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I wanted him. He wanted to ruin me.
It was the blood I noticed first. Running down the neck of the man on the ferry.
Then his bruised knuckles, dark eyes, and arrogant smirk.
The handcuffs came last.
No one else paid him attention, but I couldn’t look away. Or deny my instant lust.
I had no idea he was being imprisoned on the remote, dark Scottish island I knew well.
Or that he’d been kidnapped, not arrested.
I went from that naïve girl on the boat, dreaming of stolen kisses, to the one who held the key to his prison cell.
When heat turns to hate, all that’s left is ruin.
--
Ruin (Dark Island Scots, #1) is a new adult romance with dark themes, including angst, lust-to-hate-to-love, and lost innocence. This series will be deeply interconnected, so expect the occasional wicked cliffhanger (and McRae cameo). It'll be well worth the heart palpitations.
Lose yourself in Ruin.
It was the blood I noticed first. Running down the neck of the man on the ferry.
Then his bruised knuckles, dark eyes, and arrogant smirk.
The handcuffs came last.
No one else paid him attention, but I couldn’t look away. Or deny my instant lust.
I had no idea he was being imprisoned on the remote, dark Scottish island I knew well.
Or that he’d been kidnapped, not arrested.
I went from that naïve girl on the boat, dreaming of stolen kisses, to the one who held the key to his prison cell.
When heat turns to hate, all that’s left is ruin.
--
Ruin (Dark Island Scots, #1) is a new adult romance with dark themes, including angst, lust-to-hate-to-love, and lost innocence. This series will be deeply interconnected, so expect the occasional wicked cliffhanger (and McRae cameo). It'll be well worth the heart palpitations.
Lose yourself in Ruin.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2022
4192 people are currently reading
12185 people want to read
About the author
Jolie Vines
49 books2,725 followersJOLIE VINES is a romance novelist who lives in the South West of England with her husband and young son.
From an early age, Jolie lived in a fantasy world and is never happier than when plot dreaming. Jolie loves her heroes to be one-woman guys. Whether they are a huge Highlander, a touch starved earl, or a brooding pilot, they will adore their loved one until the end of time.
Her favourite pastime is wrecking emotions then making up for it by giving her characters deep and meaningful happy ever afters.
Want to contact Jolie? Drop her a line at jolie [at] jolievines.com, or find her in her Facebook Fall Hard reader group. She loves hearing from her readers.
Sign up to her newsletter to be the first to hear about new releases, giveaways, and promotions. https://www.jolievines.com/newsletter
From an early age, Jolie lived in a fantasy world and is never happier than when plot dreaming. Jolie loves her heroes to be one-woman guys. Whether they are a huge Highlander, a touch starved earl, or a brooding pilot, they will adore their loved one until the end of time.
Her favourite pastime is wrecking emotions then making up for it by giving her characters deep and meaningful happy ever afters.
Want to contact Jolie? Drop her a line at jolie [at] jolievines.com, or find her in her Facebook Fall Hard reader group. She loves hearing from her readers.
Sign up to her newsletter to be the first to hear about new releases, giveaways, and promotions. https://www.jolievines.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 451 reviews
June 25, 2025
"I didn’t want to be the good girl anymore.
One taste of the bad boy and there was no going back."
Well, that was quite an addictive read. I had a hard time putting it down. But what surprised me was how for a dark romance and the dark themes of the plot, the main characters were quite wholesome in their own ways. The build up and the confessions were so cute, I was grinning way too much.
It's fairly fast or rather decently paced, which helped as well. It will definitely make for a good palate cleanser. But it appears to be part of interconnected series, which I'm ready to dive into at some point. The found family vibes were being set up brilliantly, I already love them all.
Struan or Ruin, honestly, for someone who is a typical bad boy. There's an aura of innocence about his character and it's what stood out to me most. And oh boy, the mouth on this man 🥵 Thea grew on me, I was concerned she was a bit naive but there was good character growth for her and Struan as well.
The chemistry between the two was chef's kiss even if it felt like things were moving too fast in the beginning. The angst slows it down perfectly. I was giggling, blushing and getting butterflies. The spice was chef's kiss 😌🤌
I can't wait to get started on the next one cause the cliffhanger was rude 😩
Thanks to my bestie, Leonie for the recommendation and putting up with my book rants❤
~•~•~
With Onyx Storm having left me shook... I just hope this helps me out of that obsessed state.
One taste of the bad boy and there was no going back."
Well, that was quite an addictive read. I had a hard time putting it down. But what surprised me was how for a dark romance and the dark themes of the plot, the main characters were quite wholesome in their own ways. The build up and the confessions were so cute, I was grinning way too much.
It's fairly fast or rather decently paced, which helped as well. It will definitely make for a good palate cleanser. But it appears to be part of interconnected series, which I'm ready to dive into at some point. The found family vibes were being set up brilliantly, I already love them all.
Struan or Ruin, honestly, for someone who is a typical bad boy. There's an aura of innocence about his character and it's what stood out to me most. And oh boy, the mouth on this man 🥵 Thea grew on me, I was concerned she was a bit naive but there was good character growth for her and Struan as well.
The chemistry between the two was chef's kiss even if it felt like things were moving too fast in the beginning. The angst slows it down perfectly. I was giggling, blushing and getting butterflies. The spice was chef's kiss 😌🤌
I can't wait to get started on the next one cause the cliffhanger was rude 😩
Thanks to my bestie, Leonie for the recommendation and putting up with my book rants❤
~•~•~
With Onyx Storm having left me shook... I just hope this helps me out of that obsessed state.
March 8, 2023
DNF - I had to gave up after 55%, because:
I didn't like how poorly executed or written it was. And the story... meh, not clear what exactly the author was trying to establish with this. I have not yet come across such extremely bad book like this one. "Extremely outrageous behavior" isn't my kind of thing, nor am I a big fan of abusive stories, but I still try to read occasionally if I see something promising with potentially redemptive characters. My bad luck, this book was not what I thought or predicted. I regret picking it up. I should have seen the reviews before starting.
I didn't like how poorly executed or written it was. And the story... meh, not clear what exactly the author was trying to establish with this. I have not yet come across such extremely bad book like this one. "Extremely outrageous behavior" isn't my kind of thing, nor am I a big fan of abusive stories, but I still try to read occasionally if I see something promising with potentially redemptive characters. My bad luck, this book was not what I thought or predicted. I regret picking it up. I should have seen the reviews before starting.
January 26, 2022
2⭐️⭐️
Style: Dark Romance
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 2/5
Dark Level: 1/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers:
Violence: Yes
Male: Bad Boy
Series: Book 1 (Cliffy)
Pages: loc. 4561
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
WHAT I LIKED:
The premise of the story was appealing; it’s what drew me to the book and the cover. Struan at times gave me the bad boy imagine, especially when around, sweet innocent Thea. Thea was super sweet and gave this story balance. There were different POV and that was interesting as well.
WHAT WAS SO SO:
I could not connect to the way the story was conveyed to me 100%. The story took some time to get into. You saw the desire developing between Struan and Thea, but nothing started getting exciting for me until 40% and that’s a bit far out for me. However, most of all, I just think my enjoyment was hindered in the way the story flowed and I think it’s a me thing with how I am receiving it.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY
The sex scenes were good. Bad boy turning a good girl naughty type of scenes.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
The other characters are interesting Sin, Scar and Burn, but even so, the flow still hinder me.
OVERALL:
Was I entertained? Not really. Did I like the story? Yes, more the premise. Would I read the other book in the series? No, I am not sure if I personally connect with the authors style and that’s more of a me thing. I may need to read another book to see.
TRIGGERS:
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Style: Dark Romance
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 2/5
Dark Level: 1/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers:
Violence: Yes
Male: Bad Boy
Series: Book 1 (Cliffy)
Pages: loc. 4561
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
WHAT I LIKED:
The premise of the story was appealing; it’s what drew me to the book and the cover. Struan at times gave me the bad boy imagine, especially when around, sweet innocent Thea. Thea was super sweet and gave this story balance. There were different POV and that was interesting as well.
WHAT WAS SO SO:
I could not connect to the way the story was conveyed to me 100%. The story took some time to get into. You saw the desire developing between Struan and Thea, but nothing started getting exciting for me until 40% and that’s a bit far out for me. However, most of all, I just think my enjoyment was hindered in the way the story flowed and I think it’s a me thing with how I am receiving it.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY
The sex scenes were good. Bad boy turning a good girl naughty type of scenes.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
The other characters are interesting Sin, Scar and Burn, but even so, the flow still hinder me.
OVERALL:
Was I entertained? Not really. Did I like the story? Yes, more the premise. Would I read the other book in the series? No, I am not sure if I personally connect with the authors style and that’s more of a me thing. I may need to read another book to see.
TRIGGERS:
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
August 10, 2024
‘I didn’t want to be the good girl anymore. One taste of the bad boy and there was no going back’
If I could, I would give this more stars!!
This is a little darker than normal for Jolie, but she nails it!
Full of angst, chemistry, attraction, drama, mystery and so much steam!! I was engrossed and if adulting didn’t suck so much, I would of totally devoured in 1 sitting!
Loved the McRae’s parts and how Jolie tied them in
Make sure you have your partner handy (or a toy) cause you will need it with Struan’s dirty mouth!!
This does end on a cliffy but oh so worth it!!
If I could, I would give this more stars!!
This is a little darker than normal for Jolie, but she nails it!
Full of angst, chemistry, attraction, drama, mystery and so much steam!! I was engrossed and if adulting didn’t suck so much, I would of totally devoured in 1 sitting!
Loved the McRae’s parts and how Jolie tied them in
Make sure you have your partner handy (or a toy) cause you will need it with Struan’s dirty mouth!!
This does end on a cliffy but oh so worth it!!
January 18, 2022
This is not like Jolie’s typical writing at all. It’s was darker.
“It was the blood I noticed first. A red streak trickling the man’s neck, blending with his black hair. “
I was excited to start Jolie’s new book but after reading the first sentence I was excited for a different reason. I knew this one would be completely different than her books about the McRae’s. Struan (MMC) was dark and aggressive. A total bad boy. He had a pretty shitty start to life. No loving family. No happy memories. Thea (FMC) was the typical heroine. Good girl that finally gets a mind of her own and comes out of her shell after meeting the hero. Together, they were explosive. Coming together for wild angry sex and then hating each other after. Both refusing to acknowledge any other feelings for each other other than hatred.
This book was sooooo mysterious. One mystery after another kept popping up. One would be solved and then there’d be another unsolved case. I was honestly about to grab the yarn and pins and attack my poor wall! I needed questions answered! I’m getting to the end of the book right? Slowly, everything was falling into place. All my questions were getting answered and I was finally having some peace right? THEN IT ENDED IN A CLIFFHANGER! JOLIE! WHAT?! What?! I reread the last paragraph a few times because I thought I missed something. Nope! It’s just a cliffhanger. Something I don’t think Jolie has done before. Don’t get me started on the epilogue. She’s evil. Absolutely evil in only the best ways.
Definitely looking forward for the second book in this series.
“It was the blood I noticed first. A red streak trickling the man’s neck, blending with his black hair. “
I was excited to start Jolie’s new book but after reading the first sentence I was excited for a different reason. I knew this one would be completely different than her books about the McRae’s. Struan (MMC) was dark and aggressive. A total bad boy. He had a pretty shitty start to life. No loving family. No happy memories. Thea (FMC) was the typical heroine. Good girl that finally gets a mind of her own and comes out of her shell after meeting the hero. Together, they were explosive. Coming together for wild angry sex and then hating each other after. Both refusing to acknowledge any other feelings for each other other than hatred.
This book was sooooo mysterious. One mystery after another kept popping up. One would be solved and then there’d be another unsolved case. I was honestly about to grab the yarn and pins and attack my poor wall! I needed questions answered! I’m getting to the end of the book right? Slowly, everything was falling into place. All my questions were getting answered and I was finally having some peace right? THEN IT ENDED IN A CLIFFHANGER! JOLIE! WHAT?! What?! I reread the last paragraph a few times because I thought I missed something. Nope! It’s just a cliffhanger. Something I don’t think Jolie has done before. Don’t get me started on the epilogue. She’s evil. Absolutely evil in only the best ways.
Definitely looking forward for the second book in this series.
June 28, 2023
WooHoo!! What an amazing start to a new series!! We got a glimpse of Struan in Jolie Vines book Betrayed she gave us just enough to want more. And she definitely delivered with this story.
This is the first book in series and it does end in a cliffhanger, but I think it just makes it better!
Struan is the perfect definition of a bad boy and Thea is the perfect good girl, but all it took was a ferry ride for the attraction to ignite. This is not the usual opposites attract story, this story has layers and layers which makes it so much more.
Jolie has given us a start to a new set of characters in a whole new dynamic that is going to grab your attention and keep it until the end. I can’t see what comes next because I definitely have some questions that need some answers!
This is the first book in series and it does end in a cliffhanger, but I think it just makes it better!
Struan is the perfect definition of a bad boy and Thea is the perfect good girl, but all it took was a ferry ride for the attraction to ignite. This is not the usual opposites attract story, this story has layers and layers which makes it so much more.
Jolie has given us a start to a new set of characters in a whole new dynamic that is going to grab your attention and keep it until the end. I can’t see what comes next because I definitely have some questions that need some answers!
August 14, 2022
4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ruin was my first book by Jolie and I wasn’t disappointed. I went into this book blindly and was surprise how much I enjoyed it. This had a thriller feel to it, so it kept me on high alert 🚨
However their were parts I thought could have been explained a little bit better and parts that using common sense could have solved the problem but where would the excitement be in that…
The story was entertaining and it keep me wanting more. I didn’t find this to be a dark book at all. So I’m a little confused to why people are thinking otherwise.
I enjoyed it very much how the Author gave each character there own POV.. but still forced on the two MC’s which was Struan aka Ruin and Thea.
I loved how Thea started off as this meck, shy good girl, but eventually found her inner strength. Struan was your overall a bad boy, but deep down he had a kind heart, but let the insecure little boy within him over power what he would said and do just so he wouldn’t get hurt.
The chemistry between Struan and Thea was pretty hot. I was completely down with his hot demanding dirty talk…
“What, sweetheart? Apparently ye need a reminder of who ye belong to.”
Belong? I gave an exasperated groan. “I’m not yours.”
A dark laugh was my answer. “Try telling that to your soaking wet pussy”
“Ye want me to make ye come with my hands while ye watch, or fuck ye?” At my hesitation, he pressed his teeth to my neck. “Don’t tempt me. I’m a desperate man. I’ll take your virginity here and now. I willnae be gentle.”
By time I got to the end I was still unsure to what the hell was going on and how this book ended with its cliffhanger it made me even more confused to what the fuck just happened..
My only disappointed was, I wish I would have held off until the other audiobooks were released to start this series. I will definitely be continuing this series and would recommend this book.
Audiobook Review: Zachary Webber is one of my all-time favorite narrators and again he did not disappoint! However I gave a overall 4 star rating, because of Zara Hampton-Brown she did a fabulous job narrating Thea, but needs to work on her male voice. I felt when she narrating Struan’s parts she sounded like a old grumpy man.
Ruin was my first book by Jolie and I wasn’t disappointed. I went into this book blindly and was surprise how much I enjoyed it. This had a thriller feel to it, so it kept me on high alert 🚨
However their were parts I thought could have been explained a little bit better and parts that using common sense could have solved the problem but where would the excitement be in that…
The story was entertaining and it keep me wanting more. I didn’t find this to be a dark book at all. So I’m a little confused to why people are thinking otherwise.
I enjoyed it very much how the Author gave each character there own POV.. but still forced on the two MC’s which was Struan aka Ruin and Thea.
I loved how Thea started off as this meck, shy good girl, but eventually found her inner strength. Struan was your overall a bad boy, but deep down he had a kind heart, but let the insecure little boy within him over power what he would said and do just so he wouldn’t get hurt.
The chemistry between Struan and Thea was pretty hot. I was completely down with his hot demanding dirty talk…
“What, sweetheart? Apparently ye need a reminder of who ye belong to.”
Belong? I gave an exasperated groan. “I’m not yours.”
A dark laugh was my answer. “Try telling that to your soaking wet pussy”
“Ye want me to make ye come with my hands while ye watch, or fuck ye?” At my hesitation, he pressed his teeth to my neck. “Don’t tempt me. I’m a desperate man. I’ll take your virginity here and now. I willnae be gentle.”
By time I got to the end I was still unsure to what the hell was going on and how this book ended with its cliffhanger it made me even more confused to what the fuck just happened..
My only disappointed was, I wish I would have held off until the other audiobooks were released to start this series. I will definitely be continuing this series and would recommend this book.
Audiobook Review: Zachary Webber is one of my all-time favorite narrators and again he did not disappoint! However I gave a overall 4 star rating, because of Zara Hampton-Brown she did a fabulous job narrating Thea, but needs to work on her male voice. I felt when she narrating Struan’s parts she sounded like a old grumpy man.
January 20, 2022
Ruin (Dark Island Scots #1) by Jolie Vines is a romantic suspense told in first person from multiple points of view. It’s the first book in a series with a continuing storyline, and as such, it ends with a cliffhanger. The story follows the relationship between Thea Stewart and Struan Gallagher—aka “Ruin”—as Thea uncovers the sinister secrets of the remote island she visits twice a year. Most of the story is told from Thea’s and Struan’s perspectives, but there are seven other character POVs, ranging from one-to-three chapters each.
I have a love-hate relationship with cliffhangers. Like most readers, I generally prefer books without cliffhanger endings. However, I’m also the kind of reader who enjoys heartbreaking angst, wicked mind-games, and shocking twists, so when a book has a cliffhanger I want it to be deviously good. If it doesn’t sucker punch me in the gut, leaving me breathless and desperate for the next book, then it’s a bit of an anticlimactic letdown.
I’m clearly in the minority, but I kind of felt like that at the end of this book. So I’ve been trying to figure out why, because the event at the end isn’t minor. It should have left me gasping, so why didn’t it? I think it was the ambiguous delivery of the cliffhanger twist before the epilogue and the comparative shock value of all the events leading up to it. It felt mild compared to the intensity of what came before, and the last three sentences were vague, concealing who they were about. If the opposite approach had been taken—revealing whose life potentially hangs in the balance—I think it would’ve had the desired gasp-inducing impact. I’d be desperate to find out the fate of that character.
Overall, I really enjoyed Struan and Thea’s story. It has a darker tone than previous books by this author, which kept me curious and turning the pages to uncover the mystery and discover what was really happening on the island. There’s a large cast of characters: a few I love, a few I hate, and the bulk I’m undecided about. I thoroughly enjoyed the epilogue at the end that revealed a huge piece of the mystery and a character’s true colors. I’m looking forward to finding out more in Sin (Dark Island Scots #2), Lottie and Sinclair’s story.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
I have a love-hate relationship with cliffhangers. Like most readers, I generally prefer books without cliffhanger endings. However, I’m also the kind of reader who enjoys heartbreaking angst, wicked mind-games, and shocking twists, so when a book has a cliffhanger I want it to be deviously good. If it doesn’t sucker punch me in the gut, leaving me breathless and desperate for the next book, then it’s a bit of an anticlimactic letdown.
I’m clearly in the minority, but I kind of felt like that at the end of this book. So I’ve been trying to figure out why, because the event at the end isn’t minor. It should have left me gasping, so why didn’t it? I think it was the ambiguous delivery of the cliffhanger twist before the epilogue and the comparative shock value of all the events leading up to it. It felt mild compared to the intensity of what came before, and the last three sentences were vague, concealing who they were about. If the opposite approach had been taken—revealing whose life potentially hangs in the balance—I think it would’ve had the desired gasp-inducing impact. I’d be desperate to find out the fate of that character.
Overall, I really enjoyed Struan and Thea’s story. It has a darker tone than previous books by this author, which kept me curious and turning the pages to uncover the mystery and discover what was really happening on the island. There’s a large cast of characters: a few I love, a few I hate, and the bulk I’m undecided about. I thoroughly enjoyed the epilogue at the end that revealed a huge piece of the mystery and a character’s true colors. I’m looking forward to finding out more in Sin (Dark Island Scots #2), Lottie and Sinclair’s story.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
January 27, 2022
Wow! Wow! Wow! This was a thrilling read!
"Struan's look turned predatory, raking over me with raw heat and a hunger I barely understood."
When innocent, good girl, Theadora Stewart, notices the roughed up bad boy on the ferry over to Torlum, he affects her like no other man before. She's never met anyone like Struan Gallagher before but everything about him and his circumstances is a mystery and somehow seems wrong. As her own life begins to unravel, the spark between them roars into something fiery and addictive. Unfortunately, time is running out as they race to discover the secrets of the past and present - secrets that link them to one another.
"She'd come back. She wanted me. A decision slammed into my mind, irrevocable and solid. Mine."
I just ADORED this story! It was dark, gritty and scorchingly passionate. This author has always been fantastic at her craft, but I definitely feel that this series will push her up to another level. Thea's personal journey from meek and gentle girl into a woman of courage, who fights to take control of her life, was heartwarming and almost victorious. I loved her innocence, her good heart, and her passion for Struan. In turn, I adored how Thea made him feel - giving him the tenderness, love and belief that he'd been crying out for all his life. Struan was a brash hothead but I loved his fierce possession of Thea, and the way she made him feel vulnerable and raw. They made an unlikely pair but were so right together. Such an amazing start to a new series!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...?
"Struan's look turned predatory, raking over me with raw heat and a hunger I barely understood."
When innocent, good girl, Theadora Stewart, notices the roughed up bad boy on the ferry over to Torlum, he affects her like no other man before. She's never met anyone like Struan Gallagher before but everything about him and his circumstances is a mystery and somehow seems wrong. As her own life begins to unravel, the spark between them roars into something fiery and addictive. Unfortunately, time is running out as they race to discover the secrets of the past and present - secrets that link them to one another.
"She'd come back. She wanted me. A decision slammed into my mind, irrevocable and solid. Mine."
I just ADORED this story! It was dark, gritty and scorchingly passionate. This author has always been fantastic at her craft, but I definitely feel that this series will push her up to another level. Thea's personal journey from meek and gentle girl into a woman of courage, who fights to take control of her life, was heartwarming and almost victorious. I loved her innocence, her good heart, and her passion for Struan. In turn, I adored how Thea made him feel - giving him the tenderness, love and belief that he'd been crying out for all his life. Struan was a brash hothead but I loved his fierce possession of Thea, and the way she made him feel vulnerable and raw. They made an unlikely pair but were so right together. Such an amazing start to a new series!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...?
January 14, 2022
Hot and steamy as always, but oh so much darker and more dangerous! Loved Struan and Thea’s story as their very disparate worlds collide and implode. The twists and turns were fast and furious and trust was hard to come by. Buckle up for this novel of self discovery set in beautiful Scotland and populated by real people with real problems, capped by the all important happy ending!
January 31, 2022
Very intriguing!
This is definitely a dark read compared to the other books written. It was suspenseful and full of action. It had me on the edge of my seat! I read this book in one sitting as I didn’t want to put it down! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!!!
This is definitely a dark read compared to the other books written. It was suspenseful and full of action. It had me on the edge of my seat! I read this book in one sitting as I didn’t want to put it down! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!!!
December 11, 2024
"Ruin" — перша книга серії Dark Island Scots, в якій є поєднання загадковості, пристрасті та елементи темного роману.
Тропи:
💙таємниці минулого
💙від ворогів до закоханих
💙кліфхенгер
💙bad boy & good girl
💙found family
Головні герої книги — це Струан і Теа.
Струан — агресивний, темний персонаж із важким минулим, де йому бракувало любові та щасливих спогадів. Його характер жорсткий і дикий, але за цим ховаються глибокі емоції, які він не готовий визнавати. Його образ "поганого хлопця" підсилюється його поведінкою, однак це додає йому магнетизму.
Теа — сором’язлива, добра дівчина, яка змінюється під впливом Струана. Її трансформація — від тихої героїні до сміливої жінки, яка нарешті починає діяти за покликом серця, — є ключовим розвитком її характеру.
Разом вони створюють пристрасну, але конфліктну пару, де ненависть і бажання постійно перетинаються.
Також другорядні герої, тут на високому рівні, одразу зацікавили.
Тому перехожду до книги Сінклера.❤️🔥
Тропи:
💙таємниці минулого
💙від ворогів до закоханих
💙кліфхенгер
💙bad boy & good girl
💙found family
Головні герої книги — це Струан і Теа.
Струан — агресивний, темний персонаж із важким минулим, де йому бракувало любові та щасливих спогадів. Його характер жорсткий і дикий, але за цим ховаються глибокі емоції, які він не готовий визнавати. Його образ "поганого хлопця" підсилюється його поведінкою, однак це додає йому магнетизму.
Теа — сором’язлива, добра дівчина, яка змінюється під впливом Струана. Її трансформація — від тихої героїні до сміливої жінки, яка нарешті починає діяти за покликом серця, — є ключовим розвитком її характеру.
Разом вони створюють пристрасну, але конфліктну пару, де ненависть і бажання постійно перетинаються.
Також другорядні герої, тут на високому рівні, одразу зацікавили.
Тому перехожду до книги Сінклера.❤️🔥
February 9, 2022
Ruin by Jolie Vines
Series: (Dark Island Scots, #1)
Read On: Kindle (ARC Review - Give Me Books PR!)
🚨TW: Death, Sexual Assault, Mentions of rape
⭐️Rate: 5/5
🌶Spice: 3/4
“𝙔𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮, 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩."
The story opens up into a stormy boat ride and our two main characters being unapologetically themselves. However, the story follows them as they grow into and become comfortable in who they are. But make no mistake, it is a journey getting there. Ruin and Thea's spice is hot! The strangers kiss to hate fuck to pure and unfiltered need to just be together jumps right from the page and into your heart.
Theadora doesn't know exactly what is happening on this island or with her family and alongside the reader is figuring it out. Struan, our hero, the black haired, broody type (my favorite!) and misguided man is constantly jumping to conclusions about his own surroundings. These two figure out that their stories might just be more intertwined than they thought.
𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚. 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙗𝙤𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠.
So there I was, reading, minding my own business, on the island, in the water, and then I turned the page and it was the end. IT CANT BE OVER. I NEED more. Jolie Vines blew this novel out of the water and I am so so thankful that I got to be read it. This is definitely a turn for Vines, but she absolutely delivered on everything she promised.
The sighting of the other McRae's warmed my heart as well as the family that you could see building between the boys. They may not always like their family, but they will always love them. I was attached and felt like I was there on the island experiencing these events with the characters. II read into the early morning hours because I couldn't put this down.
It ends on a cliffhanger, but I promise it is 100% worth it.
Series: (Dark Island Scots, #1)
Read On: Kindle (ARC Review - Give Me Books PR!)
🚨TW: Death, Sexual Assault, Mentions of rape
⭐️Rate: 5/5
🌶Spice: 3/4
“𝙔𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮, 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩."
The story opens up into a stormy boat ride and our two main characters being unapologetically themselves. However, the story follows them as they grow into and become comfortable in who they are. But make no mistake, it is a journey getting there. Ruin and Thea's spice is hot! The strangers kiss to hate fuck to pure and unfiltered need to just be together jumps right from the page and into your heart.
Theadora doesn't know exactly what is happening on this island or with her family and alongside the reader is figuring it out. Struan, our hero, the black haired, broody type (my favorite!) and misguided man is constantly jumping to conclusions about his own surroundings. These two figure out that their stories might just be more intertwined than they thought.
𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚. 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙗𝙤𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠.
So there I was, reading, minding my own business, on the island, in the water, and then I turned the page and it was the end. IT CANT BE OVER. I NEED more. Jolie Vines blew this novel out of the water and I am so so thankful that I got to be read it. This is definitely a turn for Vines, but she absolutely delivered on everything she promised.
The sighting of the other McRae's warmed my heart as well as the family that you could see building between the boys. They may not always like their family, but they will always love them. I was attached and felt like I was there on the island experiencing these events with the characters. II read into the early morning hours because I couldn't put this down.
It ends on a cliffhanger, but I promise it is 100% worth it.
January 29, 2022
This book is aptly titled, because I.AM.RUINED.
I was over the moon excited to receive an ARC of this book, but now I am almost sad about that, because I wish I could still look forward to all of the goodness that is Struan and Thea.
Ruin is very different from Jolie Vines other books. It's dark and mysterious and not at all a fun, happy read. The writing was excellent, the setting of Scotland with a broody hero my favorite, and bringing the McRaes into the story made me one happy reader. Aside from those things, this is not your typical book by this author.
From the glimpses we had of Struan in other books, I knew he would have one hell of a story, but even I couldn't have expected the reality of it. Ms Vines has an incredible imagination and a wonderful sense of storytelling. I was SUCKED.IN.
I loved Thea and Struan from the minute they set eyes on each other on the ferry...her wide eyed innocence and his bad boy mad-at-the-world persona. Their mutual fascination and the pull between them...delicious. After the first few chapters, I really thought the book would continue like that, having Thea bringing light into Struan's world. She did, but only because she was what he needed. If I had to describe it, I would say that Thea was pulled over the dark side, along the way finding parts of herself that were missing. Her transformation from an innocent, timid do-gooder to a confident and sensual woman was amazing. It was plain to see that Struan brought out qualities in her that she didn't even know she had, and she embraced them.
Struan...he was a tough nut to crack. And rightly so. That boy did not have an easy life. Think of everything that could go wrong and everything that could happen to make life unpleasant and you pretty much have the a picture of the first two decades of his life. My heart ached for the young man who spent his days mad at the world while secretly longing to fit in somewhere in the world. It was not an easy journey to finding his "family" but the way his walls crumbled to let them in was so touching.
Another way this book was different was that for the majority of it, Struan and Thea are physically apart.
Normally I would hate that. I want love, love and more love. But you know what? As a reader, I *needed* Struan's story. I needed to read about his suffering and his anger and his defiance.
I feel like we got to know him more than Thea, and as someone who falls in love with books because of their heroes, I am A-OK with that. There was so much going on in this book, so much to try to figure out, that it couldn't just simply be a romantic story. Besides, absence must definitely make the heart grow fonder, and the chemistry even hotter, because those two SIZZLED when they did get together. HOT!
Struan and Thea did not have an easy path to their happy ever after. Do they even get one? I.DON'T.KNOW. Did I mention this book ends on a cliffhanger??!!?!?
One of my favorite things about this author is the ease in which she creates an incredible supporting cast. They do not come across as secondary characters. Sin and all his broody, mysterious goodness almost strole Struan's thunder. Lottie went from being the little friend tucked away on an island to a woman with secrets demanding her story be told. (I can't WAIT!). Max McRae leaped off the pages in the scenes he was in, and not just because I'd already read his story and fell in love with him.
It's a rare thing to find an author who can give her readers EXACTLY what they want. Ruin was darker, edgier, sexier than her previous books, but Ms Vines once again delivers a story with heart, passion, intrigue and emotion. Bring on Sinclair and Lottie.
I was over the moon excited to receive an ARC of this book, but now I am almost sad about that, because I wish I could still look forward to all of the goodness that is Struan and Thea.
Ruin is very different from Jolie Vines other books. It's dark and mysterious and not at all a fun, happy read. The writing was excellent, the setting of Scotland with a broody hero my favorite, and bringing the McRaes into the story made me one happy reader. Aside from those things, this is not your typical book by this author.
From the glimpses we had of Struan in other books, I knew he would have one hell of a story, but even I couldn't have expected the reality of it. Ms Vines has an incredible imagination and a wonderful sense of storytelling. I was SUCKED.IN.
I loved Thea and Struan from the minute they set eyes on each other on the ferry...her wide eyed innocence and his bad boy mad-at-the-world persona. Their mutual fascination and the pull between them...delicious. After the first few chapters, I really thought the book would continue like that, having Thea bringing light into Struan's world. She did, but only because she was what he needed. If I had to describe it, I would say that Thea was pulled over the dark side, along the way finding parts of herself that were missing. Her transformation from an innocent, timid do-gooder to a confident and sensual woman was amazing. It was plain to see that Struan brought out qualities in her that she didn't even know she had, and she embraced them.
Struan...he was a tough nut to crack. And rightly so. That boy did not have an easy life. Think of everything that could go wrong and everything that could happen to make life unpleasant and you pretty much have the a picture of the first two decades of his life. My heart ached for the young man who spent his days mad at the world while secretly longing to fit in somewhere in the world. It was not an easy journey to finding his "family" but the way his walls crumbled to let them in was so touching.
Another way this book was different was that for the majority of it, Struan and Thea are physically apart.
Normally I would hate that. I want love, love and more love. But you know what? As a reader, I *needed* Struan's story. I needed to read about his suffering and his anger and his defiance.
I feel like we got to know him more than Thea, and as someone who falls in love with books because of their heroes, I am A-OK with that. There was so much going on in this book, so much to try to figure out, that it couldn't just simply be a romantic story. Besides, absence must definitely make the heart grow fonder, and the chemistry even hotter, because those two SIZZLED when they did get together. HOT!
Struan and Thea did not have an easy path to their happy ever after. Do they even get one? I.DON'T.KNOW. Did I mention this book ends on a cliffhanger??!!?!?
One of my favorite things about this author is the ease in which she creates an incredible supporting cast. They do not come across as secondary characters. Sin and all his broody, mysterious goodness almost strole Struan's thunder. Lottie went from being the little friend tucked away on an island to a woman with secrets demanding her story be told. (I can't WAIT!). Max McRae leaped off the pages in the scenes he was in, and not just because I'd already read his story and fell in love with him.
It's a rare thing to find an author who can give her readers EXACTLY what they want. Ruin was darker, edgier, sexier than her previous books, but Ms Vines once again delivers a story with heart, passion, intrigue and emotion. Bring on Sinclair and Lottie.
August 15, 2024
Actually I give 9 stars.
First off let me say if you are going to read any of Jolie’s books, take the whole day off of everything else. You’ll be hooked and want to read it in one sitting
Thea is your typical sweet innocent girl. Strain/Ruin bad boy damaged soul angry at the world. Love them both . ( I’m a HUGE sucker for the bad boy damaged soul male character)
Thea’s dad and his lawyer are scum. Ugh. Esme and Henry creeped me out the whole book. Something was just off with them. Jolie wrote them perfectly.
Sin, Scar, Burn and Ruin being taken was one thing. But little Cassie I almost threw my kindle.
Sin not sharing all his knowledge with Straun/Ruin made me not like him much . Also had me thinking he was in on it.
The thrill of them sneaking out and being locked in the hostel had my heart going up and down.
Jolie is great at emotional roller coasters with your heart and her books.
The bonus scene!! My god! I love when books flip between his and her view. But that bonus scene was chefs kiss!
The ending of the book ugh wasn’t happen cause now I have to wait for more. Going to kill me slowly waiting but worth the burn
First off let me say if you are going to read any of Jolie’s books, take the whole day off of everything else. You’ll be hooked and want to read it in one sitting
Thea is your typical sweet innocent girl. Strain/Ruin bad boy damaged soul angry at the world. Love them both . ( I’m a HUGE sucker for the bad boy damaged soul male character)
Thea’s dad and his lawyer are scum. Ugh. Esme and Henry creeped me out the whole book. Something was just off with them. Jolie wrote them perfectly.
Sin, Scar, Burn and Ruin being taken was one thing. But little Cassie I almost threw my kindle.
Sin not sharing all his knowledge with Straun/Ruin made me not like him much . Also had me thinking he was in on it.
The thrill of them sneaking out and being locked in the hostel had my heart going up and down.
Jolie is great at emotional roller coasters with your heart and her books.
The bonus scene!! My god! I love when books flip between his and her view. But that bonus scene was chefs kiss!
The ending of the book ugh wasn’t happen cause now I have to wait for more. Going to kill me slowly waiting but worth the burn
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2022
Holy smokes, when I say I couldn’t put this down…I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN! I’ve loved all of the Scottish heroes Vines writes, but these new Dark Island Scots…sizzle. I love the deception, the mystery, the underworld type feel of this plot. I loved the Multiple Point of View that we get in order to hint at what’s to come, while still giving the majority of the story to our Hero and Heroine. And the character development Thea goes through is perfectly paced. I felt her innocence slowly morphing into strength and determination, that ‘no matter what’ mindset she begins to adopt in order to not only survive but to conquer. I cannot wait for the next book, Sin, and there better be a Burn and a Scar book coming down the pike as well! Jolie has outdone herself with this darker tale, something I’m not always keen to read but this one had me addicted, obsessed and thrilled the entire ride. Highly recommended for readers who like their Hero with a dark past and somewhat grey morals who falls for a heroine who’s been kept in the dark about her circumstances and believes in the goodness of his heart from the moment they meet. SO DANG GOOD!!
September 5, 2022
This book in my opinion should be a 5 star however it fell flat with the plot execution. The idea is present though not enough fleshed out. The characterization is a bit underdeveloped as well.
So this book starts well really and is unique, I don't think I have read a chance encounter between our main characters in which the hero has blood running down the neck, bruised knuckles, dark eyes, and an arrogant smirk. Oh and with pair of handcuffs.
I also like the setting, which is the remote dark Scottish Island. It's atmospheric at the same time jolting. But other than everything is pretty much average. The chemistry and the steamy scenes are pretty much good too. The push and pull are almost there instead-but fell flat just like most.
But anyway, I still liked this and there are some strong moments, and love the newfound family and friendship dynamics incorporated into the story.
So this book starts well really and is unique, I don't think I have read a chance encounter between our main characters in which the hero has blood running down the neck, bruised knuckles, dark eyes, and an arrogant smirk. Oh and with pair of handcuffs.
I also like the setting, which is the remote dark Scottish Island. It's atmospheric at the same time jolting. But other than everything is pretty much average. The chemistry and the steamy scenes are pretty much good too. The push and pull are almost there instead-but fell flat just like most.
But anyway, I still liked this and there are some strong moments, and love the newfound family and friendship dynamics incorporated into the story.
January 27, 2022
Genre; dark romance
Ruin - Jolie Vines
Thea & Struan
Sin & Lottie
Burn, Scar.
Notes 📝
Omg 😱, bad boys, good girls, abuse, scheming, lies, secrets, death, bad people, fucked up dad and so called friends, chemistry, friends, love, no no nooooo all the feels wtf 🤯😭 cliffhanger 🩸
So if my notes are any indication about how I experienced this book?
It’s just a tip of the iceberg 🤯
Jolie has given her dark side a chance to rise in her steamy Scottish books 📚 and to start with Ruin 🥳🔥🤗 omg it was mind blowing good, the anxiety and chemistry so much fun to experience with the characters, the world building, the storyline and the growth between and for the individual characters so well written.
Yes I’m very excited about this book 📖 and I can’t wait till the next one comes out.
A 5 stars 🌟 read for me 🙌🏻
Ruin - Jolie Vines
Thea & Struan
Sin & Lottie
Burn, Scar.
Notes 📝
Omg 😱, bad boys, good girls, abuse, scheming, lies, secrets, death, bad people, fucked up dad and so called friends, chemistry, friends, love, no no nooooo all the feels wtf 🤯😭 cliffhanger 🩸
So if my notes are any indication about how I experienced this book?
It’s just a tip of the iceberg 🤯
Jolie has given her dark side a chance to rise in her steamy Scottish books 📚 and to start with Ruin 🥳🔥🤗 omg it was mind blowing good, the anxiety and chemistry so much fun to experience with the characters, the world building, the storyline and the growth between and for the individual characters so well written.
Yes I’m very excited about this book 📖 and I can’t wait till the next one comes out.
A 5 stars 🌟 read for me 🙌🏻
January 26, 2022
I haven't found a book of Jolie's that I didn't like, and for a second there, I thought that this might be the one exception. For me, the beginning was slow. It didn't grab my attention the way that Jolie's other books did, but I kept reading, because I had heard nothing but amazing things about this book.
I was sucked into her world of darkness and depravity within a few chapters.
Thea and Straun were amazing. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship develop, even though it was a bit unconventional. This was darkness, and a mystery, along with a romance all tied into one, and once I was sucked in, I devoured every word until I had reached the end. I'm most eagerly anticipating the next installment of this series. Jolie has outdone herself with this book!
I was sucked into her world of darkness and depravity within a few chapters.
Thea and Straun were amazing. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship develop, even though it was a bit unconventional. This was darkness, and a mystery, along with a romance all tied into one, and once I was sucked in, I devoured every word until I had reached the end. I'm most eagerly anticipating the next installment of this series. Jolie has outdone herself with this book!
April 14, 2022
4 Star Review of Ruin (Dark Island Scots #1) by Jolie Vines
AUDIO REVIEW:
Having read or listened to a number of books by Jolie Vines I was intrigued by the premise of this book. The narrators Zachary Webber and Zara Hampton-Brown did a great job bringing this dark story to life for me.
There was a great deal of angst, an emotional roller coaster if you will. The suspense kept me on the edge of the seat whilst listening and the drama as it unfolds will hold you captive.
If you like new adult, dark, well written stories then Ruin is for you.
AUDIO REVIEW:
Having read or listened to a number of books by Jolie Vines I was intrigued by the premise of this book. The narrators Zachary Webber and Zara Hampton-Brown did a great job bringing this dark story to life for me.
There was a great deal of angst, an emotional roller coaster if you will. The suspense kept me on the edge of the seat whilst listening and the drama as it unfolds will hold you captive.
If you like new adult, dark, well written stories then Ruin is for you.
February 24, 2022
This was a good read. Struan is dealing with a lot. Him and Thea meet. They are very different people. We soon find out Thea's dad is missing and things are crazy. Luckily in all the chaos they are able to have some kind of relationship. However, we are left hanging at the end and it will be interesting to see how things play out.
February 6, 2022
read it in a couple of hours on apple books bc it was trending on tiktok… god its so bad like SO bad its literally a badly written wattpad book filled with smut to fill in for the absence of a good plot and good writing lmao.
July 19, 2022
Dnf @42% fuck this shit.
February 19, 2025
reread:
"Does this mean you´re asking me to be your girlfriend?"
"No. That implies we´re dating, which sounds temporary. I told ye, Theodora, from the start that ye are mine."
This is a two POV book, told by the POV´s of Struan and Theodora. On top the POV´s of Sin, Lottie and Unknown get a few singular chapters.
I love all the characters in this series to bits, so all you´re gonna hear from me in these parts of the reviews is me raving how great they are. I would say Thea starts out in this book as a more quiet, shy woman but learns to find her voice and her strength throughout. She is incredibly resourceful and resilient and I loved her character arc throughout this. Struan is a bit more hotheaded, reacting more towards emotions than thinking things really through I´d say, he definitely has some trust issues but once he loves, he loves very fiercely and protectively. I feel like both Struan and Thea balance each other out perfectly.
Regarding side characers I loved all about this. Due to now having read all the other series as well, I loved seeing glimpses of Max, Maddock and Gabe in this. It makes so much more sense to me now. (I definitely recommend reading the "Wild Mountain Scots" series before this). Like I already said, I love all of the MC´s and most of the side characters in this book. Lotties and Theas friendship was also so lovely in this one.
Plotwise this is a bit darker than the Wild Moutain Scots series. I´d argue that the series "get darker" as we go. Starting with Wild Mountain Scots which feels relatively normal, Dark Island Scots which felt darker and then the Body Count series which also felt a little bit more darker in comparison to Dark Island Scots. You can expect many well done spicy scenes in here. The tension and the angst in these books is perfect. They are fast paced, mixing character development and action scenes quite nicely with spicy scenes and darker themes. The pacing is very well done, however I´d recommend having the second book on hand, since this one does end on a (big) cliffhanger. Since this one is my "least favorite" of the series, it get´s four stars. (But a generous four stars. Like a "this is still very amazing" four stars.)
Overall an amazing start to a series and I can´t wait to get to Sin in my reread!
trigger warnings: mentions of domestic abuse, kidnapping, mentions of pedophilia, torture/physical abuse, mentions of sexual assault
(What I love about Jolie Vines books is that you´re never gonna find the MMC acting abusively towards the FMC!)
------------------------------------------------
Love to be able to read about Cassie´s brothers now. This was an interesting start although the ending felt a bit abrupt, so I am curious to see how the rest of the series will go!
"Does this mean you´re asking me to be your girlfriend?"
"No. That implies we´re dating, which sounds temporary. I told ye, Theodora, from the start that ye are mine."
This is a two POV book, told by the POV´s of Struan and Theodora. On top the POV´s of Sin, Lottie and Unknown get a few singular chapters.
I love all the characters in this series to bits, so all you´re gonna hear from me in these parts of the reviews is me raving how great they are. I would say Thea starts out in this book as a more quiet, shy woman but learns to find her voice and her strength throughout. She is incredibly resourceful and resilient and I loved her character arc throughout this. Struan is a bit more hotheaded, reacting more towards emotions than thinking things really through I´d say, he definitely has some trust issues but once he loves, he loves very fiercely and protectively. I feel like both Struan and Thea balance each other out perfectly.
Regarding side characers I loved all about this. Due to now having read all the other series as well, I loved seeing glimpses of Max, Maddock and Gabe in this. It makes so much more sense to me now. (I definitely recommend reading the "Wild Mountain Scots" series before this). Like I already said, I love all of the MC´s and most of the side characters in this book. Lotties and Theas friendship was also so lovely in this one.
Plotwise this is a bit darker than the Wild Moutain Scots series. I´d argue that the series "get darker" as we go. Starting with Wild Mountain Scots which feels relatively normal, Dark Island Scots which felt darker and then the Body Count series which also felt a little bit more darker in comparison to Dark Island Scots. You can expect many well done spicy scenes in here. The tension and the angst in these books is perfect. They are fast paced, mixing character development and action scenes quite nicely with spicy scenes and darker themes. The pacing is very well done, however I´d recommend having the second book on hand, since this one does end on a (big) cliffhanger. Since this one is my "least favorite" of the series, it get´s four stars. (But a generous four stars. Like a "this is still very amazing" four stars.)
Overall an amazing start to a series and I can´t wait to get to Sin in my reread!
trigger warnings: mentions of domestic abuse, kidnapping, mentions of pedophilia, torture/physical abuse, mentions of sexual assault
(What I love about Jolie Vines books is that you´re never gonna find the MMC acting abusively towards the FMC!)
------------------------------------------------
Love to be able to read about Cassie´s brothers now. This was an interesting start although the ending felt a bit abrupt, so I am curious to see how the rest of the series will go!
January 28, 2022
☆☆☆☆☆
Ruin was a dark, mysterious masterpiece that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is my first book by this author and I’m in love with her style of writing. I will be signing up for all of her future releases.
While on a ferry to a mysterious Scottish island. As soon as Thea Stewart saw Struan Gallagher on the ferry, it was lust at first sight. She noticed blood running down his neck, his knuckles were bruised, his eyes were dark and he effortlessly sported an arrogant smirk on his face. The last thing she noticed were the handcuffs on his wrists. No one else paid him any mind. He was going to be imprisoned on the dark, remote, Scottish Island that she knew all too well. He had been kidnapped, not arrested and she was the one who had the key to his prison cell aka freedom.
This book had everything it takes for me to fall head over heels in love with a book. The level of angst was perfection and had my angst-loving-heart happy. The chemistry was off the charts and the hate-fueled sex scenes were enough to have me seriously needing new panties and maybe a cold shower. I loved the mysteries prevalent throughout. Just when one got solved another one popped up. I loved all of the characters! I can’t wait to read the other books in this series. There were sinister elements that had me hanging on to the edge of my seat. I loved the changes that took place in Thea by Struan. I highly recommend this story. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Ruin was a dark, mysterious masterpiece that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is my first book by this author and I’m in love with her style of writing. I will be signing up for all of her future releases.
While on a ferry to a mysterious Scottish island. As soon as Thea Stewart saw Struan Gallagher on the ferry, it was lust at first sight. She noticed blood running down his neck, his knuckles were bruised, his eyes were dark and he effortlessly sported an arrogant smirk on his face. The last thing she noticed were the handcuffs on his wrists. No one else paid him any mind. He was going to be imprisoned on the dark, remote, Scottish Island that she knew all too well. He had been kidnapped, not arrested and she was the one who had the key to his prison cell aka freedom.
This book had everything it takes for me to fall head over heels in love with a book. The level of angst was perfection and had my angst-loving-heart happy. The chemistry was off the charts and the hate-fueled sex scenes were enough to have me seriously needing new panties and maybe a cold shower. I loved the mysteries prevalent throughout. Just when one got solved another one popped up. I loved all of the characters! I can’t wait to read the other books in this series. There were sinister elements that had me hanging on to the edge of my seat. I loved the changes that took place in Thea by Struan. I highly recommend this story. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
January 27, 2022
Yes I got myself lost in Ruin and I was told by the author comment on the bottom to "Lose yourself in Ruin" Get ready for the Dark Island😍
"First forget freedom. If you're here, it's for a reason. Ain't no getting out. Full prision is properly the alternative."
...
"Second rule, we a share the work"
Welcome to Torlum Youth Hostel & you belong to The Keeper...
The opening of this book is tense and so many questions. Ferry on a rainy day, English girl find a Scottish boy chain to rail in the rain and NO ONE makes a comment and when her dad has a few whiskies he says there Darkness on this Island...no spoilers
Struan & Theadora/Thea's love story is a dark story and blood. My first fab moment is when he escape and they meet she helps him but they can track him with...no spoilers. He tells her to run that shows he wants to protector from the men & test theory see if it true they can track him. When they take he has her hairband left on his arm and that hairband reminds him to hope...
THAT IT NO MORE SPOILERS. I spoiled one scene but I will say get ready for complex characters and ALOT of tense, suspense, action scenes and of couse romance that you will LOVE. Just a perfect read & a refreshing read😍
YES there is a cliffhanger and it ANNOYING one because I want to know what happened next now....please 🙏
☆MUST READ & FAV☆
"First forget freedom. If you're here, it's for a reason. Ain't no getting out. Full prision is properly the alternative."
...
"Second rule, we a share the work"
Welcome to Torlum Youth Hostel & you belong to The Keeper...
The opening of this book is tense and so many questions. Ferry on a rainy day, English girl find a Scottish boy chain to rail in the rain and NO ONE makes a comment and when her dad has a few whiskies he says there Darkness on this Island...no spoilers
Struan & Theadora/Thea's love story is a dark story and blood. My first fab moment is when he escape and they meet she helps him but they can track him with...no spoilers. He tells her to run that shows he wants to protector from the men & test theory see if it true they can track him. When they take he has her hairband left on his arm and that hairband reminds him to hope...
THAT IT NO MORE SPOILERS. I spoiled one scene but I will say get ready for complex characters and ALOT of tense, suspense, action scenes and of couse romance that you will LOVE. Just a perfect read & a refreshing read😍
YES there is a cliffhanger and it ANNOYING one because I want to know what happened next now....please 🙏
☆MUST READ & FAV☆
January 16, 2022
This book is aptly named, it will Ruin you. I absolutely loved this book. I received this as an arc for my honest opinion from Jolie Vines and ugh is all I can say because it’s a bit different from her previous books but I love this new side. Straun is dark, and broody, and just everything I love about a dark character. I love morally gray characters and Straun while not morally gray in some sense, he has some history that makes him a bad boy. Thea is a sweet woman who needed a little bad in her life, to break the mold her father wanted her in. I thought I had pinned down the villain and Jolie went and changed the game. I love that this series seems like it will be connected plot wise vs all her books being neatly wrapped up. The cliffhanger has me needing the next book immediately. I can’t wait for Sin and the rest of this series.
January 20, 2022
Ruin is an amazing book written by Jolie Vines and is a departure for this author. It’s not a sweet, suspenseful romance, but a story of angst, suspense, and unusual circumstances that surround these young characters. I’m amazed at the possibilities for them, their strength-both individually and with each other, and their determination to find the truth.
Thea and Struan come from totally different backgrounds and meet in unusual circumstances. The reader will quickly be invested in the events and the story and will be anxious to find out what will happen next. How can these young people find the answers they so desperately seek when so many forces work to destroy them? Will the answers keep them apart or draw them closer together?
I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. You will definitely not want to miss out on this mesmerizing book!
Thea and Struan come from totally different backgrounds and meet in unusual circumstances. The reader will quickly be invested in the events and the story and will be anxious to find out what will happen next. How can these young people find the answers they so desperately seek when so many forces work to destroy them? Will the answers keep them apart or draw them closer together?
I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. You will definitely not want to miss out on this mesmerizing book!
January 26, 2022
Wow! This was a departure from Jolie's Scots, but in the best way. All fans of dark romance will really be enamored with this book! Thea meets Straun when he's bloody and cuffed to the ferry in the pouring rain. Something about this bad boy just draws her to him. Thea is the perfect daughter. And she's tired of being everyone's pawn. Straun, a prisoner on an isolated island, is troubled and mysterious and draws her like no man every has. This story is dark and holds many secrets. I was quickly turning the pages as the secrets began to unravel. Torlum is a small island in the middle of dark waters. Ruin's setting was intriguing from the beginning and Vines kept me guessing until the end. This story ends on a cliffhanger, sort of. The next book is interconnected, so stay tuned! Exciting beginning to this edgy new series! 4 stars
January 14, 2022
Wow Jolie Vines really came through with this book!! Dark and Broody and different from all the rest!! This book starts out fast and doesnt let up, this book has so many twists and turns your head will spin!! The main characters Straun and Thea are great and the supporting characters are wonderful and well written per usual for a Jolie Vines book and the McRaes will show up for some cameos which is fantastic 💗 the plot is steamy and and a bit darker than Jolies usual plot lines but that made it a fun read!! Once I started reading I couldn't put it down until I was done which doesnt happen often 🥰 The cliffhanger I could have done without hahaha but it just made me want the next book more 💞 Overall it was a fantastic book and I can't wait to read Sin and Lottie's book!!
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