Unfortunately this one missed the mark for me. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the art style, especially when the characters were drawn with certain expressions (it didn’t look good to me) and for it being a graphic novel, the art is the main focus really.
For a romance, I really couldn’t get behind it. I guess this type isn’t for me but the marriage of convenience and romance arc felt more awkward than swoon-worthy.

Ruined is a Regency-era graphic novel. It follows Catherine and Andrew.

Catherine has turned away every suitor, but this year after a scandal, her father made arrangements to marry her off to Andrew Davaner. He desperately needs the money and she needs a husband to shut off the rumours.

It was just supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but as they got to know each other, the sparks flew between them.

It's a slow-burn romance, but a good one. I liked the story but didn't like the artwork all that much.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and First Second for the ARC!

I was very excited by the premise of Ruined but ended up spending a lot of my time reading it slightly confused. It kept feeling like I was missing something, especially when it came to the side characters. As if there was backstory for them that got cut for time and they hoped we'd manage to figure it out.

This could be solved in publication for all I know, but the transition between scenes was very jarring a lot of the time. There were a few moments where it felt like a page was missing, then suddenly we're in a new scene. Perhaps the final version will have chapter transitions that could make this easier. But as it was it was confusing.

I also don't know if I really buy the transition in their love story. He comforted her once when she needed it and I see how it could've opened them up to each other more. But after that their time together was told in a montage and I didn't really get to see them fall in love. I wish we had gotten to see more of those moments. Dude literally falls down a hill and realizes he had fallen in love with her? Yeah, ok.

Unfortunately, not a fan of this one. Hopefully others will enjoy it more than I did.

I love a historical romance, and this might be the first graphic novel one that I’ve read. Ruined is a quick and heart wrenching story. After Catherine and Andrew are labeled “ruined” by society, each for their own reasons, they wed mostly as a way to save themselves and their families from disgrace. While a marriage of convenience helps them both, Catherine is still looking for love and hesitates to get close to Andrew. Over time these two learn to help each other while love starts to blossom, even if they’re not great at communicating that to one another. I really enjoyed watching these two eventually stumble into love and all of the side characters in the story were really great as well.

Ruined was a fun and quick read. However, it lacked a full depth to the characters which made them interesting but a little flat. Overall it was enjoyable but that was all.

This was such a cute graphic novel! I gotta admit, when I first saw the cover, I expected a different artstyle but that is just because the cover was so small on my laptop screen, it does fit!
I think storywise, this one could have been a bit longer so the readers could see more of the characters and especially I would have liked to see more of Gemma and how she overcomes her fears and not just her going outside at some point to comfort her brother. I think there were just a bit too many different storylines that were put out here to be really executed properly. I mean I liked all of it, but since there were so many different storylines to follow, I would have wished for more information on them all.
The artstyle was very cute, but I had some difficulties with imagining and understanding especially how old the characters are. It was kind of plain (which is not a bad thing!) so I would have hoped for a few more details on the characters. Sometimes the pages were also really fuzzy, but only the drawings and not the lines of the characters which made me a bit confused because that meant, that the fuzziness did not come from my phone but from the page itself.
All in all, still a very cute graphic novel, especially since it is completly in colour!

An easy and angsty read for fans of regency graphic novels! The storyline was simple and predictable of others in the genre but the author and illustrator truly depicted the conveyed the sadness, longing, and love of the characters throughout the book. My only wish was for more character expansion with the Catherine's past relationship and that of Andrew's family trauma (and his relationship with his sister). Otherwise, a great storyline and artwork.

This was my first graphic novel and I was completely smitten! Of course we know the P&P story and this retelling in GN format was so well done.

"Ruined" by Sarah Vaughn is a captivating blend of historical fiction and romance. The book's compelling storyline and vivid art kept me engrossed, offering a unique take on history and romance.

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I enjoyed the artistry of this graphic novel, but unfortunately it wasn't my cup of tea personally. While I typically enjoy a great romance, I just felt like this story wasn't for me and I couldn't push through to finish it.

The setting and setup of this comic is very familiar to anyone who has read Jane Austen or Julia Quinn, that should draw readers in. I stayed because of all the little modern sensibilities this title had, such as the diverse cast. Seriously, do you know how refreshing it is in a title like this that the lead couple actually talk to each other about their wants, needs and fears? They may not love, but they work well together and that's fine. The rest of the cast also show that there can be plenty of interpersonal drama that can be had and it's just as engaging when you like the characters it's happening to. Regency romance fans, and people curious about what appeals to said romance fans, should give this a look!

The art is well done and the concept is fantastic. It’s a short, easy read, but the plot is a little shallow.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for this ARC!

This is a fun read for those who love historical romance with Pride & Prejudice vibes. It's my first time seeing a HR as a graphic novel so I was really intrigued by it. While I didn't love the art style, the story was easy to follow and sweet. I enjoyed reading it!

This was a fun and steamy historical romance graphic novel that is perfect for fans of Bridgerton and regency romance. I liked the art style a lot! The color palate felt cozy and I loved seeing the fashion from that time period. The romance was really great to follow. Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes when it’s done well and this story definitely hit the mark. Even though it’s a graphic novel, it didn’t hold back on the spice, so just be aware that it does get, well, a bit graphic for lack of a better word.
This was an easy and quick read and I really enjoyed the story.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author/illustrators and the publisher for providing me an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

This was a really quick read. The art was nice. I just felt the plot wasn’t as flushed out as I would have wanted. It felt a bit too easy with not enough conflict or anything

From the gorgeous cover to the absolute romance and chemistry in this book, I was hooked. I finished it in a day while at work (oops). I loved the book!

Perfect for fans of Bridgerton, this book filled the regency romance genre to a T. Illustrations were more graphic then anticipated, definitely for an adult graphic novel audience rather than YA.

My first time trying graphic novel regency romance and I probably won't do it again. I found the story to be boring and the graphics could have been a lot better since this is supposed to be sexy and romantic, not look like something for kids.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for my advanced readers copy of Ruined by Sarah Vaughn.

Holy Moly was this book fantastic! Filled with romance and passion this book is a 5/5 stars from me. What is not to love about this book? Romance? Check. Marriage of Convenience? Check. A little bit of spice? Check.
Though I will admit I did not expect any spicy scenes to be in this novel, which is totally fine that there is, BUT I was reading this book in public so that was a little bit embarrassing for me. I thought this graphic novel was for teens. However, I would say it's more new adult age than teenager age.
Overall, this historical romance was a wonderful read! I cannot wait to read more by Sarah Vaughn!

"Ruined" by Sarah Vaughn is a captivating Regency-era romance graphic novel that skillfully weaves together themes of societal expectations, duty, and the unexpected blossoming of love. Set in a time when reputations are fragile and appearances are everything, the story revolves around Catherine Benson, a woman whose reputation is marred by rumors of her lost virtue. Enter Andrew Davener, a man in dire need of Catherine's dowry to restore his family's estate. What starts as a marriage of convenience slowly evolves into a complex, emotionally charged relationship that defies societal norms.

Sarah Vaughn's storytelling shines in "Ruined," capturing the intricate nuances of Regency society while delving into the characters' internal struggles. The vivid artwork by Sarah Winifred Searle beautifully complements the narrative, bringing the characters and their world to life. The attention to historical detail immerses readers in the elegance and constraints of the Regency era.

As Catherine and Andrew navigate their complicated feelings for each other, the graphic novel skillfully explores the tension between societal expectations and personal desires. The slow-burn romance is built on genuine emotional connections, and the characters' growth is authentic and compelling. Catherine's journey from societal pariah to a woman asserting her agency is particularly empowering.

"Ruined" delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, and the power of love to transcend obstacles. The tender and poignant moments between the characters are balanced with the challenges they face as they navigate the complexities of their relationship.

In the midst of a Regency setting filled with gossip, hidden emotions, and societal constraints, "Ruined" offers a refreshing take on romance, showcasing the transformative power of genuine connection. Sarah Vaughn's storytelling, combined with the exquisite illustrations of Sarah Winifred Searle, makes "Ruined" a must-read for fans of historical romance and graphic novels alike.