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Crystal Gulf #3
Ruin Me
Crystal Gulf, Texas, breeds bad boys. Unapologetic when it comes to their desires, they destroy, they damage, and now they’re going to ruin …
Jona can’t see his lifestyle the same way after what happened to Hillary in Damage Me. Partying and getting high has amounted in only hurting himself and others. But he’s lost sober, and everything feels wrong without his one true love in his life.
Returning to Crystal Gulf was inevitable for Justine. The loss of her dreams sends her back to where they started. But there’s one silver lining, the same one that’s gotten her this far. Jona Kyles is waiting for her. The moment they reconnect, the destruction is painfully addictive.
It’s impossible not to pick up where they left off. After an impassioned night together, they didn’t expect it to come back and haunt them. Forced in the same reality, they must battle against their pasts and fears to give their second chance the future it deserves.
But some second chances come with scars …
Ruin Me, book three in the Crystal Gulf Series, is a powerful and raw second chance romance about forgiveness and growth, with a swoon worthy bad boy, and a heroine who is as strong as she is fierce.
Jona can’t see his lifestyle the same way after what happened to Hillary in Damage Me. Partying and getting high has amounted in only hurting himself and others. But he’s lost sober, and everything feels wrong without his one true love in his life.
Returning to Crystal Gulf was inevitable for Justine. The loss of her dreams sends her back to where they started. But there’s one silver lining, the same one that’s gotten her this far. Jona Kyles is waiting for her. The moment they reconnect, the destruction is painfully addictive.
It’s impossible not to pick up where they left off. After an impassioned night together, they didn’t expect it to come back and haunt them. Forced in the same reality, they must battle against their pasts and fears to give their second chance the future it deserves.
But some second chances come with scars …
Ruin Me, book three in the Crystal Gulf Series, is a powerful and raw second chance romance about forgiveness and growth, with a swoon worthy bad boy, and a heroine who is as strong as she is fierce.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
2 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Shana Vanterpool
27 books378 followersShana Vanterpool is a passionate writer who finds solace in the pages of a good book. When she walks into a bookstore, she feels at home, and when she reads, she becomes the person she has always wanted to be. With her love for writing, Shana aims to provide her readers with an escape from their everyday lives, just as reading has done for her.
To stay up to date with Shana’s latest releases, be sure to visit her website at https://shanavanterpool.com.
To stay up to date with Shana’s latest releases, be sure to visit her website at https://shanavanterpool.com.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 26, 2025
This story is too messy with two lost characters .
Unfortunately.
Unfortunately.
September 12, 2017
Ooooh all the feelings. This book is packed with emotions.
It's full of love and sadness. I got teary so many times, but there's a sweet hot moments too. There's twists and surprises too.
This book is a second change romance of two broken messed up people in their messed up world. They love each other but also ruin each other. Yup this one has interesting story and plot.
This a stand alone, but I think you need to read the previous books to know Jona and Justine better.
As for characters, I loveeeeee Jona, I'm so swoon with his words. Love how determined he is to be better, to not let his demons win. Although I felt his guilt towards what's happened with Hillary a bit exaggerate, I totally understand him. Sometimes I want to smack him sometimes for those stupid frustrating things, I love him more than Bach and Dylan.
And Justine, I hate this girl at the beginning because of what she did in the previous books, but here, my heart is breaking with her. In the end I admire this girl.
Overall I really enjoy this book, love the couple, the story and the plot.
If you're looking romance book packed with emotions. You must try this one.
*I voluntarily received a review copy of this book
It's full of love and sadness. I got teary so many times, but there's a sweet hot moments too. There's twists and surprises too.
This book is a second change romance of two broken messed up people in their messed up world. They love each other but also ruin each other. Yup this one has interesting story and plot.
This a stand alone, but I think you need to read the previous books to know Jona and Justine better.
As for characters, I loveeeeee Jona, I'm so swoon with his words. Love how determined he is to be better, to not let his demons win. Although I felt his guilt towards what's happened with Hillary a bit exaggerate, I totally understand him. Sometimes I want to smack him sometimes for those stupid frustrating things, I love him more than Bach and Dylan.
And Justine, I hate this girl at the beginning because of what she did in the previous books, but here, my heart is breaking with her. In the end I admire this girl.
Overall I really enjoy this book, love the couple, the story and the plot.
If you're looking romance book packed with emotions. You must try this one.
*I voluntarily received a review copy of this book
September 15, 2017
This book truly ruined me! The story picks up with friends Bach and Dylan working in 9-5 jobs with women who love them, meanwhile friend Jona feels lost. The results of Hillary's attack continue to reverberate through, as Jona can't move forward or think of anything else. When his longtime love Justine comes back into town, they gravitate to each other. The difference this time is that Jona and Justine decide to give it a go from the start. But things get in the way, and these two only know how to run away when the going gets tough. Another difference in this story is that both Jona and Justine are damaged.
Jona is by far my favorite character in Crystal Gulf. He has demons, but he decides he can't go on the same way. He was heartbreaking to me, even more so than the other two men. I was sobbing at 3/4 of the story. There were surprises, and there was humor. I adored this story and it is definitely one of the best of the yr.
Jona is by far my favorite character in Crystal Gulf. He has demons, but he decides he can't go on the same way. He was heartbreaking to me, even more so than the other two men. I was sobbing at 3/4 of the story. There were surprises, and there was humor. I adored this story and it is definitely one of the best of the yr.
September 8, 2017
Arc provided by author for honest review.
I am really sad to see this series come to an end. Bach has will always be my favourite along with harley. Jona story was very sad, I had no idea what he went through. Or that he blamed himself for Hilary attack. It was 100% not his fault, but I understand why he thinks it was. Jona is actually a very good man. I had no idea the depth of him Justine went so far. I didn't like her much in the first two books. She just seemed like bad news. Now that I know her story I feel bad for her but her decision still really bother me. I use to think that Jona and Justine were toxic for each other I was wrong. They work in there own way.
I am really sad to see this series come to an end. Bach has will always be my favourite along with harley. Jona story was very sad, I had no idea what he went through. Or that he blamed himself for Hilary attack. It was 100% not his fault, but I understand why he thinks it was. Jona is actually a very good man. I had no idea the depth of him Justine went so far. I didn't like her much in the first two books. She just seemed like bad news. Now that I know her story I feel bad for her but her decision still really bother me. I use to think that Jona and Justine were toxic for each other I was wrong. They work in there own way.
September 15, 2017
There's one thing about Shana Vanterpool, she pulls you into her character's lives and keeps you there from the first page, up until the last. This is the third book of the series, and it packs a punch. The emotion that bleeds from the pages is so real, so palpable that you will without a doubt be ruined.
If you love your romance beautifully written, raw and honest, then you NEED to read this series. Jona and Justine will take you on an emotional ride you'll never forget. Thank you Shana for another incredible story!
If you love your romance beautifully written, raw and honest, then you NEED to read this series. Jona and Justine will take you on an emotional ride you'll never forget. Thank you Shana for another incredible story!
September 16, 2017
Ruin Me is heart racing, hold on to your box of tissues good. The novel held my attention right from the start. Jona and Justine are quite captivating. Both strong and intense characters, they were ruined perfection. I felt their fierce chemistry, literally seeped from the pages, it was fire..
Jona and Justine fell in love with each other from the time they laid eyes on each other at a beach party.
The problem was they both didn't know how to love. The past held them back from moving forward. They both had baggage, dark and painful.
I wanted them to fix each others scars. I hated how they would find escape in drugs, alcohol, and strangers, instead of comforting each other.
They both new how they felt about one another, but both never gave each other a chance. Too scared to ruined each other.
"How do I love without hurting? How does that love mean anything unless I've ached for its existence?"
I fell for Jona and Justine's characters I understood their pain. Its easier to give in to the numbness and surrender than to feel the pain.
My heart squeezed at what they had to endure at a young age. I wanted both to find happiness in each other, and for them to let go of the past.
I had to find out if they would be able to mend each other's broken hearts. Make each other whole, fill the gaping wholes in their hearts.
Would their love triumph in the end??
Ruin Me is a second chance romance full of gut wrenching and heart warming moments that will disarm you. Two lovers attempt to piece each other together while fighting with their inner conflicts. Don't miss out on Jona and Justine story. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, but the good kind. The all consuming can't breath type of love you cant find anywhere.
Jona and Justine will devore your heart. A definite must read.
Jona and Justine fell in love with each other from the time they laid eyes on each other at a beach party.
The problem was they both didn't know how to love. The past held them back from moving forward. They both had baggage, dark and painful.
I wanted them to fix each others scars. I hated how they would find escape in drugs, alcohol, and strangers, instead of comforting each other.
They both new how they felt about one another, but both never gave each other a chance. Too scared to ruined each other.
"How do I love without hurting? How does that love mean anything unless I've ached for its existence?"
I fell for Jona and Justine's characters I understood their pain. Its easier to give in to the numbness and surrender than to feel the pain.
My heart squeezed at what they had to endure at a young age. I wanted both to find happiness in each other, and for them to let go of the past.
I had to find out if they would be able to mend each other's broken hearts. Make each other whole, fill the gaping wholes in their hearts.
Would their love triumph in the end??
Ruin Me is a second chance romance full of gut wrenching and heart warming moments that will disarm you. Two lovers attempt to piece each other together while fighting with their inner conflicts. Don't miss out on Jona and Justine story. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, but the good kind. The all consuming can't breath type of love you cant find anywhere.
Jona and Justine will devore your heart. A definite must read.
August 28, 2017
wow!!...this is the third book in the Crystal Gulf series..i could not put it down, so many emotions ...tears...humour and of course no story is complete with out a cocky bad boy! this is Jona's and Justine's story, what a story...so many up and downs...and hurdles to get over...but love conquers all, it was nice to see Dylan, Bach, Hillary and Harley again, this is a amazing book and wonderfully written I give this 5 amazingly must read stars *****
February 13, 2018
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book or these characters. In the previous books, Jona and Justine weren't my favorite characters. I didn't like them at all, but I love Shana Vanterpool's books and gave it a chance. I'm so glad I did. The characters are broken and have to put each other back together. They are beautiful in their faults and completely redeem themselves. It's a must read and you need to pick up this book today!
September 3, 2017
Great book, beautifully written, page turning, engaging and couldn't stop reading until I was done. Loved the chemistry and interaction between the two characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
January 27, 2018
5 Stars
Oh wow. I thought Bach and Dylan's books made me cry but this one ripped my heart out.Love lo e love this series. Hope there is more to come.
Oh wow. I thought Bach and Dylan's books made me cry but this one ripped my heart out.Love lo e love this series. Hope there is more to come.
August 26, 2017
Ruin Me is the third novel in the Crystal Gulf series by one of my favorites authors, Shana Vanterpool. You can read it as a standalone but I suggest reading the previous books. It will help you get a better understanding of this complicated relationship. I have been waiting for this story and it's so worth the wait. I knew it was going to an epic rollercoaster ride and it was exactly that and more.
Jona Kyles has always lived in Crystal Gulf. He is known for his parties on frat house alley. Planning them. Having them. He can get you the best drugs. And he has a rep for being that bad boy that women throw themselves at. He might not remember the woman when he wakes up in a haze but there hasn't been any complaints. But there is only woman that he truly cares about. Justine Fenton. She is the only one to make him feel better. To feel good. But she ran six months ago to California. He knows she will be back eventually. She always comes back. That's what they do. It's a toxic relationship but it's the safest one they have. It's what they know. They ruin each other. They don't know anything else. A year ago, their lives and their friend's lives changed and he is tired of it all. The haze. The faceless women. He just wants her to come home.
Justine doesn't know this Jona. He is sober. He has nerdy roommates. She loved him the way he was before she left but this is different. It's new. She doesn't know if she can handle this Jona. Then everything changes. She has a wake up call. Jona has always been the only one she wanted but can they do this completely sober? Can they do what normal people do in relationships? Or will they go back to being as toxic as ever? To see who can hurt who the most. They make a bet. An epic bet. A bet that could change everything. Who will win? And is the bet worth what they have to go through?
I am going to tell you right now. This is not a hearts and flowers romance. Yes, they do sweet things but in their own ways. I loved that even though they are changing, they are still themselves. Wild. Hot. Crazy. Complicated. Not boring. The way they love each other is not easy. They have been playing a game of push and pull for the last seven years. It's a game of ruin. Will they finally be on the same page and end the game?
I love how Shana can make me fall in love with the ultimate bad boy. Every. Single. Time! And the men of Crystal Gulf are very bad. They are also complex. It's heartbreaking. They are boys that need to find their ways. They didn't have parents to guild them. To love them. To show them how to love. No. That is for them to learn and for the woman that are brave enough to love them back. With Jona and Justine I loved that even though they have known each other for years they are now truly learning about the other's lives. Not just about their body. About what drink is their favorite. What drug is best during sex. Who can get laid they most. It's beautiful.
Overall...it's a beautiful complex story. There are twists. There are complications. I went through all the emotions while reading this amazing book. Hate. Love. Lust. Laughter. Forgiveness. What I loved most was that Jona and Justine don't lie. It would be easier if they did at times but they don't.
Quotes:
I’d never want anyone other than her. I could sleep with a million women and they’d never come close. They were bodies. She was my reason. But we’d never work. I’d run, she’d run, and in the midst of our ruin, we’d rejoice in the pain.
“I don’t want normal. I don’t want perfect. I want you.”
“We have a double date Friday.” I toss my empty beer in the trash and wrench open the cupboard.
“Gomez and Morticia Adams in town?”
Jona Kyles has always lived in Crystal Gulf. He is known for his parties on frat house alley. Planning them. Having them. He can get you the best drugs. And he has a rep for being that bad boy that women throw themselves at. He might not remember the woman when he wakes up in a haze but there hasn't been any complaints. But there is only woman that he truly cares about. Justine Fenton. She is the only one to make him feel better. To feel good. But she ran six months ago to California. He knows she will be back eventually. She always comes back. That's what they do. It's a toxic relationship but it's the safest one they have. It's what they know. They ruin each other. They don't know anything else. A year ago, their lives and their friend's lives changed and he is tired of it all. The haze. The faceless women. He just wants her to come home.
Justine doesn't know this Jona. He is sober. He has nerdy roommates. She loved him the way he was before she left but this is different. It's new. She doesn't know if she can handle this Jona. Then everything changes. She has a wake up call. Jona has always been the only one she wanted but can they do this completely sober? Can they do what normal people do in relationships? Or will they go back to being as toxic as ever? To see who can hurt who the most. They make a bet. An epic bet. A bet that could change everything. Who will win? And is the bet worth what they have to go through?
I am going to tell you right now. This is not a hearts and flowers romance. Yes, they do sweet things but in their own ways. I loved that even though they are changing, they are still themselves. Wild. Hot. Crazy. Complicated. Not boring. The way they love each other is not easy. They have been playing a game of push and pull for the last seven years. It's a game of ruin. Will they finally be on the same page and end the game?
I love how Shana can make me fall in love with the ultimate bad boy. Every. Single. Time! And the men of Crystal Gulf are very bad. They are also complex. It's heartbreaking. They are boys that need to find their ways. They didn't have parents to guild them. To love them. To show them how to love. No. That is for them to learn and for the woman that are brave enough to love them back. With Jona and Justine I loved that even though they have known each other for years they are now truly learning about the other's lives. Not just about their body. About what drink is their favorite. What drug is best during sex. Who can get laid they most. It's beautiful.
Overall...it's a beautiful complex story. There are twists. There are complications. I went through all the emotions while reading this amazing book. Hate. Love. Lust. Laughter. Forgiveness. What I loved most was that Jona and Justine don't lie. It would be easier if they did at times but they don't.
Quotes:
I’d never want anyone other than her. I could sleep with a million women and they’d never come close. They were bodies. She was my reason. But we’d never work. I’d run, she’d run, and in the midst of our ruin, we’d rejoice in the pain.
“I don’t want normal. I don’t want perfect. I want you.”
“We have a double date Friday.” I toss my empty beer in the trash and wrench open the cupboard.
“Gomez and Morticia Adams in town?”
August 31, 2017
Ruin Me is the third book in the Crystal Gulf series. I would recommend reading the first two books to better understand some of the situations but it could be read as a standalone! This is by far my favorite! Jona and Justine have had a toxic relationship since they were 15 years old. Drugs, alcohol and sex. Constant push and pull. They are addicted to each other. Jona is the typical sexy and cocky bad boy and I loved him! I really loved Justine! Despite the craziness of their relationship, I loved them together. Honestly, I am just as addicted to them as they were to each other!! I can't get enough of them!! I was disappointed when I got to the end, I wanted more!!! This is a must read book /series!!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews