3.5

For me overall this felt like the story wasn't fully developed or focused enough on the couple. I feel like I knew more about our side characters. I also just did not enjoy the art style fully.

I think the attempt made was fantastic and I'd be curious and excited to see more things like this published but overall Ruined was just okay for me.

This one was fun. Gave P&P vibes but the characters still had their own depth. I enjoyed the take on this concept, especially with the graphic novel part. I haven't read a lot of regency-era romance, but I really enjoyed this one. Quick read and I would read the next installments.

I wanted to like this, the format of a graphic novel intrigued me, but it didn’t follow through, just fine, but trying to be bridgerton a little too much,

Enjoyable regency romance in a graphic novel format. Enjoyed reading this one and would recommend to reluctant readers.

This comic tell the story of Catherine Benson
and how she lost her virtue, she have to find someone who wants to marry her, and don't leaver her with no honor.

Only a truly desperate man would want her now—and that’s exactly what Andrew Davener, it's a slow burn, the relationship between this two go slow but not that slow, we go to sexy stuff really quick. It's like watching and episode of Bridgertone and the tudors.
We also got to SEE a lesbian relationship but i think they don't touch to much this story, the problem for me it's that they focus to much in the sex and we don't get to SEE much about the conflict here, but it's not that Bad, it's read really quick, and You Will not get borde.

I love a good historical romance, but even more when it is a graphic novel. Sarah Vaughn did a beautiful job telling the story of these two

I have never seen a regency era graphic novel before and this was a welcome surprise! I think fans of historical romance will enjoy seeing this type of story in a new format.

Ruined by Sarah Vaughn

3.5/5 stars

I never knew that regency romance existed in the graphic novel format and this was such a treat!

The culmination of slow burn, emotion, drama, illustrations, and characters was fun realm to dive into.

The pacing was a touch off, I understand that there is only so much that can be achieved in a graphic novel, 350 pages no less! I did feel like there could have been a bit more development, but what was accomplished by Leila del Duca was a feat in and of itself. There were some tropes that were very classic to the regency romance genre.

She's spicy! Be mindful that it is open door romance for those that are or are not keen.

Some people are stuck on the "historical accuracy," and I disagree-- I think that that's the beautiful facet of *fiction* is that the author can play as they choose to. Would love to see more exploration in this genre!

Certainly a fun read for fans of Bridgerton and Austen.

Thank you to First Second Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"Perhaps we're good for each other, and it needs no further investigation."
•
I've read Ruined years ago in the first volume of Fresh Romance and I'm SO HAPPY I was approved for the ARC of the rerelease of this historical romance comic bec it's so good!

Admittedly, it wasn't my fave title from that anthology, but I appreciated it for what it was - a histrom short. I didn't know it then, but the story needed to be drawn out more, the pacing had to be slower, and the intimacy needed more space to grow and bloom, and all of that was brilliantly accomplished in this edition.

It's different from the Fresh Romance run in a sense that it greatly improved on an already good material. And here's some of my notes from when I read it (months ago now, so sorry for the delay. LOL) Might be Spoilery, but these notes are probably out of order so it's fine, I guess.

• Perryl is now POC for one thing, and more diversity in general was shown now.
• Catherine's family dynamic is more fleshed out, giving her even more emotional depth, agency, and relatability.
• Catherine and Andrew's first banter in the carriage started pretty much the same, but Catherine holds back this time, which I feel was more appropriate in context.
• No love letters in THAT SCENE this time, but it was no less painful for Catherine.
• I loved that they were working together with business things, that Catherine has so much agency, and that Andrew is really such a decent gentleman.
•
*The eARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review. It doesn't affect my opinion of the book. Thank you.

Just okay for me. I wasn't a huge fan of the art but the story was good enough. I did wish it was more fully flushed out and that there were less characters. I felt a little heavy handed at times because of this.

What a great graphic novel, I am a sucker for regency romances and I really enjoyed this!
Imagine is Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy had a marriage of convenience! ATE IT UP
I just love graphic novels, its so nice to have visuals of the story I am reading. I thought the art was beautiful, and it may not be for everyone but I enjoyed it!

100% holding me over for bridgerton and the buccaneers!

Diving into "Ruined" felt like embarking on a rollercoaster of emotions. Sarah Vaughn's storytelling prowess shines through, creating a vivid and gripping narrative.

The characters are intricately woven into a tale of love, betrayal, and the complexities of power. The world-building is immersive, with each page unravelling new layers of the story's rich tapestry.

Vaughn's writing style effortlessly transports readers to a realm where political intrigue and personal dilemmas collide. The plot twists keep you on the edge of your seat, and just when you think you've figured it out, another curveball is thrown your way.

The artwork, skillfully crafted by the talented Leila del Duca, complements the narrative beautifully. The illustrations capture the essence of the characters and the world they inhabit, enhancing the overall reading experience.

"Ruined" is a journey that navigates the blurred lines between right and wrong, duty and desire. It's a graphic novel that leaves a lasting impression, inviting me to ponder morality's intricacies and the consequences of choice.

Oooh the vibes from this graphic novel. I loved this story so much! It really gives Pride and Prejudice. There are some explicit scenes which I wasn’t expecting, but I didn’t mind them at all. I loved the side-character arcs, and I thought the progression of Catherine and Andrew’s relationship was just so relaxing. They fall in love in such a slow pace, but it’s so cute to see how the little things bring them closer together. I loved the queer rep in the story as well. The ending was so sweet, and you just have a general feeling of soft happiness while reading this.

4.5/5 Stars

This book was just “meh” for me. I felt like I was reading it because I had to finish it instead of reading it because I wanted to finish it. I can’t quite put my finger on what it was.

I'm very new to graphic novels, but after reading this one which is a historical romance with an arranged marriage, I have to confess that I loved it and want to keep reading more of them.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC, I’m giving my honest review.

"Ruined" invites readers into a captivating graphic novel, artfully blending historical romance tropes with a dash of Bridgerton vibes. The story revolves around the arranged marriage of Catherine Benson, deemed ruined, to Andrew Davener, a man in need of her dowry. What commences as a marriage of convenience blossoms into a tale of mutual emotions, misunderstandings, and ultimately, a heartwarming conclusion.
The illustrations weren't my absolute favorite style. However, I don't feel this is a genre we often see in graphic novels and I'm excited to experience more. While some may critique the historical accuracy, the overall charm of the storytelling, with its delightful simplicity and heartfelt moments, resonates with those seeking a quick and enjoyable graphic romance. The tropes are as to be expected and I feel like readers know what they're getting into by the cover and description alone. No one would be surprised if you described this as Bridgeton in a graphic novel by the contents of the book.
"Ruined" offers a unique experience in the realm of graphic novels, blending romance with historical aesthetics. The creators' ability to infuse the storyline with Bridgerton-esque charm ensures a delightful journey through love, scandal, and redemption.

A really cute story that follows and arranged romance. I really like the illustrations and the emotions that they evoked. I really hope we get more graphic novels from this group in the future.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

Though this is a beautifully illustrated and introspective romance, I wonder if a graphic novel is the right form. As a story alone, this could have used space to explore some of the themes, relationships, and the world. As a graphic novel, on it's own, the pacing was jarring.

Would recommend for those interested in Bridgeton and actively seeking similar work.

This was an interesting graphical novel. Historic romance, a marriage of convenience story depicted well in an art form.

An enjoyable find.

My love of graphic novels and historical romances came together in the most delightful way when I read Ruined.

This is a graphic novel from Sarah Vaughn, Sarah Winifred Searle, and Niki Smith that packs in beloved historical romance tropes. Our heroine Catherine Benson is considered ruined and now the only match left for her to make is with Andrew Davener, who needs her dowry to save his family estate.

What begins as a marriage of convenience quickly evolves into mutual feelings, misunderstandings, longing, and (of course) a happy ending. This felt like such a fun little treat of a romance in a format I so rarely get to read them in. If you're looking for a quick, enjoyable, and open door graphic novel with a Bridgerton flair, you'll definitely want to check out Ruined!