In a world of dark romance, arranged marriage, enemies-to-lovers, this book was a wonderful relief. This book follows Sophie, a haphephobic women, and her husband, Viktor. Although I have never read any books by this author, she wrote beautifully. From their first interaction, Grays captivated my attention, . And so I read, entranced by every sensitive moment, every longing glance. Unlike many books I read, I never felt irritated at the main characters; instead, with every word, I fell deeper into their story, forging a connection only a reader and their favorite characters can. Their relationship is truly one to be modeled after, a realistic goal and my new standard. This book constitutes as a slow burn, yet at no point did the author lose my interest. No, I was hooked in the budding romance from start to finish, done in one sitting. The Ruined Bride refreshingly did not replicate the BookTok favorite of forced arranged marriage— instead a beautiful, uniquely woven path of an intelligent woman and her enabling husband.

Other bonus points:

green flag man

a woman who knows what she wants

a relationship worth fighting for

sarcastic wife and husband

The only part of this book that disappointed me was when it was over and I had to leave Sophie and Viktor behind. I was almost immediately invested in Sophie's life and her recovery. Lily did an amazing job of showing how a woman who has experienced what Sophie did, can still be strong. I felt the romance happened on a realistic timeline and I appreciated Sophie's healing journey was not reduced to Viktor having a magic ****.

Speaking of Viktor, that man can yearn. He's only a man so of course he's made some mistakes but he's patient and kind with Sophie. He's 'broken' in a different way than she is, but end up helping each other. I wish we would've gotten to see more of his personal journey.

It looks as if a sequel is planned, and i will absolutely be keeping an eye out for it.

This was an absolute standout read! I loved the relationship between Sophie and Viktor, especially because Viktor wasn't the stereotypical domineering hero. His patience, kindness, and respect for Sophie's trauma made their slow-building romance incredibly rewarding and heartfelt.

Watching Sophie gradually heal and regain her confidence was one of my favorite parts of the story. Their relationship felt genuine, emotional, and earned, making every small step forward meaningful. My only complaint is that I wanted even more of them together once they finally opened up to each other... I wasn't ready for their story to end.

This was a beautifully written story about healing, trust, and finding love after unimaginable trauma. I'll definitely be reading more from Lily D. Grays in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

An absolute banger of a read! I loved everything about this book! One of the main things I love was how Viktor was not the typical mafia-esque man that is normally read about. He was kind and patient. He waited for Sophia to make the first moves and respected the fact that she couldn’t be touched at all due to her trauma. He was the most respectful and wonderful husband, he was just what Sophia needed. Viktor was able to get Sophia out of her shell, help her be able to handle human touch again. He picked up on all her quirks and didn’t judge her for them, only helped her grow and adjust to life after trauma. My heart melts thinking about them. I also loved how Sophia was incredibly understanding at the end when she found out Viktor had put the ‘seed’ of kidnapping into Sebastian’s mind, all due to some high words that were not meant to ever become true. She was valid in her anger, but she didn’t let it consume her or let it lead to resentment. She grew from it and recognized that he never meant for her to actually get kidnapped.
I do wish that we got more of their touchy-feely love. They finally were holding hands and loving each other at the end, I just wanted a few more chapters of their outspoken love, since we got a lot of the secret love. Overall, an amazing read, definitely keeping an eye out for other works by this author!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Book has a nice flow throughout the whole story. Very nicely done. Loved every second of it. Happy to see how they grow closer with every chapter. 🥰

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

My very first NetGalley ARC and honestly, I couldn't have asked for a better introduction.

As someone who's constantly reading 500+ page romance books, this felt like such a nice palate cleanser. It's on the shorter side, but it never felt rushed. The story gets right into it, and I appreciated not having to wait forever for things to start happening. It was just a really easy book to sink into.

My favorite part of this book was the way it handled trauma and healing. The MMC is incredibly patient, respectful, and gives the FMC the space she needs throughout her journey. I also loved seeing a family that supports her without putting a timeline on her healing. That representation felt really thoughtful and was easily my favorite aspect of the story.

Also... I will never complain about a rich fictional man. Vik is RICH rich, and let's just say the allowance conversation had me laughing.

Now, if you're looking for a super spicy romance, this isn't it. I'd personally rate the spice a 🌶️/5 based on what I normally read. That being said, I actually think the lower spice level fit this story perfectly because every romantic moment felt intentional and respectful.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. If you're looking for a romance that focuses on healing, has a respectful book boyfriend, billionaire vibes, and a story that doesn't overstay its welcome, I'd definitely recommend adding this to your TBR.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

this was a really great book to get immersed into. it was to the point, to its point and was all the better for being so. the angst and bottom falling out of things in other books of its ilk has bee feeling a bit like they are competing to hurt th readers hearts the most at the moment(some not all) and i keep stumbling across them and coming out not feeling uplifted but rather like ive just been through an emotional boxers ring!
but that doesn't mean it was any less readable and thoughtful with what both characters go through.
Sophie had been through enough. shed been through alot. and i looooooved the way Viktor was not twenty shades of red flag(another thing i keep seeing right now and is excused in male characters recently). hes strong and solid but hes ever so patient. hes never forceful or bordering on unkind. hes there. he present. with her every step of the way. and in some future universe with these two i loved thinking how she would definitely always be the same with and for him.
the way healing was handled actually in this whole book was done so well. i appreciate Lily's approach to that the whole way through.
this was such a meet characters where they are at kind of read. and it was so refreshing! and that doesn't mean it took away from the romance or zing. if anything it made it even more impactful and true for me.
i could have spent way more time with these two. and im so glad when a book makes me want to know what happens next XForever. and this pair did that for me.
i needed this book. i needed this book to get me believing in non intimidating males in this genre and Lily did that for me with bells on. whilst also given me a woman who wasn't a victim and then somehow one of the MMC and had been trough something but still was her own kind of fierce and strong. and was helped and supported not forced by MMC. and there right back for him too.

ARC review through Netgalley thank to the Victory Editing team & the author ☆

This was a great underworld/ marriage of convenience book !
Some of the themes are quite dark and truggering so check your trigger warnings before reading ! ⚠️
That being said: I truly appreciated how the FNC, Sophie, while having survived very traumatic events is still somewhat a soft and kind character.
Her story made sense and the romance didn't feel rushed or fake.

It missed a little bit of a unpredictable sparkle to be a 5☆ but all in all, this was a very solid book!

This story is about two people, Viktor and Sophie who have damaged reputations. These two come together in an arranged marriage. He says it would help secure an alliance and she wants out of her family home. But there is more to it than what Viktor is letting on.

My favorite parts of the book were Sophie and Viktor getting to know each other. Their interactions and subtle exchanges each one catches onto was so amusing to read. Her outbursts and his reactions to them, so good. I loved Viktor's approach with Sophie and how he navigates their marriage. I loved seeing Sophie’s healing journey from her traumatic past and her growth by the end of the story. Overall, I’d recommend this book to readers who love a slow burn, arranged marriage.

Thank you NetGalley and Silk & Stone Press for the ARC read. All opinions are my own

First off, I just want to thank the amazing author, Lily D. Grays and her publication team for allowing me the chance to read this beautiful masterpiece! This was my first ever ARC and I am so glad, because I could not have picked a better one if I tried.

This book features themes of dark romance, arranged marriages, and enemies-to-lovers, and is in all honesty, quite refreshing from the countless other books that feature the same themes.

The book follows Sophie and her husband, Viktor, as they navigate their marriage and slowly rebuild themselves with the support of the other. Their pasts weren't easy, but together, their futures look brighter.

While I have never read a book from this author before, she wrote so beautifully and I am excited to read more of her works! This book really captivated my attention, so much so, I could not put it down and finished it within two days!

Not to mention, what sets it apart from all the other books I have read with similar themes. In this book, you get to witness Sophie grow and flourish from this fragile glass doll everyone tiptoed around to this vibrant and amazing woman. And unlike many arranged marriage tropes, this one was full of love, understanding and patience.

Viktor is the type of MMC that I wish we'd see in more books. He is kind, understanding and would do anything for Sophie. Instead of forcing himself upon Sophie, he respected her and her boundaries, waited for her to make the first move. He would move heaven and earth, if Sophie even so much as hinted that's what she wanted. When she wanted to discuss business, he didn't mock or belittle her for it being a "mans business" but instead sought out ways to help her flourish. If that doesn't scream what an absolute gentleman he is, I don't know what will.

I only wish we got a bit more scenes of them when Sophie was finally able to establish touch again. But overall, this book was everything and more and am excited to read more of Lily D. Grays works in the future!

To end this review, I will leave you with this snippet:

"And what if she decides to divorce you." -Yann
"Then that means I failed as a husband." Viktor

So damn beautiful. Sophie and Viktor had such a long slow burn, but the small moments between them made the wait worthwhile.

First of all, a big thank you to Sillk & Stone Press and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC. Now, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, immersing myself in its pages and finishing it in just one day, a clear testament to how engaging and captivating I found the story. The intricate plot kept me turning the pages late into the night.
What struck me the most was the romance at the heart of the narrative. It was beautifully crafted and filled with tension and chemistry, making it impossible for me to put the book down. However, I felt that Sophie's character development was a bit too rapid for my taste. An evolution that unfolded more gradually could have added significant depth and richness to her journey, allowing us to fully appreciate her growth and the challenges she faced along the way.
On the other hand, I absolutely adored Viktor. He presented a rough, unapproachable exterior that initially made him seem intimidating. Still, as the story progressed, it became clear that he had a genuinely lovable and kind-hearted nature beneath that tough façade. His complexity added a fascinating dynamic to the story, and I found myself rooting for him as his true character was revealed. Overall, the combination of romance and character exploration made this read truly unforgettable.

Pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this story! The slow-burn romance was perfectly crafted and lovely to watch unfold. I was hooked from the beginning and didn’t want it to end.

Instantly immersed in this one! Sophie and Viktor’s arranged marriage gave me everything — the stolen glances, the little exchanges, the slow build. So much fun to watch unfold.
What really got me was Sophie’s healing. She’s carrying a lot, and the book doesn’t rush past it — it lets her rebuild at her own pace. And Viktor? Exactly the male lead I needed right now: steady, patient, never pushy. He doesn’t try to fix her, he just stays. Their bond felt so rooted in trust, which honestly feels rare lately with all the “red flag but make it romantic” heroes.
Only gripe: the ending. The mystery around Sophie’s past was compelling, but the answers all landed in a rushed final stretch instead of unfolding gradually.
Even so, I wanted way more time with these two. A slow-burn healing romance done right.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC!

4.5 ⭐️
“This meant more than any gift he could have possibly given me. He had listened. And that… that was everything”
Thank you to the author for sending me an advanced readers copy! I really enjoyed this book and it was so easy to read. Viktor is a new boyfriend of mine and we will have to share.
This book is perfect if you are looking for a smart romance novel with a smart and strong female character.
This was amazing, and I am forever grateful to the author for writing this masterpiece. 💗

I consumed this book in a single day. I really liked the uniqueness of the plot and the characters. What a great first book! The cover, title and desciption caught my attention and the writing really sucked me in. It was a slow burn, unique arranged marraige, book that I would definetly reccomended.

3.75⭐️
I received an ARC of the Ruined Bride from Net Galley and Silk & Stone Press. This is an arranged marriage book with an extremely slow burn, protective mmc and fmc who has experienced a traumatic event. It’s a slow burn where the mmc, Viktor, doesn’t push Sophie and slowly they build their connection. Overall, this was a good read and I enjoyed Lily’s writing!

Thanks to Silk & Stone Press and Net Galley for this ARC.

I honestly love the buildup between the two main characters, and I like how the dynamics towards it in the book of everybody changes. I also really enjoy the fact that the father is business, but he understands that his children have feelings and it’s a different perspective to see because normally you have parents I don’t care about their children. I do think it would be helpful to have a scene on what happened in the past because you don’t fully understand what happened to her only assumptions and you kind of have to peace together having it be explained a little bit more would be very helpful. I also hope you have another book to continue the series because that is such a cliffhanger.

I never expected to read this book in 2 days! Turns out, it was just what I needed for my summer reading. I admit I have a soft spot for stories about forced proximity - and better yet - about men who help women overcome their trauma. And the romance between Sophie and Viktor was all that.

I guess I was expecting more of the same - some alpha domineering male that sweeps the heroine off her feet, and in a second she overcomes her struggles with intimacy and sex (to the point of it being too unbelievable and ridiculous). However, this is not what happened with this story. For a change, there was no alpha male, no incredible and relentless sex scenes that make you roll your eyes at some point, no hot and heavy, sudden passion.

I loved how the author portrayed and described Sophie's suffering and coping with trauma, and how she made progress with herself and Viktor. The way their romance builds is also really sweet. I also liked the fact that we got access to his point of view once in a while.

Thank you, Lily D. Grays, you inspired me to look for and read other similar books!

Ruined Bride have my heart. New author to me, but a so good in the begining.. Mariage for contract and love is begining. That is tight love story with mafia thems and dark elements. I like it, how author writen the action, tension and the drama..

Guys, I demolished this book in an afternoon/evening. I ate it up. I gave up sleep for this story.

I was immediately invested in Sophie’s story and whilst it was dual POV, it was her story to tell. And oh, the yearning! The way Viktor gave her the space she needed to come out of her shell, heal from her trauma and how, in her own way, allowed him time to heal from his - chef’s kiss!

Whilst the timeline of this story felt a little odd-was it 80’s/90’s, I dunno, this story was perfect.

Everyone should read this book.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with this arc.

I really enjoyed the book and the Story it told.

We follow the Story from Sophies point of view and later also from Viktors point of view.
Sophie used to be engaged to another man untill something traumatic happended and changed everything. The engagement ended and Sophie was seen as „damaged goods“ as a result to not seem as damaged she decides to marry the mmc.

I really loved the Character dyamic between the two, that he understood her and helped her become her true self and never pushed her.
The Evolution of the Fmc was great and I really liked the Character she became.

Viktor was the opposite of every mafia man trope cliche and I loved every second. He was so caring and genuine with Sofie after all her trauma. Their romance was great slow burn build up that I thoroughly enjoyed. Moments with them had me cheesing and swooning at their long lasting love.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy!

I give this 4 ⭐️s.

I enjoyed this one a lot. And for a debut novel? It did deliver. I mean, I'm a simple girl, you give me an obsessed, possessive men then I'm going to devour it.

I love both MCs.

I understand Victor's protectiveness but would've loved for him to be more open. He likes to read between Sophie's reactions and honestly, not all are accurate so he ended up assuming things. Then miscommunications enter.

Sophie is a one tough cookie. I love her. People may think she's weak but overtime she has proven to be stronger, intelligent and strategic. Not going to lie though, pulling a company out of bankruptcy on your first year without any business background aside from reading and annotating is a stretch but hey, it's fiction so I'm for it.

I loved how she fought for both of them. And no 3rd act breakup!!! LOVE!

Overall, this is a good debut book. I read it in less than 48 hours.

Looking forward to the next book. I am intrigued already.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.

"A year ago, I'd sat at this table unable to bear anyone's touch. Now..."

The Ruined Bride was an emotional, beautifully written slow burn that completely pulled me in. I actually went into this unsure if this would be for me. Rather than relying on over-the-top drama, this story focuses on healing, trust, and two broken people finding their way toward one another. Sophie immediately had my heart. Watching her navigate the aftermath of trauma while trying to reclaim her voice and sense of self was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her struggles felt authentic, and I appreciated that her healing wasn't rushed for the sake of the romance. Viktor was exactly the kind of hero I love—protective without being overbearing, patient, and willing to meet Sophie where she was emotionally. Their arranged marriage begins as a transaction, but the gradual shift from obligation to genuine care was incredibly satisfying. Every small step forward in their relationship felt earned. The emotional tension carried this story just as much as the romance. LOVE that the author gave us an epilogue that was in Viktor's POV. The forced proximity, marriage of convenience, and slow-burn relationship were all executed beautifully, making the payoff all the more rewarding. If you enjoy character-driven romances with emotionally complex characters, and healing after trauma, The Ruined Bride is absolutely worth picking up. Just be sure to check the content warnings before diving in.

This was so fun. I fell in love with the characters immediately and I just loved the atmosphere of the story. Cant wait for more.