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Shades of Ruin

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Formerly published as His To Ruin and Theirs To Destroy. Newly revised and edited!

Growing up, Lennox James wasn’t just my best friend. He told me we were soulmates, destined to be together. One day, everything fell apart between us, and I was forced to move. I never thought I’d be back in Northridge, but someone wanted me here. Now, Lennox and I want nothing but revenge against each other. He has two best friends to join in on bullying me, but he doesn’t know I’ve been plotting for years. He doesn’t know what I’ve been through since we parted, but one day, he will, and he’ll feel guilty. Except, somewhere in the midst of fighting, we’ve turned to desire so hot it could burn us all.

Lennox bullies me.
Cain stalks me.
Wolfe is cold and calculating.
And I want them all.

409 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2025

69 people are currently reading
273 people want to read

About the author

Ashley Reyes

8 books127 followers

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5 stars
66 (45%)
4 stars
40 (27%)
3 stars
25 (17%)
2 stars
11 (7%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Marissa.Reads.
346 reviews372 followers
July 2, 2025
This book promised to be spicy and it definitely was! Why choose where the boyfriends are also boyfriends, love that!

While I wasn’t sold on the revenge plot between the FMC and one of the MMCs, heavy miscommunication. The level of hatred didn’t feel like it was warranted due to what transpired. However, the revenge plot between the MMCs, FMC, and the parents was fantastic and absolutely justified!

This book starts out following Lennox and Amelia in the past, they were childhood best friends that promised to one day get married and share all their firsts. At 12 immediately following their first kiss they walk home and find something that will forever alter both of their futures. Amelia then moves away they both are lead to believe that the other hates them.

When Amelia is getting ready to leave for college all the prestigious schools she had acceptance letters to suddenly have backed out. The weirdest part she’s offered a full ride scholarship, and housing back to the place she grew up. She’s receiving threatening messages, all while coming face to face with the boy she grew up with, they’re both out for revenge on one another, only he has two best friends to now help him.

Cain and Wolfe despite being in on the revenge plan have a deep obsession with Amelia, and while they do participate they also try and pick up the pieces, while detouring Lennox from taking it to far. Now that have evidence of a crime they’ve led Amelia to believe she’d committed, in exchange for keeping her secret she now belongs to them. Only she has a revenge plan of her own, and it may be her downfall.
Profile Image for Valentina.
1,183 reviews417 followers
April 20, 2025
Very steamy and the guys didn’t really hate the heroine. The plot didn’t really pull me in. Nice twist though. still, I found my attention wandering. Great spice. Good story.
Profile Image for Lily Kanojia.
120 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2025
I love, I’m obsessed, and I need it for my paperback collection. This very dark romance follows the life of Amelia and her life through college and her connections with her old childhood best friend and his current best friends. This book's perfect amount of detail and description practically had you imagining what was going on. It was so good! The plot twists and everything. Of course, read the content warnings before reading, but it’s so good!!! If I could, I would give them more stars out of five.
Profile Image for Malischa Nijenhuis.
1,213 reviews32 followers
May 19, 2025
I loved this book its my first read of this author! When in the beginning I was like okay why is this childish written. But then I saw it came from a child perspective of Amelia ass a child and Lennox as a child. And yeah they are sometimes still Childern🤣 but they are grown up now. And both fight their demons even cain and Wolfe fight both of them their demons.

Enjoy this book I would recommend it it made me laugh but also cry and some other parts let me feel things…. 😂😂

It is a great book! Also think about your mental health if you can’t handle the trigger warnings don’t read it! If you can handle the trigger warnings happy reading!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for BooksBooksandmoreBooks69.
2,023 reviews41 followers
May 12, 2025
I hadn’t read the old version, so I can’t comment on it. I can’t even compare it to this one.

"Shades Of Ruin" takes readers on a wild ride through the throes of chaotic love and revenge. Lennox James, once a childhood soulmate, becomes the embodiment of a love turned toxic as his relationship with Amelia becomes a heated battleground. The author captivatingly explores themes of betrayal, desire, and transformation.

So going from friends to enemies. What happened? Why is she back? Who wants her back? Are these questions answered?🤐

The dynamic between Lennox and Amelia is charged with tension, painting a vivid picture of their tumultuous past and the forces of fate that bring them back together. Lennox may initially come across as a bully, but as layers of his character are peeled back, the complexity of his emotions adds depth to the story. The addition of his friends, Cain and Wolfe, introduces a deliciously dark twist, making the story even more gripping.

Ashley Reyes masterfully weaves a tale that has passion over conventional plot structure. While the storyline is driven more by desire than a structured plot, the author's skill in evoking raw emotions more than compensates.

However, some readers may find the limited focus on plot unsatisfying, especially if they prefer stories with more intricate storylines. Yet, for those who enjoy steamy romance and dark themes intertwined with revenge, this book is a delightful indulgence.

Overall, "Shades Of Ruin" is a compelling read for those drawn to dark romance filled with angst and explosive chemistry. With vibrant characters and scorching interactions, it’s a perfect fit for fans seeking a suspenseful, passionate escape.

And true to the blurb there isn’t much plot, there’s plenty of smut 😜 but it’s an entertaining read.

🦋
Profile Image for Villanerareads.
45 reviews
February 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Oh wow… I loved this book.

I’m an absolute sucker for enemies to lovers, and this delivered in every possible way. The story centres around Amelia and her MMCs Wolfe, Cain, and Lennox, and the emotional tension between all of them had me completely invested from the start.

And can we talk about the why choose done right?

Because FINALLY… everyone is actually with everyone. No weird imbalance, no half-commitment just fully developed relationships that evolve, deepen, and genuinely make you root for all of them.

One of my favourite parts was giving the men their own moments together. It felt fresh, intentional, and added so much more emotional depth to the dynamic instead of focusing only on the FMC. I loved seeing those bonds form just as much as the central romance.

The writing style was smooth and easy to read while still keeping me fully engaged even with the longer length. I never felt bored, just pulled deeper into the story and the relationships.

Overall, this was a great read and I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author.
Profile Image for Kayla Sims.
93 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2025
I read this in one setting! Could not put it down! It had so much trauma, revenge, sadness, love, and 🌶🌶🌶🌶.
The ending was amazing because it was well written and no cliff hangers or unanswered questions and I found myself equally loving each character. I have a soft spot for the muscular, tattooed boys with heart of gold and fall hard and first types so Cain was my favorite ♥️ I had many favorite parts but I think my ansoutle was with Wolfe and giving up his control. I do think Lennox needed to grovel some more but very happy with all their HEA
I have already recommended this book to my book friends and will continue to recommend
Profile Image for Deborah.
879 reviews14 followers
April 15, 2025
This is all manner of messed up, but in the best way possible! Revenge, more revenge and then revenge again, they just can’t stop hurting each other. I can’t decide who’s my favourite, Cain or Wolfe? Everyone in the story has trauma and it is dark, especially towards the end with Amelia. I really felt for the characters, the main characters were well written, and the emotional scenes had a lot of impact.
1 review
May 3, 2025
This book is so amazing!! I read the entire book in one sitting. Could not put it down once! From the back ground in the beginning to the spicy through out it was such a good gooood read! The plot was so well written the plot twists took you by surprise waves. I love this book and WILL recommend it to everyone i know 🥰
Profile Image for Tammy Peterson.
97 reviews5 followers
May 16, 2025
This book absolutely was amazing it took me on a roller coaster and I felt like at times I knew what was going to happen then something completely different would happen it was an amazing read and was very spicy! Also it is pretty dark so if it’s not something you’re interested in you might want to find something else to read.
Profile Image for Rebecca Watson.
27 reviews
April 16, 2025
The characters were written amazingly , and some of the scenes had a lot of intensity. The plot wasn’t very strong but the spice was spot on. I just couldn’t get too invested with this book.
Profile Image for Jen D84.
87 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2025
⭐️x4.5 (round up review)
🌶x4.25

Freaking fabulous dark, why choose romance book!! Definitely, read your TWs, as this book is not for everyone. I loved Amelia's, the FMC, strength throughout the book and the way she over comes her trauma. And the guys, well, they all have their own trauma to overcome also. Childhood first love, plus his friends ;-P the spice is spicy! Not your typical romance, it's dark romance!!

I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Shades of Ruin by Ashley Reyes
(Previously published as His to Ruin & Theirs to Destroy)
Released: 4/10/2025
Pgs 410
Profile Image for Elia. K.
161 reviews10 followers
May 14, 2025
Great book! Very detailed writing. Spice warning, there is quite a bit of smut. But all around very good read! Would definitely recommend, and would totally read again!
Profile Image for Amber.
89 reviews4 followers
May 17, 2025
4.75

There were times I wasn't as into it, BUT I ended up really liking it. 🥰
Profile Image for Broken Panda.
1 review
May 19, 2025
Great book, so much smut as a seriel binge reader I was a bit shell shocked haha but I slowed it down and enjoyed this book, I really enjoyed the story line and all the smut was creative and not at all a copy paste situation. I don't even like MM generally but I loves this book what can I say lol
Profile Image for Raven.
16 reviews
May 4, 2025
Absolutely phenomenal book. I laughed, I cried, I felt joy and pain and relief. Ashley is an amazing author. I have loved every book she’s written and this one is probably my favorite so far.
1 review
May 4, 2025
10/10

Very spicy! absolutely loved the amount of spicy, plot and happy ending . 10/10 would definitely recommend. But be sure to check tw
45 reviews
January 12, 2026
This book was a good read for me. The friends to enemies to something flirty to enemies to lovers was a first for me, a roller coaster of emotions. The morphing into a poly relationship is what did it for me.
Profile Image for Kathrine Petersen.
1 review
May 19, 2025
Mainly smut, which the book promises in the beginning. No complaints there.

I wasn't completely sold on the reason for them hating each other. It felt forced and vague.
Profile Image for Kim Says It's Time To Read.
335 reviews6 followers
April 20, 2025
I loved it!!!! Trigger warnings are there for a reasonable n, but may gosh, did this book deliver!!!!!! Absolutely amazing, LOVED IT!!!
Profile Image for Mette.
16 reviews
May 31, 2025
The story is a dark exploration of trauma and manipulation, but it’s important to approach it with caution due to its potentially triggering content.

This book delves into the dark side of romance with a heavy focus on dubious consent and power dynamics.
The story contains numerous triggering elements, including sexual abuse, violence, and degradation, which may not be suitable for all readers.

The plot is driven by intense emotions and revenge, creating a compelling, albeit disturbing, narrative. The characters are complex and morally gray.


Too avoid spoilers stop reading here!



Main Characters
The narrative revolves around a quartet of individuals whose lives are deeply intertwined by past trauma and present power struggles within a secret society.
Character Overviews

Lennox: He is driven by a profound hatred and desire for revenge against Amelia, stemming from a shared traumatic past. He is portrayed as cold, detached, and possessively violent, masking his true desires with animosity.

Amelia: Having returned to her hometown, Amelia is a resilient survivor of abuse who is now defiant and actively seeking her own form of revenge. She is a complex and morally ambiguous character who embraces the dark games played by Lennox and his friends.

Cain: One of Lennox’s closest friends and their physical enforcer, Cain is characterized by his intense emotional attachment to Amelia, falling for her even before their direct interactions. He is fiercely protective.

Wolfe: serves as the calculated balance between Lennox’s coldness and Cain’s emotional intensity. He is cunning and controlling, with a dark, violent streak that manifests in his desire to assert dominance over Amelia.

These four characters form the core of a dark and complex story, each contributing to the intricate web of manipulation, revenge, and twisted desires that defines the narrative.
Profile Image for Amanda Taylor.
51 reviews
May 10, 2025
This book was interesting. There’s a lot going on throughout it. A lot of triggers and trauma between all the main characters.

Amelia was your FMC who went through so much trauma, SA, child abuse that would have made anyone squirm. Shockingly she lived through it to come out on the other side.

Cain was the rich boy with a trash dad who also made him endure child SA for being bi.

Wolfe had probably the least trauma of all but still lost his V to his moms friend at 13

Lennox had a psycho abuse dad who took any chance he could to make Lennox feel like trash.

I’m convinced these characters trauma bonded over true love but I’m not the author and it’s fiction.

The little twist about her dad and Lennox’s dad was a bit surprising but also something that if you paid attention, you’d predict.

On a plus side, the spice scenes were top tier. The group scenes were even better than the 1 on 1s.

The vast majority of this book was smut, which could have been fine IF there wasn’t so much SA trauma. None of the MCs really dealt with it.

This one needed some more plot and maybe a little less spice.

Overall it’s an alright book. Definitely 3.5⭐️ and a 5🌶️ a book that’s good for a read once but probably wouldn’t read it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
46 reviews
June 27, 2025
Definitely check the trigger warnings before starting this book! It starts out from a child's prospective (background info) and goes right into adulthood. Its centered around 4 college students, 2 with childhood history and 2 later on. There is so much trauma, hate, love, and sooo much spice! I absolutely loved this book! Its definitely a dark romance with very creative twists and turns. All I can say is if you love dark romance with a good plot and lots and lots of spice.... then this book is for you! Oh, AND its a why choose 🤭 so be prepared for the unimaginable! whew! As always... HAPPY READING!
Profile Image for Bexs.
33 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2025
This book did not dissapoint!
There are alot of trigger warnings which i initial thought i wuld struggle with but ashley has a way of writing that actually softens the hard stuff. Dont get me wrong theres still impact and you still feel it but its not harsh.
I loved all the charactors but Cain and Wolfe were my favourite. Sometimes spice can take over a storyline but the spice in this is part of the storyline its whats makes this book as good it is and the twist i didnt see it coming at all. Would definately reccomend it!
Profile Image for Cane   (FeelinNoCane).
308 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2025
Let me tell you, if The Ritual by Shantel Tessier and Boy Who Hunts by Clarissa Wild had a baby, this would be it. This is a revamp of His To Ruin and Theirs To Destroy combined into one book.

This is a Why Choose, Secret Society, Dark Academia, Bully, Triggertastic MMMF Dark Romance with a lot of spice. The characters are lovable, and there’s enough plot to keep you hooked, but the smexy time. Next level. And of course Cain is my fav, has nothing to do with the fact we share the same name. 😉

If you’re looking for a spicy, dark bully romance, this is it.
Profile Image for maps_to_nowhere.
55 reviews7 followers
June 4, 2025
Tropes & Themes:
🖤Check TW this gets dark
🖤Bully & Revenge
🖤Why Choose
🖤Stalking & Obsessed MMs
🖤MF, MM, MFM, MMFM
🖤Bi- awakening
🖤DP, DV, and ⚔️
🖤Everyone is unhinged and stabby (including FMC)
🖤Somnophilia, Knife Play, Blood Play, and other kinks

First- Please check the TW, a lot of the characters have dark & traumatic pasts. I know the author's note made mention of less plot, more spice, but the plot also kept me hooked, and the twists... so good. This is very spicy and such a good time! Highly recommend if you want a dark bully romance.
Profile Image for Kelley Joy.
176 reviews3 followers
May 13, 2025
this book was absolutely amazing, I was hooked by the end of chapter 1 it is a very dark romance with alot of triggers so please read the triggers first.
This book follows Amelia and three main male characters Lennox, Wolfe and Cain. Following them through all there different up and downs and family dramas . All of them finding out there true feelings about each other , both in and out of the bedroom
I got this as a arc so I don't want to spoil it , but y'all should read this book
1 review
May 19, 2025
From the very first page to the last, this book had me completely captivated. The storyline is brilliantly executed, and the level of spice is off the charts! I wholeheartedly give it a 10/10 recommendation. Cain is, without a doubt, my favorite character—his obsessive nature is incredibly alluring, and I wouldn't mind being on the receiving end of his affections, especially since he's also so loving. If you're searching for a book with plenty of spice and a compelling story, look no further. I've already recommended it to several of my dark romance-loving friends, and they've all fallen head over heels for it too!
Profile Image for Ashley Straznickas.
55 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2025
I love Why Choose where everyone does everyone, where it's not just the MMCs focusing on the FMC.
this book has a lot of smut. there are some really fucked up parts. there is a part I got really pissed off about and put the book down for like a month lol (this was originally 2 books, it's very obvious the first book ended in a cliffhanger lol). all of the main characters have past trauma.
the smut was very well written and the actual story part kept me drawn in too.
I loved this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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