[ARC Review] Ruined by Jus Accardo

Ruined
Book 1 of Eternal Balance series
Jus Accardo
December 30th, 2013
Entangled: Embrace


ARC provided by publisher for honest review

Amazon/Book Depository/B&N

 

Hell is looking for a way to break loose...

Jax lost the genetic lottery. Descended from Cain, the world's first murderer, he's plagued by a curse that demands violence in exchange for his happiness. He left everything behind, including the girl he loved, but thriving on the pain of others is lonely… And it's killing him. 

After a series of heartbreaking losses, Samantha put rubber to pavement and headed for college as fast as her clunker could carry her. But she can't outrun her problems. When an attack at school drives her back home, she's thrown into the path of a past—and a guy—she's been trying to forget.

Sam strains Jax's control over his darkness, but running isn't an option this time. Someone—or,　something—followed her home from school: a ruthless monster with a twisted plan centuries in the making. Forced together to survive, and fighting an attraction that could destroy them both, Jax and Sam must stop a killer bent on revenge.

I just spent a lazy afternoon reading Ruined by Jus Accardo. It was so captivating I could not put it down. This book grabbed me and I wouldn't let go until I reached the end. This book is heartbreaking, sexy, and a thrill ride that I never wanted to end. Ruined is the first book in the Eternal Balance series. It's about Jax, a descendent of Cain and cursed to share his body with a demon. He comes back to town to say goodbye to his dying uncle. He runs into the girl who stole his heart and he walked away from. This time he can't walk away from Sam because someone or something is trying to kill her. Jax and his demon both have vowed to keep her safe.

I really liked the idea of a book about a guy who literally carries his demon around. I liked the idea that there is not ultimate good or ultimate evil and it's the balancing actions that tip the scales. This book is told in alternating POV's from Jax and Sam. I liked getting to see how they effected each other. The action in Ruined kept me on the edge of my seat. I never saw the real threat coming. I also really liked the world building in this book. I liked the idea of tainted souls because of past deeds by ancestors. I find it interesting that Jax will have to atone along with the help of his demon. I am also intrigued to find out what Sam is and how she can help save Jax's soul.

In the end I give Ruined by Jus Accardo four laser pistols because it is filled with sexy romance, heartbreak, and a mystery villain even I didn't see coming. I really liked this book and the nail biting action had me gasping. The way it ends has me chomping at the bit for more because I was "no it can't end that was". I am really looking forward to reading more.