Book Review 🫶
Ruin Me by: Kelsie Rae
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
* Underground fighting/MMA (MMC)
* Enemies to Lovers
* Touch Her and Die
* Opposites Attract
* Billionaire MMC
* Struggling MFC
𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:
"If I see another man ask for your number and the first words out of your mouth aren't, Sorry, I'm taken, I have no issue tattooing I belong to Jagger Harden across your ass. Understood?"
"What I feel for you? Yeah. It feels as easy as breathing. It's the other shit that gets hard. But here's the thing, Little Thief. When you're around, you make the other shit feel easier, too, not harder."
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Wrong side of the tracks romance?? Yes PLEASE 🙏
I have read and loved many Kelsie Rae books, so I was so excited for this new series, and it did not disappoint!
Jagger and Violet come from completely different worlds. Jagger is Harden Heights royalty. He grew up having everything while Violet had nothing and lives on the wrong side of town in "The Drift".
Violet (Our MFC) has had a rough go with life ever since her mom’s passing. When Violet's deadbeat "father" steals and loses her life's savings in yet another bad gambling bet, she must convince the Harden brothers to give her back her money. Without the money her father stole she can kiss her dream of leaving “The Drift” goodbye!
Jagger (Our MMC) is a dark & broody playboy. When his father cut him off and his brother decided to start having game night, underground fights, etc all to make extra money. Jagger is a fighter with a tough exterior, but he’s absolutely a softie and melts for Violet, his “Little Thief” once he realizes he cares about her. Violet definitely brings out his protective and loving side.
Both Jagger and Violet have very guarded hearts and I absolutely loved the way they healed each other! They both just wanted better for themselves and for each other.
I am really enjoying the new world of Harden Heights and the connections to Lockwood Heights and the rest of the Kelsie Rae Universe. The tension, slow burn, found family and suspense had me captivated. I loved Violet and Jagger together, and can't wait to get more.
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: 4⭐️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 2🌶️
𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝: Yes
#BookReview #lemon8bookclub #ruinmebykelsierae #kindleunlimitedrecommendations #bookrecs
Reading "Ruin Me" by Kelsie Rae was a journey into a gritty, emotionally charged world that's both raw and uplifting. The novel brilliantly blends underground fighting scenes with a heartfelt story of two very different people trying to find connection and healing in a tough environment. The depiction of the MMA elements is authentic and adds a thrilling edge to the story, making it more than just a romance. What truly stood out to me was how the author handled the "wrong side of the tracks" trope with nuance. Violet's struggles after her mother's death and her fight to reclaim her dream despite setbacks felt very real and relatable. Jagger's complex personality, from his brooding exterior to his protective instincts, made their enemies-to-lovers dynamic incredibly compelling. Their guarded hearts slowly opening up to one another added emotional depth that kept me hooked until the last page. I also appreciated the way the book explores themes of family—not only biological but the found family in Harden Heights and the larger Kelsie Rae Universe. The tension, suspense, and slow-building romance created a layered narrative that balances drama with tender moments. Violet and Jagger’s story highlights resilience and the power of love to heal past wounds. In addition to the romance, the book portrays the underground fight scene vividly, immersing readers in a world of high stakes and physical intensity. This aspect, paired with the billionaire MMC trope, gives an exciting contrast between Jagger’s glamorous background and Violet’s humble origins. For readers who enjoy a touch of spice and strong character development, this book offers a satisfying blend. The quotes shared in the review captured the protective and possessive nature of the relationship beautifully, which added to my anticipation of the story’s emotional highs. Overall, "Ruin Me" is a compelling addition to Kelsie Rae’s literature, especially if you love stories about overcoming hardship, complex love interests, and a richly built universe. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a romantic read with edge and heart.
