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anniestevens's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
nervchild's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Art took a little getting used to, afterwards it flowed smoothly. I like the main pair and all the other characters in this as well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
kotahlotah's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
accidentalra's review
4.0
In a nutshell: Ruined is a sweet and satisfying slow-burn romance with perhaps too many attempted sub-plots.
First of all, the plus side: the main story is well thought out, perfectly paced, and beautifully drawn. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Catherine and Andrew grow to love each other during the first year of their marriage of convenience, and I adored the full inclusion of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ secondary characters in the novel's Regency setting.
But if there's a plus side, there has to be a downside, no? My biggest disappointment with this graphic novel is that it simply includes too many subplots for any of them to be fully realized. Perhaps had this been a traditional novel, I could have become attached to the secondary characters and rejoiced as they each found their way--toward love, toward success, toward wellness. Unfortunately, the fact that there were so many non-overlapping minor threads made it quite difficult for me to develop any sort of concern or connection to any of them. What a shame, since I really wanted to know so much more, particularly about Andrew's sister.
Overall, I enjoyed this open-door graphic romance and was absolutely satisfied with the MCs' well-earned HEA. I will absolutely recommend it to my comix-loving pals and to anybody looking for a quick romance fix.
As a side note: the end material, with its peek into the creative process and deleted scenes, is not to be missed. Both interesting and fun!
[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.]
First of all, the plus side: the main story is well thought out, perfectly paced, and beautifully drawn. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Catherine and Andrew grow to love each other during the first year of their marriage of convenience, and I adored the full inclusion of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ secondary characters in the novel's Regency setting.
But if there's a plus side, there has to be a downside, no? My biggest disappointment with this graphic novel is that it simply includes too many subplots for any of them to be fully realized. Perhaps had this been a traditional novel, I could have become attached to the secondary characters and rejoiced as they each found their way--toward love, toward success, toward wellness. Unfortunately, the fact that there were so many non-overlapping minor threads made it quite difficult for me to develop any sort of concern or connection to any of them. What a shame, since I really wanted to know so much more, particularly about Andrew's sister.
Overall, I enjoyed this open-door graphic romance and was absolutely satisfied with the MCs' well-earned HEA. I will absolutely recommend it to my comix-loving pals and to anybody looking for a quick romance fix.
As a side note: the end material, with its peek into the creative process and deleted scenes, is not to be missed. Both interesting and fun!
[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.]
expressivekim's review
funny
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0