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Charlie Swallow is a savage.
After killing his brother to save his soulmate, someone who wasn't even his to keep. He is lost.
With nothing left to fight for, he finds himself back in the arms of his enemy. A man who is just as brutal, just as sinister, just as savage, but understands Charlie in a way that no one else ever has.
Until something turns up in one of Charlie's shipping yards. Something that changes everything.
A girl in a cage.
*This is book 1 in the Swallows and Savages series, and DOES end on a cliffhanger. This book is extremely dark, if you have any trïggers, please do not read.
After killing his brother to save his soulmate, someone who wasn't even his to keep. He is lost.
With nothing left to fight for, he finds himself back in the arms of his enemy. A man who is just as brutal, just as sinister, just as savage, but understands Charlie in a way that no one else ever has.
Until something turns up in one of Charlie's shipping yards. Something that changes everything.
A girl in a cage.
*This is book 1 in the Swallows and Savages series, and DOES end on a cliffhanger. This book is extremely dark, if you have any trïggers, please do not read.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2023
70 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 25, 2023
“𝔅𝔞𝔟𝔶 𝔅𝔦𝔯𝔡.” 𝔐𝔶 𝔟𝔢𝔩𝔩𝔶 𝔣𝔩𝔲𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔰 𝔩𝔦𝔨𝔢 𝔟𝔞𝔱𝔰 𝔦𝔫 𝔞 𝔠𝔞𝔳𝔢, 𝔥𝔢𝔞𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔱𝔥𝔬𝔰𝔢 𝔯𝔞𝔰𝔭𝔢𝔡 𝔴𝔬𝔯𝔡𝔰.
Once again K manages to absolutely wow and devastate me at the same time. Charlie Swallow is not a good person , he’s dark, depraved and knows no bounds but we love him nonetheless.
K manages to get again create a world that has no light but each word delivered is magical, from the very first sentence to the very last you’re ensnared and enthralled but each word but please do understand that this is not a light story, this is dark, so dark , limits are tested and you are left wondering if you should even be rooting for these characters.
Ava is an interesting character and I look forward to learning more about her and her past, I love how she’s accepted Charlie how he is.
Kaz oh Kaz our Russian prince , you are a dark horse , depraved just like Charlie and having suffered the same way as Charlie and Ava you are one to watch out for. Kaz and Charlie can’t seem to stay away from each other no matter how hard they try and when they are together it’s absolutely filthy.
K managed to break my heart with the ending of this book and I need someone to give our boy Charlie a hug 😭 I’m so excited for the rest of this series and dare I say I may love this series more than Lala’s 👀
Once again K manages to absolutely wow and devastate me at the same time. Charlie Swallow is not a good person , he’s dark, depraved and knows no bounds but we love him nonetheless.
K manages to get again create a world that has no light but each word delivered is magical, from the very first sentence to the very last you’re ensnared and enthralled but each word but please do understand that this is not a light story, this is dark, so dark , limits are tested and you are left wondering if you should even be rooting for these characters.
Ava is an interesting character and I look forward to learning more about her and her past, I love how she’s accepted Charlie how he is.
Kaz oh Kaz our Russian prince , you are a dark horse , depraved just like Charlie and having suffered the same way as Charlie and Ava you are one to watch out for. Kaz and Charlie can’t seem to stay away from each other no matter how hard they try and when they are together it’s absolutely filthy.
K managed to break my heart with the ending of this book and I need someone to give our boy Charlie a hug 😭 I’m so excited for the rest of this series and dare I say I may love this series more than Lala’s 👀
October 18, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️½
Broken.
Ruin.
I am his. He is mine.
Tragic, traumatic, and heartbreaking! I loved this tale. I loved KL Taylor-Lane's writing style and was pulled in and ruined by the end. I am obsessed with Charlie, Kazimir, and Ava, and I’m begging for more!
It isn’t an easy read. It’s haunting, achingly beautiful (if you could call it that with all the traumas the MCs suffered), and emotionally taxing in all the best ways.
Obsession is Charlie’s brand of love. And I was all for it! The push/pull toxic relationship with Kazimir, the ownership of Ava, and the self-hatred over the loss of Lala made for a compelling character that you should hate but come to love. He’s a true anti-hero.
This is fast-burn with MF and MM scenes with explicit depictions of extremely dark kinks (“rhymes with grape”, blood play, breath play, degradation).
That cliffhanger is rough. The kind that will tempt you to throw your Kindle across the room (don’t do it, or you'll be unable to read the rest of the story!). I managed to control that urge, but the ending has been stuck in my mind since I finished. I need more! It's one of my top reads of the year.
NB: I had not read the original trilogy, Purgatory, Penance, Persecution, before diving in. The author recommends it, but I thoroughly enjoyed Ruin without the prior setup of Charlie’s character. I am compelled to read the trilogy now. And everything else written by this author!
⚠️ This book is pitch black with multiple elements that might be triggering to readers. If you have ANY triggers, view the IG list to ensure this is the right book for you. Full content listing is also available at the back of the book. Your mental health is important. ⚠️
Genre: Dark Gothic Mafia Romance
Tropes/Features: Pitch-black, multiple dark elements, age-gap, mafia, gothic, enemies to lovers, caged FMC, anti-heroes, obsessed pansexual MMC, mafia head MMC, toxic relationships, ownership, captive/captor, SA, noncon, dubcon, “rhymes with grape”
forced proximity, Stockholm syndrome, obsession
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MMF (separate MM and MF relations), fast burn, very spicy (darker kinks)
Book Type/Ending: Swallows and Savages Book One, cliffhanger ending
TW/CW: Pitch black with heavy themes. Complete content listing is available on IG or at the back of the book.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️½
Broken.
Ruin.
I am his. He is mine.
Tragic, traumatic, and heartbreaking! I loved this tale. I loved KL Taylor-Lane's writing style and was pulled in and ruined by the end. I am obsessed with Charlie, Kazimir, and Ava, and I’m begging for more!
It isn’t an easy read. It’s haunting, achingly beautiful (if you could call it that with all the traumas the MCs suffered), and emotionally taxing in all the best ways.
Obsession is Charlie’s brand of love. And I was all for it! The push/pull toxic relationship with Kazimir, the ownership of Ava, and the self-hatred over the loss of Lala made for a compelling character that you should hate but come to love. He’s a true anti-hero.
This is fast-burn with MF and MM scenes with explicit depictions of extremely dark kinks (“rhymes with grape”, blood play, breath play, degradation).
That cliffhanger is rough. The kind that will tempt you to throw your Kindle across the room (don’t do it, or you'll be unable to read the rest of the story!). I managed to control that urge, but the ending has been stuck in my mind since I finished. I need more! It's one of my top reads of the year.
NB: I had not read the original trilogy, Purgatory, Penance, Persecution, before diving in. The author recommends it, but I thoroughly enjoyed Ruin without the prior setup of Charlie’s character. I am compelled to read the trilogy now. And everything else written by this author!
⚠️ This book is pitch black with multiple elements that might be triggering to readers. If you have ANY triggers, view the IG list to ensure this is the right book for you. Full content listing is also available at the back of the book. Your mental health is important. ⚠️
Genre: Dark Gothic Mafia Romance
Tropes/Features: Pitch-black, multiple dark elements, age-gap, mafia, gothic, enemies to lovers, caged FMC, anti-heroes, obsessed pansexual MMC, mafia head MMC, toxic relationships, ownership, captive/captor, SA, noncon, dubcon, “rhymes with grape”
forced proximity, Stockholm syndrome, obsession
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MMF (separate MM and MF relations), fast burn, very spicy (darker kinks)
Book Type/Ending: Swallows and Savages Book One, cliffhanger ending
TW/CW: Pitch black with heavy themes. Complete content listing is available on IG or at the back of the book.
October 18, 2023
To read this review along with teasers from the novel, visit Glowstars.net
It feels like I’ve been waiting for Charlie’s story forever, since that very first appearance in Purgatory. He was always the more curious of the Chaos Twins, the one with the bigger back story, and therefore the one with the more difficult journey ahead of him. Do I feel like I understand Charlie Swallow better for having read Ruin? Yes, and at the same time, no. I think we’re only beginning to scratch the surface and there’s more darkness yet to come.
I don’t even know where to start with Charlie, he’s that complex a character. Despite his age, I would consider him almost child-like emotionally. He’s caught up in all these feelings but doesn’t know what to do with them, how to process them and work through the maelstrom in his mind. It results in him approaching intense people and situations recklessly, with an impulsive unconscious desire for self-preservation. He has a desperate need for the approval of the people he loves, yet never believes he can be enough for them. I can’t help but feel a large part of this stems from Kyla-Rose’s unconscious manipulation of him. Throughout the Swallows and Psychos series, she held onto him as the other half of her soul but refused to allow him close in the way he needed, choosing to keep him at a distance in favour of the three men she was romantically involved with. Even now, five years on, she can’t seem to let him go to follow his own path, even when his every action screams at her to let him.
Kazimir’s not so different from Kyla-Rose either. He was the boy whose father kept Charlie in a cage all those years ago, who was there as the boy with the bright future descended into madness. Their strange relationship seems to be based upon a combination of brutal degradation and kicking back with vodka and weed. Kaz is convinced that he cares for Charlie – some might even call it a warped sort of love – but at the same time he cares more about himself and other people’s impressions of him than he does about any kind of relationship they may have. Deep down Charlie realises this when he tells Kaz that if he’s not number one, he doesn’t want to be anything.
Ava is a mystery wrapped up in one big bundle of trauma. She is unable to tell, or perhaps admit how she came to be in a cage in a shipping container, hindered by her mutism which may or may not be selective. Where Charlie knows that his vocal issues are a result of physical trauma, he cannot say whether Ava’s are the same or related to her mental health and trauma. Despite this, the pair develop a strange sense of communication, and Charlie is surprisingly intuitive when it comes to her actions and reactions.
As we’ve seen in some of K. L. Taylor-Lane’s more recent books, Ruin is carried by the characters, their emotions and interactions instead of being driven by an energetic storyline. While there are physical events in the story that could be explosive and played upon to increase the action, they pale into insignificance against the subtle moments characters share one-on-one together. There’s a skill to Taylor-Lane’s writing that makes the quiet and indistinguishable an enticing and addictive story.
The exception to this is found in the final chapters, where the imperceptible clues that have been laid throughout the story finally come together in a volatile finale which left me questioning much of what I’d read and felt throughout the 30 previous chapters. I placed the book down not knowing what to say or to think, only conscious of the hurt and betrayal that Charlie would be feeling and how this might play upon the fragility I perceived in him. I can see so many possible options for his next book but I suspect Taylor-Lane will surprise me and take a different direction. Either way, I know the next instalment of Charlie’s story will be full of darkness and I can’t wait.
It feels like I’ve been waiting for Charlie’s story forever, since that very first appearance in Purgatory. He was always the more curious of the Chaos Twins, the one with the bigger back story, and therefore the one with the more difficult journey ahead of him. Do I feel like I understand Charlie Swallow better for having read Ruin? Yes, and at the same time, no. I think we’re only beginning to scratch the surface and there’s more darkness yet to come.
I don’t even know where to start with Charlie, he’s that complex a character. Despite his age, I would consider him almost child-like emotionally. He’s caught up in all these feelings but doesn’t know what to do with them, how to process them and work through the maelstrom in his mind. It results in him approaching intense people and situations recklessly, with an impulsive unconscious desire for self-preservation. He has a desperate need for the approval of the people he loves, yet never believes he can be enough for them. I can’t help but feel a large part of this stems from Kyla-Rose’s unconscious manipulation of him. Throughout the Swallows and Psychos series, she held onto him as the other half of her soul but refused to allow him close in the way he needed, choosing to keep him at a distance in favour of the three men she was romantically involved with. Even now, five years on, she can’t seem to let him go to follow his own path, even when his every action screams at her to let him.
Kazimir’s not so different from Kyla-Rose either. He was the boy whose father kept Charlie in a cage all those years ago, who was there as the boy with the bright future descended into madness. Their strange relationship seems to be based upon a combination of brutal degradation and kicking back with vodka and weed. Kaz is convinced that he cares for Charlie – some might even call it a warped sort of love – but at the same time he cares more about himself and other people’s impressions of him than he does about any kind of relationship they may have. Deep down Charlie realises this when he tells Kaz that if he’s not number one, he doesn’t want to be anything.
Ava is a mystery wrapped up in one big bundle of trauma. She is unable to tell, or perhaps admit how she came to be in a cage in a shipping container, hindered by her mutism which may or may not be selective. Where Charlie knows that his vocal issues are a result of physical trauma, he cannot say whether Ava’s are the same or related to her mental health and trauma. Despite this, the pair develop a strange sense of communication, and Charlie is surprisingly intuitive when it comes to her actions and reactions.
As we’ve seen in some of K. L. Taylor-Lane’s more recent books, Ruin is carried by the characters, their emotions and interactions instead of being driven by an energetic storyline. While there are physical events in the story that could be explosive and played upon to increase the action, they pale into insignificance against the subtle moments characters share one-on-one together. There’s a skill to Taylor-Lane’s writing that makes the quiet and indistinguishable an enticing and addictive story.
The exception to this is found in the final chapters, where the imperceptible clues that have been laid throughout the story finally come together in a volatile finale which left me questioning much of what I’d read and felt throughout the 30 previous chapters. I placed the book down not knowing what to say or to think, only conscious of the hurt and betrayal that Charlie would be feeling and how this might play upon the fragility I perceived in him. I can see so many possible options for his next book but I suspect Taylor-Lane will surprise me and take a different direction. Either way, I know the next instalment of Charlie’s story will be full of darkness and I can’t wait.
October 26, 2023
“Stolen moments of terror. That’s all we can ever be. Terrifying, dangerous passion.”
This book is tragic, you feel so deeply for all of the characters. Feelings of anger, pity and defensiveness. I ran through so many emotions reading this! There are definitely A LOT of TW’s that make it very impactful to consume but worth it!! Charlie Swallow is the embodiment of trauma, only ever “wanted” but never cherished. Ava has known only cruelty for many years, combative and feral at first she comes to rely on the only person who truly understands her. Ivanov had me loving and hating him in this 😅 Kyla-Rose is a greedy greedy girl!! I most definitely recommend for an audience who enjoys DARK TRAÜMATIC ROMANCE. Please do your research and read all of the TW in this book and enjoy if you can read something of this caliber!
AND THE PLOT TWIST WHAAAATTTTTT?!?!?!
This book is tragic, you feel so deeply for all of the characters. Feelings of anger, pity and defensiveness. I ran through so many emotions reading this! There are definitely A LOT of TW’s that make it very impactful to consume but worth it!! Charlie Swallow is the embodiment of trauma, only ever “wanted” but never cherished. Ava has known only cruelty for many years, combative and feral at first she comes to rely on the only person who truly understands her. Ivanov had me loving and hating him in this 😅 Kyla-Rose is a greedy greedy girl!! I most definitely recommend for an audience who enjoys DARK TRAÜMATIC ROMANCE. Please do your research and read all of the TW in this book and enjoy if you can read something of this caliber!
AND THE PLOT TWIST WHAAAATTTTTT?!?!?!
October 15, 2023
”I am unable to look away, enraptured with her, with everything she does, every breath, flutter of her lashes, beats of her heart. I want to tear it out, carve my name into it and stitch it back inside of her chest so it only beats for me.”
That. Was. Something. Else.
I say that in the absolute best way imaginable.
Charlie. He has my heart. I cannot even begin to explain the feelings and emotions he has invoked in me.
The intense detail and care that was woven into the writing of this story is nothing less than astonishing.
I am fully invested into these characters and what is to come for them all.
I am so incredibly happy to have been given an ARC for Ruin. I will be raving about this book and K.L. Taylor Lane for the rest of my life.
To say that I am DROOLING for the next part of this story would be an understatement. I sincerely cannot wait to be able to read more.
That. Was. Something. Else.
I say that in the absolute best way imaginable.
Charlie. He has my heart. I cannot even begin to explain the feelings and emotions he has invoked in me.
The intense detail and care that was woven into the writing of this story is nothing less than astonishing.
I am fully invested into these characters and what is to come for them all.
I am so incredibly happy to have been given an ARC for Ruin. I will be raving about this book and K.L. Taylor Lane for the rest of my life.
To say that I am DROOLING for the next part of this story would be an understatement. I sincerely cannot wait to be able to read more.
November 12, 2023
I’m going to keep you forever 🖤
The long anticipated start for Charlie Swallows story. K.L. Didn’t disappoint with him. We get to see from his POV the feelings and thoughts when he eliminated his brother for Lala and his obsession for her (from the previous trilogy). Even when Charlie is doing things dark and some would consider bad I just feel for him. The pain and suffering that made him who he is. He really just wants someone to prioritize him! 💔🖤
There are so many TW in this book so beware if you have any. Does end on a cliffhanger now the wait for book two.
The long anticipated start for Charlie Swallows story. K.L. Didn’t disappoint with him. We get to see from his POV the feelings and thoughts when he eliminated his brother for Lala and his obsession for her (from the previous trilogy). Even when Charlie is doing things dark and some would consider bad I just feel for him. The pain and suffering that made him who he is. He really just wants someone to prioritize him! 💔🖤
There are so many TW in this book so beware if you have any. Does end on a cliffhanger now the wait for book two.
October 16, 2023
‘You’re mine, Baby Bird.’
‘I’m going to keep you forever.’
‘I’m never letting you go.’
This story has a grip on me. I loved seeing the world thru Charlie’s eyes. I missed the Swallows and especially Lala. I really enjoyed seeing Lala through Charlie’s eyes.
This storyline was so interesting and I really enjoyed seeing it unfold. The cliffhanger was perfection and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next 2 books.
‘I’m going to keep you forever.’
‘I’m never letting you go.’
This story has a grip on me. I loved seeing the world thru Charlie’s eyes. I missed the Swallows and especially Lala. I really enjoyed seeing Lala through Charlie’s eyes.
This storyline was so interesting and I really enjoyed seeing it unfold. The cliffhanger was perfection and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next 2 books.
October 28, 2023
“I am the poisonous spider in the web, but now, right now, I feel like the fly, captured and bound in silk.”
OMG! This was an extremely haunting, utterly disturbing and poetically beautiful beginning to Charlie’s story.
I have been waiting patiently for more of Charlie as I have loved him right from the very first moment he was introduced to is. And this story was no joke! It is a heavy story filled with poignant and lyrical word weaving that will sit heavy in your heart and mind right to the very explosive and unexpected ending.
Charlie is not going to be for everyone. He has a very disturbing and traumatic past that has shaped him into what he is now. He’s unhinged, depraved, craves the darkness and thrives on blood and torture. But underneath all of that, there is some good to him and within this story he shows us some of that goodness in his own special way.
I was instantly captivated and obsessed with everything Charlie puts Ava and us through. Ava right now is an unknown enigma. On the verge of death something about her skeletal figure and slow breaths pulls Charlie into her orbit. He does the unthinkable and tries to save her. The bond these two slowly forge is unique and extremely intense. There is something about Ava and her trauma that keeps Charlie coming back for more.
Kazimir, our Russian Pakhan, also has a very intense and interesting bond with Charlie. Something more than we ever expected. When these two clash the fireworks fly between them like crazy. I can’t wait to learn more about these two.
Brilliantly crafted story with deceptive clues and interesting twists and turns that throw us off the course of what we imagined was going to happen. Charlie keeps us on our toes and with every turn of the page we realize that we have no idea what he is going to do next.
To say that ending shocked me is an understatement. I was utterly blown away and had to take quiet a few deep cleansing breaths before my mind could work it out. I honestly can’t wait to read the next part of this incredible story.
OMG! This was an extremely haunting, utterly disturbing and poetically beautiful beginning to Charlie’s story.
I have been waiting patiently for more of Charlie as I have loved him right from the very first moment he was introduced to is. And this story was no joke! It is a heavy story filled with poignant and lyrical word weaving that will sit heavy in your heart and mind right to the very explosive and unexpected ending.
Charlie is not going to be for everyone. He has a very disturbing and traumatic past that has shaped him into what he is now. He’s unhinged, depraved, craves the darkness and thrives on blood and torture. But underneath all of that, there is some good to him and within this story he shows us some of that goodness in his own special way.
I was instantly captivated and obsessed with everything Charlie puts Ava and us through. Ava right now is an unknown enigma. On the verge of death something about her skeletal figure and slow breaths pulls Charlie into her orbit. He does the unthinkable and tries to save her. The bond these two slowly forge is unique and extremely intense. There is something about Ava and her trauma that keeps Charlie coming back for more.
Kazimir, our Russian Pakhan, also has a very intense and interesting bond with Charlie. Something more than we ever expected. When these two clash the fireworks fly between them like crazy. I can’t wait to learn more about these two.
Brilliantly crafted story with deceptive clues and interesting twists and turns that throw us off the course of what we imagined was going to happen. Charlie keeps us on our toes and with every turn of the page we realize that we have no idea what he is going to do next.
To say that ending shocked me is an understatement. I was utterly blown away and had to take quiet a few deep cleansing breaths before my mind could work it out. I honestly can’t wait to read the next part of this incredible story.
October 23, 2023
“Welcome to hell, Baby Bird.”
“Toxic. Broken. Ruin. I am his. He is mine.”
Where to start… WHERE TO START?!
First things first — While I was completely intrigued and enjoyed Charlie (and Dillon) in Swallows and Psychos, this book has confirmed:
Charlie Swallow is my forever Mad Tatted Targaryen Giant Prince
NOW… Readers beware: This is NOT one of your mother’s fluffy romance novels. This is NOT a rom com or a light-dark-themed story, by any means.
This is a [beautifully-written] gothic romance, filled with angst, gore, and trauma-galore.
Years of extreme trauma, toxic relationships, and heartbreak have shaped Charlie into an unhinged, emotionally-damaged savage. Despite his reputation as a leader of an infamous crime syndicate, Charlie struggles with his purpose. However, it's not until two unanticipated "forces" (we'll call them) come barreling into his life - one reemerging from his horrific past, and the other, a caged mystery.
Simply said, this book consumed me from start to finish… I LOVED seeing the world through Charlie's eyes because we finally get a glimpse into the complex chaos that torpedoes in his brilliant mind. I cannot wait to unravel Kazimir's and Ava's backstories, as well as see how the dynamic evolves among the three characters.
I am convinced K.L. Taylor Lane is a brain-ninja when it comes to writing. Her stories (including/especially Ruin) are not just unique, but the writing itself is intense, evocative, and darkly poetic. This story has left me deliciously tainted… I am absolutely ruined by Ruin.
SO… How does one resurface amongst her usual-romance-reading-buddies after Ruin? (Asking for a friend)
[This I do not know… Might have to start a support group after this one...]
“Toxic. Broken. Ruin. I am his. He is mine.”
Where to start… WHERE TO START?!
First things first — While I was completely intrigued and enjoyed Charlie (and Dillon) in Swallows and Psychos, this book has confirmed:
Charlie Swallow is my forever Mad Tatted Targaryen Giant Prince
NOW… Readers beware: This is NOT one of your mother’s fluffy romance novels. This is NOT a rom com or a light-dark-themed story, by any means.
This is a [beautifully-written] gothic romance, filled with angst, gore, and trauma-galore.
Years of extreme trauma, toxic relationships, and heartbreak have shaped Charlie into an unhinged, emotionally-damaged savage. Despite his reputation as a leader of an infamous crime syndicate, Charlie struggles with his purpose. However, it's not until two unanticipated "forces" (we'll call them) come barreling into his life - one reemerging from his horrific past, and the other, a caged mystery.
Simply said, this book consumed me from start to finish… I LOVED seeing the world through Charlie's eyes because we finally get a glimpse into the complex chaos that torpedoes in his brilliant mind. I cannot wait to unravel Kazimir's and Ava's backstories, as well as see how the dynamic evolves among the three characters.
I am convinced K.L. Taylor Lane is a brain-ninja when it comes to writing. Her stories (including/especially Ruin) are not just unique, but the writing itself is intense, evocative, and darkly poetic. This story has left me deliciously tainted… I am absolutely ruined by Ruin.
SO… How does one resurface amongst her usual-romance-reading-buddies after Ruin? (Asking for a friend)
[This I do not know… Might have to start a support group after this one...]
October 18, 2023
This is not a romance or for the faint hearted, Charlie is sadistic, brutal and cruel. Ruin is a tortuous tale of broken souls and ruinous pasts. K’s writing knows no bounds and it’s no surprise to anyone that I absolutely loved Ruin.
Ruin is the first book in the Swallows and Savages series, there is the Swallows and Psychos series that can be read before which you’ll find out a couple of things before reading Ruin but it’s not necessary.
Charlie is no one’s first choice (you’d be mine baby boy 🫶🏻) and after making a life defining choice and ending up feeling alone and unwanted, rejected by his soulmate he’s truly in pieces. Finding himself a baby bird trapped in a cage, a skeletal form so malnourished it’s a wonder she’s not dead, the ghosts of Charlie’s past comes back to haunt him as he stares it in the face.
Keeping her was never out of the question but falling was something he never saw coming. Alongside a complicated enemies to even more enemies situation with Kazimir (who I bloody loved btw!! I need more from him) and having the reminder that Lala didn’t choose him, Charlie is walking a fine line on the edge of insanity with only his baby bird to bury himself in repeatedly before a betrayal he doesn’t even see coming taking him out.
My heart broke for Charlie, in no means is he a good man, he does despicable things in this book, things that really took me beyond my comfort zone. He is such a complex character, a true enigma that I found myself wanting to protect.
This is a dark, graphic story. There are lots of triggers which include graphic non con and SA between the main characters, graphic violence, human trafficking. There are lots more triggers so please check these out before diving and remember to protect your mental health. 🖤
Ruin is the first book in the Swallows and Savages series, there is the Swallows and Psychos series that can be read before which you’ll find out a couple of things before reading Ruin but it’s not necessary.
Charlie is no one’s first choice (you’d be mine baby boy 🫶🏻) and after making a life defining choice and ending up feeling alone and unwanted, rejected by his soulmate he’s truly in pieces. Finding himself a baby bird trapped in a cage, a skeletal form so malnourished it’s a wonder she’s not dead, the ghosts of Charlie’s past comes back to haunt him as he stares it in the face.
Keeping her was never out of the question but falling was something he never saw coming. Alongside a complicated enemies to even more enemies situation with Kazimir (who I bloody loved btw!! I need more from him) and having the reminder that Lala didn’t choose him, Charlie is walking a fine line on the edge of insanity with only his baby bird to bury himself in repeatedly before a betrayal he doesn’t even see coming taking him out.
My heart broke for Charlie, in no means is he a good man, he does despicable things in this book, things that really took me beyond my comfort zone. He is such a complex character, a true enigma that I found myself wanting to protect.
This is a dark, graphic story. There are lots of triggers which include graphic non con and SA between the main characters, graphic violence, human trafficking. There are lots more triggers so please check these out before diving and remember to protect your mental health. 🖤
May 8, 2024
I loved Charlie from the first time I met him while reading Lala’s story and KL did not disappoint. This is a delectably twisted story with a cliffhanger that has me begging for the next book.
Ava is a young woman on the brink of death, but Charlie brings her back and claims her. I am curious to know more about her past, which is half shrouded in mystery but the parts that have been revealed are heartbreaking. I hope to see her stronger, braver and finds the will to use her voice in the future.
Charlie, my sweet psycho…I loved him before and this book made me love him even more. Getting a glimpse into his mind, seeing his pain from the past and what he suffers with in the present tugged at my heart. I adored seeing him grow and learning more of him.
Kazimir is a wildcard, a new pakhan and enemy to the Swallows yet forbidden friend/lover to Charlie. What I thought was genuine affection towards Charlie turned into wonder…was it all part of an intricate plan?
This queen pulled me back into the world of the Swallows with barely a tug. I adored seeing Lala and her family again but I loved seeing the world through Charlie’s eyes even more. The forbidden love, the mystery, the pain and the “gift” - what is truly going on?! The spice was definitely spicing and I adored seeing a more gentle (human) side to Charlie but I keep going back to the mark. KL ticked all my boxes for an excellent read and left me screaming for more - I can’t wait to see where she takes this and pray Charlie and Ava get their HEA.
Ava is a young woman on the brink of death, but Charlie brings her back and claims her. I am curious to know more about her past, which is half shrouded in mystery but the parts that have been revealed are heartbreaking. I hope to see her stronger, braver and finds the will to use her voice in the future.
Charlie, my sweet psycho…I loved him before and this book made me love him even more. Getting a glimpse into his mind, seeing his pain from the past and what he suffers with in the present tugged at my heart. I adored seeing him grow and learning more of him.
Kazimir is a wildcard, a new pakhan and enemy to the Swallows yet forbidden friend/lover to Charlie. What I thought was genuine affection towards Charlie turned into wonder…was it all part of an intricate plan?
This queen pulled me back into the world of the Swallows with barely a tug. I adored seeing Lala and her family again but I loved seeing the world through Charlie’s eyes even more. The forbidden love, the mystery, the pain and the “gift” - what is truly going on?! The spice was definitely spicing and I adored seeing a more gentle (human) side to Charlie but I keep going back to the mark. KL ticked all my boxes for an excellent read and left me screaming for more - I can’t wait to see where she takes this and pray Charlie and Ava get their HEA.
October 18, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Let me start by saying I have not read the previous books to have met Charlie and Kyla-Rose, so I was going into this blind. But now that I have met them, I definitely need more! Haha.
Let's also just throw this in now because the triggers in this book are what we like to call a shopping list. It is not for the faint of heart by any means. Check them, people!
Charlie won me over from the start. There's something about him that just pulls you in and wants to know every single little thing about him and who he truly is. And I completely understand why Ava is drawn to him.
The way that he adores her from the moment he sees her just blows my mind. Now he's not all rainbows and butterflies, but there is a sweet and soft spot to him that Ava brings out.
I can't even begin to imagine what Ava wishes she could say/do, but the way that she gives herself to Charlie is beautiful. Their relationship is unlike anything you've ever seen before.
I am so grateful to have been a part of this team and read your work @kltaylorlane_author so thank you very much for having me along for the ride. But excuse me, ma'am, that cliffy...imma need more ASAP!
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Let me start by saying I have not read the previous books to have met Charlie and Kyla-Rose, so I was going into this blind. But now that I have met them, I definitely need more! Haha.
Let's also just throw this in now because the triggers in this book are what we like to call a shopping list. It is not for the faint of heart by any means. Check them, people!
Charlie won me over from the start. There's something about him that just pulls you in and wants to know every single little thing about him and who he truly is. And I completely understand why Ava is drawn to him.
The way that he adores her from the moment he sees her just blows my mind. Now he's not all rainbows and butterflies, but there is a sweet and soft spot to him that Ava brings out.
I can't even begin to imagine what Ava wishes she could say/do, but the way that she gives herself to Charlie is beautiful. Their relationship is unlike anything you've ever seen before.
I am so grateful to have been a part of this team and read your work @kltaylorlane_author so thank you very much for having me along for the ride. But excuse me, ma'am, that cliffy...imma need more ASAP!
October 18, 2023
Such an Amazing, Dark book! Loved it!
Reading Kyla Rose’s books, I fell completely for the other half to the Chaos Twins, Charlie. I had some pretty tw1sted wants, because I did love him so much. I still can’t believe that we get his story, we get more of him and this is the start. Ruin is a fitting name for this book as Charlie has ruined me for every other book boyfriend. If you love the dark, twisted, depr@ved, and obsessive characters then Charlie is the one for you.
I didn’t know what to expect with his story, but somehow it broke my heart, but I am so invested. I need to read more, I can’t wait. I love him even more and seeing a more in depth side to him, you can’t not love him. I’m curious about his love interests and even more after the massive cliffhanger. I am speechless. Once you begin reading Ruin, you can’t put it down. I’m already desperate for the next one.
This book is everything from Gorey, to dark and depr@ved, to hot and yet endearingly sweet. This author is definitely the Queen of Dark and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for these characters. Amazing!
Reading Kyla Rose’s books, I fell completely for the other half to the Chaos Twins, Charlie. I had some pretty tw1sted wants, because I did love him so much. I still can’t believe that we get his story, we get more of him and this is the start. Ruin is a fitting name for this book as Charlie has ruined me for every other book boyfriend. If you love the dark, twisted, depr@ved, and obsessive characters then Charlie is the one for you.
I didn’t know what to expect with his story, but somehow it broke my heart, but I am so invested. I need to read more, I can’t wait. I love him even more and seeing a more in depth side to him, you can’t not love him. I’m curious about his love interests and even more after the massive cliffhanger. I am speechless. Once you begin reading Ruin, you can’t put it down. I’m already desperate for the next one.
This book is everything from Gorey, to dark and depr@ved, to hot and yet endearingly sweet. This author is definitely the Queen of Dark and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for these characters. Amazing!
October 18, 2023
Charlie, my sweet, dark, damaged Charlie.
I feel utterly broken by this book. Ever since reading K's first book I have loved Charlie and Lala. To see their relationship fracture as it did hurt, so so much. I was set to hate Kaz, but he is just as ruined as the rest of this group of damaged characters. Ava, Broken Bird, her treatment was brutal and for the first time I hated Charlie, but again their relationship evolved and changed.
I'm aware that this isn't the most coherent of any review that I've ever written, but neither are my feelings towards these characters. I love them, hate them, feel every little dark and depraved thing for them.
The ending was brutal, poor Ava, poor Charlie. And Kaz? I don't know where K will take us next but I know I will be there for wherever it is and how dark it may be. Though I think I will be changed by it, by them.
I feel utterly broken by this book. Ever since reading K's first book I have loved Charlie and Lala. To see their relationship fracture as it did hurt, so so much. I was set to hate Kaz, but he is just as ruined as the rest of this group of damaged characters. Ava, Broken Bird, her treatment was brutal and for the first time I hated Charlie, but again their relationship evolved and changed.
I'm aware that this isn't the most coherent of any review that I've ever written, but neither are my feelings towards these characters. I love them, hate them, feel every little dark and depraved thing for them.
The ending was brutal, poor Ava, poor Charlie. And Kaz? I don't know where K will take us next but I know I will be there for wherever it is and how dark it may be. Though I think I will be changed by it, by them.
October 18, 2023
Charlie swallow certainly did not disappoint. He's as unhinged and broken as they come and yet I absolutely adore him. When he first finds ava, locked in a cage on his territory he thought she was gone from this world. He had every intention of disposing of her. And yet he was compelled to keep her. No one had ever put him first until her. He was everything to her and he latched onto it. Meanwhile something is happening with kazimir. He's being framed to look like the bad guy, but can't find out who the rat in his rank is. When Charlie dissappears, all signs point to kazimir, yet it wasn't him who took Charlie away. The major cliffhanger at the end took me by surprise. This one is hard to endure and yet you can't stop reading it. The trauma bonding is intense and the spice even more so. I loved every second of this book and we're in for a wild ride with these characters.
October 23, 2023
I have been DYING to read Charlie's story since we first met him in the Swallows and Psychos series. I was not disappointed. Charlie is unapologetic and owns who he is. Be sure to read the trigger warnings if you have any because Charlie is dark. I love his brand of obsession, he is completely savage in every aspect of his life including love. This author has a way of taking dark, twisted, graphic, gore and making it somehow hauntingly beautiful. Some of the things in her books would typically shock me but I just eat it up. If you have not read anything else by her I highly recommend you start from the beginning and read the whole catalog, not because you have to in order to understand this book, but because they are so very good.
October 24, 2023
Charlie Swallow was the breakout character of Kyla-Rose's trilogy. His cousin got her happy ever after, but is it really that until Charlie has found his people? This book has so many triggers, so many bits that had me wincing, cringing and feeling the angst and hopelessness deep in my soul. But this book also would not let me put it down until it was done. Im still obsessed with Charlie, but now? Lets just add Ava and Kazimir to the list of characters that have me obsessed. The first book in a planned trilogy, drags you in and makes you care about these characters - the ending is the perfect cliffhanger to make you yearn for book 2. Obsession and broken birds is definitely the takeaway from this book - i cannot wait to see these birds soar together
October 17, 2023
I have been waiting patiently for Charlie and he did NOT disappoint. I would have to say this is the darkest one to date. Charlie is a bit damaged, his social skills aren't the greatest, and he's not apologizing to ANYONE. After Kyla-Rose's story, I was anxious to see how Charlie would be. I loved seeing how he sees her through his eyes now.
Charlie may be a bit effed up, but he means well. He can be tender in his own way, but he's also very brutal. Ruin has a laundry list of content warnings, so proceed with caution. I was almost expecting this one to end like it did, in the back of mind, I KNEW it was coming. I am on the edge of my seat anticipating the next one!
Charlie may be a bit effed up, but he means well. He can be tender in his own way, but he's also very brutal. Ruin has a laundry list of content warnings, so proceed with caution. I was almost expecting this one to end like it did, in the back of mind, I KNEW it was coming. I am on the edge of my seat anticipating the next one!
October 19, 2023
This book had its claws in me so deep that k read it in less than 24 hours 😅
Charlie was one of my favorite unhinged characters from Kyla Rose’s part of the series, and I’m so elated that we finally get insight into his mind.
Some part of this book as PITCH BLACK, so make sure you check trigger warnings. There is so much trauma for all the MC in here I just want to hug them, even though they would rather 🔪 than have one 😆
The cliffhanger had me wanting to throw my kindle into the other room 😤😤 but I trust that KL Taylor-Lane will get us to a good place for these special characters by the series end….even if I have a million white hairs by that time 😆
Charlie was one of my favorite unhinged characters from Kyla Rose’s part of the series, and I’m so elated that we finally get insight into his mind.
Some part of this book as PITCH BLACK, so make sure you check trigger warnings. There is so much trauma for all the MC in here I just want to hug them, even though they would rather 🔪 than have one 😆
The cliffhanger had me wanting to throw my kindle into the other room 😤😤 but I trust that KL Taylor-Lane will get us to a good place for these special characters by the series end….even if I have a million white hairs by that time 😆
October 19, 2023
I am still trying to process this book not gonna lie. I took way longer than normal reading this, and it’s NOT for the reasons you may be thinking. I spent way to much time re-reading sentences and paragraphs because they were beautiful, raw, and poetic? I don’t even know how to describe it honestly but this book was beautiful. I love c@ptive romances and this was no different. But there’s something about this one that will stick with me. Ava is beautifully broken and so is Charlie. Kazimir is… Someone that I hope to see more of because this ending was crazy. Ya’ll need to pick this book up, but beware that the ending will leave you with more questions than answers.
October 27, 2023
As with all of our dark princess’s work, aka K.L. Taylor- Lane, check the triggers. Check YOUR triggers. Then read them again to be sure.
Warning: This has a cliffhanger.
I have been waiting for Charlie’s story since he appeared in Purgatory: Swallows and Psychos, book 1. Charlie Swallow is a deeply troubled, emotionally stunted character. As a reader, you know there is trauma. There was cruel and brutal torture. I was not prepared for Charlie’s story.
Two new characters emerge to make this a beautifully dark and twisted love story. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I was not prepared here, either.
Warning: This has a cliffhanger.
I have been waiting for Charlie’s story since he appeared in Purgatory: Swallows and Psychos, book 1. Charlie Swallow is a deeply troubled, emotionally stunted character. As a reader, you know there is trauma. There was cruel and brutal torture. I was not prepared for Charlie’s story.
Two new characters emerge to make this a beautifully dark and twisted love story. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I was not prepared here, either.
May 26, 2024
Oh boy… I LOVED Charlie in the swallow series… then this book he SA the girl he found in a cage in his territory in a shipping container. I just can’t, it messed with my mind so much since he WASN’T like that in the other books, even if never directly mentioned it was heavily implied he was against SA. I feel kinda sick and betrayed honestly… thoses others books doesn’t feel the same now… I DNF, also no triggers warnings just that it contain “heavy themes” but I feel like that’s when it’s S.A between the main characters it should be specified as a trigger in the book description!
October 18, 2023
Charlie is my OG number one!! I adore him and all of his complexities, no matter how strange or out there they may be. He is one hundred percent himself and I love that about him! His story is not easy, and it never was going to be, so read the trigger warnings before diving in. So far, I am very much in love with the beginning of his trilogy! I can’t wait for more and to see what Charlie has in store for us.
October 24, 2023
I was so happy to see Charlie's book! Ever since Kyla-Rose has been with her men they have been drifting farther and farther apart. But it seems that he found a broken bird just in time to try to mend his heart. Ava is a lost soul and looks at Charlie as her world. Then there is Kazimir leader of the Russian Mafia and cold as ice except when he is with Charlie. Damn, this was a roller coaster of emotions and the cliffhanger was brutal. I look forward to reading the next book!
October 26, 2023
So Charlie is mine, has been from the moment we met him in Purgatory, and this book is one I've waited forever for! 🦆
But oh my goodness, was I tested. This is not for the faint of heart. It's pure brutal in places, pure heat in others.
And it ended on a cliffhanger, which was a little expected, but one I did not appreciate either way!!
K, you need to write books 2 and 3 ASAP. I need more Charlie in my life. Please and thank you! 🦆
But oh my goodness, was I tested. This is not for the faint of heart. It's pure brutal in places, pure heat in others.
And it ended on a cliffhanger, which was a little expected, but one I did not appreciate either way!!
K, you need to write books 2 and 3 ASAP. I need more Charlie in my life. Please and thank you! 🦆
November 25, 2023
Unique darkness
I appreciate when an author stretches her wings reaching for something rare and captivating. This won’t be for everyone so if you don’t heed the warnings that’s on you. The book is well written, character driven (not that easy to pull off) and so different from the usual “dark” romance. This one is dark, no playing around here. You will not regret the time spent with theses characters.
I appreciate when an author stretches her wings reaching for something rare and captivating. This won’t be for everyone so if you don’t heed the warnings that’s on you. The book is well written, character driven (not that easy to pull off) and so different from the usual “dark” romance. This one is dark, no playing around here. You will not regret the time spent with theses characters.
October 25, 2023
Okay...let's face this: when the author says that hers book it's really dark, you believe it. This book is dark, it's emotionally heavy too, but like always, it's a masterpiece.
Charlie's story it's every disturbed and twisted story you could imagine and I loved every second of this book. The ending? Yeah... definitely make me more curious too see how this story will end.
Charlie's story it's every disturbed and twisted story you could imagine and I loved every second of this book. The ending? Yeah... definitely make me more curious too see how this story will end.
October 28, 2023
Highly recommend
Having loved Charlie from his cousin Kyla-Roses trilogy, i was excited to see he was getting his own. K.L.Taylor-Lane did not disappoint with this book. Its brilliantly written and i loved learning more about Charlie and meeting his lovers. If you love dark romance this is perfect for you.
Having loved Charlie from his cousin Kyla-Roses trilogy, i was excited to see he was getting his own. K.L.Taylor-Lane did not disappoint with this book. Its brilliantly written and i loved learning more about Charlie and meeting his lovers. If you love dark romance this is perfect for you.
dnf
February 25, 2024DNF @ 49%
So disappointed that I got so far into this book hoping it would get better but it did not. The writing style was messy - I couldn’t tell what was supposed to be happening most of the time.
Outrageously dark but that isn’t why I stopped, the book just made no sense. If you couldn’t grab me by halfway through the book it was never going to happen.
So disappointed that I got so far into this book hoping it would get better but it did not. The writing style was messy - I couldn’t tell what was supposed to be happening most of the time.
Outrageously dark but that isn’t why I stopped, the book just made no sense. If you couldn’t grab me by halfway through the book it was never going to happen.
October 18, 2023
I freaking love Charlie! As much as I wanted to see him with Kyla Rose, I’m glad it took this turn. The intensity, trauma, spice, and dark deliciousness of this book cannot be put into words. Lapped up every single page and am on the edge of my seat waiting for more.
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