When Ruckus released last month, I saw a ton of good reviews for it. I had never read L.J. Shen's books before, so I decided to give Ruckus a try. I downloaded it, but couldn't get to it right away. This week, I was feeling a bit of a book hangover and decided to start Ruckus. I'm really happy I did. I have found a new author I'm excited to read more from.
Rosie LeBlanc has felt a connection to Dean "Ruckus" Cole ever since she first met his glare in high school. She knew Dean was the one for her at that moment. Sadly, a relationship with him wasn't in the cards. Dean was her sister's boyfriend, and that made him off-limits even after they broke up.
Now, year's later, Dean's back in Rosie's life. They live in the same building, and no matter how hard Rosie tries to avoid Dean, she always runs into him and his harem. His blunt cockiness and womanizing ways should make Dean the least desirable guy, but when Rosie's sister's wedding requires them to spend time together, she can't help but be drawn further into his web.
I loved L.J. Shen's writing style. It's a little bit dark and a whole lot gritty. I love that she gives a voice to both the male and female main characters. The first person dual points of view are raw and emotion filled. Her characters are alpha males and strong females who won't step down from a fight. They have something traumatic that pulls them together, while at the same time breaking them apart.
Rosie was an inspiring character. Her life was harder than most due to physical challenges, but she didn't let that stop her from trying to achieve her dreams. She was so good deep down inside, and saw good in Dean when others wouldn't have.
Honestly, Dean was a cocky jerk. He may have had a lot going for him career and looks wise, but he wasn't a nice guy. Dean had moments where his compassion and sweetness showed through, but they were rare. He was pretty messed up, and it took a lot to get him started on the right path. It took me a while to really like Dean. I would have liked to have seen more of the redeemed Dean. I could have used about 5 epilogues to believe he could be who he needed to be -- I'm not just saying that because I fell in love with him even more in the epilogue provided.
Rosie and Dean's relationship was a rough one. There were a lot of barriers trying to keep them apart. Whether it was her health, his addictions or their friends and family, nothing was strong enough to break them apart. Their chemistry and love for each other was too strong. I loved how they fought for their love and for each other.
Since this is the first book I've read in the Sinner of Saint series, I feel the need to point out two things. First, the side characters are just as intriguing as the main characters. Hearing about everyone's combined past makes me want to hurry up and read the other books in the series. I need to know more about the rest of the HotHoles and their women. Second, this book can be read as a standalone. You don't have to have read the first book to read this one. It might have made it more fun (I don't know since I didn't read the other books first.), but it was a great reading experience without having read the other books.
Oh! And I can't leave out the fact that Ruckus surprised me! I thought I knew what Dean's secrets were going to be, but I didn't! I was completely surprised a couple of different times while reading. I loved that!
Overall, I loved reading Ruckus. This enthralling romance was combined with just the right amount of mystery and darkness. It was everything I expect from a great new adult book. I will be immediately reading the rest of the series.
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Popular Highlights in this book
“You are chaotic, crazy, and full of wars and angst. But you’re the liveliest place I’ve ever been to.”Highlighted by 2,379 Kindle readers- Love felt like dipping each other in gasoline and burning together. Love felt like dancing with madness in the dark, watching all of its bright lights. Love felt like gasping for air when your lungs were already full.Highlighted by 2,121 Kindle readers
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Reviews with images
A Must Read!!!!
I’m definitely amaze by LJ Shin’s books, they just get better and better. Vicious was awesome but Ruckus it’s just excellent. Rosie and Dean’s story will touch your heart. All the struggles that the go through from the very beginning, falling in love without even knowing it, staying apart for such a long time and finding each other to conquer all and be together. I just simply love this story so much.
Top reviews from other countries
Rosie
Dean and Rosie were always written in the stars!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 17, 2020
