4.5⭐️
If you’re a sucker for a dark, twisted, Greek mythology retelling, with lots of angst and spice, then this needs to be next up on your TBR. Cuz DAMN… this was an absolutely delicious romp through some of my all time favorite tropes, and I loved every minute of it. Umm… a sentient labyrinth? Ex lovers hit HARD with some forced proximity? An adorable sidekick? YES PLEASE.🖐️

Sadare awakens in a stone labyrinth, devoid of all memories, save the knowledge that she is a sorceress. To make matters worse, she’s trapped in the maze with a dangerous, sexy, demonic immortal, who just might be the death of her. In order to survive, and eventually escape, they need to team up, and conquer all manner of deadly challenges, as they work their way towards the center.

The tension and banter were top-tier, and the chemistry between the MCs was off the damn charts! When the spice hit, it was lucious and all consuming, and I was living for it. 🥵 The heated scenes were ample, but played in beautifully to the story, and did not overtake the plot. I thought it was the perfect balance between spice and story.

So much angst and action woven through this beautifully crafted Minotaur retelling, with enough plot twists and mystery to keep you guessing. There was a dark, emotional layer to the story, as well, which had me fully invested in the characters and their journeys. This book ticked so many boxes for me, and I’m so glad I was drawn to it by those gorgeous gilded edges. 👀 10/10 recommend. 👏🏻👏🏻

Exquisite Ruin by Adrianne May

A dark and unique romantasy set in a deadly maze.
I really enjoyed this story! I loved that the FMC had amnesia and had no idea what she had done to end up in the maze. Experiencing the mystery alongside her made the journey even more intriguing and kept me hooked.
The humor woven throughout the book was a great touch, and the animal companion, Pogli, was one of my favorite elements. He’s such a unique creature, and I adored every scene he was in—especially when he came to the FMC’s rescue. I imagine him as the kind of “so ugly, he’s cute” creature, which just made him all the more endearing.
There were a couple of twists toward the end that caught me completely off guard. I’ll admit, I had to pause and rethink everything that had happened, but it didn’t take away from the story or make it difficult to follow—just added to the wild ride.
Overall, this was a fresh and enjoyable read with an eerie, immersive atmosphere and some truly unexpected turns. If you're looking for something different in the dark romantasy genre, this is worth checking out!

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for this ARC copy.

Exquisite Ruin by AdriAnne May is a dark and steamy fantasy inspired by the Minotaur myth. It follows Sadaré, a sorceress who wakes up in a mysterious labyrinth with no memory, and Daesra, a powerful daemon who seems to hate her. As they navigate the shifting maze, secrets unravel, and their connection grows in unexpected ways.

The book is atmospheric, with vivid worldbuilding and a tension-filled enemies-to-lovers romance. It’s packed with twists, morally gray characters, and some intense moments. While the plot can be a bit intricate, fans of dark fantasy romance will love the mix of mystery, magic, and passion. Just be ready for some mature themes!

A big shout out and thank you to the publisher and Coloured Pages Book Tours for including me in the book tour for Exquisite Ruin and providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!

I think reading Exquisite Ruin was certainly an experience quite unlike any other. Books that truly pull you into its world and enthrall you with its words are always special and Exquisite Ruin is definitely a book that you can get lost into (ha!) rather swiftly.

The first perhaps… ten percent of the book was a bit slower on the pace. While the set up was unique and the two main characters were introduced within the first two pages, I found myself leaving and returning to the book a few times. But the moment we toe the ten percent (or a little above) mark, it’s quite the racing game. I only sensed a mild dip at around 70% in the pace but it soon evened out and took off again. It was rather exciting to see yourself keeping pace with the characters as they race against unpredictable dangers, disturbing monsters, maybe even their own past and feelings.

(FYI—for no reason at all—I think it’s important to share that this is the first time ever I’ve started a review by talking about the pace in the book)

The world building in this book has all the advantages it needs. The best way to introduce a world to readers is by making the main character someone who’s unaware of the world themselves. One of the most common strategies for world building is when the protagonist enters into a completely new world and learns the ins and outs along with the readers. The other—perhaps trickier—method is when the protagonist develops amnesia. It’s both a fantastic way to introduce the world and adds a wonderfully complex knot to unravel in the plot. It is, however, not as easy to write because it’s a slippery slope of puzzle pieces that, when they come together, have to fit perfectly because all of it links back to the plot.

The smart thing that the author has done with how the world unravels is create a very recognisable pattern for it. The intervals for it may be unpredictable but you’re always aware what’s going to happen once that particular pattern marker appears. The author also ensures you’re mostly aware of what is going to be revealed…. Until you’re not. (But that’s a story for a different paragraph)

Given how wonderfully similar some aspects of the story are—like the God hierarchy—it’s extremely simple to make sense of most of the rules that follow it. I found it rather easy to piece together the basic rules of the world rather early on in the book, which is always amazing to experience. So woot woot for that!

The plot of this story unravels like … I would say … maybe a little like the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. A lot of it initially has a certain tone of being discombobulating, before the picture begins to fill in. As the pieces start to fall into place, there’s more clarity and confusion in turns before the final puzzle piece gives us an answer that turns everything on its head. The primary plot point reveals itself wholly only at the end but the suspense of it all keeps you on your toes as you wonder where this is all going. What are they chasing? What’s chasing them? Who can be trusted? There are several such questions that plague the reader that keep us guessing and reading and racing with the characters.

I would say this book is more character driven than anything else. While, yes, the very visible setting of the labyrinth, the immediate dangers and hidden pasts seem to take center stage; to me it always felt like it was the characters and their stories that was what the book was truly focused on. I think for the longest time, as a reader I struggled to understand their motivations and decisions but I still always felt curious enough to continue.

✨Also, the banter. 🤌🏻✨

Loved the banter.
Swam in the banter.
Spread it on my toast and ate it whole.

I think the first 75%-80% of the book was very interesting, even with all its flaws, nicks and dents. But after that, when the true plot is revealed, I personally felt the story went down a very … mind-bending path that I’m still not sure how I feel about. I think the strange became stranger, the vague became vague-er and everything turns on its head. Until that moment everything we knew about the world—of sorts—fit in well with the plot; and then well I think it depends on the reader if it’s a hit or a miss on how they feel about how the book resolves itself. For me personally it was a bit of a miss. Unfortunately.

There are many themes in this book that can be hard for some so please check trigger warnings before reading! I’ve been metaphorically shifting my feet between a 3.5 start rating and one closer to a 4. So it’s dealer’s choice! Check out the blurb and that beautiful cover (that makes SO much sense!), and if you find them interesting, do dive into this magical adventure with lots of banter and thrill!

This book exceeded my expectations; it was such an amazing story, and the characters were so memorable. I was totally engaged throughout the entire novel.
The book was full of vivid descriptions and vivid imagery to the point where I felt like I had slipped into the pages.

Exquisite Ruin is the romantic story of Sadaré and Daesra. This is a story that beautifully entwines romance and fantasy. When Sadaré wakes in a labyrinth, she finds herself accompanied by the perplexing Daesra. Sadaré must unlock her memories in order to make it out of the maze alive. But who is the real monster in the center of the maze?

Exquisite Ruin is one of my top books so far this year. I was enthralled by the romance between Sadaré and Daesra. They have an incredible chemistry and AdriAnne May expertly teased out their past so that readers put the clues together along with Sadaré. I loved the spicy scenes between them. The emotions felt so vivid! As the labyrinth becomes more treacherous, the tension between them escalates. I also loved all the twists and turns of the story! The ending was incredible and unputdownable.

Readers who enjoy Katee Robert, mythology retellings, and spicy romance will love Exquisite Ruin. I can’t wait to read what AdriAnne May writes next!

Thank you so much to AdriAnne May, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc.

A mythological retelling that is a breath of fresh air in the increasingly repetitive world of Fantasy/Romantasy.

This is a must-read book I don't want to give any spoilers, but you won't regret getting this book, you won't put it down till you're done reading the whole this.

The start of the book I felt like the amnesia was really setting in. But the book is written in a way we’re your so invested to get the characters memories back. I wanted to know why this “goat-fucker” hated Sadaré so much. You have to get through the whole book to fully understand the characters actions and I was fully hooked.

This book had me playing tug-a-war for who’s team I was on. And im a total sucker for animal companions, the amount of insults the ugly little pug chimera took was astonishing seeing as he was a ride or die! And as we got towards the end Adianne May gave us a twist I didn’t see coming! I’m invested and I need book 2!

This was an intriguing and spicy take on the mythical legend of the minotaur. It is a bit of a rollercoaster as it goes through an enemies to reluctant allies to lovers storyline, but it definitely keeps you on your toes. I enjoyed this story overall, but I felt that it had some confusing moments and the last few chapters were a bit weird. Without spoiling anything, I'll just say that I probably would have rated this 4 stars if the last few chapters were different, but someone else might like it more then I did.

Ultimately, if you are looking for a spicy Greek mythology retelling, you might enjoy this story, especially if you have a thing for monsters.

Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for my review.

This was a wild ride, but so spicy. A solid enemies to lovers, but I just could not vibe with it. It was a great premise but I did have more questions that what the book gave me.

Thank you to Gallery Books, AdriAnne May, and NetGalley for an ARC of Exquisite Ruin in exchange for an honest review.

This was a 2.5 star read for me, but this being an ARC I felt it was much better to round up and not down, because I’m very grateful for the opportunity to read this early. I was very excited for this book, especially after it was announced as the book for the first OwlCrate Romantasy box. The premise also had SO much potential, but it ultimately fell flat for me. The plot was almost nonexistent- in that I couldn’t tell you what the book was about other than getting through the maze and the FMC and MMC hating each other until the last few chapters. The point was we were in the MCs POV and they didn’t know what/why these things were happening, however, it also kept the plot from being clear and present. By the time anything was revealed I was in the last 15% of the book and then it was rushed because the book was over. So the pacing could use some extensive improvement. The pacing also left me bored for 85% of the book since nothing was happening, like the plot was not moving forward they were just surviving the maze, and we didn’t know why. Also the BDSM stuff was not really for me, however to take it a step further there were some major injuries involved in their play- I think I would’ve been fine with the spanking and binding and what not, but her asking him to hit her and cut her back open was not for me.

As much as I tried, I just unfortunately could not get into this one :( I appreciate being given the chance to read, but this was a DNF for me.

This fantasy book is a blend of fantasy, mythology & very psychological, which I didn’t expect. The FMC, a witch, wakes up with amnesia and encounters the MMC - a daemon, who was described as appearing like a Minotaur. Their relationship before they were thrown in this labyrinth is a key component of the story. It is a blend of angst & betrayal along with being forced together to complete this task. At each threshold through the story, the FMC gains bits of her memory back that should light on how she got there. Also, great description on the ever-changing setting as they went through the maze.

It’s also really interesting with the gods being sea, sky, horizon… It’s not a complete standard take on Greek or Roman mythology. There are bits of spice & steam between the characters within the story and a few explicit moments. It’s truly a journey of the mind and working together that is the focus. Nice change of pace from other stories in this genre & nice bonus that it’s a standalone.

Exquisite Ruin is a book that keeps us guessing. Even Sadaré herself doesn't know what's happening. However, May does a fabulous job at creating, and sustaining, this tension. We are slowly both introduced to Sadare and Daesra's relationship. We witness their betrayals, love, and trust. What happened to them and why are they both trapped in the maze? Exquisite Ruin is a book that only builds. By the end I was entirely entranced. I loved how Exquisite Ruin explores control, love, and trust in relationships and with ourselves.

I was initially intrigued by this cover and blurb about a retelling of the Minotaur BUT this blew me out of the water… or should I say maze? It has all the elements of the romantasies we all love with tropes like memory loss, magic, mystical creatures, enemies to lovers etc. our FMC is a badass witch our MMC is dangerous, broody, and downright ungodly handsome monster 🧟😈

I found myself surprised and seduced by the story and this new take was refreshing for an old tale. Who knew Greek history could be so sexy?!? It had me on the edge of my seat until the very end!

Thank you @gallerybooks for a free copy of this ARC!

The synopsis made this book feel like there was so much potential but it just felt flat for me. It really jump to everything with little to no explanation and just felt like nothing really happened.

4.25 stars
I’m torn. Parts of this book were so amazing, others not so much. But overall, I still had a good time with it. And I think it was fresh and unique so I’m standing by my rating for now. My main issues were the slow and repetitive parts, the sometimes confusing plot (expected from the amnesia trope), and some of the bdsm/sexual stuff were way overdone. However, I truly loved the romance. The MMC had my heart, we love bi demons in this house. Poor guy was going through it and was rightfully angry for most of the book. I think the maze setting was really cool and this felt like nothing I’ve read before. The plot twists had me gasping out loud and I am very excited for the sequel. Hopefully some of the issues I had with this one will work themselves out in the next one.

This book is absolutely delicious. Personally, I adore "the memory loss trope", that sense of not quite knowing what's going on. Watching the MC wondering "am I a good person or not", of one partner knowing more than the other. The imminent threat of betrayal by someone who (may or may not) know you intimately. All this playing out via the banter, the cleverness of the the MMCs dialogue--ugh! So good! I - loved - all - of - it. Also made just for me (thank you, Ms. May!) is the hearty side of "monster romance" in this. What is it about blue characters? With horns. (Japanimation ruined me in my formative years, clearly.) Mind you, if he hadn't been SO well written all this would have been for naught, no more than what's trendy and it would have fallen flat. That is NOT the case. The character is "exquisite". I had SO MUCH FUN reading this! 10/10. Highly recommend!

This was an interesting minotaur retelling, but I can't speak to how closely it followed that storyline, as I didn't reread it for a reference. The beginning is a little confusing, but considering that the POV it's in, it makes sense. I also give grace in fantasy novels because the beginning of books tend to be slower with the world building and laying the ground work.

I like the mix of past memories and what was presently happening. I like how it feels she has a redemption arc from her past choices, which consistently get blocks from her now enemy.

I thought the sidekick pet was a cute idea and how looks can be deceiving. (Very much an echo to what's actually happening)

This book is definitely for adults that like to read dark and kink style books. Highly recommend reading the TW list. There is a lot more graphic self induced pain than I anticipated, and don't think most people would be ok with reading it.

I would recommend this to dark dark romance readers.