I’m a self-professed daddy’s girl, but now he’s gone and I’m left to run the company that’s become my life, my passion. Until I get a visit from a lawyer with demands from a mysterious tycoon. The terms are clear: marry Jacobi Dixon or he’ll spill all my dad’s dirty secrets, revealing a past that could tank the company. So, fine. I’ll marry him. I’ll protect my company. But before I say my vows … say my vows I’ll run to Cabo San Lucas and get myself good and ruined first.
I don’t know anything about my future husband, just like I don’t know how badly he wants what should’ve been his in the first place, and it’s not just my company, it’s me.
Ruined is the first book in the Ruined and Redeemed duet written by an award-winning author. London and Jacobi’s journey will continue in Redeemed.
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Two weeks to sow her wild oats
Ruined is the first book in the Ruined and Redeemed Duet by Marie Johnston. It is the story of London Vanderbeek and Jacobi Dixon. A year after London’s father dies from a heart attack the company business, Natural Glow Cosmetics, which she took over running is put in peril. It seems Jacobi has discovered some information about Diana Vanderbeek, London’s much loved stepmother, that if made public would be a major PR disaster for the company and all those that work there. Twenty-five years ago Diana was in LA and did some back lot p0rn. When she was on tour for promotion she happened to run into London’ father in a Target and helped the hapless single father of an infant find the baby wipes. A year later they were married and she loved and doted on London as much as her father did. Jacobi harbors more than ill will towards the Vanderbeek family and Natural Glow Cosmetics. He believes that his parents are the rightful owners of Natural Glow and that when they died he should have inherited at least half of it. Instead he was left with nothing. Now he has decided that he will get the company and also the Vanderbeek princess, London. What he demands in her in a wedding dress in two weeks time. London has no choice as she will do what it takes to keep not only the company but also Diana safe. It is not that she did not know about Diana’s past, as it was talked about in the family, but it was not meant for public discussion.
What London decides however is that during the two weeks she is going to “…sow my wild oats and maybe pickup a nasty STD to pass on to him, and then once I sat “I do” I’ll figure the rest out.” The sowing is going to happen in Cabo San Lucas and it is going to be a hot and sweaty fun time.
This is a fascinating and compelling story which starts off strong and stays that way the whole way through. The story does not end with this book so the second book will need to be read. The characters are wonderful, twisted, sexy, hot, feisty, strong and so much more. There are twists that you don’t see coming and the underlying blackmail story is always there but does not overtake what is happening in the present. I can’t wait to read the second book, Redeemed, to find out what happens between London and Jacobi as it seems to be a “buckle up and hand on for the ride” relationship.
The first book in Ruined and Redeemed Duet series a well written story that has drama, secrets, and lies. It does end on a cliff-hanger. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Stalked and betrayed. London has to marry a man she has never met in order to stop him from ruining her company. She has two weeks before the marriage takes place so decides to go on vacation and sleep with someone or many someones to sow her wild oats and put the screws to her future husband. While in Cabo San Lucas she meets Jake and she has a whirl wind romance. He treats her better than any of her past boyfriends and seems to understand and respect her. Two weeks later when she arrives to sign the marriage contracts and marry her fiancé, she finds out she has been played and stalked. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Well, I knew what was coming but the build-up to the surprise at the end of this book was amazing. This is a well-written keep you on the edge of your seat story of revenge, heartbreak, loyalty, and a mystery of what the truth really is. I loved London she is loyal, spunky, and really wants to love and be loved. Jake/Jacobi is the bad guy that the author has made me love me, love. Jacobi is blackmailing London into marriage and plans to take away her company for what he believes her father did. She has two weeks until she has to meet and marry him. This book is told with a dual POV that gives great depth to each character. I am not a fan of cliffhangers but I knew this was a duet and expected one and it delivered that heart-pounding ….what is going to happen next. I can’t wait for the next book.
ONE NON-STOP EXPLOSIVE JOURNEY!!!
Holy hell! Marie unleashes one thrilling delight, spinning this brilliantly composed approach that’s hotter than a flaming inferno and more explosive than dynamite, kicking ass and taking names, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. A churning vortex chocked full of unsettling mishaps and surprising circumstances alongside the challenging trials and intimidating tribulations, noting the startling twists and stunning turns, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they could have never envisioned. Rolling with the drama, intrigue, turmoil, vexation, blackmail, tension, distress, spiraling suspense and unnerving situations along with a boatload of secrets while dodging disaster, you have one jaw dropping masterpiece. Braided, bound and entangled, imparting the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it’s strength and awe inspiring in it’s depth. The attraction and chemistry sizzles from the pages and suck you in so deeply until you feel the heat and electricity thrumming through your veins. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely approachable personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive talent and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel to life, making the storyline pop. Awesome job Marie, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.