Review: Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken
SYNOPSIS:
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.
REVIEW:
I have been slowly savoring this book over the last few days as it has emotionally gutted me. I cried once and I teared up more than I like to admit as Rachel Van Dyken carves a hole in my heart before repairing it. I really enjoyed the story and my only lingering pet peeve was that Wes and Kiersten were an insta-like, insta-love, you get the idea type of relationship. I would have liked a little more of a slow down and progression but I understand the reason for the fast pace with which Wes moved. But just because I understand it, doesn’t mean I have to support or like it.
Wes and Kiersten have an instant connection and as Kiersten makes a list of things she wants to do to step outside her comfort zone and truly live, Wes makes it his mission to help her complete the list. As they go through task after task on the list, they fall for each other hard. They both are carrying demons as both have experienced death, the only problem is Kiersten is petrified by grief and fear. Kiersten grew leaps and bounds over the course of the story, it was awe-inspiring to watch her gain confidence in herself and her life choices. Wes, well Wes knew all the swoony things to say that makes it hard not to fall head over heels for him. Did he come on too strong at moments, yes, did that mean I stopped swooning, h*ll no! If anything I fell for his charismatic charm more.
Now Wes is carrying a secret, and I am not going to spoil the story but this is a heavy topic, and what truly gutted me. It is safe to just say time isn’t on their side. But I loved the balance in the story and it wasn’t all Wes and Kiersten all the time. Gabe and Lisa, two fabulous secondary characters, add brief moments of comic relief, brotherly advance, and really helped shaped Wes and Kiersten. They support them but also entice me enough that I want them both to have their own story. I just loved all the feels this book brought on and I can’t wait to start Toxic.
LINKS:
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble
