Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken Series: Ruin #1
Published by Self-Published on August 11th 2013
Genres: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
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I'm not your typical girl. I've been running away from the memories that haunt me for so long that depression has become my only comfort. I was content in the darkness...until Wes Michals offered to be my light.
I didn't know that time wasn't my ally -- that every second that ticked past was one step closer to the end of something that was beginning to mean the end of myself. He tried to warn me. He promised me all he was able to offer--each moment as it came--but it would never be enough.
Sometimes when you think it's the end, it's only the beginning. Wes thought he could save me, but in giving me everything, he ruined me. Because after one kiss, one touch, I couldn't--I wouldn't ever be the same.
And from that moment on, his heartbeat became my own.
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Liezel’s Thoughts:
It took me a bit to finally write this review because I felt a little torn about this story. There were so many elements that made it unbelievably amazing but there was this one important aspect that fell flat for me. So let me tell you the many positives first…
For a coming of age series it had such a colossal amount of depth. The words before each chapter alone were quite moving and I couldn’t wait to get to the next chapter to see what wisdom would be imparted next.
I thought that all the characters were impressive especially Weston. It was amazing how smart, mature and sensible he was for his age. He was also quite dedicated and driven. No matter what was going on with his health he manages to put that aside and give his all to his coach and his team.
Wes and Kiersten’s relationship was magnificent. I liked how theirs was built off of a friendship. Yeah he found her beautiful and attractive yet behind all that he was determined to get to know her and find out what made her tick. There wasn’t any physical involvement between the two but it surprisingly didn’t seem to matter. Even without that aspect you still could feel how deep and profound their connection was.
“There may come a time in your life when your heart will have to beat for mine…but you’ll have to carry on if I can’t. Just like there may come a time when I have to do the same for you. But in the end, one of us will always carry on …”
The friendship building and all the other relationships that surrounded the couple was remarkable. Lisa and Gabe were great. I was confused about Gabe’s intentions in the beginning but in actuality his overall protectiveness provided even more tension between the main couple. I’ve read so many books that involved a main character becoming an orphan afterwhich lived such a miserable life. Kiersten on the otherhand had a terrific support system that rivaled Weston’s.
I thought the writing was phenomenal. Written in both POV’s, the way the author was able to pull every emotion from me which was beyond spectacular. I can not even begin to tell you how many tears I’ve cried knowing what Wes and Kiersten were each going through which then leads me to the downside of the sidestory…
I’m not saying I don’t believe in miracles BUT… the way this one was delivered felt unrealistic to me. The story faltered but then made a tremendous comeback in the end. Everything else was written to perfection.
Would I recommend it? You bet ya! Despite that one tiny disappointment I had it still contained all the other essential facets of one sensational story.
The Verdict:
About Rachel Van Dyken
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of New Adult, Regency, and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her husband, son, and their snoring boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers!
