Ruined

The Wicked Woodleys, Book 4

By: Jess Michaels

Narrated by: Danielle O'Farrell

When Claire found out a devastating secret about her family, the famous Woodley clan, she ran straight into the arms of a criminal and disappeared for years. But now she's desperate to escape his clutches and get back what he's stolen from her: her child. She turns to longtime family horse-master Warrick Blackwood, knowing his secrets can get her close to her target.

War doesn't want to return to the dangerous life he left behind, even to help Claire, but he has no choice. Not only does she know the truth about his past, but he's never been able to resist her. Her frantic attempt to save her daughter will bring them close, revealing both War's dominant nature and his heart, but it may also destroy any hope at the future both secretly long for.

©2015 Jesse Petersen (P)2016 Jesse Petersen

Didn't see that coming!

It's so nice to read a book that has a plot twist you didn't anticipate. I loved the 3 books prior to this one and couldn't wait to find out why the sister was missing. This book doesn't disappoint. Hot and steamy, check. Loving romance, check. Adventure, check. Surprise, check! All of that and a fantastic reader too! Great job Jess and Danielle!

Annoying heroine

This book is worth the credit purely because it's a continuation of a good series. However, I found myself wanting to slap Claire in the face because she's so irritating. She's completely illogical and dramatic.

Also, did I just miss War in the previous books? His character came completely out of nowhere, but apparently there was a connection between him and Claire for years.

I think there's too much of Claire feeling sorry for herself in this book and not enough actual story. She comes off as self absorbed and unaware of the feelings of those around her. She also makes the worst possible decision in every situation like she never learns from pst mistakes.

I find demands of submission/control repulsive.

War's character is not at all attractive to me. I find his demand for control, need for submission, and authoritarian attitude dark and forbidding, a complete turnoff for me. I prefer an atmosphere of joy and egalitarianism in the bedroom. Control can be traded back and forth rather than a assigned role by demand. Although I have enjoyed some of this author's other writings, this story did not work for me. I was happy to give it up at Chapter 8.

stuggled with the lack of a heroine

This woman 'Claire' was mentioned in all the previous books. Her dilemma as she thought it to be did nothing brought cause pain in every book. This one was her tale, all I read was self pity, using others for her own means. I struggled to finish because I wanted someone to call her out, instead a pat on the head as the man she loved was tortured to the point of death by her handing him over. And all forgave her. A disappointing last book of the series.