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Crown of Thorns and Sins #2
Ruined by the Dragon
The final book in the Crown of Thorns and Sins duet.
Ryder
I thought the gods’ curse made me feel this insatiable bloodlust that turns my heart black.
I assume I live only for the next hunt. But all this time, I’ve been looking for her, waiting for her, and craving her.
Her scent calls me and my dragon, but I refuse to acknowledge that June’s my fated mate, naively thinking that by denying her and being cruel to her, the gods will leave her alone.
I’m damaged and accursed. I don’t deserve her, but I can’t let her go, not only because the curse will make me hunt her to the end of the universe, but also because all my dark soul craves is her flesh, her flame, and her unbridled lust.
My beast and I won’t rest until I imprint her and make her truly ours.
Ryder
I thought the gods’ curse made me feel this insatiable bloodlust that turns my heart black.
I assume I live only for the next hunt. But all this time, I’ve been looking for her, waiting for her, and craving her.
Her scent calls me and my dragon, but I refuse to acknowledge that June’s my fated mate, naively thinking that by denying her and being cruel to her, the gods will leave her alone.
I’m damaged and accursed. I don’t deserve her, but I can’t let her go, not only because the curse will make me hunt her to the end of the universe, but also because all my dark soul craves is her flesh, her flame, and her unbridled lust.
My beast and I won’t rest until I imprint her and make her truly ours.
- GenresFantasyParanormal
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2023
176 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Meg Xuemei X
119 books2,275 followersMeg Xuemei X is a USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author of paranormal and fantasy romance. She loves writing badass heroines and hot psycho alphaholes.
Join Meg’s mailing list for new releases, giveaways, and fun stuff: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 11, 2023
seems unfinished
I was really excited for this sequel after reading the first book last year and I still like the storyline, but the ending felt rushed and anticlimactic. I would have loved a better grovel from the MMC (or any grovel at all) but instead there’s a time jump with like not redemption for how he treated FMC. There’s also just not a lot of on-page time of them being nice to each other so it just seems like they’re together because they’re mates but not because they’re in love. It doesn’t even seem like they like each other. I just didn’t get the pay-off I was hoping this was building to.
I was really excited for this sequel after reading the first book last year and I still like the storyline, but the ending felt rushed and anticlimactic. I would have loved a better grovel from the MMC (or any grovel at all) but instead there’s a time jump with like not redemption for how he treated FMC. There’s also just not a lot of on-page time of them being nice to each other so it just seems like they’re together because they’re mates but not because they’re in love. It doesn’t even seem like they like each other. I just didn’t get the pay-off I was hoping this was building to.
May 15, 2023
First off, can I just say how much I love cameo appearances of characters from other books. So much happy dancing!
June is so freaking amazing and her journey is fabulous. For some of this book I didn't think Ryder appreciated what he had in June, so it was good to see him finally figure it out. I loved that this story picked up where the last one ended so seamlessly that it felt like reading only one book instead of a duology. There weren't any gaps or unexplained situations. I've said it before, but the characters Meg creates are some of my favorites. There is a blend of innocence and naivety, and boldness and strength that June has that I found endearing. At times she doesn't see her own worth, and at others she seems very aware of it. It's real and believable, and builds a strong connection between the character and reader. None of Meg's females are damsels in distress, and June isn't going to sit around and expect someone to save her. She loves passionately and gives of herself freely. But she doesn't have a hero complex. I love her compassion and determination.
The story is more than just the characters, and the plot, world building, and pace are fantastic. I experienced all the emotions and lost myself in this world. There aren't any scenes that I couldn't fully imagine, and that helps me stay immersed in the book. I loved the level of heat and steam, and the angst between Ryder and June, and that ending was everything. Seriously, I felt giddy and had the biggest smile on my face. I highly recommend it.
June is so freaking amazing and her journey is fabulous. For some of this book I didn't think Ryder appreciated what he had in June, so it was good to see him finally figure it out. I loved that this story picked up where the last one ended so seamlessly that it felt like reading only one book instead of a duology. There weren't any gaps or unexplained situations. I've said it before, but the characters Meg creates are some of my favorites. There is a blend of innocence and naivety, and boldness and strength that June has that I found endearing. At times she doesn't see her own worth, and at others she seems very aware of it. It's real and believable, and builds a strong connection between the character and reader. None of Meg's females are damsels in distress, and June isn't going to sit around and expect someone to save her. She loves passionately and gives of herself freely. But she doesn't have a hero complex. I love her compassion and determination.
The story is more than just the characters, and the plot, world building, and pace are fantastic. I experienced all the emotions and lost myself in this world. There aren't any scenes that I couldn't fully imagine, and that helps me stay immersed in the book. I loved the level of heat and steam, and the angst between Ryder and June, and that ending was everything. Seriously, I felt giddy and had the biggest smile on my face. I highly recommend it.
May 12, 2023
Ryder is an alpha with so much weight on his shoulders and so much responsibility as the leader. He is being tormented by his enemies and put in a tough spot with their demands, and he is having a hard time trying to stay in control and avoid June.
June is the star of this story. She was determined to learn and get better at surviving the new world, and she learned to fight and defend herself from her enemies. June learns to control her emotions and play the game better than everyone. She knew what was needed and how to protect her loved ones. She is a true warrior and the perfect mate for Ryder.
Ryder and June have a complicated relationship. June feels love and hate for Ryder and the way he treats her. She and her dragon know what needs to be done and how to manage her grumpy mate Ryder.
I love how much fun their dragons are. They knew what needed to happen and worked together. I love this series and am sad to say goodbye to these fantastic characters.
An excellent series you must read.
June is the star of this story. She was determined to learn and get better at surviving the new world, and she learned to fight and defend herself from her enemies. June learns to control her emotions and play the game better than everyone. She knew what was needed and how to protect her loved ones. She is a true warrior and the perfect mate for Ryder.
Ryder and June have a complicated relationship. June feels love and hate for Ryder and the way he treats her. She and her dragon know what needs to be done and how to manage her grumpy mate Ryder.
I love how much fun their dragons are. They knew what needed to happen and worked together. I love this series and am sad to say goodbye to these fantastic characters.
An excellent series you must read.
Currently reading
July 10, 2023she-dragon
Ruined by the Dragon is book two in the duet Crown of Thorns and book six in the series Sins Underworld Bride Trials by author Meg Xuemei X. So this is the continuation of the previous book. What a ride! So many secrets are uncovered and betrayals are now out in the open. “The truth will set you free”- this saying couldn’t be more true in the pages of this tale. It’s a dark fairytale that gives you the sweetest wants. Yes, there’s a knight - only he’s kinda a jerk - a dragon - demigod- and so much more. The damsel - yea she’s sweet and innocent but not for long- talk about BAD***. There’s also multiple bad guys and they deserve everything they get. Ohh, the knight- he has a crew and I really need their stories- pretty please!!
Enjoy!!
Ruined by the Dragon is book two in the duet Crown of Thorns and book six in the series Sins Underworld Bride Trials by author Meg Xuemei X. So this is the continuation of the previous book. What a ride! So many secrets are uncovered and betrayals are now out in the open. “The truth will set you free”- this saying couldn’t be more true in the pages of this tale. It’s a dark fairytale that gives you the sweetest wants. Yes, there’s a knight - only he’s kinda a jerk - a dragon - demigod- and so much more. The damsel - yea she’s sweet and innocent but not for long- talk about BAD***. There’s also multiple bad guys and they deserve everything they get. Ohh, the knight- he has a crew and I really need their stories- pretty please!!
Enjoy!!
June 21, 2023
What a great ending to this series. I was surprised more than once and thrilled with the way this story ended. So fun, sexy, inviting and full of action! June and Ryder really are put through the ringer with all the secrets and hidden agendas they each have. I really never knew who was tricking who at any given moment. A superb list of secondary characters really help bring out the best and worst of the two main characters. I really loved the team!
Victoria Mei does a outstanding job with the narration on this one. She has different voices for all the cast and they are easy to identify separately. Well done!
Victoria Mei does a outstanding job with the narration on this one. She has different voices for all the cast and they are easy to identify separately. Well done!
May 11, 2023
Dragon demigod!!!
Wow I love Megs books and these two were so good I didn't want it to end. I love all the changing Ryder and June go threw, she really learns her powers and becomes one bada** woman ready to battle the gods and angels. If u loved Mari and her mates story and Loki and Tessas then u will love this book bc Ryder is loki and Tessa son who was stolen as a baby and has been trapped in the wild hunt with his friends for centuries. Thank u Meg for delivering another beautiful book!!!
Wow I love Megs books and these two were so good I didn't want it to end. I love all the changing Ryder and June go threw, she really learns her powers and becomes one bada** woman ready to battle the gods and angels. If u loved Mari and her mates story and Loki and Tessas then u will love this book bc Ryder is loki and Tessa son who was stolen as a baby and has been trapped in the wild hunt with his friends for centuries. Thank u Meg for delivering another beautiful book!!!
January 22, 2024
The hate and lust gave me so much whiplash that I just couldn’t handle it anymore. If you’re into relationships and lust full of insults… this is it for you. But unfortunately it isn’t for me. And there are only so many times that I can ignore the response for “fuck you” is something along the lines of “if you ask me politely” etc. It’s fine the first time, repetitive the second time, but it is throughout the first book and you take it into the second book… there just needs to be more creativity.
May 20, 2023
Great read
Meg is a great author who brings all her characters's life. The steamy parts of her book are just right not too much or long and drawn out. Her characters have passion and always stand up for what they believe in. She's very descriptive of the surroundings so you can really visualize you being there. I've read all her books so far,everyone of them stands alone and is great!! You won't be disappointed with any of her books that you pick up!
Meg is a great author who brings all her characters's life. The steamy parts of her book are just right not too much or long and drawn out. Her characters have passion and always stand up for what they believe in. She's very descriptive of the surroundings so you can really visualize you being there. I've read all her books so far,everyone of them stands alone and is great!! You won't be disappointed with any of her books that you pick up!
May 10, 2023
Wow! *fans self*
This was a steamy, action packed read! Seriously enjoyed the first book so I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of this one. It did not disappoint!! Ryder and June are off the charts with the steamy times! The book is also action packed, plus roller coaster emotion, and I adored the cameos from characters of other series by this author. Great read!
This was a steamy, action packed read! Seriously enjoyed the first book so I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of this one. It did not disappoint!! Ryder and June are off the charts with the steamy times! The book is also action packed, plus roller coaster emotion, and I adored the cameos from characters of other series by this author. Great read!
May 14, 2023
Disappointed
I really like this series and world.the problem with this book is that it should have been two books. The last 35% felt like a speed race to finish the book. Key plot points weren't fleshed out everything even important things were only touched on and not explored or explained.
I really like this series and world.the problem with this book is that it should have been two books. The last 35% felt like a speed race to finish the book. Key plot points weren't fleshed out everything even important things were only touched on and not explored or explained.
July 6, 2023
Ruined the Dragon...
Underworld Bride Trials 6. Crown of Thorns and Sins 2. A new author for me. The conclusion of Ryder the lost Prince and June the human who's not totally human. Dragons, shifters, vampires, demons beasts and gods oh my! Sexy, chaotic, gritty, hella angst and drama. A fanfreakingtastic ending to a fabulous set of characters.
Underworld Bride Trials 6. Crown of Thorns and Sins 2. A new author for me. The conclusion of Ryder the lost Prince and June the human who's not totally human. Dragons, shifters, vampires, demons beasts and gods oh my! Sexy, chaotic, gritty, hella angst and drama. A fanfreakingtastic ending to a fabulous set of characters.
December 16, 2023
Good
Ryder was a Neanderthal but it would be logical based on what happened to him. June may have started out a little tame but being kidnapped can bring out her tough side. I felt was ofc re lilka. She was trying too hard. Ryder and June, but mostly June prevailed! You go girl!
Ryder was a Neanderthal but it would be logical based on what happened to him. June may have started out a little tame but being kidnapped can bring out her tough side. I felt was ofc re lilka. She was trying too hard. Ryder and June, but mostly June prevailed! You go girl!
June 1, 2023
Excellent Read
I've read every book/series leading upto this one. Adventure, big characters that somehow all mesh together and keep you enthralled. Start from the beginning. Happy reading
I've read every book/series leading upto this one. Adventure, big characters that somehow all mesh together and keep you enthralled. Start from the beginning. Happy reading
June 29, 2023
This is a good storyline however I’m going to admit I kind of got lost with all the different characters. I wasn’t sure who was friends and who was not. I still enjoyed the book and the performance was exceptional.
July 4, 2023
Ruined by the Dragon
Great ending to an awesome series. The author really had me guessing in this book, but the wrap up & epilogue were fantastic. The steam - sublime. Bringing in characters from previous books & series had me feeling a little misty but also gave me giggles.
Great ending to an awesome series. The author really had me guessing in this book, but the wrap up & epilogue were fantastic. The steam - sublime. Bringing in characters from previous books & series had me feeling a little misty but also gave me giggles.
January 11, 2024
I.....
Absolutely loved the ending of this series and am so glad it's a HEA! I adore All the characters throughout except the Siren 🙄 no one likes her. Definitely a must read!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely loved the ending of this series and am so glad it's a HEA! I adore All the characters throughout except the Siren 🙄 no one likes her. Definitely a must read!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 6, 2024
I really didn’t like how Ryder/Rider turned out. But I liked this one more since his parents and aunt and her gods were in it a whole bunch. The love interest was really odd. She’s a normal girl and then boom a mighty god. Just didn’t click.
May 17, 2024
Sooo good
This series was perfect. The characters were perfect I loved every down because there was always an up I knew that dirty siren killed Bo. I'm sooo happy Ryder got his happy ending
This series was perfect. The characters were perfect I loved every down because there was always an up I knew that dirty siren killed Bo. I'm sooo happy Ryder got his happy ending
May 11, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't think Ryder groveled enough but it was funny reading and seeing June come into her own. I also loved the cameo appearances of some other beloved characters.
I don't think Ryder groveled enough but it was funny reading and seeing June come into her own. I also loved the cameo appearances of some other beloved characters.
May 15, 2023
Books by Meg are my guilty pleasure. This wrapped up the duology nicely, the ending felt a tad rushed for me but I still loved it. Also bit of confusion with Rider vs Ryder toward the end.
June 24, 2023
I have thoroughly loved and enjoyed every single one of Meg's books. This book was filled with so much action, adventure drama and it was really really good. Always love the narration by Victoria.
December 18, 2023
Brilliant book
Loved it. So many twists and turns . Love this series and can't wait to start the next book. Love the author writing and can't wait for more
Loved it. So many twists and turns . Love this series and can't wait to start the next book. Love the author writing and can't wait for more
December 26, 2023
Scoot
Very entertaining story. Lots of action and really great characters.The plot was very easy to follow. Really enjoyed the book. I would recommend reading this author's other books.
Very entertaining story. Lots of action and really great characters.The plot was very easy to follow. Really enjoyed the book. I would recommend reading this author's other books.
December 30, 2023
Another great installment! I loved every second of this second book! June and Ryder are pure fire!
February 18, 2024
Very good story
I enjoyed the characters and the story lines of this story. I would definitely recommend that it is to be read along with the other books in the series.
I enjoyed the characters and the story lines of this story. I would definitely recommend that it is to be read along with the other books in the series.
July 15, 2024
10/10 The truth is that the first book didn't catch my attention at all, but this one is much better than the first book, I loved it, I hope I can read more about the author in general
December 17, 2025
Me ha quitado hasta las ganas de leer más de esta autora de momento
August 22, 2023
Epic!
Meg did it again, she’s one of my most favorite authors.
This series is amazing! I loved both books so much, I couldn’t put them down.
I listened to the audiobook too & enjoyed the great narration that complimented the fabulous plot.
Meg did it again, she’s one of my most favorite authors.
This series is amazing! I loved both books so much, I couldn’t put them down.
I listened to the audiobook too & enjoyed the great narration that complimented the fabulous plot.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews