He was my best friend before he was my enemy.I’m a nobody at Black Falls High. Being forced to my knees by the school’s mean queen in front of the student body changed that.Now, I’m back on my former best friend’s radar. And this time, he has his new crew and “no” isn’t part of their vocabulary. When one of them discovers my secret, I’m at their mercy to keep it hidden.They own me. And my former … I’m at their mercy to keep it hidden.
They own me.
And my former best friend has made it his mission to ruin me.
But not if I ruin him first.
In Ruins is a mature reverse harem high school bully romance with adult content. All characters are eighteen. Reader Discretion advised.
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God, this story was deliciously wicked and impossible to put down. I’m addicted and have to finish the series as this was a MAJOR CLIFFHANGER, but that’s okay; I love a long story if it is good, and this is so good. The men are hot, the teasing starts from Chapter one and doesn’t let up, and I’m not talking about the bullying. I’m talking about the sexual innuendos and flirting that had my toes curling at each page. A must-read. I don’t say that often but K.G. Reuss knows her stuff!
Omg this book is fantastic and phenomenal! KG Reuss does an amazing job building this plot up. The twist and turns that this story takes is un real! Holdmon to your buts ’cause it’s a wild ride!
Series review & rating
3/5 • 5/5
This is a dark bully RH romance set in senior year of high school.
This was a good series jam packed with action and drama. This wasn’t your traditional badass bitch FMC; she was a loner and a social pariah and fought tooth and nail to make it out the other side of things. Her perseverance was my favorite thing about her.
I loved the guys but I hate how things transpired throughout the series. I love the guys personalities; especially Ethan and Cole.
I didn’t like that the guys never really gave up control and I felt like they pressured her after her traumas. The ending also felt a tad rushed but I did like the overall outcome.
The spice was off the charts; and only grew more intense by the end of the series.
I was looking forward to reading this new to me author, unfortunately that feeling didn’t last. This was on the cusp of being a DNF by the end of the first chapter, and I kinda wish I would have listened to that instinct.
The prologue gave a little insight into Rosie and Fox’s past friendship, and from there these characters took a nosedive.
My all-time favorite trope is bully romance, but there’s a finesse that authors need to make these types of stories work, and In Ruins didn’t have any of it.
In the first chapter she’s made to get on her knees and lick the food off the “Queen Bee’s” shoes. Why? Because she bumped into her and food spilled on her shoes from it.
Does Rosie put up any sort of fight? Of course not.
Rosie was weak, she posed no challenge at all to these guys, she bent to the will of anyone that got in her face. In my opinion that’s not the type of heroine meant for a bully romance. I think she’s taken the place of the top doormat character in a romance.
Normally my favorite thing is the push/pull between the heroine and the bully because she’s sassy, and strong, and never willing to just bend at the will of others.
This book was all the same, someone bullying Rosie and her bending at their will, and in the times she did try to pretend she had a backbone it came off as ingenuine and ridiculous. How was I supposed to believe that every now and again this character that continuously proves she has no backbone, all of a sudden had one for the length of a sentence and then for it to vanish again as if it never existed.
I didn’t feel a connection between her and any of the guys, and Fox’s reason for hating her wasn’t even really explained, other than he blamed her for his mom’s death with made zero sense.
Some of the guys were kind of sweet, and even a little charming, but to be honest I don’t remember their names, nor do I care. Several of the guys were supposed to have the “alpha-hole” vibe, but alas that wasn’t what I got from them.
Rosie didn’t even have a best friend to offer anything to the story. She was awful.
And the other guy in the story was just as wretched as the other characters, supposedly he and Rosie were friends, but then he drugs her, for the reason men do those things, and then he blackmails her.
And after the incident the next time she speaks with him, she still says he’s “the good guy”….
Instead of telling her “friend” she keeps her mouth shut because she doesn’t want to upset her, and she says nothing while her “best friend” begins dating a man that drugged her and was taking advantage of her in that state.
With friends like that, who needs enemies? Well, except Rosie because it seems like everyone in her life is her enemy in one way or another.
There was no character development, by the end of the book the guys have lessened their chance of having any redeeming qualities, and Rosie is a spineless mess that all of a sudden makes a threat which was laughable at that point.
I will not be reading any more by this author, no chemistry, no likeable qualities in any of the characters, weakness in moments that should have shown a character’s strength, no witty banter, and lackluster steam.
I hate books with cliffhangers .
There have been many books I’ve been tempted to put down because they’re too slow or too simple or just too unrealistic, but I’ve continued reading and been pleasantly surprised. This is one of those books. By the end, I couldn’t wait to download the second book in the series. The road to the tipping off point is muddy though. It’s a reverse harem and as such the relationships between Rosie and her four guys is never really established, other than the guy who’s her childhood friend. In other words, there’s no development of those other three relationships. It’s like one day she’s the school looser, and the next the guys are all in love with her. Even when the relationships begin, she’s seemingly nothing more than sex/pass-around. I couldn’t tell who was the good guy(s) and who was bad. Then, all the sudden they’re professing their love for her. However, once I was able to get past that, the road smoothed and the plot thickened, pulling my interest straight into their relationships. The writing improves as the novel progresses too. Initially it’s superficial and like I mentioned previously, way too simple. Short choppy sentences, little insider view into the characters, etc. But, it does improve and I am so glad I stuck it out because now I’m hooked.
“I used to love you, Fox,” my words were choked as I said them. His eyes widened, his lips parting. “You were my everything. Now you’re my nothing. Forcing me to do your bidding only makes me hate you.”
A new author that I’m keen to keep following. In Ruins is a reverse harem, bully trope that will keep you guessing. It’s tragic, twisted and it left me wondering what the hell is going on. I love some suspense, especially when the answers aren’t obvious. The four boys, Fox, Cole, Enzo and Ethan are so different and it seems like there is so much more than meets the eye. Rosalie came across as being weak, but she was naive and although she is torn, she was easily led. Then out of nowhere she grew wings and soared, until once again her feathers were ruffled. She holds all the power in this group, she just wasn’t using it to her advantage. I’m hoping she will take charge and take what she wants in the next book.
In Ruins begins with childhood friends Rosalie and Fox. Something traumatic happens and their friendship is no more. Rosalie is subjected to poor treatment from the schools queen bee until Fox reluctantly steps in.
Initially I want to hate Fox and his friends because the way they go about getting Rosalie’s attention, however throughout the book you can tell things shift. Sadly there are things in play that interfere and Rosalie feels used by the guys much like your standard bully romance. I however hold out hope for Rosalie and her guys to come back together as the series progresses.
Be aware this book as some triggers anday not be for everyone.
In Ruins just completed my soul!
Rosie’s character is so fragile yet bursting at the seams to devour everyone and everything in that town. I am so here for it! I have a feeling that Book 2 will be her time to shine and put these BOYS in their place.
This book is just the right amount of bullying, emotion, and confusion. There is danger, betrayal, and all sorts of angst and miscommunication that we all experience as teenagers. I am already obsessed with this series!
Awesome Story & Narration Captivating & Intense!
In Ruins
A Black Falls High Novel, Book 1
By: K.G. Reuss
Narrated by: Sarah Puckett
Wow, this is a dark and twisted bully romance, it is high in angst and it got under my skin at times but I found the story so mesmerizing that I could not put the book down. K.G. Reuss is a gifted author, I enjoyed her writing style, she created interesting and complex characters and storylines. Fox and Rosie lived next door to each other since they were kids, they were best of friends, until Fox abruptly ended their friendship. They both attend the same H.S. Fox is one of the most popular, he and his friends, Cole, Enzo and Ethan practically rule the school. Rosie was not part of the “in” crowd, she blended into the background. But somehow she finds herself falling on radar of the most popular kids in school, first the mean girls lead by Juliet go after her. Then her torment is brought up to another level when Fox and his cronies choose her for their next conquest. The author does an amazing job building up the characters and their relationships, including Fox and his friends. She gives you enough details for the moment but holds back enough making you want to know more and wonder what the deal with them, as well as with Fox. Rosie is the only one we really get to know, I was rooting for her the entire book and was happy to see her grow as a person. This is a great reverse harem bully romance, the story is cleverly plotted with plenty of drama, angst, twists and turns, heartfelt and emotional moments, some thrilling ones too and sexual tension that is through roof. This book may take you out of your comfort zone at times but stick with it because it is so worth it. K.G. Reuss, thank you for this awesome book and for the emotional rollercoaster ride. I loved the ending and am looking forward to what comes next in this series, I hope it comes out on audio soon.
I listened to the Audible edition, Sarah Puckett is a talented narrator and versatile voice artist. She covers the roles for all the characters, gives each their own distinct voice which makes it easy to follow along and tell who is who. Her portrayal of the characters is spot on, she grasps their personality as well as their attitude, making them sound just as I am picturing them to sound. You could hear how much heart she puts into her work as she captures the characters emotions and projects them into her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen
In Ruins is the first book I’ve read from this author and it did not disappoint. It was very well written and I loved the storyline. It was seriously amazing!!
Rosalie and Fox are childhood best friends but something happens and he hates her.
Rosalie tries to stay unnoticed so she can get through her last year of high school and stay away from her bullies. It was heartbreaking to see what she went through but I loved how much her character developed throughout the book.
Then there is the guys (Fox, Cole, Ethan and Enzo) and I love broken bad boys! I loved their interaction with Rosalie.
It’s angsty, heartbreaking and a hot reverse harem bully romance!
It does end in a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read book 2, In Silence.
My first book with this author, and it won’t be the last. I absolutely adored this book. It was a real bully romance, with bullying, mean girls and mean guys, the confidante best friend, and a twist. From friends to enemies, Rosie and Fox along with his boys decide to take an interest in this heroine who previously was persona non-grata. The question is why and should she trust them.
Excellent character and story development in this reverse harem tale, strong chemistry among the characters, good or bad, sexual or non-sexual. This story was well-written, a great balance of dialogue, prose, flow, and pace such that the scenes unfold in your mind and you experienced Rosie’s feelings. Usually I like a story told from multiple points of view, but in this case, one POV worked well as written, and in fact added to the intrigue. Additionally, while the heroine seemed timid, she was not a pushover. She tried to defend herself, but I suspect her true voice and defenses are about to evolve in the next books.
Truly one of the best reverse harems I’ve read, story mixed with the right amount of steaminess and intrigue. I was so captured by the writing that I reached the end, and I didn’t realize time has passed. Such a great book. Looking forward to the next in the series.
I’m going to be watching closely for the next book in the Black Falls High series, this ended with a massive cliffhanger. The book has bullying, and is a reverse harem. I would recommend it to anyone who likes darker high school (friends)-to enemies-to lovers-to…..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Introducing the shenanigans of Black Falls High School where things are dark, raw, sexual, where Rosalie is invisible, Juliet is queen bee, Fox, Cole, Ethan and Enzo are The Horsemen. This story hooked me from beginning to end. I definitely can’t wait for the next book. It does end in a cliffhanger and I recommend 18+ only. Would I recommend it: YES
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In Ruins is a bully romance and filled with high school drama, angst, secrets, lies, and so much more. The storyline is good and the characters are the kind you either love or hate. After that cliffhanger book two will not get here soon enough.
This was a great bully romance. This is book 1 of A Black Falls High Novel series. I loved the storyline and characters. Both are well written and developed. The storyline held me from start to finish and am looking forward to the next book. I would recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
**Semi-spoiler alert**
I just want to put it out there that for anyone that was pretty harshly bullied (verbally and/or physically) this book may be a trigger.
That being said, this is an excellent read. I could not put it down. It was so good that the Dilaudid pain medication they were IV’ing into me in the hospital didn’t stop me from reading it from beginning to end.
This book in terms of emotional turmoil and rollercoasters had some amazing ups and downs. It had an almost wild college girl feel to it from a sexual point of view than high school, but either way it was hot. From one scene or chapter to the next, you find yourself rooting for one of the guys more than another in the next. The author definitely knows how to raise the temperature with some pussy tingling, nipple hardening, sexual scenes. I know my temp went up a few degrees.
I feel bad for the heartbreak the main character experienced with Jamie, because of Ian. Hey, it is a good example of learning the hard way. Tell the truth and stand up for yourself, but also for what you known is right.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I am eagerly anticipating the release of In Silence: A Black Falls High School Book 2. I hate waiting for the next novel to be released when I am so involved and pumped up for the next segment in a series that I find I truly enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book left me in tatters its emotional, sad, and so wrong its good with bullies to arrogant and to sexy you don’t know weather to smack them or hate to love them there devious and obviously broken and get there kicks from others suffering and there latest victim from there little black notebook is the most broken of them all but by the end she will be stronger and ready to take them all on Fox the childhood friend and first love, Cole the cruel charming monster, Enzo the Italian God among boys at Black Falls Highschool and Ethan the shy one who doesn’t stand out as a bully but there’s a monster hidden there im sure and then there’s Ian may he wrote for what he did and Juliet she’s know tragic heroin she’s Malifacent in disguise and the friend that betrayes Jamie she listens to a cruel manipulative boy whose using her. This book twist and turns to the bitter end when all there lies are out there schems exposed and now all those warnings that Rosalie was getting now she knows it all somebody is going to pay.
Rosalie just needs to get threw her last year of high-school and stay away from her bulies but they won’t stay away from her and her former friend Fox’s girlfriend is at the top of the pack and she won’t back down till someone muzzles her bad doggie bad. If Rosalie can just graduate and do what her parents expect keep the grades up and don’t make waves unfortunately she has to go to a party and her downward spiral begins the Horseman have just found there perfect girl there like Hyennas trying to keep others away from there food there wiling to blackmail to get it. But Cole, Fox, Enzo and Ethan are not her only problem Ian someone she considered a friend has to break her as well he wants her all to himself or he will ruin her. Will Rosalie let the pretty cruel boys win.
I hate cliffhangers and now I’m hooked and can’t wait for the second book to come out.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via booksprout and this is my honest review.
One of the best high school bully books I have read. This book was a great way to start this series off. I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading it. The history between Fox and Rosalie runs deep because they used to be best friends until something happened that changed there lives. This book has a RH feeling to it and if that’s jam you will like this book. This book has a lot of suspense, drama, secrets, lies and some crazy sexual tension. Can’t wait for book #2 to come out in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received this book free and the only thing that was asked of me was to give an honest review. I have never read a bully reverse harem book before so I really did not know what to expect from this book. I have read other books by this author so I knew I would get a good story which I did she is an excellent storyteller. It did trip my bully trigger, and it made me wonder if the author or someone she knew had been bullied in school, because only someone who has experienced this lovely aspect of school would know how to write about it. The constant shredding of self-confidence and self-esteem leave scars that take a long time to heal and in some cases never do. I could not and did not figure out if this was a game or a deadly serious game. She hooked me into the story and kept me wondering where this was going to go. It does end in a cliffhanger but the good news is that the second book comes out in November, and I will get to find out what kind of game this turns out to be.