A review by bookswithdes
In Ruins by K.G. Reuss

5.0

WOW. Seriously wow. This book was a very pleasant surprise. I did not think I would like the book this much.

First off, this book was really easy to read. The pacing was done well, it was fast. The chapters were a good length. There was never a point where I wanted to put the book down. Like you know when you read, and sometimes you just need a break, like an information overload. I did not experience that with this book.

This book is somewhat of a bully romance. The girl (Rosalie) is sweet, innocent girl who gets regularly bullied at school. Her former best friend (Fox) bullies her and lets his girlfriend (Juliet) bully her too while the rest of his friend group (Cole, Ethan, and Enzo) taunt her. Until one day, she's capturing their attention, and they want her to be theirs and they are not taking no for an answer. Even though they want her, they are still cruel and mean to her and they want her to basically bow down to them and want obedience. Not only does she have to worry about the guys, but about Juliet, and another creep. They blackmail her into being with them until feelings come to play. So eventually feelings start developing with all of them and they all officially become a couple, then BOOM plot twist and betrayal. And I swear the plot twist and the betrayal are the reasons for the 5-star rating. Like it made tears fall, not full-on crying, but shock heart breaking tears. And I love me some good ol' betrayal. And I love their nicknames for her, like Sunshine and Rosebud. I cannot wait to see how this story plays out.

Favorite quotes/scenes:

-"I'd never let the monsters get you, Rosie. I'll always chase them away. I'd hunt each and every one of them before I let them near you." (Flashback with Rosalie and Fox)

-"Do you have any idea how long I've waited for a moment with you?"
"Tell me."
"Since the morning of April twenty-fifth. You dropped your trig book in the hallway and bent to pick it tp. You were wearing that gray hoodie and had it pulled over your head. All I could see was your red braid hanging out. I bent down when you did and grabbed your book for you."
"Oh, my god. Ethan, that was last year."
"Do you remember what I said to you?"
"You said, 'Those eyes could get you into trouble.' I remember it because I thought it was a joke."
"Not a joke, silly girl. I meant it. You have the most beautiful green eyes. I never thought I'd get a chance with you." (Rosalie and Ethan)

-"I can't wait until it's official."
"What's official?"
"Us. All of us. Together. We're going to flaunt you around. You'll be our queen." (Rosalie and Ethan)