**Double Review ~ Ruining Me & Ruining You ~ Nicole Reed**

I wanted to preface these reviews with a few words. I usually provide a bit more info on characters and action in my reviews. I'm not going to do that for these two books. I think to do so would ruin the experience of reading these emotionally charged, tension filled, and angst ridden books. And they are an experience to behold! If you haven't read them yet, please do so! You won't regret it...but please do have both books on hand because once you finish Ruining Me, you'll immediately want to know what happens next. I LOVED these books...they made my ugly cry, gasp, and smile. They tore my heart out...then put it back together. Nicole Reed in on my list of authors whom I will purchase whatever they publish. Here's why...


Title: Ruining Me
Series: Ruin series
Author: Nicole Reed
Genre: New Adult

Synopsis from GoodReads:

Eighteen year old Jay Stevenson is living a horrible nightmare.

Two years ago, she had the world in the palm of her hand, but in one moment, it was ruined. Secrets, lies, and the worst imaginable betrayal haunt her new reality. Burying her problems under a cold façade seems to be the only way to cope until it all catches up with her. Soon, she loses control of the lonely world she built around her, and the past, present, and future collide.

Three guys are there when it all comes crashing down: JT, the perfect boyfriend she never wanted to give up; Rhye, the local bad boy “rock star” who made her forget the past; and Kane, the funny and sweet tattooed bartender who wants her future.

Secrets must be kept. Choices must be made. Is it possible to move forward while still chained to the wicked vices of the past?

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This is an emotionally powerful story! One that I know is more than realistic...one I wish no one would ever have to endure.

Jay Stevenson endured a horrific crime and then continued enduring the repercussions for two years. Two sad and lonely years...because she felt so ashamed and ruined and therefore never shared her experience with anyone. Not only that, but she pushed everyone that mattered away. She shut down and basically counted down her days left on earth.

Then she meets someone who makes her want to live - makes her believe she can have it all back...that the last two years can be erased and she can stop back into the life she was supposed to have been living. But in a moment, it's all taken away.

This book deals with some weighty topics and Ms. Reed does so adeptly. Ruining Me is well-crafted and immensely compelling. It takes a very strong person to live with all Jay's been living with and will continue to deal with. But I believe Ms. Reed has written a strong character in Jay and I'm anxious to live through what comes next right along with her. 

**4 1/2 Worms!

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Title: Ruining You
Series: Ruin series
uthor: Nicole Reed
Genre: New Adult

Synopsis from GoodReads:
For a girl who dared to tempt death, living is the only promise that matters now. 

Jay’s life almost came to a forced end when her darkest secrets were revealed and the one who she chose to give her future to was ripped away. Now, everything she kept hidden is the topic of everyone’s conversation, and not all are sympathetic. Someone wants her horrific past to dictate her future, and another is determined to help her choose a different path.

In conclusion to Ruining Me, Kane and Rhye know that Jay is worth the fight, but waiting for her to find herself may ruin them all.

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I immediately bought Ruining You after finished Ruining Me. Ruining Me left me gasping, crying and desperate. I was so thankful that it was already available because I HAD to know what happened next...

This sequel picks up directly after the events that finally pushed Jay over the precipice she'd been hanging onto for so long. However, her attempt to join JT was unsuccessful. Now she must learn to figure out herself, to finally let go of the past, and how to live for herself. And how those who love her will fit in...

Jay is now coping with the consequences of her decision. Through lots of therapy and the friendship of a fellow patient, she begins to come to terms with the future she can have. Her path is her own to choose. It's up to Jay to decide what path to take and who will accompany her. Dealing with her guilt over the pain caused by her actions is difficult. Deciding where to go with her future, whether to give up on Kane, how to handle the upcoming trial of her tormentor are all demands she must face. 

There is so much going on in this book. The journey Jay must travel in order to find her way in life is full of challenges. And I enjoyed watching her face those challenges, rise to meet them, grow emotionally and eventually pick her path. As I said in my review of Ruining Me, Ms. Reed created a strong character in Jay, and watching her deal with what life has thrown at her is inspiring. To say I was pleased with her decisions is an understatement. And there were plenty of times I wanted to knock some sense into Jay's head. But in the end, Jay blossoms into this brave and beautiful girl who embraces life and appreciates every moment. 

Favorite Quotes:

"You see, I finally realized that life is what you make it. If you make it hell, then that's exactly what you will have. Sometimes we can't control what happens to us, but we can control what we do from that point forward. I still see my therapist, take my medication, and I deal with depression every damn day, but I can make that day worth living or not. It's my choice and my path to choose."

"For me, life is all about remembering to seize the day and never look back."

** 4 1/2 Worms!