Ruined (Ethan Frost #1)

I was really excited to read Tracy Wolffs RUINED because a few friends really enjoyed it. In the end, it fell a bit flat.

Character development is a bit weak. Ethan went from being this beach bum type of guy to suddenly suit wearing CEO. For the most part, he remains mysterious and even when he tells Chloe a bit of his past we still dont know exactly who Ethan Frost is. The whole beach bum vs CEO felt a bit off. Out of all the characters we get to know Chloe fairly well. It makes sense since she also narrates it. As a narrator I think shes trustworthy. Its clear something traumatic happened to her and she doesnt tell us exactly what it is nor does she give us hints along the way. In fact, we dont know even what it is until towards the very end. It was also a bit difficult to like her since she was so wishy washy. One moment she was lusting after Ethan and the next minute she had a resolve to let him go. A few secondary characters make an appearance and play minor role. I wish Wolff had focused a bit more on these secondary characters other than a quick mention and it would have brought more substance to the plot.

I debated with the rating between a two and three and in the end decided on a two for one particular reason. I liked the writing up until a certain point and I dont want to give a spoiler so Ill tip toe around the issue as best I can. Chloe tells Ethan about an incident in her past and its heartbreaking and something no woman should experience. Fast forward to the its not you, its me type of scene where the hero always pushes the heroine away then they make up shortly after this argument. Its what occurred leading up to their makeup that didnt sit well with me especially when you take into context Chloes past. Chloe makes her stand and Ethan still pushes to the point where Chloe is afraid the past is about to be repeated. Then all is okay despite her concerns. This did not sit well with me and I think Wolff could have addressed this particular scene a little better. Furthermore, Ethan was involved in an altercation with his half-brother and I suspected I knew who he was and my suspicions were confirmed which has me wondering how clichd will book two be?

Tracey Wolffs RUINED ends on a cliffhanger and it was an okay read. I would have liked a little more character development and respect among the characters. Despite a few hiccups, Ill still read the second book to see how it ends.

**This review is posted on my blog**

RUINED (ETHAN FROST 1) by TRACY WOLFF

I LOOOOOOOOOOVE IT! Okay, Ruined is quite similar to FSoG but the plot, the characters are different. Chloe & Ethan is so different from CG & Ana in FSoG when it comes to attitude and how they carry themselves. Im gonna stop comparing because its unfair to Ms. Tracy Wolff and so let me redeem myself by saying that this story, this series is one good read that fans of romance books will sure enjoy. The story has a whole new vibe and mystery to it and how it was written from the beginning will make you want not to stop. I did. Really. I read chapter 1 and I knew I had to finish the whole book in the same day. It just keeps getting better and better and I like the fact that the characters are determined, strong yet the vulnerability is palpable and how mysterious they are is one factor that will make you want to get to know more from em. Too bad book 2 is not out yet but I can sense the whole drama and maybe heartbreaks will be included in the following book.

Ethan Frost is totally in my list of book boyfriends. He is such an enigma that you want to uncover and just know more and deeper. I like his character, very mysterious yet sweet and caring. I like that he doesnt hold back. I like how Tracy created his character into someone who the readers will appreciate and love despite of

And then theres Chloe. Broken yet strong and eager to get past her demons and move forward to a life thats positive and one that will make her feel alive. I like that despite of what happened, she is strong. Yes she is afraid but she is willing to move on.

The cliffhanger was $#%&@!%&$&*&^%#!!!!!! I know. It was shocking though I kinda saw it coming but it will still give you the jaw-dropping reaction and will make you want to rip someones hair. I swear. It was shocking, heartbreaking and sad. I really dont know what to expect in book 2. I am clueless where and how book 2 will start but I am looking forward to reading it. I want it to be released now, if possible.

Praise for Tracy Wolff for an amazing and exciting story of love, romance and mystery. The story is starting to unfold and I will brace myself for whats to come. I am sensing a whole new drama and hurt and revelations. Damn! I cannot wait.

BRAVA!

** Also posted on my TUMBLR & GR account

I LOVED this book. I was confused for the first 1/2 – 3/4 book about how it compares to Fifty Shades, etc. The beginning was really funny and lighthearted. I got kind of annoyed sometimes with Chloe being so resistant and then open to Ethan to the point of finding her annoying and whiny on some pages. However, I loved how strong yet vulnerable Chloe’s character is throughout the book. Unlike Fifty Shades, etc.,she doesn’t just fall straight into bed with Ethan like you find in so many books these days.She is broken but so much stronger than she gives her self credit for.

Ethan is the perfect blend of gentleman, smoking hot sex on a stick, intelligent and compassionate and yet still retains the sexiness of being the alpha male in the relationship. I was impressed with how the author developed his character until he became my new favorite book boyfriend! I thought I loved dominant alpha male characters and then in steps Ethan with his ability to control the situation without rough dominance. He just rocks. You have to read the book to see what I mean!

There was definitely build up and teasing up to the first sex scene but it wasn’t such a long buildup that you want to skip ahead to finally get to the “good part.” 😉
Okay on to the last part of the book. This is definitely the “angst” of the book and I wish it would have come a bit sooner in the story so that the reader isn’t left with a cliffhanger with no idea when the sequel is coming! (i.e. me! I need the next book like NOW!)
The last scene of angry sex was the perfect blend of dominance, passion and fierce desire. Whew….I am anxious to see where this series leads!
*** I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in Exchange for a honest review (thanks!) ***

Fantastic, Loved it immensely! There are very few books that I completely collapse into but this was certainly one of them. The descriptive writing is so amazingly beautiful that it often took my breath away. You can feel the emotions so clearly, as if you are right there in the moment. It is a clever piece of writing, a definite page turner….you don’t want it to end.

As others have mentioned, it seems like a story that’s been told a million different ways, but this is something special. I would highly recommend that you read it, it’s sooo worth it!!

Alas…it ends on an absolute cliffhanger that blindsides you, you kind of have your suspicions, but when it comes it still leaves you a little shocked. June seems so far away for the conclusion…ARGH 🙁

What a fantastic book! I have read a few books by Tracy Wolff and I haven’t been disappointed yet. This book is no exception.
Although there are topics in this book that are very serious the way it’s written is very delicate.
Chloe has problems because of her past (have to say I did guess it as it reminds me of another book. Sorry) I liked, as the reader we saw snippets of her past and how they crept up on Chloe when she was in a certain situation, like the stairs. She hates going down the stairs at work because of her past, which we find out later why. Because we are told the story by Chloe’s pov we haven’t has Ethen’s story.
The book ends with a clifhanger and I already have a incline at why he’s there. (I can’t say anymore because of spoilers)
It’s a great book you won’t be disappointed it’s not like FSOG or Beard to you. And what I like as well is that the book is not based on sex. Yes they have sex but it’s not pages and pages of it.
The banter between Chloe and Ethan made me laugh and how she handles the bullying she gets at work is very good, it does send out a possessive message, although I hope in the next book Chloe does more and there is some vindication there.
Please please read this book it really is worth your attention and I can’t wait for the next book. (I believe it’s the last book in this series, so only 2 books)

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