“I was utterly consumed.” – R.S. Grey, USA Today Bestselling AuthorWith her heart literally in his hands, Celia will have to try and bargain with a devil.Edward Fasbender is my captor.Trapped on this island he owns everything on–including, it seems, me.He told me he would break me, but I thought he meant in the bedroom. It turns out Edward is playing a completely different game.And he won’t stop … completely different game.
And he won’t stop until he’s ruined me.
Ruin is book two of four in the dark and edgy Slay series. Rivalry should be read first.
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4 1/2 hot stars for Slay: Ruin (Slay Quartet #2). It begins right where Slay left off and Celia is at Edward’s mercy as he’s holding her captive on his island. I’m still 100% Team Celia and there were times that I felt so sorry for her because Edward’s arrogant and harsh behavior continued as he did his best to break her. His teasing and taunting was relentless and so his sexual prowess (I have zero complaints about that lol). He is a sexy devil that I eventually started warming up too. As cruel as his behavior seemed sometimes, there is a good reason why Edward treated Celia the way he did.
It was nice to see Celia evolving and coming out of her stoic and unemotional shell. Ms. Paige did a really good job with giving her character so much depth and breathing new life into her. And throughout it all, Edward and Celia’s sexual chemistry had not diminished whatsoever. They were hotter than ever and damn near set the bedroom on fire!!! This book is a definite must read and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Paige has in store for Edward and Celia in their next book!!
Edward Fasbender was a master manipulator and Celia Werner was the sacrificial lamb who succumbed to his charm and deviousness. It was hard to know where to start when describing the intricacies of the next stage of their relationship. Edward forced Celia to become a prisoner on his island and set out to delve deep into her mind to find out all of her secrets. He was controlling and demanding, and put his wants and desires first. Celia may have been the Queen of “The Game” with Hudson, but Edward played “The Game” better than they did, and Celia never saw it coming. Edward isolated her and became more powerful than ever. He already knew all of Celia’s weaknesses and used them to his advantage.
Celia, with all of her polish and education, became a naive and fragile person under Edward’s control. Her confidence disappeared and he left her lonely and fearful. She depended on him for everything and existed in a world where she could not escape. She was afraid if she didn’t do as he asked, Edward would take away what little love and affection he showed her. Celia could not enjoy the beautiful, tropical setting as she would have liked, because she was always afraid of what might happen next. She was haunted by demons from her past, and didn’t like being tormented by Edward in the present.
What would the next sunrise bring for Celia? A brighter day or a menacing storm? The future remains to be seen.
Edwards Fasbender has claimed the throne of my most favorite alpha dominant with so much sexy arroagance and rude confidence that I cannot even see any contenders nearby. And Laurelin Paige has turned up the heat, intrigue and mind games impossibly high in Slay: Ruin. Did you think Slay: Rivalry was extreme? Ruin is going to thoroughly ruin you inside out.
Anyone who has read the Fixed Universe hates Celia Warner. Now Rivalry made me question my preconceived notions. Trust me I never ever thought I would have any compassion for Celia. But the queen of cruel mind games and manipulations has met her match. Edwards has married her and now he is determined to break her. To bring her under his complete mercy. He is out for revenge and he will stop at nothing. But this is Celia we are talking about. So the process is going to mess with your mind and heart slowly and deliberately. I was thrown from one chaotic and dramatic moment to next. And heaven help me I loved the thrill so much.
This story is all about evolution. Laurelin is peeling layers after layers in Celia. She is completely vulnerable and open even after all her resistance and resilience. And I am kind of awed and in love with this stripped down version of Celia. This whole story is one after one deadly psychological warfare. Edwards is the same cold, ruthless and egomaniac jerk. And then he is not. This whole process was mesmerizing and I was deep in the complexities. They develop a sense of camaraderie first. And slowly Edwards give in a little. And slowly but surely they fall for each other by the end of the book. Sex and heat were never the problem between them. But it was all about souls crumbling, guards crashing down and hearts fitting like a perfect puzzle. You really have to experience it. I cannot describe this fluid, burning, pushing and pulling motion of Edwards and Celia’s emotions. And this story has a dangerous dark feel which gave me heart attacks and goosebumps again and again.
I love when authors challenge me and they take risks in writing a story outside their territory. And Laurelin Paige has done it again. She took me to the dark side of dominance and submission in an entirely new way. Slay: Ruin is a power struggle of bodies and minds. And I am so excited to read the next instalment as the ending was a deliciously wicked promise.
Received ARC for Honest review
This is the second book in the series. Uhm what can I say more than I can’t believe I have fallen in love with Celia in this book. Wow I can’t believe I just said that. If you’ve read the fixed series then you know why I say that. The book made you see a different side of both Celia and Edward you seen both of them become vulnerable. I loved it. Can’t wait to see what the next book will be like!!!
This story picks up where Slay Quartet #1 ended. After the marriage ceremony, Edward takes Celia to his private tropical island and keeps her captive there. He planned to “break” her down, to have total control over Her. Their relationship is volatile and emotional. Little by little, we find out more of their background. The story is intense, emotional and intriguing. There are always games. It’s a dark and steamy and it ends with a cliffhanger.
Review copy was received for a honest opinion.
Whoa…this book is everything you can ask for. It picks up right where Slay One Rivalry left off. Edward has a mission and it’s up to Celia to play or not. She is torn between being scared of Edward and being so drawn and attracted to him. Her emotions are all over the place. Could this be her karma for all her evil doings? This title is exactly what this book does, ruins Celia in every way possible. It’s so fun watching this happen to her. How she was hated in the Fixed Series, but now, can she redeem herself? Is she starting to become a likable character? You must read this yourself to witness the exciting ride which is Edward and Celia. These two are unlike any characters I’ve ever read. They, and this story, are a uniquely impressive romance. Ms. Paige slays it again with an utterly fantastic book. (Pun intended).
Y’all probably know by now how shockingly ends the first part of this story. If not?! You definitely need to grab Slay Rivalry first before you read this one.
I love Laurelin Paige stories, but this one makes my skin crawl with excitement and with every chapter, I was craving for more like total book junkie, looking for the emotions I never knew existed inside my soul.
Edward and Celia relationship put me on the new level of feels and author outdid herself and created a new level of enemies to Lover’s story.
I was wondering if I would see Celia’s real face further into this book or Celia- the player will surface again with all the lies and manipulation, but what I found out was beyond my speculations. I thought I knew Celia from fixed series but it was only a rock in the ocean.
Edward’s character totally knocked me off my feet. He had tricks up his sleeves, I need to give him that. His actions and excellent thoughtful manipulation made my chin hit the floor many times. I couldn’t figure out his next moves towards Celia.
I was wondering who was the slayer in this story?! Because nothing looked as it’s seems.
Both, they were like fire and ice.
Fighting inner battle with the affection to each other. There was so much angst and anticipation in their relationships and their chemistry was exploding every time they were near one another. Their passion and lust mixed with hate and fear. But both from their own, deferent deeply rooted reasons.
Slay:Ruin was huge emotional rollercoaster. Laurelin Paige was messing with my mind all the way through the Ruin book and I wasn’t certain a damn thing in this story.
When I thought that I’ve figured out something, author smashed my idea into the pieces. I was played and ruined by this book, left with total hangover afterwards and I don’t know how I will manage to the next part in this quartet, Slay:Revenge.
ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review
I’m completely hooked on Edward and Celia’s story.
Laurelin has taken a character we loved to hate, and given us a beautiful deeply scarred, woman traumatized by her past just needing someone to see her has enough. Edward Fasbender is the Devil to bring her to her knees.
A Wickedly delicious read that will bewitch you with all it’s beautiful emotionally charged sexiness!
To sum up Slay #2- Ruin by Laurelin Paige in one word, would be intense. This relationship is intense. The sessions that Edward and Celia partake in are intense. The sex is off the charts intense. This story had me in knots.
My traditional mindset about love is confused, yet I’m intrigued by the relationship between Edward and Celia. They have a dominant and submissive pairing, that is essentially controlled by captivity. While reading I found parts of this book difficult to comprehend; How could he do that? How could she enjoy this? However, once everything was broken down, it began to make sense. Celia discovers that there is a certain freedom in control.
Edward Fasbender is controlling, calculated and commanding. He is a man that is hard to read. He intrigued me and I couldn’t help but love him one minute, then hate him the next! Much the same as Celia does. Celia is married to him, but love is not something that came before marriage for these two.
I enjoyed how the strength in Edward and Celia’s relationship unfolded in this story. Their relationship is all-consuming and its development was the main focus of this second book of a four part series. I have little doubt that the next book will see this couple find what they are looking for; revenge.
Oooooo this is the continuing story of Celia and Edward. After the cliffhanger of Slay 1, I was on tenterhooks to see what would happen next!
Ceila was a character that I loved to loathe, but know Ms. Paige has done something truly amazing, she is changing the way I think about a character.
This story delves more into Celia’s past, her psyche, her soul. Edward truly knows how to break her down. I started to empathize with Celia, I could understand why she became the woman she was when she met Edward.
Edward is slowly coming around. As his feelings for Celia change, so does his plans and the repercussions of that will be felt throughout the story.
You still get the push and pull of the tumultuous relationship between Edward and Celia, but now you get to see how their relationship is evolving and growing. With the alternate POV’s it really brings more understanding into Edward and Celia.
I loved how this part of the story ended. But now I cannot wait for the next installment!
NO SPOILERS!
Laurelin Paige ruined me with Slay: Ruin! Book two in the Slay Quartet was sexy, mysterious, intriguing, and twisted, but utterly addicting. I’ve never read anything like Edward and Celia’s story, and so far it’s been a roller coaster ride of thoughts, feelings, and emotions that have been hard to process. I still don’t know what to think and feel about everything that happened in Slay: Ruin, but I’m definitely looking forward to continuing Edward and Celia’s sexy, dark, and forbidden story in Slay: Revenge!
Wow! I am really starting to like Celia. So much of how she is, comes to light in this book. Edward decides he wants to “break her down”. But in the process I feel that she heals. And Edward finds out how much he really is fond of her. We also find out why Edward is the way he is, as well. This is book two in the Slay series and it is an important one. So much information. Also so much feeling. I was angry, appalled, sad, happy and turned on. Now that’s a good book! You definitely need to read book one first. These cannot be read as stand alone’s. Book two continues right where book one ended. I don’t want to give anything more away. All I’ve got to say is…Read It!!!
Ruin continues right where Slay ends!! Edward and Celia have an interesting relationship. He plans to break her down to ruin her and her family, in the process he actually listens to what is said. What he thought she was he realized was just a cover for a totally different person.
Celia was always the one we wanted to hate, but now the layers of her characters have been peeled off one by one. The real Celia appears in Ruin. We never truly know a person until they strip themselves bear to us.
What does Edward think of this Celia? What happens to Edwards revenge plan? Will they really become a husband and wife team?
This was a definite page-turner. Laurelin Paige really knows how to draw the reader in!!! I am excited to read book 3!
Received an ARC from Candi Kane PR
This review will cover books 2-4. Everything kind of blended for me, and I couldn’t distinguish between these three books. AMAZING STORY, AND BEAUTIFUL ENDING!
There’s so much action going on in these three books. From Celia’s uncle to Edward’s ex-wife, Edward’s grown children finding their way in the world. When add in Hudson Pierce and his wife, Elena. this is one couple that needs some alone time.
Celia and Daniel are both broken, and I think that lends to their strong pull whether they’re fighting or getting along. Having been this rebel for years, she doesn’t realize how much she needs Edward’s command. Granted, his ways are seriously on the warped side, but I believe his intentions were kind of honorable once they got past their rough patch from the island. But things aren’t all sunshine and roses w/the Fassbender couple. Celia is still holding secrets, and so is Edward. Both quite stubborn in their ways, they learn how much they need each other.
Edward and Celia’s love is a hard-fought one, and as much as they disagree, they’ll come to each other’s defense in a heartbeat. They’ve both taught one another how to love the right way; the way that works for them.
I really enjoyed this series, and I hate I waited so long. Shane East and Elena Wolfe were amazing in their narration. These two have a gift of inhabiting the characters they narrate, and it lends to such a wonderful aural experience. I urge you to read the Fixed series so you can get and appreciate the full effect of Celia’s redemption.
Really enjoying this book series, the story line has me turning the pages to find out more. The more I read it, the more I love the romantic part of it than the dom/sub section. The craving of control and being possessive.
Absolutely loved it. Could not put it down
This was a two star read for me. I didn’t like how Edward kidnapped Celia and held her hostage on a remote island for a year. Then he “broke her down” by forcing her to come to terms with the abuse she experienced in the past. Like he’s a psychologist that knows how to do that in a healthy way. I call BS.
Cruel and wicked, Edward Fasbender gave Celia an offer she couldn’t pass up. Now, well now she’s living with the consequences.
This writer is an enigma, she can weave in and out of genres easily. Soppy. Hard. Rough. Dark. Edgy. You name it she can do it. This book is one of her best to date.
Edward is so unlike others I have experienced. And an experience he is. Revenge is a dish best served cold. And his dish is years old. He’s waited, planned, and acted; a long game like no other.
Celia is in his crosshairs. Is she all that he believes or is she an onion?
I was so very torn with this one. I didn’t know if I wanted to smack Edward or shake his hand. His sister, on the other hand, I would have gladly with a smile on my face strangled the woman until she turned blue. Smurf blue would be best. Camilla is evil where her brother is decisive and cunning.
Celia has many secrets. Secrets we never discovered in the Fixed books. To me, I believed her a bad job best left to while away her days in loneliness and darkness. Was I right? I can’t and won’t say.
At the beginning of Slay, I believed her to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. A pariah who deserves all she got.
Round and round the reader goes. On a ride so unlike any I have seen. Highs. Lows. Lust. Depravity. All these and more are here for those who dare to witness the horrors. Give this series a go. You will not be disappointed.
I was excited to get my hands on this read and Laurelin did not disappoint. This book picks up where the first one left off. My heart was in my throat and I was on the edge of my seat. The way in which this story was told made me feel for Celia and understand her better. I was hopeful my outlook on her would change and the reader gets a good glimpse into why she’s the way she is. This journey was hard for Celia and she had to really look into herself and wasn’t expecting Edward to push her. Her emotions were a dam she had shoved inside of her and she needed Edward.
When Edward started this journey, he wasn’t expecting Celia to be the way she was. He was expecting things to be black and white. And they weren’t. She managed to wiggle her way into his life. I liked the push/shove between this couple. Their chemistry was intense and the emotions between them were explosive. I was completely captured by their journey and I need more, PRONTO! Go get this book!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I wondered what a ‘book hangover’ was for a long time. This book has taught me what it is. It’s when you remain completely gripped by the story even after it’s ended. You need to go back and savor the chapters again, the key parts of the story get read more than once, just because you want to reconnect to the experiences of the characters.
In part 2 we are treated to a majority of Celia, but for the first time we also read from Edward’s perspective. We start to learn how troubled both of them are. Like other reviewers, reading about Celia in the past I had little empathy and well if that didn’t change a whole load. Edward, who seems scary, increasingly becomes kind in a weird way (although to this day I still wonder whether he’s qualified to experiment in the way that he does). But in book world that doesn’t matter, so we get a wonderful story about honesty and reflection, the usual scorching moments from Paige, and a love story. And it is brilliant, with one exception, I do not yet have book 3 in my hands!