Blurb: 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 Michels 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. For the first two weeks Ruin will be priced at $2.99. Proceeds from the sale of Ruin will be donated to her uncle and his family to help with the insurmountable medical bills.
Tifferz Take~
Okay my friends Rachel Van Dyken has scored another touch down ... I feel that Rachel put her heart and soul into this story.
This is not your typical girl meets boy fall in love story (though this does happen). Kiersten is our fiery red headed freshman in college. Who has had a tragic past to overcome and is working on healing. I really felt that throughout the story Kiersten grew as a person and learned some important life lessons.
Then we run into Wes, man what a hottie! Wes is a college football player who is hiding something. Will he share his secret? Will it be to late? Will he give up hope? Or will he fight to the end?
Kiersten's roommate Lisa is a true friend and lightens things up. Some of the things that Lisa says had me cracking up. But don't let that fool you Lisa is a friend will be around forever. Lisa's cousin Gabe is a force to be reckoned with and he truly has Kiersten's back. I was quiet surprised at how protective, caring and thoughtful Gabe is with Kiersten. I expected it for Lisa because she is his cousin. Both Lisa and Gabe form a lasting friendship with Kiersten. But, will that extend toward Wes?
I love that all the characters in this book are flawed, that they have problems. Some bigger than others, but real life problems. They end up helping each other and becoming like family.
Okay, so this story come filled with friendship, romance, unexpected adventures, possibly even shedding a few tears and guessing what will happen next. This story really touched my heart. I highly recommend this book!
I know this is suppose to be a stand alone book but Ms. Van Dyken please I beg of you to write Gabe's story. It needs to be told.
Just FYI ~ This does contain some swearing, underage drinking and reference to sex but does not contain any sex.
Jewelz Review:
Ladies, pull out your box of tissues! Nicholas Sparks has nothing on Rachel Van Dyken when writing a powerful, emotionally heart-wrenching story. I truly believe that Rachel poured her heart and soul into this book - it's indelibly etched on each and every digital page.
Meet Kiersten: gorgeous red-head, freshman at Univ. of Washington ( go Huskies!) Still attempting to re-build her life after the loss of her parents in a tragic accident 3 years prior, she's self-conscious, fearful, and innocent.
Enter Wes: star quarterback for Univ. of Washington's football team, senior, drop-dead gorgeous son of a billionaire, and RA? He has secrets of his own.
Lisa and her cousin Gabe are the perfect supporting characters. Lisa is the type of roommate that offers to plop down on the floor & sleep in your room when you wake up screaming from a night terror. Gabe is the kind of friend that always has your back and is right there, ready to take that step into the unknown by your side. He has a depth of character that I did not anticipate.
So, Ruin is a story of boy meets girl, or perhaps it's girl meets boy. It's a story of friendship. It's a story of what happens when you put someone else above yourself -- whether that be someone you are in love with, or someone you are friends with. It's a story about pain & sorrow, and also of faith and hope.
I have read all of Ms Van Dyken's New Adult books and I have been duly impressed by her ability to craft a powerful story. Her characters are never perfect - they have real pain and real challenges that they face. They are dynamic - they learn and grow through their trials.
Ruin is no different in that regard - it's a story of pain, friendship, and love. However, it is different from her other books because when I finished reading I didn't simply sigh and think to myself "that was a great book" When I finished reading the last words of Ruin, I felt strengthened and uplifted - I felt that like Kiersten & Wes, I learned something about "How to Live".
FYI - contains some strong language and sexual references
Honest disclosure: I received a proof copy from the author as a beta-reader.
CJz review:
Ruin wasn't what I expected, it was better! It is a story that I didn't foresee, a topic I didn't think could be tackled, and a journey I didn't want to end. Ruin is raw; pure raw emotion. You will cry, your breathing will hitch, you will tell yourself 'this can't be happening' over and over again -- and you will continue to read because this story is powerful and has the ability to change you -- change your outlook on life, on love, on time. I feel blessed to have read this book (yes I just said 'blessed' in a book review). Ultimately Wes and Kiersten's story will become a movie in your mind as you experience it first-hand. Gabe and Lisa will become your friends too because this story feels real. Wes, Kiersten, Gabe and Lisa show what true friendship and love it all about. Because you never know what hand life will deal you, only you can decide what to do with the hand you are dealt. Ruin is heart-wrenching, packs an emotional punch (or two) and takes you on a journey you never thought you would take. Words honestly cannot describe how incredible this novel is. Ruin spans multiple genres because this inspiring novel will bring even the harshest critic to tears. "Do it afraid." ~Wes "...we'll keep our own time." ~Kiersten
I received an ARC of this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
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