Ruin (Russo Saga Book 2) by Nicolina Martin

An innocent coffee. A dazzling stranger. What can go wrong?

Anna Raymond focuses only on her work at a little custom printing company in LA. She’s become a recluse after a traumatic experience that tore her life apart. Then Eric happens, barging into her life one morning at a Starbucks. By the time night falls, she has witnessed a murder, fought for her life, and revealed secrets she meant to keep buried forever.

Eric Reed is a hired killer, well aware of his effect on women and how to use it to his advantage. He’s in LA for one thing only: Finish the contract he’s been assigned. Anna was nothing but a means to an end, but he finds himself reluctantly drawn to the enigmatic woman, a mistake that can cost him everything.

That long, cold night trapped together changes something fundamental between them. Anna must make a choice: will it be her path to happiness, or will the fervent Eric burn her to ashes?

This is book two in the Russo Saga but can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Publisher’s Note: This extremely dark romance is intended for adults only and may contain triggers. It contains elements of danger, suspense, action, adventure, sensual scenes, power exchange and a guaranteed HEA.

Karen Meyer’s Review: 4.8-Stars

The positives were good grammar and punctuation. Good development of the two main characters, Eric and Anna.

If you like this genre, I would say it is very good. It kept my attention and even though I hated Eric, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. I could see this written as a beautiful love story without the language and horrific violence. I realize everyone has there own taste in books, and this author has written a titillating version of the evil in the world few of us know anything about.

It did seem unrealistic to me that Anna could have feelings for such a cruel, sadistic man. Even though she was an airhead I just had issues with the elevator scene. I realize her vulnerability yet strength was what made Eric fall in love with her, but I had problems understanding if she loved him. Yes, she was physically attracted to him but I can’t find a distinct time when she fell in love with him.

In their “lovemaking” I found it unrealistic that Anna would allow a man to be so controlling, especially after she had been so violently raped.

In the end, I couldn’t see this as a happy ever after story. Yes, she did love him and married him. She knew her life as a Mafia wife would be hard but I can’t help but believe that will be the least of her problems. I can see Eric killing her one day as they get into their sexual fantasies.

For the genre that it is, I would give it 4.5 stars. If this was my thing, I might give it 5 stars. So I will cut the card and give this book 4.8 stars.

Sherry Terry’s Review: 4.999-Stars

Out of all the books we’ve reviewed, Ruin by Nicolina Martin is my favorite. The cover is a little dark, but overall it works for this book.

I liked the two main characters, Anna and Eric. I think they are well-rounded and well represented in Ruin. I found it plausible that these two would fall in love in the end. Even though there is some rough violence to read, Anna holds her own against Eric. She is spunky and sarcastic, living in a nightmare of her past. Eric brings her out of her past and sets a nice future for both of them within the Mob. If the Mafia is your family that is.

Eric is a cold-blooded killer, working for a man who thinks nothing of having people snuffed out. Anna finds Eric’s weak spot and gives him back his emotions.Warning! This book contains violence against women.

Nicolina Martin does a perfect job with all the characters, making them feel like they are real.

The characters are flawed in their own way, and most of them regain some feelings. Doesn’t mean they quit their job of being hit men. I really enjoyed reading Ruin by Nicolina Martin. I give it 4.999-Stars as there are some repeat wording, but this in no way took away from my enjoyment.

Great read with a couple of steamy sex scenes!

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