Graphic Novel Review: Ruined by Sarah Vaughn

 

Title: Ruined
Author: Sarah Vaughn
Genre: Graphic Novel; Historical; Romance
Publication Date: November 28, 2023
Publisher: First Second Books

The whole town is whispering about how Catherine Benson lost her virtue, though they can never agree on the details. Was it in the public garden? Or a moving carriage?

Only a truly desperate man would want her now—and that’s exactly what Andrew Davener is. His family’s estate is in disrepair, but Catherine’s sizeable dowry could set it to rights.

After the two wed, Catherine finds herself inexplicably drawn to Andrew. But could falling in love with her husband tear her marriage apart? In this richly detailed Regency romance, duty and passion collide in a slow-burn tale of intertwined fates.

Rating

*I recieved a copy for free and I am leaving this honest and unbiased review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers,

While I don't talk about it too much I am absolutely a fan of historical marriage of convience tropes. I don't read then as often as I should, but I am so glad I read 'Ruined'. Vaughn throws you straight into the deep end as we start with the walk to the wedding reception. Awkward and frustrating is the experience that comes to mind as you experience the new matrimony of two strangers. One trying to escape rumors and scandals, while the other is trying to fix his family's finacial woes. Ruined pretty much describes it. 

This do start to click into place for the two newlyweds, you can literally start to see how much they come to care about each other, but of course the Andrew, the male leads detests love and of course. all Catherine, the female leads wants is love. This leads to conflicts of the heart. 

One of the more surprising joys of 'Ruined' was how flesh out each character felt. Not just the two main leads but the side characters as well. I found myself being invested in everyone's stories and rooting for a happy ending for everyone. 

I will say that at first the art style through me off, but as the story progressed I found myself not bothered by it as much as I thought I would. By the end I really appreciated the character designs. I will say that this is a ADULT graphic novel with sex and nudity so if that puts you off this is not for you. 

Overall, a delighful story of growth and love.