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!