RUINED (Barnes Brothers #4) by Shiloh Walker-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 19, 2016

As one of the Barnes brothers, Sebastien has always felt blessed. Not only does he have an amazing family, but he’s become a Hollywood golden boy who has everything he’s ever wanted—with one exception. He’s had a thing for Marin since he was a kid, but when he finally summons the courage to ask her out, she turns him down. Marin is ready to settle down, she wants commitment and stability, and Sebastien is still too much of a playboy, caught up in the wild life of the spotlight.

Still reeling from the rejection, Sebastien’s luck runs out later that night when he saves a girl from an assault. The shining knight role fits him just fine, but his armor—and his perfect life—become tarnished when the near-deadly attack lands him in the hospital. Physically scarred, he gives up acting and retreats from everybody.

If anyone can pull Sebastien back from the abyss, it’s Marin. But first she has to convince him that beauty is not only skin deep.

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REVIEW: RUINED is the fourth installment in Shiloh Walker’s contemporary, adult BARNES BROTHERS erotic, romance series focusing on the Barnes brothers. This is actors Sebastien Barnes and Marin Lassiter’s story line. RUINED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Sebastien and Marin) RUINED is a friends to lovers romance wherein our couple have been in love with one another for years but Marin is seven years Sebastien’s senior and ready to settle down; Sebastien has a reputation as a playboy and isn’t looking for anything but a good time. When an attack against Sebastien’s ex leaves our hero scarred both inside and out, he walks away from his career, leaving family and friends in the dust. The only person Sebastien is willing to acknowledge is the woman he has loved from afar but their last encounter before the attack was met with rejection, and Sebastien isn’t ready to face the world or the woman who broke his heart. What ensues is Sebastien’s year long struggle with guilt and remorse, and Marin’s battle with her heart – a drunken one –night stand is about to change their lives forever.

All of the previous couples play secondary and supporting roles including the Barnes parental units who are heartbroken at their youngest son’s inability to move forward and let go of the past.

The world building continues to focus on family and friendship; love and lost. The premise is dramatic and intense; the characters are emotional and passionate; the romance is fated but struggles with personal guilt, personal trauma, and misunderstanding.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Wrecked
Razed
Busted
Ruined

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy