This was the first graphic novel I’ve read in YEARS, and it isn’t something I normally reach for (I never boarded the heart stopper band wagon…) but I really enjoyed the format. The story was quite sweet and so easy to get through. It was a nice pallet cleanser in between meaty books and it was refreshing to have illustrations.
As a Stan of Bridgerton this was right up my street and I could easily get though a full series of them.

I had really high hopes for this one, since it was a historical romance and a graphic novel (two of my most read genres). Unfortunately I really didn’t care for the art style, which led me to not really caring what happened with the plot.

I was nervous. I very rarely find graphic novels that are romances and I had HIGH hopes for this one. I am happy to report that this did not disappoint in the slightest. This was a regency romance that was well worth its read. YOU LIKE PRIDE AND PREJUDICE? WELL HERE YOU GO

The illustrations were nice, although not my favourite of what I've seen, but listen... ANDREW? MY LIL TALL DARK AND BROODY? You'll love him. He's "not capable of loving someone new" but those are famous last words buddy.

I enjoyed every minute in this book. I want more. I can't wait to have it.

Thank you NetGalley and First Second for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The art I don’t believe was drawn well for Ravished. The story was okay, but I found it predictable. It seemed like there were some parts that didn’t really get resolved, and the plot felt rushed. I wasn’t able to get into the characters because the story felt rushed, and there were a number of characters that were introduced and then what happens to them? There doesn't seem to be a second book to this. For having 300+ pages, the plot felt long winded.

What a delight for this Bridgerton fan! This graphic novel was a real page turner for me. It was a graphic novel, romantic and “old timey” which means it was a perfect fit for me.

The premise was sweet, and the story was a quite romance that I enjoyed. It seemed rushed at times, especially the end where the male love interest realizes his feelings. The pacing didn't feel cohesive. I liked the art style, and would still recommend this book.

I was thrilled to see a romance graphic novel. I was a little disappointed because I thought reading the book's summary was important in understanding the plot when that should be unnecessary. I hope to see more romances in graphic novel format.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This was a very entertaining and enjoyable graphic novel perfect for regency fans! I think the art style was perfect for the story and although the graphic nature of the first spicy scene took me by surprise I think it really fitted well with the story. I would’ve liked more from these characters and thing that the side characters could benefit from another book in order to fully shine. If you’re a regency romance fan I would definitely recommend this as an easy and fun read that will leave you smiling for the characters.

AD/PR GIFTED

Great for fans of Bridgerton the tv show and regency romance in general. Diverse cast of characters and steamy scenes. The art stye took me a minute to get used to, but I did like it over all. While I appreciated the inclusion of Mary and Constance's characters, I think they could've had their own book. Overall though, I did like this a lot.

Thank you Netgalley and First Second for the arc!

I’m all for a regency era romance, so I snatched this up as soon as I saw it on NetGalley.

I loved the graphics; the overall design was charming and the color scheme added to the lighthearted nature of the story.

I enjoyed the story overall, but it did feel a bit rushed towards the end and the major romance itself left a little to be desired. I thought it was building up well, but the end fell flat for me.

I also appreciated the diversity and the inclusion of a gay couple. Gay people have always existed, but you don’t see them represented much in historical fiction, so that was a nice addition.

It was a quick read and I’d recommend. I’d hope for a follow up, but I’m sure this is all we’re getting of this story.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I was very excited to read this, hoping for a fun and sensual story, something more in line with Bridgeton and/or Austen’s work, and was sorely disappointed. I could see all the element that were drawn from both for inspiration and it left me just wanting to go to those stories. The art felt very juvenile compared to the subject matter which pulled me out of the story completely. It was very jarring, as I was expecting the art to look more like the cover, which is what drew me in. The supporting cast I found to be dull and ultimately took away from time that could be used to make me care about the leads, who also felt flat. I can’t say I would recommend this.

I really enjoyed this book. It had a pretty unique premise for a romance and I think it was done well. The characters are both diverse and have rich personalities and backstories. The romance was quite sweet, though not quite as steamy as I expected based on the description. Based on what I understand this book was made to appeal to Bridgerton fans. I’ve only seen a few episodes so I don’t know how those readers will perceive the story, but I really enjoyed it.

I like the idea of a graphic novel historical romance, but in practice, I did not enjoy this as much as I wanted to. I found it hard to connect with the characters and the story - I didn't connect with the art at all and had to flip back to the cover to be sure that the art inside was the same as the artwork on the cover. I felt like the lines and figures felt juvenile, even though the story is meant to be more mature. I think because part of what makes romance novels so fun to read is all of the feeling and connection through internal dialogue and huge casts of characters - which is hard to translate to panels and a limited number of pages.

Cathrine is at the base of some gossip that led to her accepting a marriage proposal that no one saw coming. Andrew is just trying to clean up the mess left by his father and brother. Her dowry was exactly what he needed. Beyond that, neither has any reason to be with the other, but Catherine, ever the romantic, starts to wonder if Andrew could love her. Andrew states he cannot, but Catherine starts to see otherwise. Together, they start to heal from past hurts.

I have waited for this book for years. Let me explain. A while back, a compilation of romance comics was released called Fresh Romance. In that first volume, there was a collection for Ruined, Vol. 1. That is the first version of this story. It was never finished and it was always one that I wish I knew how it ended.

When Sarah Winifred Searle announced that Ruined was getting published as a book with some changes and updates, I was ecstatic! Ruined in Fresh Romance was such a great start to a regency romance and I had been waiting more for this story. Having compared the first to this one, I like how they updated it. Catherine isn't quite the brokenhearted girl she is in the first version and she has a little more agency. Not to mention that this title has diversity of characters and queer representation (which we know existed in Regency times). The extra plot of Miss Lee and Catherine's sister Mary and their friend Constance adds depth to the story as Catherine grows as a person.

My only complaint is that is could have been a little longer or split over two volumes. The denouement felt a little rushed probably due to page constraints, but overall, I find it a comfortable read. I've already read it twice and I could read it many more times. I just adore this graphic novel (as a reader) and can't wait to get myself a physical copy. (I do not purchase for adult GN collections, but if I did, I'd probably get this.)

I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I knew going into this that there was about an 80% chance there would be sexual content. And in a graphic novel...

There is indeed sexual content. I didn't make it even a quarter of the way through the book. But. The art is charming and appropriate for the setting and the story was very intriguing. I think for lovers of regency romance who don't mind nudity, this book could be a good fit. I'm giving it 3 stars because of the quality of the art and the promising nature of the story, even though this was a DNF for me.

When I saw this book come on NetGalley and it was a period drama in graphic novel form I had to try it out. I'm glad it did but it did leave a little to be desired. The graphics for the most part were ok. They did a fairly good job of depicting the story and moving it along. I loved that the author and artist put a section in the back showing the creative process for a graphic novel. The storyline had a somewhat classic regency period plot line that was good. What fell flat for me was them actually falling in love. Without the more detailed plotline that you find in your regency era novels, I just didn't feel it or sense the sexual tension. The benefit of the graphic novel format however was that I could read a whole time period drama in one sitting. I'm just not sure that the pay off is worth it in this case. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ecopy of this book for an honest review!

I usually read my galleys in publication order, but I couldn't WAIT to start this one; I've been looking forward to it for literal years. I loved Ruined, I loved the story, I loved the colors, and I loved the emotions it evoked. It's so beautiful, and I can't wait to have a copy in my library and in my home!