When she runs into the handsome, wealthy, football star Weston Michels, who just happens to be her RA, he takes her under his wing. Wes’s brother committed suicide as a freshman, and he became an RA specifically in hopes of preventing others from doing the same, but his protectiveness and concern for Kiersten soon grow into deep attraction and even love. But he has another secret, too, one that may end their relationship sooner rather than later. Are their days numbered – and will she be able to handle the pain of another great loss?
This is a sentimental and deeply touching romance, with characters who manage to find strength and even joy despite some painful trials. Wes is a charmer, and Kiersten’s warmth, innocence, and quick wit make her an appealing character, too, making the suddenness and intensity of their romance more believable than it might otherwise be. Kiersten’s roommate Lisa and her cousin Gabe are lively, funny, fully-realized side characters that lighten the tone of what might otherwise be a downright heavy book – and the author adroitly suggests the possibility of further exploration of Gabe’s backstory in particular (perhaps in a sequel?). The story gives off a deeply erotic sensuality without any actual sex, which is an impressive feat.
The moral of the story is a bit heavy-handed in places, and the sentiment, too, can get overwhelming. Also, the prologue to the story (which leaps forward in time to the story’s end) does not actually match the ending, almost as if the author had changed her mind about the ending but hadn’t bothered to change the prologue.
If you like your romance novels heavily on the “romantic” side (as opposed to the “blatantly sexual” side), if you enjoy intense emotions and maybe even a good cry, you might enjoy Ruin. Just skip the prologue and pack a couple of handkerchiefs.
Reviewed by Catherine Langrehr for IndieReader