Ruined

November 6, 2023
In this feather-light Regency romance from Vaughn (the Alex + Ada series), Searle (The Greatest Thing), and Smith (The Deep and Dark Blue), a gloom hangs over the wedding of brainy Catherine Benson to handsome, brooding Andrew Davener. Ruined by scandal, Catherine has no choice but to accept a marriage of convenience to her simultaneously “sour and amiable” groom, who needs her dowry. The two are determined not to fall in love, but romance thwarts their firm intentions. As Catherine settles into Andrew’s run-down estate and befriends his housebound sister Gemma, it’s only a matter of time before the already married pair realize they’re kindred souls and get into bed together. None of the gentle plot turns are likely to surprise genre readers, though Vaughn livens the story with subplots featuring a colorful supporting cast, including a lesbian couple building a life together as “Sisters of a Finer Kind” and a lady’s maid trying to advance in the world by opening her own shop. The art by Searle and Smith is somewhat sparse and flat but enriched by softly glowing colors. Though this sweet and sexually frank love story doesn’t break any new ground, fans of Bridgerton and similar fare will swoon along its familiar path.

November 1, 2023
Sure to be a delight for fans of the show Bridgerton and other similar adaptations, Ruined introduces readers to the recently wed Catherine and Andrew Davener. In a marriage of convenience for both, with Catherine escaping unsavory rumors and Andrew securing her dowry to save his estate, the two are stiff and awkward with one another. Over time, however, they find much to admire in each other, both physically and in demeanor. Will they overcome their past scars to love as they both need? Longing glances, polite words, and ballroom conversations are brought to life in the lovely detail and color expected of the Regency era. Andrew is a classic Mr. Darcy type, with outward sourness but absolute dedication to the well-being of those under his care. The supporting cast brings depth to the world, with lady's maid Miss Lee contemplating her dressmaking career and Catherine's sister Mary fretting over her own relationship with Constance as "sisters of a finer kind" (a lovely euphemism for women loving women). Modern Austen fans should take a look.

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December 1, 2023

Gr 10 Up-Catherine Benson has a reputation; as a result, she knows she's not likely to find an honorable marriage prospect. So when she receives a proposal from Andrew Davener, whose grim financial status will benefit from her substantial dowry, she doesn't have much of a choice. The two enter into a mutual agreement not quite knowing what to expect. When they arrive at Andrew's rundown estate, Catherine falls into a dull routine until one night, she knocks on her husband's door, inviting intimacy into their relationship. Though their physical attraction is real, their love doesn't appear to be. Catherine leaves her marriage, fleeing back to her childhood home. When she reflects on her previous amorous affairs and her newfound companionship with Andrew, she starts to question what it is she's feeling and whether there is hope after all. The cozy, colorful artwork in this Regency-era tale makes this an endearing read that showcases the fashion and landscapes of the time. Though the trope of a marriage of convenience is not original, the story flows well. The few side narratives touched upon could have been developed more, but they highlight LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and mental health issues during the era. The story is mostly tame but includes some intimate drawings that portray nudity and sexual encounters. VERDICT An enjoyable historical romance, in the vein of Bridgerton, conveyed through quaint drawings with a pleasing color scheme. Content contains mature images that are appropriate for older teenagers.-Karin Greenberg

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