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Until Ruin

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After surviving an unexpected tragedy, Avalee is trying to move beyond the darkness that haunts her in favor of a future she isn’t sure she deserves. Back in Tennessee for the first time since her life fell apart, she’s thankful to land a job with a local construction company when she bumps into the last person she thought she’d see there.


The one that got away.


Darkness brews in Ruin’s eyes like angry storm clouds the moment he lays eyes on her again. The night Avalee left him deserted on the road plays like a loop, every passing heartbeat since like reliving the night he lost her all over. Chemistry sizzles between them even while the past threatens to rock their budding new romance off course. And just when they think they’ve buried the tragedy of their shared history, thunder clouds threaten again. 


Someone else knows what happened that night, and they’re determined to make the new lovers pay….even if it ruins all of them.




Until Ruin is part of Aurora Rose Reynolds's Happily Ever Alpha World.  If you loved Until Jax and Until Cobi, then you will want to read Until Ruin.


222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2022

88 people are currently reading
87 people want to read

About the author

Adriane Leigh

58 books2,779 followers
is a USA Today bestselling author of multiple novels and novellas. With appearances in publications such as Vogue Magazine and The Montreal Gazette, the award-winning author, in addition to writing, founded RARE: Romance Author & Reader Events, a community of internationally-renowned book conventions that draw thousands of readers and #1 bestselling authors to events around the world each year. 

She hosts a podcast, The Rebel Artist, and her books are translated into French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.

She lives on Lake Michigan with her family.

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5 stars
112 (37%)
4 stars
103 (34%)
3 stars
52 (17%)
2 stars
20 (6%)
1 star
9 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Heroesinbooks.
1,163 reviews347 followers
September 11, 2022
2 Ruin and Avalee Stars

As much as the Until / Until Him-Her Series' by Aurora Rose Reynolds are two of my all time favourites the whole world , I haven't loved many of the stories in the Happy Ever Alpha World , which is where guest authors write books that tie in with various characters from the original series'.

Fundamentally , Ruin and Avalee have a really interesting story with heaps of potential but it just never quite took off for me. Avalee as a heroine , was a little too mild mannered - I wanted more passion from her. Ruin was deliciously broody and I liked him well enough. Theirs is a sad background where they are ripped apart by Avalee's parents and circumstances when they are 17 / 18. Ruin is sent to prison for something he didn't do and when he is released he gets a job working construction with the Mayson family, namely Trevor- Until Trevor , Jax- Until Jax
and Cobi- Until Cobi. And this is where my issues began...



Trevor Mayson is now nearing 60. He was a hot young thing when I read about him back in the day but not to worry , I thought, time will have been kind to my memory of this yummy hero. Huh. Nope.

Trevor Mayson is heavyset and nearing sixty.....Mr Mayson's neck turns a shade of crimson, and he licks his bottom lip. His moustache has remnants from his breakfast stuck in it, and I try to remember a time when I've seen the man angry.





What???? No , no , no. Don't ruin my Hero from books gone past.

Then at 32% , Cobi acts like a complete dick. Honestly , I was so disappointed in him and his manner of speaking to Ruin. What a contrast to his character in the original books. And he NEVER apologises to Ruin for being such a total arse. If I hadn't already read Cobi's book , I would not be compelled to after reading his character in this. It totally went against his portrayal in that book and the connected ones.

And then their was Liz , Trevor's wife. She is portrayed COMPLETELY out of character too. It felt like this author either hadn't read their books or she just ignored how they were depicted. It felt wrong and it ruined Ruin's book.

There are some occasions when Ruin and Avalee are having sex and it feels a bit off. I cringed a bit with how he spoke and again , I was put off.

A blissful sigh tumbles out of my mouth when he presses against me a little harder. "That's it , my sweet bird . Let me hear those sexy little songs now."



The 'baddie' characters felt very one dimensional and I guessed the plot twist early on. Unfortunately , this book just did not work for me. I really disliked the way original characters were portrayed and it detracted from the book hugely.

HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,684 reviews98 followers
April 7, 2022
4 stars

Until Ruin is my first book by author Adriane Leigh and is the latest installment in the Until series. There clearly is an interconnected storyline in the books but I was able to enjoy this book without having read the series.

Ruin Lautner's life has lived up to his name. Born into a family where the mother abandons him and the father abused him, Ruin's start to life was a rough one. The addition of his long lost half-brothers makes his life even worse. His only solace comes in the form of a pretty, and kind, little girl from the other side of the tracks. Enamored with each other from a young age, they had plans to build a life together. That all changes when he's wrongfully convicted of a crime and Avalee disappears from his life.

Virtue "Avalee" loved Ruin from the first time he shared his ice cream with her. She sees beyond his family's reputation to the sweet and protective boy underneath. Her dad does not. Her prominent father whisks her away in the dark of night to "save her" from the budding relationship, only to make her more vulnerable to a real monster. After her ordeal, she moves back to Tennessee to start over and finds Ruin is back in her life again. Together they try to outrun the past and forge a future for themselves.

This was a great book. Angsty and heartbreaking, sweet and heartfelt. Ruin and Avalee are great characters who deserve a break from the hard stuff and a happy ending! To me there are still a few loose ends but this was a good read!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
April 8, 2022
As a teenager Ruin’s homelife was difficult but the one bright spot in his life was Avalee until the night that changed everything. He has picked up the pieces of his life and didn’t expect to see her again until destiny bring them together once again however even if the feelings between them haven’t diminished he believes she deserves better than him.

Avalee was devastated when she and Ruin were forced apart and the intervening years haven’t been kind to her either. When she reunites with Ruin the chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever but first they must deal with events of the past as well as the danger in the present.

Ruin and Avalee have always belonged together, and they deserve much better than what they have had to endure but I enjoyed seeing them find their way back to each other.
Profile Image for Lisa Stinson.
1,376 reviews19 followers
April 4, 2022
This was a good installment to the Until series spinoffs. Ruin and Avalee are from very different worlds but it didn't matter to them when they were kids. They were just nice to each other and kind when it mattered the most. Their childhood friendship grew into what could be best described as young puppy love. Too bad Avalee's father didn't see beyond the surface layer of Ruin...he just saw the family he came from.

A very sad and unfortunate series of events keep these two miles apart for years. Avalee is forced to move to Mississippi with her family. When she decides to go to college, she immediately moves back to Tennessee in the hopes that she can find Ruin. Sadly, Ruin was wrongfully convicted of vehicular homicide and is locked away. While she is in Tennessee, she is kidnapped and assaulted. Lucky for her, Asher, Jax and Cobi help find her and this ensures her bond with the Maysen family.

Ruin and Avalee are now both working for the Maysen family and hope that they could rekindle their young love. Avalee is still the sweet girl who sees more in Ruin than he even sees in himself. She's been hurt and wounded but with Ruin she feels completely safe.

One thing that really bothered me was how some of the Maysen men treated Ruin. I would have expected better from them after reading their books by Aurora Rose Reynolds. They all changed their minds once they saw how much Avalee meant to Ruin.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,884 reviews214 followers
April 8, 2022


AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU



Once upon a time, Ruin had a sweet angel in his life. He and Avalee had big plans, but the night he was sent away for something he didn't do, she disappeared and he thought he'd never see her again. Then a vision walks back into his life and he's forced to take a long, hard look at himself. He's not anywhere near good enough for her, is he? He doesn't think so, but Avalee has always seen through to his heart, which is quite beautiful and she alone seems to realize it. Is a second chance on the horizon for them, or will his horrible family and the scars of his past ruin everything?



Avalee too has suffered in the years since she last saw her favorite person, and she still bears the scars from that suffering. When Ruin comes back into her life, she finally feels safe. But if she cannot get through to his beautiful heart, he might let his own past get the best of him, keep him from seeing just how good they can be together, how much they need each other.



Wow, this story had all the feels. It's angsty and more than a little heartbreaking, but with tendrils of hope weaving through it. I like that Avalee and Ruin weren't strangers, that they were actually working on a second chance. I don't know if these two are from a different series of the author's, but I hope so, because I'd love to read more from her about them and their world.



ARC provided by Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews189 followers
April 8, 2022
Ruin had a nightmarish upbringing with his mother leaving him to a father who was very abusive so there are internal scars. To make things even worse, his long lost family only added to the nightmare but luckily, he found Avalee who made things better. They grew closer and developed into feelings as they grew older, but she's from the right side of the tracks & her father didn't approve. He was falsely imprisoned for something he didn't do while she disappeared from his life. While she's apart from Ruin, something terrible happens to her which has her going back to Tennessee to start over & she comes face to face with the boy she never forgot, only he was different. There's a lot of things in their way as they try to figure out how to go forward since they belonged together, so it's not an easy path. This story was more intense than previous books in the series, and while I loved the storyline, I had an issue with some side characters that I'm not going to talk about since it's totally my issue. Anyway, now it's your turn to decide for yourselves by hitting those one click buttons as I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for  •Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥.
3,444 reviews156 followers
April 8, 2022
Having read Ms.Leigh's work before i've been looking so forward to picking up more of her books this year. As soon as this story was announced it caught my eye. I picked it up and got into this story quickly. I enjoyed it!

Ruin and Avalee's journey got my attention right from the get go! As these two are brought back into each other's lives, i couldn't wait to see how things would play out for them. I wasn't sure what all to expect in their story and i really liked how that got me into it even more. I felt so many things throughout with these characters! Their chemistry was great!

With Until Ruin, Ms.Leigh has created a good read that will pull you in! I am so looking forward to more from her!




*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Give Me Books Promotions / the author*
Profile Image for Leah.
699 reviews34 followers
April 11, 2022
Avalee and Ruin were friends and a little bit more when they were in high school, but life had other plans. They were torn apart by circumstances and it has been years since they have seen each other. Both Avalee and Ruin have been through a lot, and not all of it good. But they reconnect and they don't really miss a beat in their attraction. They take the time to learn who they are now that they have lived. There is that suspense element that is forever present in the alpha world, but it is very light in this book. I really enjoyed the story line and basis of this book. However, there was something missing for me to love it. And I am interested in dealing into the other side characters in Adriane Leigh's world.


Pop: 38%
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,918 reviews118 followers
April 9, 2022
4 Stars!

The BOOM 💥 is back baby.

The newest standalone in the Happily Ever Alpha World is out and what a book this was. Sweet, steamy, emotional, twisted. Until Ruin gives readers a softer, second chance romance that'll make your next sigh with happiness by the end.. it sure did mine. And Adriane Leigh is quite the storyteller.. she did a really good job telling Ruin and Avalee's journey, which was complicated and riddled with deep past traumas.

I definitely recommend this book.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Profile Image for Nicole.
187 reviews
April 10, 2022
2.5 stars

I would’ve rated this higher but there was a key story point that was totally incorrect and I have no idea why it wasn’t caught. If you’ve read Until Jax you’ll know that the person who saved Avalee in that book was Harlen and not Cobi. This was so confusing to me and it didn’t make sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashante Williams.
2,071 reviews3 followers
February 4, 2025
Ruin & Avalee (Virtue): triggers- drugs, assault, domestic abuse, child abandonment. Boom - while there's no exact mention of “the BOOM” or that it was love at first sight, it's more or less implied and then mentioned as an afterthought at the end of the book. With as many of the Mason's there are mentioned in the story, you would think someone would have mentioned it. However, that brings me to the next point. Characters from original “Until Him/Her” series- there are several characters within the story but they're more there as sideline characters. They aren't important to the story. For example, July and Ellie are said to be Avalee’s best friend but we didn't actually learn that until the epilogue even though they are referenced by name only in chapter 2. And for them to be best friends, there's no real interaction with them in the book. I'll say it again, merely mentioning the character's names does not connect them to the story or the story to the series. 🤦🏾‍♀️. The dilemma- so I felt that there are multiple dilemmas in this book. I'm not going to list them but I felt like the main dilemma was definitely resolved. Others were more so a chain reaction and one of them I felt needed a bit more, either a bigger confrontation or more clarification. I just felt like that person didn't answer for what they did. I'm also questioning how her family was able to move her so fast without her knowing, which doesn't make sense. My family moved around a lot when I was a kid and I'll tell you when it was time to move, there's no way you didn't know it was happening and not in that short amount of time. There's some consistency issues I found with timing. For example, they would take selfies in front of the pizza place but when she went to college, she used a folding paper map. There's too much time between using paper maps and taking selfies on the technology timeline for that to make sense. But hey, anything is possible. 🤣🤦🏾‍♀️. The story is good, very dramatic and a touch steamy but do I feel like it belongs in the “Until Him/Her” series and the “Happily Ever Alpha” world ?, almost.
Profile Image for Ioanna_loves_books.
39 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2022
We would reimagine the possibilities that his last name could hold…

This is the story of two people who were meant to be together from the start but fate had other plans for them. Sometimes it is difficult to accept that someone from the wrong part of the town will be the one who will cherish your daughter. Also, standing up to your parents when you are a teenager and defending your feelings for someone who seems not enough takes a lot of courage. The bond between Ruin and Avalee was broken abruptly but neither of them forgot what this love meant. They cherished it and when they are given a second chance even though they are a bit broken they fight against all odds. This time the dark is within them but they are the light for each other. It was so sweet and emotional to see these two fall in love all over again and as Avalee says: “ He was the one piece that completed my puzzle”. Their love endured all difficulties and they finally got their HEA.
Profile Image for J.p.
1,401 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2022
I was very kindly given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. This was a beautiful love story. Ruin and Avalee were mere children when they met. Ruin has a very difficult home life and the only bright light in his life is Avalee. Her upbringing is very different to his. Their puppy love develops into something more but one night everything changes and they are pulled apart. Life hasn’t been kind to either of them but their love for one another keeps them hoping for an hea. This book has drama, bit of steam and so emotional. I loved both characters but Ruin has my heart, although life treated him badly he still had the most beautiful soul. They slowly heal with each other’s help and this story will remain with me forever.
Profile Image for Maria.
503 reviews
January 15, 2023
Ruin and Avalee, surrounded by bad

These two had to struggle with his life dealt them with ugly from the beginning. Falsely accused for a crime he didn't comit, Ruis.spent 4 years in prison before he was freed. Scales got kidnapped and assaulted before the Mason helped her and then again when she returned to Tennessee. What these two didn't count on was finding each other again even though they hoped for. Each struggled to share their truth but at the end it paid off. Even with some past coming back to haunt them. Beautiful ending.
Profile Image for Jennifer Brewster .
1,544 reviews19 followers
April 11, 2022
Virtue + Ruin = Hope

I love being back in the Mayson’s world. It always feels like coming home. Until Ruin is a story of love, loss, overcoming trauma and finding your soul mate. Ruin and Avalee met when they were very young. Kids from opposite sides of town who fell in love only to be ripped apart by outside sources. Years later they reconnect and find ways to overcome their past and create a beautiful life together.
Profile Image for J Ryan.
348 reviews4 followers
April 11, 2022
Avalee and Ruin!

This book was an unexpected ride. Ruin and Avalee are those two people simply destined to be together. Their paths continuously overlap in the most brilliant and cruel ways.

‘You keep kissing me like that, Ruin, and I might not survive it.’

They each have such a tortured and heartbreaking past but their connection is overflowing with hope and love. This story is full of twists and turns and a much deserved happily ever after.
Profile Image for Lori Walsh, Guaresimo.
1,030 reviews10 followers
April 12, 2022
Ruin and Virtue

I don't think I have read a bad book in the Until series always with the happy endings. I really despised Ruins family and I was a little disappointed with a couple of the Mayson men especially Cobi he wouldn't give Ruin a chance at the end he redeemed himself and her father even came around. It was very tense at times and I was a little worried,there was some drama but they got through it. I'm so happy they got there long awaited HEA.
282 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2022
Avalee and Ruin's love and lives are torn apart when events and her parents conspire against them. Unexpectedly finding each other again they are both cautious with each other. Their pasts, how they were treated by family/friends just about tore my heart out. There are no rainbows or unicorns in their past or present. In fact things get very tense and scary. A fast paced book with thankfully a HEA.
Profile Image for Sheila.
2,191 reviews5 followers
November 2, 2022
Amazing

I had to read the end a few times. After these two had a lifetime of bad luck and things plus people keeping them apart. They saw each other years and years later and it’s like they picked right up where they left off. And finally got their HEA
Profile Image for crystal.
181 reviews
April 10, 2022
Read It!!!!!

I loved this book so much!!! I hope this series never ends. I have read every book in this series and this author delivered a perfect story ❤️
4,165 reviews18 followers
April 15, 2022
I love Ruin and Avalee,they've been through soo much,they're just soo perfect for each other! Such a sweet,sexy and beautiful healing love story! I absolutly loved it soo soo much!🥰🔥❤😍
Profile Image for Bev Quigley.
267 reviews4 followers
May 3, 2022
Loved

I absolutely loved this book. There chemistry is great together. I love a good second chance romance. The boom factory is the best. I wish Trevor had been more open.
Profile Image for Ciara Kelly.
1,168 reviews9 followers
June 5, 2022
Great

Darker but every bit as good and cuddly as all the other books in this phenomenal series. I loved Ruin and admired Avalee hugely
Profile Image for Kathy M.
142 reviews39 followers
July 2, 2022
Such a good and nice book to read before bed.
It has just enough spice but quite the right ampunt of action I needed.
Adriane never misses with her books honestly and I love to see it ❤️
21 reviews
July 22, 2022
2nd chance romance

This book is filled with twist and turns,its a can't put down book. Must read for your summer reading list
Profile Image for Jess.
3,186 reviews27 followers
July 26, 2022
Sweet

This is definitely a second chance romance story. Second chance at life for both main characters. These two are perfect for each other.
Profile Image for Kelley Loop.
32 reviews
January 11, 2023
Good

It was good, a little to short for my liking, but overall, it was a good story sad but sweet
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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