven’t said that about a book in a long time. Do not waste your time and do not let a pretty cover fool you!!!
The more I think about it the worse it gets. Forever publishing edited and published this??? I’m really shocked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received this advanced copy from Edelweiss for my honest review.
Was great when it started, but became more and more juvenile as I read. The mmc did some pretty effed up things that should have gotten him admitted to a psych ward and the fmc kept forgiving and forgetting waaaay too easy. Not for me.
This was so GOOD! I have been itching for a spicy romance with a downright unhinged man and this hit so well. The dynamic between the Callie and Sin was so entertaining I could not put this one down. Everyone needs to pick this one up when in releases!
❤️ Heir x Waitress 🖤 It's a Bet ❤️ Morally Grey MMC 🖤 Forbidden Attraction ❤️ Toxic Obsession
Callie, our FMC, was an absolute baddie!! She has had to go through a lot in life that has hardened her and forced her to be the independent no nonsense woman that she is. Underneath it all though she's a woman that just wants someone to see her as she is, and for someone in her life to finally stay. There wasn't a single moment in this that I wasn't rooting for her. She had to put up with a lot and there were some really messed up moments where I just wanted to give her a hug. But I also had so much fun watching her go toe to toe with Sin, and watching her put him in his place on numerous occasions.
Sin, our MMC, was the combination of obsessed, mixed with such a soft kindness, and a level of unhinged that had me cackling. He is (lovingly) insane! If you look up "down bad" in the dictionary it's just a picture of this man's face as he looks at Callie. I loved watching him go from this cocky detached rich boy, to a man willing to give up everything just to have a chance at happiness. I also loved watching this man so adverse to touch turn into the most touch starved man on the face of the planet for his girl. He went from "no kissing" any woman to turning into a puddle when Callie would run her fingers through his hair 😭. He was unhinged but such a little softie, and god I love every part of him (even the little arsonist part of him I guess 🤣).
Sin and Callie together were an inferno one minute, and sickeningly sweet the next. They both helped to heal the other from trauma they have experienced. I love how they both brought out the soft spots in each other. Their chemistry was insane, but it was the tender moments between them that really got me in the end.
Overall, this was such a quick, spicy, and entertaining read! I was hooked from the first page and could not stop reading. Then I wished there was more because I couldn't get enough of Sin and Callie 🥹. I cannot wait to read more about these characters in the future too. Sin's cousins Wild, Vex, and Con all stole the show in their own ways and I can't wait for all of their books. I just know they are all going to be a wild ride just like this book was. Until then, I will continue losing my mind over Sin and Callie, and diving into I.A. Dice's backlist because I am absolutely hooked now! 😍
** Thank you Forever Pub for the eARC of this through NetGalley 🫶🏼
10 stars. Can I give 20? I loved every single solitary second of this book. As someone who reads only romances, I thought I knew what an obsessed man looked like.... but my goodness, I didn’t know truly heart pounding obsession until this story. Also may I mention the GROVELING???
The author has crafted an absolute masterpiece of tension and emotion, and her writing style is a masterclass in "show don't tell." Instead of just stating that the Callie & Sin are drawn to one another, she uses incredibly evocative and sensory descriptions (like the distinct detail of a scent or the physical weight of a scene) to make you feel the atmosphere completely. Many times it felt as though my chest was constricting or vision narrowing right along with Sin, you can just feel that suffocating pull. I know I'm ranting but my jaw is on the floor with how immensely talented I.A Dice is.
The yearning she builds between them is VISCERAL- it's a little like torture for the reader it's just so palpable and you want the walls to come down! And his nicknames for her? You will melt. I have never read an MMC who is so wonderfully down bad. Watching his self imposed leash finally snap was everything I wanted and more. The spice is one of the best I've ever read.
Though their love story had its ups + downs with very raw moments, it was utterly beautiful and so REAL. You will snicker at the banter, cry at the devastating moments, and fall in love with Callie & Sin.
If you want to read about a heavily tattooed + fiercely protective man utterly unravel for a woman he shouldn't want, this is your next obsession. This is an unforgettable & unputdownable book, I just know it will be hugely successful. I can't wait to watch (PS- I would be in love if we get books for Vex, Wild, and Con- pretty please?)
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to I.A Dice, I will remember this book forever and cheer for you anywhere I can. Grateful for your brilliant mind. Thank you also to Forever Publishing & NetGalley! I am always deeply appreciative.
Thank you netgalley & publishers for the arc of this book 🥂👩❤️💋👨💳🏰 ⏔⏔⏔ ꒰ ᧔ෆ᧓ ꒱ ⏔⏔⏔
I think finally have a dark romane author who writes so buzzy, is extremely talented but most important of all, care about being a women and the female character she writes and not everything is about how male lead needs to shine, the way consent is written in this book is so right and one of the main reason I highly enjoyed my introduction to this authors writting.
Now for the arc itself, what a journey honestly but more importantly what yearning and what devotion from sins side, despite being taught to be proud and stuck up, this man begged, grovelled and sometimes acted like a psychopath but letting go of the women he loves was not one of them, and he stood up to his feelings for callie stood solid till the end of this book.
Now the salt burn x cruel intentions mix is so so evident and someone who has enjoyed both movies alot in the past, you can clearly see what the aesthetic is, cruel, old money, sparkling and the contrast to the opposite world our fmc lives in you can see this book was not going to be for everything, but i loved how it helped with the imagination, I really loved sins cousins to and I hope to read their stories soon as well.
Overall a super enjoyable read and i cannot wait to get into other books by author.
3.5/5 Sinclair Ashbourne is an heir to his family’s billion dollar empire, Callie is a server & thrift store employee. They come from completely different worlds and only run in the same circle because Callie works on the Ashbourne grounds for events. When she isn’t charmed by Sinclair, he becomes intrigued. His cousins offer a bet; win her over and sleep with her and Sin will finally get the vintage Ferrari he’s tried to buy from his cousin. Despite Callie’s reluctance and her boyfriend, Sinclair removes those obstacles and wins. In the process of trying to win, he spends time with Callie, cares for her and wants to be with her. They both know his family will never accept them, which is why they inform her of the bet & some other dark things Sinclair has done to keep her close. Sin must then try to win her trust back. There were a lot of parts I liked about this; Sin really did care and opened up to Callie, however, he wasn’t exactly the most likable character. The way he and his cousins talked about women wasn’t enjoyable. Callie was headstrong for the most part and possibly a little too nice/forgiving when it came to the Ashbournes. I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
First, thank you, NetGalley and Forever publishing , for letting me get an e-ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
3/5 — stars
Can we talk about the cover first? I haven’t seen a cover in a long time that left me speechless.
But to my regret, this book wasn’t for me. I get that it’s a dark romance, but Sin/Sinclair, the MMC, did a lot of questionable things, and Callie forgave him for everything very easily. Then, in the end, there were some things that felt really out of character.
But it also had some good moments. It was fast-paced and entertaining, and the nickname he gave her was very cute
Overall, I would say it’s Cruel Intentions coded, so if you like dark romance and that movie, I think you will like this book.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
- Waiter x Rich boy - Morally grey character - Two POVs - Toxic romance
This book leans more into a possessive, obsessive dark romance. If you are a person who wants to lightly lean into dark romance, this is for you. This is definitely not a crazy dark romance book, so if you are going in expecting heavy darkness, you may be disappointed.
I devoured this book in one day. I do love a possessive, obsessed man, tho some of his choices were frustrating. The micro tropes hits so well done. I liked that the fmc was strong and self sufficient and made the mc work instead of giving in. (Though sometimes it was a quick forgiveness) overall, enjoyed and will be purchasing on pub day!
This has been a big anticipated read for me so I’m very grateful for the arc ! The tropes were so well integrated and I’m so satisfied with the whole story. Sin and Callie are such a great couple and their relationship was so genuine. I wish I could say more but let’s just say it’s a must read !
this was delightful, delectable!! ate this right on up 🙂↕️
that’s her toxic man… and she gone stick beside him! I mean he’s actually INSANE when it comes to her but i love a man OBSESSED😛🤣 the spice was also SPICINGGG so if you’re looking for a fast paced spicy read with toxic tendencies… pick this one up 🤭
What an absolutely delicious, dramatic, chaotic MESS of a book. And honestly? I had a fantastic time. 😂
First, I genuinely enjoyed I.A. Dice’s writing! The characters felt well developed, the emotional tension was excellent, and the pacing kept me completely invested. Despite the nearly nonstop drama, the story never dragged, and I was entertained from beginning to end.
I also really liked our FMC! She’s strong, capable, and fiercely independent, and I appreciated that she wasn’t particularly interested in being controlled or kept. The supporting characters, especially the MMC’s wealthy, deeply dysfunctional family, added another entertaining layer to the story.
And the chemistry? EXCELLENT. The spice? ALSO EXCELLENT. 🔥
One thing I particularly appreciated was how the author connected emotional intimacy with physical intimacy. Their relationship isn’t magically perfect in the bedroom simply because they’re attracted to each other. Their physical connection evolves alongside their emotional one, and I thought that was a surprisingly thoughtful and realistic touch.
Now, let’s talk about our MMC.
Because this man is an ASSHOLE. 😭🤣
Not the adorable, secretly misunderstood kind, either. I’m talking controlling, manipulative, emotionally stunted, and completely UNHINGED. The man has enough daddy issues to keep a therapist employed for the next decade.
But he’s also absolutely, obsessively, ferally in love with our FMC. And apparently, that was enough to keep me invested, even while every logical part of my brain was screaming RUN AWAYYYY. 🚩
My biggest issue was ultimately his redemption arc. I can absolutely get behind a morally questionable MMC, especially in a darker romance, but when his behavior crosses some pretty extreme lines, I need an equally convincing redemption.
I wanted more accountability, more meaningful change, and a MUCH longer road to forgiveness. Our FMC is such a strong character, which made her willingness to forgive certain things so quickly particularly difficult for me to reconcile. Instead of witnessing enough genuine growth, I sometimes felt like I was being asked to believe he’d changed simply because he said he had.
Sir, an apology is not a personality transplant. 😭
That being said, I can’t deny how much fun I had reading this book!
The tension was fantastic, the drama was wildly entertaining, and the chemistry between these two was practically combustible. Despite my frustrations, I genuinely believed in the intensity of his feelings for her, even if the way he expressed them was often spectacularly unhealthy.
Ultimately, this was one of those romances where I had to separate my real-world expectations from my enjoyment of the fictional relationship.
Do I believe these two would have a healthy, functional marriage in real life? Not for a SECOND. 😂
But within the context of this wonderfully chaotic story? Sure. I’ll allow it.
Heir of Ruin was addictive, well written, wonderfully spicy, and full of the kind of over-the-top drama that makes a book impossible to put down. While I would’ve loved a more convincing redemption arc, I had a genuinely great time with this one.
Sometimes you just have to embrace the madness. 🤷🏼♀️💕
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!
To start off, I really liked both the FMC and MMC as well as the side characters introduced in this book. Callie is a strong and independent girl with a soft side to her who craves for someone to finally pay attention and take care of her. I enjoyed seeing this dynamic play out and the tension build up with Sin through the first 50-60% of the book, but lost this feeling as I finished the second half of the book.
Sin's character and being in his head was interesting, but I felt like I was reading two completely different MMCs after the 50-60% mark. I think the book would've hit the spot more if the author didn't switch up his character so suddenly? I wanted more angst/grovel/yearning and felt the book missed the mark on it.
That being said, I still enjoyed the story and all the characters enough to finish the book to see Callie and Sin get their HEA. It was clear the author was setting up the side characters for their own books in the series, and I'm looking forward to reading Con's story the most!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!
I read an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley!!
The plot for this character was written like a mafia, dark romance but the mmc was kind of just a rich jerk. Which I can sometimes get behind but the way the high society was being set up was similar to mafia families but there was no development past them just having a lot of money. Besides all of that I thought that Callie's character was so fun to read because her resilience to everything thrown at her was like queen moment. I really liked how she didn't let Sin just throw hr around or walk all over her but held her boundaries until the end. I don't think you are meant to really like Sin's character but there were moments where he was iconic; especially when he would stand up to his father. I do wish that the world of the high society was better developed past the manor, and the party's and Sin's cousins, and Callie's trailer park. Like the plot took place in only 3 places so it became repetitive while reading. Overall I really enjoyed the book there were just a few things I wish were further fleshed out.
This book gave me all the feels! Rich boy seduces poor girl and catches feelings. But it is so much more!
Sin is obscenely rich, in his gap year and free until he needs to meet family expectations. He is used to getting everything he wants and then not wanting it anymore. Callie is alone, aloof and not interested. A waitress for his family, the help.
Bored rich boy makes a bet with other bored rich boys. And she is the bet.
I couldn't put it down.
This book gave me all the feels! I loved how clueless Sin was at times and when Callie starts realizing her worth. I laughed and my heart broke. I cheered them on, and wanted to yell and shake some sense into him! They were both so broken in different ways. The ride was intense and I loved it!
I hope this continues into a series! I need to see what happens with the other cousins!
Check your triggers The portrayal of the cycle of domestic violence, and the small things that build up in this cycle
Sin was positively unhinged and delicious and I loved every second of it!
I loved Callie! She was strong, kind, and watching her learn to love herself was so good. I was rooting for her in every page!!
Sin and Callie’s dynamic and chemistry was palpable and believable. I couldn’t get enough.
And don’t get me started on the side characters!!!! I love the cousins relationships with each other and I NEEED to know what’s going on with Wild and Ava!!!
Epilogue had me in tears. I was t expecting that and it was such a pleasant ending.
****Spoilers****
The only reason it’s not a solid 5 is because there’s a part where Callie is on her own and she reaches out to her abusive ex for a place to stay. After he nearly killed her and she was finally through with him. I know she was at a low point but I just hated she immediately reverted back to that. And he turned her down!
Thank you NetGalley and Forever Pub for the opportunity to read and review this eARC!
This was my first time reading I.A. Dice but it won’t be my last! I dabble in and out of dark romance. This is a great introduction to dark romance for those looking to get familiar with this sub genre.
I loved Callie’s strength and resilience. She wasn’t looking for someone to come save the day. She had every intention of building her own life. She just didn’t want to feel completely alone along the way.
Enter Sinclair aka Sin. Very fitting name for a very intense man. Did he commit multiple felonies? Yes, but only because he’s obsessed with Callie and Callie alone. He orbits her. He takes care of her. And he won’t let anyone get in his way.
This was a really fast paced page turner. I finished this one day and was entertained from start to finish!
I needed a palate cleanser between fantasy reads, and Heir of Ruin did not disappoint!
Sin and Callie’s dynamic was one of my favorite parts of this book. Sin was playing his own games and keeping his true intentions close to his chest, while Callie was painfully aware that whatever was happening between them could never turn into something real. Yet, despite knowing better, she found herself falling for him anyway. I loved that push and pull between Sin’s calculated choices and Callie’s growing feelings, especially when it became harder to separate what was genuine from what was all part of his game.
Sin was definitely morally dark gray and made some questionable choices along the way, but it’s hard to fault him too much when his intentions were ultimately good (even if his methods were a little questionable 👀).
The cover art was what initially sucked me into this book, and I am SO glad it did! I absolutely flew through this read and enjoyed every minute of it. I’m already looking forward to more books set in this universe because, at this point, if I.A. Dice writes it, I’m going to read it! 🖤
Thank you to NetGalley, Forever Publishing, and I.A. Dice for the opportunity to read an eARC of this title. All thoughts are my own.