Honestly, I DNF this book right in the beginning. It's probably my mistake, because although I had read the summary, I didn't realize what it was... A strong sexual moment between a young woman and 5 men from the first chapter. So cringe, I kept feeling a mixture of discomfort and laughter. I thought I could advance further in my listening, but the fact that they were all his mates took away my desire. For me, this book is clearly an unrealistic desire that the author wanted to live out in her youth. I must still say that I loved the writing in the short time I listen it. Not for me, but thanks for this short adventure!

The cover is phenomenal! Gorgeous and eye catching, for sure.

I am so sad I did not feel a connection with this one.
Their definitely needed to be more development and background for the characters. I was having a hard time paying attention to the audio, because I just couldn't get into this book.

This is a very well-done audiobook. The majority is read from the female perspective and the narrator is spot on. She captures the essence of Kiarra perfectly. The smaller male part is also good but has more of a cameo so the reader does not get as invested in that narration. Overall enjoyable to listen to!

As far as the novel itself goes, this is very much a ‘get to the point’ paranormal romance - - you dive right into the story. There is not a lot of backstory or world-building. I did feel like the protagonist got stuck in a cycle of self-doubt which felt overly repetitive to me but beyond that, it was a decent read.
Please note before picking this book up there are a lot of dark, dark things going on - torture, mutilation, abuse, manipulation. Know what you are comfortable with before picking up.

Review based on an Advanced Audiobook provided by Dreamscapes Media and NetGalley. Thank you!

"Blood and Ruin" by Rumer Hale is a fast-paced paranormal romance that delves into a world where various supernatural beings coexist. The protagonist's determination to escape her oppressive environment drives the narrative forward, and the introduction of her five mates adds an intriguing layer to the story. While the premise is promising and the action scenes are well-executed, the story-building aspect of the book falters. Some plot points feel rushed, and certain character motivations could benefit from further exploration and development. Despite these drawbacks, the audiobook adaptation of "Blood and Ruin" is a compelling listening experience that enhances the enjoyment of Hale's paranormal romance.

This is a supernatural romance. The narrator does a great job of bring this book to life. Kiarra is physically and emotionally abused by King the ruler of the Cardinal Three. This book has good world building and character development. The descriptions of torture and sex can be a little difficult to listen to.

Kiarra is trapped. Alone without true friends, she has been trying to escape the clutches of her powerful stepfather, King, who rules Manhattan. But he is not interested in letting her or her rare powers go. Then, a most unusual thing happens - she reconnects with the five shifters of her youth, her best friends before captivity. Is this fate or design?

First, this is a very well done audiobook. The majority is done from the female perspective and the narrator is spot on. She captures the essence of Kiarra perfectly. The smaller male part is also good but really has more of a cameo so the reader does not get as invested in that narration. Overall very easy to listen to!

As far as the novel itself goes, this is very much a ‘get to the point’ paranormal romance - - you dive right into the story. There is not a lot of back story or world building so if you like just getting into a story and it’s emotions, this is for you. I did feel like the protagonist got stuck in a cycle of self doubt and self sacrifice which felt overly repetitive to me but beyond that it was a decent read. Please note before picking this book up there are a lot of dark, dark things going on - torture, mutilation, abuse, manipulation. Know what you are comfortable with before picking up. 3 stars.

Review based on a Advanced Audiobook provided by Dreamscapes Media and NetGalley. Thank you!

First of all, this book needed to have a trigger warnings page. Even though nothing too graphic happens, it definitely should be acknowledged that there is mentions of torture/abuse and death in this book. The mfc gets sexualized SO much. Like, an annoying amount. Even by her step-father who encourages this by buying clothes two sizes too small. Gross. I was confused as to why her step-father, King, stole her away and tortures her. Nothing was really explained. Why he was the villain was not explained. The characters didn't have personalities, there was no world building, and barely a plot. It was like there was a very strong bond between Kiarra and the boys but it was just stated. It wasn't explained, it wasn't shown. The narrator of the audiobook make Kiarra more whiny then I pictured her to be? I feel like this book read like it should be in a fantasy world but instead it was placed in New York which was under Kings rule?? That wasn't explained either.

The idea behind this book was cool but it just wasn't for me. I just had a hard time connecting with the characters and the writing. The was no spice and the tension was not tension-ing.

I got through it halfway and lost the audiobook from my Netgalley shelf app.
Although the book was fairly good, the audio was amazing. The plot and storyline gave me the Broken Bonds series vibe.
I will give it 4 stars. Liked it and will recommend it.

I really enjoyed this single narration audiobook. The narrator did a great job with the different voices/characters and situations.

The book itself lacked a little of world building and background story between the mates. I am still very interested and intrigued with how this story will continue!

Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me. I thought the narration was good. I just wasn’t a fan of the writing and the story didn’t capture me. Huge thanks to the audiobook publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to listen and review this book.

This book was amazing. The narrator really brought it to life for me. But the writing? Top notch. Such a great book.

Goodreads: March 3, 2024.
Youtube short: March 11, 2024 (link will be added once published)
Tumblr: March 3, 2024

If you want a book that has a pretty cover and is predominantly smut this is for you. There is a plot… but the plot is a sub-plot to the smut 😅

The book has a good plot BUT like I said the plot is secondary to the relationships in the book. Which again if that’s your thing then pick up this book you’ll love it.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review!

This was on my radar because I've read Laurel K. Hamilton books and the idea of multiple "mates" didn't scare me off. If I remember correctly, her main character has over 8 partners who all equal the same amount of nookie time. I just felt like this was a blatant grab for fans of those books. This is never winning any awards, and it's not great, there are many issues I can no longer ignore or write off as exotic (alpha male bull) but I admit I did read that when I was younger so there will be an audience for this. I just don't think I'll read any more from this author. Regardless of the talent.

I received an audio arc from NetGalley for review.
I quite enjoyed this book which was outside my normal type of Romantasy. I thought the characters were engaging and the story was pretty easy to follow but I do wish we got more backstory. I’ll also say I TOTALLY saw the shocking twist coming with the FMC’s friend. I won’t say more so not to completely spoil it. But all in all, I’ll definitely read the next book!

I want to thank Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to review this audiobook. Witch, I will be giving my honest and sincere review.

Slow burn: 💘 5/5
Spice: 🌶 3/5
Slowburn: 😮‍💨 4/5
Haters to lovers: 😡/🥵 2/5
Mates: 5/5
Magic:✨3/5
Politics: 🏛 2/5
Worldbuilding: 🏗 1/5 it's not intense at all

4,5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For the lovers of she's my mate, your mine, golden retriever boy, dark boy, shifters etc etc… trigger warnings ⚠️ Violence descriptive torture scenes , bad language, adult scenes & parents death. ⚠️


She's a 10 but she has more mates than a hand can count…

Kiarra is isolated from the world a freedom feels like a distant memory 6 years she's been under the punishments of the King, I felt for the main character right away. It's impossible not to after all the pain she's going through. She's strong and doesn't show weakness to do anything that threatens her. The world it's fairly similar to ours but they live under a Kings rule with all kinds of mystic species Shifters, Witches, Demons & Dumans.

Kiarra finds herself in a peculiar situation and it's non other than 5 friends she grew up with. They are mad at her but above all she their mate.

We have 5 completely different personalities and its going to make you giggle, kick, and gasp.
There where quotes that I loved.

“…Don't lie to me or yourself. I felt it. I felt you. That kiss was…”
Everything. It was everything and more. No words can describe the feeling of being surrounded by him. I feel safe and warm. I feel cherished and cared for and, for just a moment, slightly less broken.”

“You taste like sunshine and destruction, wrapped into one. It's fucking delicious.”

Honestly I'm getting the physical choppy as soon as possible I need to mark down my favorite scenes and quotes. The cover is so beautiful.

I'm not saying much more. But if you like The Bonds That Tie Series by J.Bree you will eat this up in no time. I was sad that was over.
The Narrators were absolutely 💯 amazing I loved them Scarlett Everdeen; Chase T. Walker.

Once I got past the amount of times King is mentioned in the first few chapters I started to love it. Reverse harem. Alpha’s. Magic. Ugh I loved it.

Five whole ass stars. I loved this. The Bonds That Tie is one of my favorite series, and dear heavens, this is sooo much like it. I CRIED. Listen to me. I. DO. NOT. CRY. I might tear up, but the bonding scene in this made me blubber like a baby. My husband came home in the middle and was like -slowly backs away- 😂😅 So, yeah, reverse harem/mates is my thing and this touched all the right places.

I really liked the blend of different magics in this book. I liked the idea of them knowing each other as children and being separated too. I liked the narrator a lot but the story itself felt a bit unoriginal.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! I was not sure what to expect from this book and was pleasantly surprised by how it sucked me right in. I want to know more about the world this book takes place in and all the supernatural beings in the book. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and that cliffhanger was really well done.

I like that the story is a RH but between childhood friends that she left behind so there is already a past relationship there, with the new mix of betrayal because they think she left them. I feel like if you are reading this first book, get ready to read the next ones, because you’ll want to know what happens after the ending. I thought the spice level was nice for the first book, they had great chemistry, and I can see the next books being more in depth. The narrators did a good job on the story and it looks like the other two audiobooks are scheduled to come out within the next couple months with multiple voice actors, so I’m thinking the next books have multiple POVs. I’m excited!
To wrap up, I liked the story and can’t wait to hear the rest of it.