Secrets & Ruin

by Monica Ageno

Her whole life she has been treated like some naive girl. Shielded from the dark and dangerous world, Winyo’s life has never been her own.
But not any longer, because something changed; stripped her innocence away. The hole inside making space for the darkness to come and play.
When Guma, the rumoured witch’s son, enters her life, survival becomes tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and forces her to push her boundaries. However, some walls are just not strong, and they crumble.
Let the secrets begin...
Secrets & Ruin is a stand alone dark enemies-to-lovers romance

163 pages, Paperback

First published December 18, 2021

Reviews

[Jess]

Set in Uganda, Secrets & Ruin introduces us to Winyo, a young woman who lives in a very strict community. As the only daughter of the family, she's dedicating her life to chores, keeping open the family store and biking all over the place in order to do long-distance deliveries. This last one often gets her into trouble, as she's not able to bike as fast as her mother wants her to. Every day is similar to the previous one, until the Odyek family returns to the village and she becomes fascinated by one of the sons, Guma. But rumours follow his family, as the mother is thought to be a witch connected to several unfortunate events. Then, one awful night, Winyo's entire life changes and darkness starts growing inside of her. Can she survive a world in which secrets take over?

A true page-turner
I have to admit I binge read this novel. I was simply unable to put it down and it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The story is different from what I usually read and not at all predictable, so I just had to know how it would end.

The setting paints the life in a small African village in such a vivid way that I really felt as if I had been there myself. Mind you, this story is quite dark, explicit, and the emotions are very raw. The threat of some of the creepier characters feels very real. Definitely check out the trigger warnings (available on my blog)! I also LOVED how the book starts out with trigger warnings given by Guma himself.

As I couldn’t put this novel down, I gave this book 4 stars out of 5!

The full review as well as a Dutch version can be found on my blog:
talesfromthedragonslair.be

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[Breanna Little]

Secrets and Ruin by Monica Ageno

What it's About: Winyo is a hard working girl who is expected to make deliveries, take care of the house and run the family business. All of that changes when Odyek family, rumored to be witches, moves to their village and the middle brother, Guma, takes a liking to Winyo.

My Thoughts: ❤️❤️. I really tried to like this but there were too many things that made me so mad! There are a lot of cultural differences in this story. Men are above women in every station of life, women are expected to be seen and not heard, women are expected to do all duties while men can do whatever they please. Also trigger warnings with sexual assault, rape and self mutilation. These triggers do not bother me but having a woman be without a voice and not be believed when she tries to talk about these incidents is what bothers me. Story was well written just did not pull me in and allow me to enjoy the way I had hoped it would.

Spice rating: 🌶🌶. Only two real spicy scenes but there are scenes of nonconsensual acts.

[Katherine]

*Secrets & Ruin* by Monica Ageno is a captivating read that effortlessly blends mystery, romance, and intrigue into a page-turning experience. From the very first chapter, the story pulls you into a world of hidden truths, complex relationships, and the haunting shadows of the past.

The protagonist is compelling, her journey through the layers of secrets both heart-wrenching and empowering. Ageno’s skillful storytelling shines through in her richly developed characters and the intricate plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. The romance is beautifully woven into the story, adding depth and emotion without overshadowing the gripping mystery at the novel's core.

The atmospheric setting adds to the allure, immersing readers in a world where every detail feels significant, and every clue is a piece of a larger puzzle. The tension builds steadily, leading to a climax that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.

Overall, *Secrets & Ruin* is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense and mystery. Ageno’s ability to craft a tale full of twists, emotional depth, and compelling characters makes this book a standout. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and emotional journey through love, lies, and the quest for truth.

[Lezli Muse]

Heartbreaking and Powerful, but a Tough Read

I received Secrets and Ruin by Monica Ageno for free in exchange for an honest review. This was a difficult book for me to finish—not because it wasn't well-written, but because the subject matter hit close to home. As a survivor of serial abuse, I found parts of Winyo's story deeply painful to read. The way no one believed her was especially hard to stomach.

The book starts off slow, but gradually builds momentum. I truly felt for Winyo and was so relieved when she finally found Guma—he was a bright spot in her otherwise tragic journey. However, the constant stream of trauma she endured made this a heavy, emotionally draining read, and I found the ending left more to be desired.

Still, Ageno’s storytelling is raw and unflinching, shedding light on the realities of abuse, injustice, and survival. It's a powerful book, but definitely not an easy one. I appreciate the author for telling such a bold, difficult story.

[Kevin Mallik]

Secrets & Ruin by Monica Ageno is a fast-moving dark romance thriller. Winyo and Guma are the main characters. The girl Winyo is poor and lives in Pomolo village, in Uganda. But Guma is from rich family, but the family is believed to be grappled with black magic and witchcraft. It could be a rumour…be it anything but it sets the element of suspense in the novel to good scale of length or until you confront that this novel is a romance story.

As the story chugs ahead in a typical fashion, Winyo stumbles upon Guma. It takes time but both find themselves arrested in love. As the fate reminds and steers the destiny, a few untoward incidents with Uncle Saul upends Winyo life, she is startled and she may not be normal ever back in life. What happened…what incidents? Will her love story with Guma find any meaning and course…or is it going to be a dead end?

[Shakella "The Singing Bibliophile" Gordon]

Quick, suspenseful, dark fantasy page-turner. Winyo's story is heartbreaking. The world-building and character development were such enjoyable experiences. The writing of each had me emotionally invested in the storyline and enough to love and hate the characters. The evolution of Winyo was awe-inspiring! Having someone to love her throughout her fight to rise against those who have done her wrong. This had me bucking my eyes and dropping my jaw the entire time I read,

I wish the book could have been a bit longer, a few areas of the story could have been fleshed out more. The plot was healthy enough to support a few more pages and would've made the ending more satisfying.

This was a rollercoaster ride!

Thank you Booksirens for my ARC of this title. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily and without coercion.

[Isha Singh]

Another romance novel up on my sleeves set in the African landscapes. Well, this novel features love affair of Guma and Winyo. They both have differences from all points, despite that love finds its essence and passage but there awaits some dark incidents with the girl that are her dark secrets. If it comes out, for sure she will be rejected but will she manage all the mess for the sake of love.
Guma and Winyo, both the characters are just above teenage. Written with enough gusto to surprise and startle you, overall, it was a bit different novel, unlike the Indian themes of shallow love. For one-time read, please go ahead.

[Heather B]

What an emotional rollacoaster. The suffering that Winyo endures is just heartbreaking and you can't help but end up really rooting for her. The abuse she suffers is in stark contrast to the sweet tender relationship she develops with Guma, who is the only light in her awful life. This book really had me hooked....right until the ending. It finished so abruptly I had to check that I had really just finished it and not missed something! It needed to be a little longer to reach its conclusion in my opinion.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from author Monica Ageno via Voracious Readers Only and this is my honest unbiased review*

[Ashley Michelle Brown]

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. While a short read, it was a very hard read. If you don't like reading about rape, this book isn't for you. I am kinda confused why she was called a witch when she didn't act like a witch at all. Maybe I have a different definition of what a witch is. I also had a hard time following the different characters. The only part that excited me was when the main character got revenge on her uncle and the villagers. I was also kind of surprised that she was still able to give herself so freely to her "friend" towards the end of being a victim of rape. Overall, this book wasn't for me.

[Saby Samar]

Secrets & Ruin by Monica Ageno is a story of Guma and Winyo from Uganda, Africa. Despite differences in their family allegiance and history, the couple got into a sizzling love affair but like others it has to be tested by time and circumstances. I followed the story straight for some time, rather founding it simple and predictable but once the girl meets her tormentor – Uncle Saul – after that I did not leave the book till I reached the last line. For one time read, the novel is quite optimum. Overall, a nice reading time.

[Ayush Ayush]

It is a dark romance thriller staged against a naïve African village that is superstitious when Guma and his family return. So, I thought the story is about witches and magical chasm and all but as I chugged ahead with great curiosity, I found it a romance story with teenage characters. I was hoping for some extra secrets of the lovers but it was not in that great quantity. Still I liked the story for its backdrop and auxiliary characters.

[Emma Taylorine]

This story was so well written that it had me on an emotional rollercoaster. I was addicted to this story and totally invested from cover to cover. The characters are vibrant and dynamic, each one adding depth and intrigue to the story without unnecessary filler. The dialogue is sharp and witty, enhancing the overall enjoyment and making the interactions between characters feel natural and compelling.

[Gia Peterson]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and finished it in one sitting. It is such a page-turner, keeping me on my toes the entire time.
The romance was both captivating and heartfelt, with moments that were beautifully heart-wrenching and sweetly tender.
The chemistry between the characters was palpable, and their emotional journey was deeply moving. The plot twists and turns added an element of surprise, making it an unforgettable read.

[Rach3l]

I appreciate the author for the way she evoke emotion without getting too detailed during the more unpleasant moments. My heart broke for Winya with the way almost everyone treated her. I’m glad she finally grew a backbone but I’m not sure her actions were the ones Guma wanted or expected when giving her the advice.

Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review

[Emmeline Everdeen]

This was a very good book. The characters were well developed and the plot was exciting. I enjoyed it so much I finished it in one sitting. I do wish it had been a little longer, the ending seemed a bit abrupt for how detailed the rest of the story had been. Definitely recommend!
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only

[Felis Thomasine]

I liked this book. It is probably one of the better thrillers/mysteries I've read recently, and I did finish it quite fast. The writing style is extremely readable, beautiful language. The book is very plot-based from start to finish. In the middle, it veers off into a bit of romance, so that was pleasant.
I will probably read more from this author

[erin]

what a ride!

Let me start off by saying that this book definitely can be triggering for some.
It made me cry, made me mad, made me happy. It is such a good quick read. I finished it in 2 hours 1/2 hours because I couldn’t put it down.
The author did a great job. My only complaint is that it was so short, that it left more to be desired.

[Nicola Cox]

This book was heart breaking I couldn't put it down it was so hard to read any one reading this will struggle to keep a dry eye I love how the main character went from timid to standing up to those who wronged her in the most awful way and to find someone who loves her even though she's broken it was inspiring and it does have some triggering content so I would advise reading the trigger warnings

[Janice Dublanko]

This story was so well written that it had me hooked...I went in a bit cautious as I'm not a romance girl, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are vibrant and dynamic and so relatable.
The romance was both captivating and heartfelt and the plot was exciting. I do wish it had been a little longer, the ending seemed to slam a door...

[Trudy Regina]

i just started following this author and her books are amazing. This book is well done. Characters are well developed and i do the fast pace at which the book it written. It is another one that i consumed in one sitting. Highly recommend.

[Jovia Ravenwood]

I absolutely LOVED this book! The story instantly drew me in and I couldn’t put it down. I loved the characters. There were quite a few twists in this story that kept me on the edge of my seat, and I was all for it!

[Tash Wendy]

This was such a great find. The amount of depth that went into each character is just astounding. Each unique, with their own struggles and strengths, weaknesses, and worries. You will fall in love with some of them and hate them at the same time. Every character was complex.

[Agnes Micheal]

I have never read a book quite like this one before! This book was an absolute rollercoaster and I could not put it down! I read the whole book within 24 hours. The whole time I kept saying wtf?! This book was crazy, but crazy good!

[mara]

wow

This book has it all! I laughed, cried and even got confused at some parts but that is just my brain. I finished this book pretty quick and I definitely need another book in the series!!!

[melody rockwell]

Through adversity there is hope

Winyo was a quiet spirit and honest person. Every man kept taking her kindness for weakness. In the end she finally met someone who believed her. But it was a rough time trying to get through all that without telling anyone.

[Sara Jamieson]

Interesting read, more on the side of dark than romance. I was looking for a little more meat to the story / plot parts that we’re not just dark.

[Ruxy]

Very slow and boring. DNF

[Jess Feldman]

This is an amazing book. Full of suspense and I was on the seat of my chair so many times during reading it. I would put the book down then have to pick it up to read more.

[Gabriela Payne]

Fantastic hard to put down book. Had to finish it in one sitting.

[Rachel Salazar]

Good read. I love the details.