Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC of Ruined Written by Sarah Vaughn, illustated by Niki Smith, and Sarah Winifred Searle! All opinions expressed are my own.

I liked the art style for the most part, some of the facial expressions had a weird style at times that works better in film than graphic novels. Instead of drawing more expressive eyes, like widening them in surprise or embarrassment, they’re drawn as plain black dots which I didn’t like personally. But otherwise the colors and style were nice!

Dark, brooding love interest *swoon* very Darcy-esque and THE PINING!!! Also a couple of side romances, including a sapphic, friends to lovers. There’s one

semi spicy sex scene, and since it’s a graphic novel it does show…everything 😅 

Romance did feel slightly rushed due to the format but overall it’s a cute romance that had me giggling and kicking my feet 🥰 The characters are fairly well developed but again due to the format you don’t get to really know everyone. The ending was perfect and I think it would be fun to have this as a series following the different romances and characters further! If you love the P&P 2005 carriage/hand scene, you’re in for a treat 💕 Also recommended for fans of Bridgerton and/or regency era romances!

Tropes: slow burn, marriage of convenience, grumpy x sunshine

Rep: WLW side plot romance, WLW author, NB they/them author, Black side characters