Sarah Vaughn (1)

I was charmed by the first two books in this series where others seemed to deride the suburban setting and relatively plain artwork. I liked that this was a scifi story about androids and powerful AI that took place in the backyard of the future. It's drab because it depicts a drab future.

However, with this book as the ending, I have to side with the series's detractors. Many of the developments in book two are more or less repeated, and while I could believe Alex and Ada were beginning to bond, they were definitely not set up to already be in love or cry over each other. As the finale was set in motion, I kept hoping that something more interesting would add a wrinkle to the vanilla ending.

I still liked the first two books.… (more)

Just like with book one, I enjoyed everything and turned skeptical at the final story beat, which is another way of saying these cliffhangers have got me worried.

I would have revolted if book two started with Alex and Ada in a relationship, but the romance angle was pulled off gradually and well enough that I felt it advanced both characters' arcs. Now the government's cracking down on sentient androids and I'm concerned Alex and Ada will hold hands in front of a firing squad or some other heavy-handed showdown will occur.… (more)

“Ruined” by Sarah Vaughn:

In "Ruined," we find Catherine Benson facing the distressing spread of rumors questioning her virtue. In her desperation to address this scandal, she sees an opportunity in Andrew Davener, a man from a family struggling with financial hardships. A marriage between them could offer a solution to both of their problems—Catherine's tarnished reputation could be salvaged, and Andrew's family could benefit from Catherine's dowry.

However, as Catherine and Andrew find themselves bound in matrimony, an emotional journey unfolds. Despite her initial intentions, Catherine can't help but develop genuine feelings for Andrew. Yet, his icy demeanor keeps an emotional barrier between them. The central question emerges: Can Andrew allow Catherine to break through his emotional walls, or will their marriage remain only a formality on paper?

While the art style in "Ruined" didn't resonate with me, the story held great potential. I didn’t care for the side characters’ stories and wish that time was spent on more Catherine and Andrew content. The book showed promise, particularly in the development of Catherine and Andrew's relationship. Despite these shortcomings, I found myself genuinely invested in Catherine and Andrew's journey toward happiness, earning this book a 3 out of 5 stars rating.… (more)

Ruined is a sweet Regency story. Our heroine was caught having pre-marital sex, in the bushes, with a man who was engaged to someone else. The villagers could not resist gossiping about her and her father was horrified at what she had done. Catherine's father made a quick wedding arrangement with an aristocratic family that needed money. In a few short weeks Catherine was married to Andrew Davener and taken to live at Davener House. The house was in a state of disrepair with a leaky roof and old furniture. Much of the family jewels had been sold to pay for some repairs.

There were problems with the marriage from the start because Catherine and Andrew did not know each other, let alone love each other. Catherine did not want to consummate the marriage until she received proof of love from Andrew. He left her bedroom on their wedding night promising not to return unless she asked him to. Catherine threw herself into renovating her new home but did not have much contact with her husband, except at meal time. Both were abrupt with each other. When Andrew asked her what she expected from the marriage she stated that she wanted love letters and poetry. Thus began their dance around each other as they slowly began to get to know one another. There were 4 or 5 problems that they encountered during this time period but eventually love won out.

The plot had several twists and turns in the relationship that gave the story an air of mystery. I knew that they would end up together because, after all, this is a Regency romance. There were 3 other couples involved in the plot and one of them was gay, which was covered up by the two ladies working in the same business. The ending was a happily ever after.

I would love to see a sequel but do not know if that is in the author's plans.… (more)