The Love & Ruin Series by J.A. Owenby

The shadows have always been my safe place. I prefer to hide, stay under the radar.In a rare burst of bravery,I decide to go to college far away.But people are cruel everywhere, and even though I’m far from home, I still want to hide.Until Hendrix.He sees me. Defends me.At first he seems too good to be true, but he wins my trust, makes me feel safe in his presence. Until I can step out of the shadows... moreThe shadows have always been my safe place. I prefer to hide, stay under the radar.In a rare burst of bravery,I decide to go to college far away.But people are cruel everywhere, and even though I’m far from home, I still want to hide.Until Hendrix.He sees me. Defends me.At first he seems too good to be true, but he wins my trust, makes me feel safe in his presence. Until I can step out of the shadows.We bond over a shared love of music, healing the broken parts deep inside me,forging a connection that seems unbreakable.But accusations surface that make me question everything.How well can you really know someone after only a few short months?I thought loving Hendrix would make me better.Will it end up ruining me instead? ** Love & Ruin is the first book in The Love & Ruin Series. Hendrix and Gemma's story continues in Love & Deception and finished with an HEA in Love & Redemption.  ** This book includes language, sex, and violence. less

Home, heartbreaking home. The last thing I wanted was to come back to Louisiana,but with my father reeling from a family tragedy,someone has to make the arrangements anddeal with the aftermath.I hold everything together,even while drowning in my own grief—both for my family and the perfect life I had at school.When Hendrix shows up trying to convince me to take him back,I push him away.Dealing with him on top of my dad’s drinking is just too much.I don’t even know what to think... moreHome, heartbreaking home. The last thing I wanted was to come back to Louisiana,but with my father reeling from a family tragedy,someone has to make the arrangements anddeal with the aftermath.I hold everything together,even while drowning in my own grief—both for my family and the perfect life I had at school.When Hendrix shows up trying to convince me to take him back,I push him away.Dealing with him on top of my dad’s drinking is just too much.I don’t even know what to think.But Hendrix is persistent,writing to me, being there for me,letting me know that I still matter and that he’s not going anywhere.His determination sparks a glimmer of hope,but my dad once again finds a way to ruin everything.More secrets.More lies.How can anything ever be right again? less

My demons always follow me …Despite having to testify against my father,the rest of my life seems to finally be getting on track.I get to perform with Hendrix,my friends support me,I once again have love and am finding happiness.But every time I think I can claw my way out of the darkness,it sucks me back down.A storm rips through town, killing hundreds, injuring more.Including Hendrix.He lingers in a coma for weeks before finally waking up.When he does, nothing is the same... moreMy demons always follow me …Despite having to testify against my father,the rest of my life seems to finally be getting on track.I get to perform with Hendrix,my friends support me,I once again have love and am finding happiness.But every time I think I can claw my way out of the darkness,it sucks me back down.A storm rips through town, killing hundreds, injuring more.Including Hendrix.He lingers in a coma for weeks before finally waking up.When he does, nothing is the same.When my father gets off on a technicality,he comes after me in retaliation.I can’t leave my past behindno matter how far I try to run.Nowhere is safe.I’m a target at home and a target at school.Will there ever be a time when I can just be safe and happy?Or am I not allowed to have a happily ever after? less

A friends-to-lovers, brother’s best friend standalone romance with an HEA and no cliffhanger. My brother’s best friend wants to save me ...  I just don’t know if I can be saved. After surviving a kidnapping that wrecks me in every way that matters my older brother invites me to tag along on tour with August Clover— his indie rock band that’s taking the world by storm.  But my nightmares won’t let me rest.  When Cade Richardson invites me into his bed I try to resist... moreA friends-to-lovers, brother’s best friend standalone romance with an HEA and no cliffhanger. My brother’s best friend wants to save me ...  I just don’t know if I can be saved. After surviving a kidnapping that wrecks me in every way that matters my older brother invites me to tag along on tour with August Clover— his indie rock band that’s taking the world by storm.  But my nightmares won’t let me rest.  When Cade Richardson invites me into his bed I try to resist. There are so many reasons— after all, he’s my brother’s best friend. One of my oldest friends. And as the lead guitarist, a notorious player. Not just a different girl in every town.  But a different girl every night.  All he wants is to keep me safe. And after everything I’ve been through, how can I refuse?  When friendship turns to something more we agree to keep it under wraps, afraid that knowledge of our relationship will upset the delicate balance on the tour.  When my kidnapper lands an unexpected blow, I withdraw from everyone.  If I can be hurt like this even with my brother and one of my oldest friends protecting me,  when will I ever feel safe again? Cade’s not ready to let me go.  But with a past like mine, will he eventually give up? Or decide that love is worth the consequences?   While you don't need to read the first three books in this series to enjoy Love & Consequences, it is highly recommended. This book is adult/new adult, and it is only suitable for readers aged seventeen and older due to mature content. less

A second chance, suspenseful standalone romance with an HEA and no cliffhanger. They say it’s better to have loved and lost …    They’re full of sh*t. Nine years ago, I walked away from Sutton Forrester.  I’d promised her my future,  but I had to leave in order to save her. I became a marine and now a bodyguard  and turned off my feelings a long time ago. When she shows up at my door pleading with me to find her missing sister, all those old feelings come rushing back... moreA second chance, suspenseful standalone romance with an HEA and no cliffhanger. They say it’s better to have loved and lost …    They’re full of sh*t. Nine years ago, I walked away from Sutton Forrester.  I’d promised her my future,  but I had to leave in order to save her. I became a marine and now a bodyguard  and turned off my feelings a long time ago. When she shows up at my door pleading with me to find her missing sister, all those old feelings come rushing back. I try to ignore them,  but the more time I spend with her,  the harder they are to resist.  The harder she is to resist. But is the woman I turned my back on willing to give me a second chance? Or have my actions destroyed any possibility of a future together? ** While you don't need to read the Love & Ruin series or Love & Consequences to enjoy this book, it is highly recommended. This book is second chance, suspenseful romance and is only suitable for readers aged seventeen and older due to mature content. less

A proper Southern girl never uses the F-bomb,or considers taking steamy pictures for her fiancé.But I’m no longer a proper Southern girl.I’ve moved beyond my religious upbringing and my violent past.I’m ready to try new things with Hendrix,to prove to myself that I’m strong and desirable.With the nudge of my best friend,I come up with a special Valentine’s Day gift for the love of my life.But being a famous singer quickly puts me in an unwanted spotlightand unleashes a media frenzy... moreA proper Southern girl never uses the F-bomb,or considers taking steamy pictures for her fiancé.But I’m no longer a proper Southern girl.I’ve moved beyond my religious upbringing and my violent past.I’m ready to try new things with Hendrix,to prove to myself that I’m strong and desirable.With the nudge of my best friend,I come up with a special Valentine’s Day gift for the love of my life.But being a famous singer quickly puts me in an unwanted spotlightand unleashes a media frenzy.Now the people I love the most are reaping the consequences.Did I make a huge mistake?Or is this the push I needed to create the life I’ve always wanted in the bedroom?★This Valentine's Day novella should be read in order as book four of the Love & Ruin series and includes the first chapter of Love & Consequences.★ less

I made a deal with the devil. Now he’s here to collect.After nearly being sold as a sex slave, I struggle to manage the painful wreckage of my life. But when my past comes back to haunt me, my enemies are prepared to retaliate. This time, they won’t rest until I’m dead.With no other option, I’m forced into hiding. Surrounded by security, I find myself in a precarious position. All bodyguards are forbidden. But the moment I lay eyes on the mysterious and sexy Vaughn Reddington, all bets are off... moreI made a deal with the devil. Now he’s here to collect.After nearly being sold as a sex slave, I struggle to manage the painful wreckage of my life. But when my past comes back to haunt me, my enemies are prepared to retaliate. This time, they won’t rest until I’m dead.With no other option, I’m forced into hiding. Surrounded by security, I find myself in a precarious position. All bodyguards are forbidden. But the moment I lay eyes on the mysterious and sexy Vaughn Reddington, all bets are off. I’m supposed to keep him at arm’s length, but that proves difficult when he saves my life. Suddenly, temptation never looks more inviting.As the danger escalates, our bond grows deeper. In a split second, my world is shattered, and everything is ripped away from me, including Vaughn.Is our relationship strong enough to survive the devastation?Love & Seduction is a dark and angsty standalone in the Love & Ruin series. If you like forbidden love and edge-of-your-seat suspense, then one-click J.A. Owenby’s nail-biting novel. less

I’ve been touched by darkness.So I know the light when I see it.My light is a man who’s strong and loving …yet he’s wrestling with his own haunted past.He’s kneeling at my feet, asking me to marry him.Hendrix is everything I’ve ever wanted and everything I thought I didn’t deserve.My cake has been ordered.My wedding dress is ready.But that darkness of my past is back once more.I’d never let anything happen to ruin our special day,then a letter finds its way to me... moreI’ve been touched by darkness.So I know the light when I see it.My light is a man who’s strong and loving …yet he’s wrestling with his own haunted past.He’s kneeling at my feet, asking me to marry him.Hendrix is everything I’ve ever wanted and everything I thought I didn’t deserve.My cake has been ordered.My wedding dress is ready.But that darkness of my past is back once more.I’d never let anything happen to ruin our special day,then a letter finds its way to me.A letter written behind prison cell walls. Its promise: to shatter my world.Three days before my wedding, he’s striding through the gates of prison …Vowing he loves me more than ever before.Can I hold on when my entire life starts to crumble?Will love be enough when I stand before evil himself?★Love & Vengeance is a dark, gritty, and emotional new adult novel and ends on a cliffhanger. Love & Retaliation is in Hendrix’s POV, available for pre-order, and releases June 10th. It’s recommended for readers who enjoy darker romance. ✓May contain triggers for some readers.◆While you don't need to read the Love & Ruin series to enjoy this book, it is highly recommended. less

My truth is gone, stolen by a monster.The One who trades my father’s life for hers.This man is more than a psychopath.Men of his kind have no conscience. No soul. No goodness left.Now, he’s taken my fiancée.I’ll do anything to get her back.Anything. Even if it means becoming the man I never wanted to be.The kind who fights evil with bloody knuckles and shards of glass.The man who’ll fight for her and keep on fighting.But when I find the woman I love, something’s not quite right... moreMy truth is gone, stolen by a monster.The One who trades my father’s life for hers.This man is more than a psychopath.Men of his kind have no conscience. No soul. No goodness left.Now, he’s taken my fiancée.I’ll do anything to get her back.Anything. Even if it means becoming the man I never wanted to be.The kind who fights evil with bloody knuckles and shards of glass.The man who’ll fight for her and keep on fighting.But when I find the woman I love, something’s not quite right.The spark in her eyes is gone and so are her memories.When her captor makes a move we can’t predict, our world spirals out of control.My battle to rescue her body is one thing ... but the battle for her soul has just begun.Love & Retaliation is a dark, gritty, and emotional new adult novel. It’s recommended for readers who enjoy darker romance. May contain triggers for some readers.** This is not a standalone novel and Love & Vengeance MUST be read first. less

Zayne Wilson thinks he saved me. He didn’t.I would be better off dead. And if he knew the truth, he would agree.I can’t decide if Zayne is a monster I’m supposed to hate, or if he’s the one who will save me from all the others. Only time will tell, and mine is running out again.She’s off-limits. Forbidden. Untouchable.But I can’t stop wanting Giselle.I was hired to protect her.I thought I saved her, but I couldn’t have been more wrong... moreZayne Wilson thinks he saved me. He didn’t.I would be better off dead. And if he knew the truth, he would agree.I can’t decide if Zayne is a monster I’m supposed to hate, or if he’s the one who will save me from all the others. Only time will tell, and mine is running out again.She’s off-limits. Forbidden. Untouchable.But I can’t stop wanting Giselle.I was hired to protect her.I thought I saved her, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.The truth is twisted, dark, and more horrific than I could ever have imagined.Now, I can’t walk away from the woman who owns my heart.I’ll do anything for Giselle … including die, if it sets her free.This full-length novel is a dark, enemies-to-lovers, forbidden, forced proximity romance standalone featuring an alpha hero that will stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves. Sizzling chemistry, all the feels, and edge-of-your-seat moments will have you glued to your kindle. No cheating, no cliffhanger, and a happily ever after guaranteed!TW (Please see the author's note on the inside). less