A review by tiarareadsbooks
The Grand Ruin: Lance & Scarlet, Part One by J.C. Hawke

5.0

Wow. this was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint. This whole journey of this series and these characters have a special place in my heart. I never want this world to end. This does end on a cliffhanger and I am so excited for the part two. I feel like I have been waiting for forever on Lance and Scarlet's story and here we are. Being able to go back to their timeline was so important in filling in the gaps. I also loved being able to go back to the beginning to Nina and Mason's story and see it all unfold. Scarlet has been through so much grief and yet she is everything to everyone. she continues to give give give even when she is running on any empty cup. she is so deserving of happiness and love, but when she gets close she tries to not accept it. lance is one that makes you feel all the things for him. you root and hope for him because of his past. it was incredible to see the way he cares for and loves scarlet. I am so glad that we still got all of the girls nights and the mention of Tuesdays (favorite day-iykyk)!

If there is one thing I have to commend JC on is that every time I read a book by her I am so emotionally invested and they really make me feel all of my feelings. I love how she story tells through her writing. Her writing is intentional to the characters and always makes you feel the comfort of an old friend. I smiled, laughed, cried, and felt so deeply reading this book. I'm just going to be in a puddle until part two comes out.

five stars / three chili peppers

tropes:
- grumpy x sunshine
- brother's best friend
- he falls first
- found family
- secret relationship