NOW A TOP TWENTY AMAZON BESTSELLERRosieThey say that life is a beautiful lie and death a painful truth. They’re right.No one has ever made me feel more alive than the guy who serves as a constant reminder that my clock is ticking.He is my forbidden, shiny apple.The striking fallacy to my blunt, raw, truth.He is also my sister’s ex-boyfriend.One thing you should know before you judge me;I saw him … thing you should know before you judge me;
I saw him first. I craved him first. I loved him first.
Eleven years later, he waltzed into my life, demanding a second chance.
Dean Cole wants to be my bronze horseman. My white knight has finally arrived. Hopefully, he isn’t too late.
Dean
They say the brightest stars burn out the fastest. They’re right.
She sets my mind on fire.
All smart mouth, snarky attitude and a huge heart.
In a world where everything is dull, she shines like Sirius.
Eleven years ago, fate tore us apart.
This time, I dare it to try.
Getting to her is a battlefield, but man, that’s why they call me Ruckus.
Rosie LeBlanc is about to find out how hard I can fight.
And conquering her will be the sweetest victory.
Ruckus is a complete standalone and a part of the Sinners of Saint series
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Ruckus is the second book in the Sinners of Saint Series by L.J. Shen.
“Everyone’s favorite Rose was wilting, but no flower wants to die in front of an audience.”
I positively loved Vicious and I immediately got my hands on Ruckus. I was ready to get to know Dean Cole and Rosie LeBlanc. I knew without a doubt that this book would destroy me because Leigh is just capable of that.
“I find you personally offensive, because everyone tapped you.”
Dean Cole started noticing Rosie LeBlanc the first time that met on his way to see her big sister, Emilia. To say that their timing was horrible is an understatement. Dean had a protective vibe for Emilia so he ended up dating Emilia in order to protect her from Vicious—instantly putting a hold on his and Rosie’s any chances.
“He wasn’t Sirius. He was planet Earth. He was oxygen. He was everything.”
Dean was known for his nonchalant, funny, and a good time, but we learn that he has layers upon layers that we find in each paragraph. I literally lost my heart to Dean. He has so many depths that it was hard not to. Rosie LeBlanc was gorgeous, sassy, sarcastic, independent, and selfless.
“Rosie was never the prey. She was, at times, the motherf*cking hunter.”
Dean and Rosie was the perfect blend together. They were compliments for each other. They were beautiful yet a little forbidden—since Dean dated Rosie’s older sister. Wow, these two, were an absolute beauty. Leigh was phenomenal as always.
“He is good, and I am blessed. And whole. And f*cking alive. Thanks to her.”
“You are chaotic, crazy, and full of wars and angst. But you’re the liveliest place I’ve ever been to.”
I read the 2 series so ass backwards Lol. I read Broken Knight first which made me remember how much I loved Dean and Rosie from Vicious. (why I paused after book 1 of the saints? Idk ) Dean just might be my favorite of all the hotholes, in fact he makes it Into the top book boyfriends ever list. He’s adorable and funny but he’s also got the cocky asshole vibe I love so much. I adored that he was so absolutely sure they were meant to be together.
“I was going to eat my cake, and keep it. Impossible? Just watch”
This book had SO MANY good quotes, I’m a sucker for highlighting on my kindle and I could have highlighted this whole book!!
“and it was that moment that I realized what I had just invited into my heart. What I willingly opened the door to. It was like throwing your body off of a cliff, with eyes wide open, arms stretched, and a smile on your face. This is tragic, I thought.”
Rose was sweet and tough and her inner monologue was so hilarious!
“DEAR SELECTIVE AMNESIA, I need you in my life right now. Yours, Hopelessly idiotic girl”
This book was so perfect
Ruckus by @authorljshen is probably one of the best love stories I’ve ever read, but it’s also one of the most heart-wrenching. Everything about this story is layered with contradictions- a couple that shouldn’t work but does, a hero you shouldn’t fall for but you do, an outcome that defies logic but you still hope for it. Ruckus is an emotional marathon of drama, angst, pain, and fated true love. It’s beautifully written, emotionally charged, and I highly recommend it.u2063
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Dean Cole, the hero, is a combination of everything I love and everything I loathe in a leading man. He’s sexy, successful, confident, funny, and fiercely loyal, but he’s a total disaster. For every positive character trait, he displays the flaw just as strongly. He’s weak in many ways, he’s rude, he’s arrogant, he’s annoyingly persistent. There were many times that I wanted to HATE Dean Cole, but in the end I couldn’t. His story is heartbreaking, he’s beaten down and damaged, and in the end I couldn’t help but love him. u2063
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LJ Shen isn’t called the Queen of Alphaholes for nothing. Her website says “bringing badass alphas to their knees since 2015”, and that’s exactly what this story does. Not only is Dean Cole softened by Rosie, the heroine, but he’s forced to grow up. Rosie, with her selfless strength, silent determination, and snarky attitude. She truly brings him to his knees. It was interesting reading a maturation story take place for a grown man, but that’s definitely part of Ruckus. Dean has to evolve from immature man-boy to a mature pillar of strength and support for Rosie, and the process is difficult and heartbreaking, but so worth it in the end. u2063
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I ran the gamut of emotions while reading Ruckus. I laughed as hard as I sobbed. I felt real fear, was absolutely infuriated, and was overcome with intense happiness. I really didn’t want to like it, but here I am, almost a year later, admitting that I had no choice. Ruckus gripped me by the heart from the beginning and refused to let go. Dean Cole made me love him, and because of that I’ve never empathized with a heroine so much. u2063
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If you’re looking for your next bookhangover, Ruckus will gladly provide it for you. It’s been months, I’m still not over it, but I love it so much.
Loved it!
This is my Favorite Hot Hole… Hands down!!!
Rosie and Dean’s story is the most profound one I’ve read in a long time. All of Rukus’s layers make you want to smack him yet love him forever.
Love all the Hot Holes!
Earth and Sirius
I’m torn between liking and. It looking this series . The hotholes really are arseholes !!! Who happen to be hot and broken and do arse things …
but somehow despite this the author make me feel for them, and like them .. what the haha
There were some moments in this boom that I felt went too far up or down , you know what I mean, on the hot holes metre , so if you’re easily offended this series and this book is probably not your cup of tea !
However I still enjoyed Rosie and dean and all their flaws . I’m enjoying this group of characters ! And all their flaws
Rosie is witty and strong and battling severe health issues and scared to open up and commit because of this .
Dean is an addict , lost and broken and discovering himself and his own history as well as chasing and reaching for his ultimate goal of having Rosie love him back .
The plot on Their story was great and took some unexpected (at least by me ) leaps and turns . It was overall a great read !
“The way he looked at me, like I was the center of the world, bothered me. Flattered me. Possesed me.”
Ruckus will forever hold a piece of my heart! I LOVED this book so HARD! I can’t believe I waited so long to meet these Hotholes. I seriously just read one of my best books of 2019! This is one enemjes to lovers, forbidden romances I will find myself conparing others too. It packed all the feels, angst, and heartbreak I desperately needed. Everything about this book enthralled me, while it’s story left me breathless and captivated. I could not devour the pages fast enough. If I thought I loved Knight, he doesn’t hold a candle to his Dad! Even reading the stories backwards I can without a doubt say it ruined nothing. This story was still EVERYTHING! It was the emotional roller coaster ride I never wanted to end. Dean and Rosie’s chemistry was smoking HOT. With bagage and drama for days. I loved their easy banter and shameless flirting. Seperate they was a mess, but together they truly was beautiful. I rooted for these two from the very start. Dean and Rosie was this complicated, whirlwind romance that haints your mind long after their story ends.
“Rose LeBlanc got her name for a reason. She was full of f*cking thorns. She was beautiful- so ridiculously, unbelievably alluring- that just like real roses, she grew little spikes to protect herself. Because everyone wanted to have her.”
Rosie is hands down one of my favorite heroines. I am finding this a pattern with Shen’s characters. But seriously I think she just hit number one! I absolutely LOVED everything about Rosie’s character. She was sassy, independent, and a total spit fire. She was naive yet somehow still realistic. I completely admired her strength. She had faced, and was still continuing to face so much. However she never let any of that bring her down. She kept her head up and was determined to live life to the fullest.
“I fell asleep in the arms of his demons, knowing I’d wake up in the arms of a sweet man. For Dean ‘Ruckus’ Cole had many faces. And all of them were beautiful. At least to me.”
Dean is MINE. I call dibs! Just like that he quickly became my favorite of the Hotholes. His character was and wasn’t nothing like I expected. I should have known there was more than meets the eye. Dean was complex and complicated. He definitely kept me on my toes. Deans vulnerability ripped at my heart. So many times my heart just broke for him. While other times his charm oozed off him in waves. He was sweet, romantic, and filthy. Dean definitely melted me with his alpha ways.
“Baby LeBlanc was going to bow down to me eventually. Her clock was ticking faster, and I was done letting her waste our time.
*5 STARS*
Well earned for the best installment yet in the Sinners of Saint series. I can NOT stress enough how much you should seriously read this book! It is perfection at its finest! I am so ready to dive into Trents story!
“Baby LeBlanc was going to bow down to me eventually. Her clock was ticking faster, and I was done letting her waste our time.”
Leigh is tied at 1st place on my fav authors list, so when she doesn’t have a new book out I find myself re-reading “oldies”…..of course finishing up Broken Knight had me eager to dive back into Dean & Rosie’s story. Its one of those that never gets old, finding new fav parts each time!
Told in dual POV, an enemies-to-lovers romance that spans across over a decade. The 3rd installment of the Sinners of Saint series, this is an interconnected stand alone that can be read as part of the series OR by itself. It does deal with addiction and other sensitive topics, but nothing too dark.
“Dean Cole was nothing like people pegged him. He was the worst kind of devil. One that hid behind a polite smile, preppy clothes, and good manners.”
Rosie LeBlanc, the baby sister of Emilia (from Vicious), is living in NYC alone with the man that broke her heart over 10 years ago as her neighbor. They have never been together, in fact he was her sister’s HS boyfriend, but that doesnt mean he isn’t the guy that still affects her like no one else.
Dean Cole has it all…..money, power, looks, and an endless amount of women, drugs, and alcohol….he should be content, but there is one thing hes wanted since HS, Baby LeBlanc. If only he can get her to give him a chance. Between her CF and her refusal to do anything with her sister’s ex, he has more of a chance of becoming the President of the country. But one thing Dean has going for him? He knows how to fight and win.
But can he prove to Rosie to give him a chance? Will his addiction be the thing that keeps them apart? Or will they run out of precious time before they finally give into 10+ years of love and chemistry?
“Contrary to general belief, stars don’t twinkle. There is only one star that sparkles that scientists can agree on. It twinkles so bright, sometimes people mistake it for a UFO. It’s not big, but it stands out. That’s Sirius, and it’s also you. You shine, Baby LeBlanc. So f**king bright sometimes you’re the only thing I see.”
This does have a HEA, but not before these two get hot and steamy and also go through some seriously emotional times. This story does time jump between present day and 11 years prior.
All in all, this book is EXACTLY why Leigh will continue to be at the top of my list (and others as well)…..she has a gift of writing emotional gripping stories with amazing heroines and hot alpha-holes. It will pull you in and shatter your soul, but leave it full and hopeful by the time you read the last word. If you have read it before, read it again. If you are a first timer here after reading Broken Knight, get to know the powerful love story responsible for well…..his story.
“There won’t be a next Rosie. And there won’t be another story like ours. This is it, Rose LeBlanc. And this is us. If there is no you, then there is no me.”
Its been a while since I devoured a series like this one, but once you stay you can’t stop. Ruckus and Rosie’s character compliments each other to their chemistry, attraction and love. Their love story didn’t start well but their journey was so worth the read. From heartbreak to love, their HEA made it so much more than it could ever be. This series makes my heart happy and takes my emotions on a rollercoaster ride that I never want to stop. On to the next book I go and thank you Ms. Shen for an amazing series!
Dear Ruckus,
You will own a piece of my heart forever.
Love,
Heather
From the very beginning he was an ass hole that I knew there was more to then what he was showing us. He had layers and I wanted to get beneath them and find out more. He did not let me down when we got there.
“Contrary to general belief, stars don’t twinkle. There is only one star that sparkles that scientists can agree on. It twinkles so bright, sometimes people mistake it for a UFO. It’s not big, but it stands out. That’s Sirius, and it’s also you. You shine, Baby LeBlanc. So fucking bright sometimes you’re the only thing I see.”
I couldn’t get enough, I couldn’t put this down, I couldn’t breathe sometimes. It was everything and then some. While Vicious will still be my guy, Ruckus will own a good chunk of my heart. Do not miss this book! Loved isn’t even a strong enough word for what I feel about this book and this series.
Ok. I absolutely loved this book. I mean, I got all the feels from this book. I loved every moment of this book.
I loved how Dean and Rosie met. I loved the instant connection. I loved how sparks literally flew off of them every time their eyes met. I loved how they were drawn together and couldn’t stay apart, even when he was dating her sister. I have to admit, early on in the book, I was disappointed that Dean already knew about Rosie’s health issues. I really wanted to see when/how he found out and his reaction. I was SOOOOOO happy when the author did a flash back and show him finding out. I do wish I’d been able to see his reaction to her winding up with pneumonia from that incident, but that’s probably just me.
Confession time: I didn’t mind that he was dating Rosie’s sister when they were in high school. Here’s why; 1) He met her first and he was dating her to protect her. 2) Rosie told him to keep seeing her sister. 3) At that time, Rosie said he deserves more than her because she was sick. … Now, with all that said, do I wish they had gotten together back then? Yes. But that’s because they wasted 10 years. However, that also gave both of them time to grow up and time for Dean to go to college.
I loved that when Dean decided to go after Rosie, he was all in. He was already think of their future, and moving in together, kids, marriage…the whole nine yards. That might sound fast, but he’d been in love with her for over 10 years (and she with him), so a lot of time had past.
This book…definitely ties with Dirty Headlines for my favorite LJ Shen book. And in some ways, it surpasses it because of all the feels. I just..The number of things I highlighted in my kindle, there were so many.
This book will definitely be one I’ll reread multiple times in the future.
Good, not great. I enjoy angst in my stories depending on the type. The “I’m going to die” trope just isn’t the type for me (although others obviously love it.) In fact I was really bored from about the 20% mark until the 70% mark. There was honestly nothing much happening except an endless go round of Dean being crude and trying to get Rose in bed and Rosie worrying about her illness and whining because she can never let anyone into her heart. If it weren’t for this REALLY annoying problem of HAVING to finish anything I start, I would have just quit already.
I did appreciate the author not minimizing Dean’s addictions with quick fixes, however, and there were a couple of real surprises that threw the story in very interesting ways (obviously that’s what happened after the 70% mark) that made it worth finishing.
This is my first read of this author and I enjoyed the story. I wish I’d read the first book in the series( Vicious) before reading this book—it would have made the storyline easier to follow. Overall, a good book. Note: contains Graphic language and sex scenes , if that is an issue for you.
I love a little ruckus in my life! 5 stars
I loved this book! It broke my heart in the most beautiful of ways, and that is why I read books. So I can feel everything and be drawn into another world. And this book does that so well. This is the 2nd book in the Sinners of Saint series. You do not need to read the 1st book, but it makes this one that much more beautiful. Dean “Ruckus” Cole and Rosie LeBlanc are star-crossed. I won’t get into why as you should read that for yourself, but their journey together & separately were heart-breaking, soul-breaking but beautiful. Dean’s layers/truths were revealed throughout the book, and his journey was fascinating to read. Rosie was feisty and independent, and I adored her for those reasons. Dean and Rosie had sizzling chemistry from the moment they met, and their journey to happiness was fraught with ups & downs and heart-wrenching twists. But it was beautiful to behold. I highly recommend this book & this series.
Dean Cole is the epitome of playboy. He is living it up in New York City, different girls every night of the week, he’s living his best life, or at least that is what he wants everyone on the outside to think. Truthfully, he’s a hurt man who has been through a lot and wants the one person he probably shouldn’t. After all, he did date her sister.
Rosie LeBlanc is one of the strongest people you’ll meet, but she is also one of the weakest at times. She suffers from cystic fibrosis, and nobody lets her forget about it. She wants to live her life for herself, but with her family constantly nagging her about moving back to Todos Santos, she finds it hard sometimes. With her sister’s wedding fast approaching, Rosie knows she’ll be heading back to Todos Santos, what she doesn’t know is that her sister is making her come back with Dean. Emilia wants Rosie there for everything, and Dean is going to make it happen. As Rosie and Dean reconnect, and we get to revisit their interactions from high school, it becomes abundantly clear that Dean has never gotten over Rosie, and he’ll do everything he can to make her his. The question is, when Rosie needs Dean the most can he be the man she needs?
To say that this book is an emotional journey (or rollercoaster) would be an understatement. Every. Single. Emotion. That is what L.J. Shen does to you when she writes. She makes you feel every emotion imaginable, happy, sad, mad; you name it she evokes those emotions in you. I was lucky enough to discover the hotholes after all of the books had been written, so I didn’t have to wait for Dean like many others did. Thank goodness for that, I don’t know if I could have done it. This book was one for the ages, and if you haven’t read it, you need to get it done! L.J.’s slogan couldn’t be more accurate, especially for Dean, watching him be brought his knees was quite simply, perfect.
If I had to compare Baron and Dean, I must say that Dean is the quiet (for the time), who tried to restrain their emotions, not to suffer the consequences for it. Baron is erratic and crazy, and this brutal. LJ Shen began its series with a bang, but with a second book wind down a little story. Of course, I do not blame her! On the contrary, each of these guys has to be different, because it would be boring.
Dean Cole is a typical loose gun that when something needs to be done, it has engulfed it first. What’s more, his behavior lies a whole lot of shit that should not be drawn to the light of day. What he managed for 28 years. By the time…
Rosie is very similar to Emily, but at the same time different. When Emily was gentle soul who always politely and dutifully performed all tasks, Rosie can rebel and stand your ground. That wants to be independent, and despite the opposition of parents, she manages to live in NY and work in the cafe. This does not change the fact that, and so will Emily.
Dean and Rosie History is full of truth, suffering and pain. Although they should destroy it, they come out of this stronger and more self-confident. “Ruckus” is released in a series of action and relaxation, in relation to “Vicious”, but is just as good as the first volume of the series.
If Brutal turned out to be for you, too strong and predatory, is the Dean feel like the prince charming (the book). No, but we are still Trent and Bane, will also be plenty to choose from, to the very end.
By the way, once again I regret that the publication does not want to spend “Defy”, which tells the story of Melody and Jamie. These characters appear on the agenda here, and I suspect that if someone does not just read the short stories, it can not fully embrace what’s going on. Now rather we not get “Defy”, but still count on a small miracle and can they?
It would have been.
“Ruckus” is another successful book LJShen. And I can not fault anything the interpreter, because the book captures every emotion that the author wanted to convey. Definitely worth the read position, even if the “Vicious” rejected. It is a separate story of two souls, and that they appear there as the earlier and the later volume, there is no obstacle.
Omg i absolutely loved this book, my favourite in series so far.
Beautifully written and again loved the dual pov.
Rosie is strong, sassy and funny, I loved her so much.
Her battle with her illness is hard but she pushes through it and is an amazing woman.
Dean is cocky, sexy and troubled, I fell in love with him straight away. Hes wanted Rosie for a long time and he goes after her no matter what.
my heart broke for Rosie many times,i was totally pulled in with their story, i felt all the emotions.
Their relationship is one that will stay with me forever.
Loved having all the hotholes in this book, got to know more about Trent and cant wait for his book. Vicious and Emilia are brilliant secondary characters in this book, I wasn’t a big fan of Vicious but in this book i’ve warmed up to him a lot.
Wow. What can I say about this book? Words always escape me when it comes to writing reviews of books that I truly enjoy so instead I try to run through my feelings.
This book was the first in the series to legitimately SHOCK me. I’m dead serious. It had me yelling out loud on a crowded train.
I tell myself when I’m reading that I will not make assumptions or try to guess where the story is going, but I always cave two seconds in and start doing it. This one was no different. But I can honestly say there were several points when things were revealed and I DID NOT see it coming. My assumptions and guesses? Completely wrong. And I think the author did that on purpose. Touche, Ms. Shen. You outdid yourself once again.
Honestly, Leigh Shen is swiftly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her books are amazing. She truly captivates her readers. And I love how it’s all action, too. There are no drawn-out scenes or overly descriptive rambling. Everything has a point, and her writing is flawless. Fun, funny, emotional, steamy, whitty. It’s all just…wonderful.
This book is a bit of an emotional roller-coaster. There are so many ups and downs for Dean and Rosie, it almost gives you whiplash. But I must say, it’s a fun ride.
I really loved Dean. You guys know, Vicious is still my main HotHole, but Dean is just so charming, it’s hard not to swoon over him. His cockiness is centered around humor which is just my favorite thing, because I love a book boyfriend with a sense of humor. And his mouth had me laughing out loud a few times.
Rosie was a stunning character. Hard to relate to because of her illness, but also not, because she never really let it hold her back. Well…accept for the frustrating part of the story where she and Dean can’t seem to get their shit together. You know… the whole him and her sister thing.
Yes, that was a bit irritating to me because the whole time I’m wondering how the hell Dean could even be with Emilia. I suppose I understand how and why it happened, but it didn’t make it any less angsty, which is obviously the point.
And then there’s the matter of Dean’s past. That was where most of the shocks came from. And I loved it. I LOVE being surprised when I’m reading, so that was very exciting. Although I did find myself wondering why his parents made a few of the decisions they’d made. But that’s all part of the drama. And this book was chock full of it!
Anyway, it was freaking great. Just so gripping and sexy and butterfly-inducing. The sex scenes were fire, as to be expected with those dirty HotHoles. And Dean made me squirm a lot, which is my favorite part of angsty romance. I love that it contained sensitive subjects like addiction and chronic illness, because it makes the whole thing feel more real. I love Dean for being the man who gave Rosie the happily ever after she so desperately needed and deserved.
I’m inching closer and closer to the next generation of All Saints, and to say I’m excited would be a HUGE understatement.
I can’t stop clapping for LJ Shen. Girl, you rock my world with these perfect dang books!
I LOVE THIS BOOK & L. J. SHEN, & I’M SPEECHLESS ABOUT RUCKUS
L. J. Shen has surprised me again….I bought DEFY, BK 0.5, VICOUS, Bk 1 and RUCKUS, Bk 2, because I saw SCANDALOUS, Bk 3 on FaceBook, and I don’t like to read a book in a series, unless I read the others in order….Well, right off the bat, I mistakenly read VICOUS – Bk 1, before DEFY, Bk 0.5 and they were so good, I survived, and my OCD didn’t even allow me my normal “freakout,” so I moved on to RUCKUS, Bk 2, and I have to say RUCKUS may be the best of the series, to me, so far….Honestly, I thought the other two were fantastic (and they are), but RUCKUS is just a different kind of book, and one unlike I’d any I’ve ever read….It’s a beautiful love story with a heart-breaking twist, and it held me until the last page of the Epilogue…..
I hope everyone will read this series….I still think the other two books should be read before this one, but I can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t LOVE. THIS. BOOK!!!!! I’m finally moving on to SCANDALOUS.
Dean and Rosie story could not have been any better!!!
I adored Rosie, for me her character is what makes this book so amazing. It’s not easy being the sick kid, but I loved her never give up attitude.
5 star read, quick paced, and a real tear jerker. I adored this story!
This series is amazing. As much as I loved Vicious, I’ll have to say that this book was amazing. I really enjoyed Dean’s humor, sarcasm & overall personality. He adds depth to the Four HotHoles. I can’t wait to read the next two books and start the next generation! L. J. Shen is an amazing author. Another great story!