When Ruckus released last month, I saw a ton of good reviews for it. I had never read L.J. Shen's books before, so I decided to give Ruckus a try. I downloaded it, but couldn't get to it right away. This week, I was feeling a bit of a book hangover and decided to start Ruckus. I'm really happy I did. I have found a new author I'm excited to read more from.

Rosie LeBlanc has felt a connection to Dean "Ruckus" Cole ever since she first met his glare in high school. She knew Dean was the one ...

When Ruckus released last month, I saw a ton of good reviews for it. I had never read L.J. Shen's books before, so I decided to give Ruckus a try. I downloaded it, but couldn't get to it right away. This week, I was feeling a bit of a book hangover and decided to start Ruckus. I'm really happy I did. I have found a new author I'm excited to read more from.

Rosie LeBlanc has felt a connection to Dean "Ruckus" Cole ever since she first met his glare in high school. She knew Dean was the one for her at that moment. Sadly, a relationship with him wasn't in the cards. Dean was her sister's boyfriend, and that made him off-limits even after they broke up.

Now, year's later, Dean's back in Rosie's life. They live in the same building, and no matter how hard Rosie tries to avoid Dean, she always runs into him and his harem. His blunt cockiness and womanizing ways should make Dean the least desirable guy, but when Rosie's sister's wedding requires them to spend time together, she can't help but be drawn further into his web.

I loved L.J. Shen's writing style. It's a little bit dark and a whole lot gritty. I love that she gives a voice to both the male and female main characters. The first person dual points of view are raw and emotion filled. Her characters are alpha males and strong females who won't step down from a fight. They have something traumatic that pulls them together, while at the same time breaking them apart.

Rosie was an inspiring character. Her life was harder than most due to physical challenges, but she didn't let that stop her from trying to achieve her dreams. She was so good deep down inside, and saw good in Dean when others wouldn't have.

Honestly, Dean was a cocky jerk. He may have had a lot going for him career and looks wise, but he wasn't a nice guy. Dean had moments where his compassion and sweetness showed through, but they were rare. He was pretty messed up, and it took a lot to get him started on the right path. It took me a while to really like Dean. I would have liked to have seen more of the redeemed Dean. I could have used about 5 epilogues to believe he could be who he needed to be -- I'm not just saying that because I fell in love with him even more in the epilogue provided.

Rosie and Dean's relationship was a rough one. There were a lot of barriers trying to keep them apart. Whether it was her health, his addictions or their friends and family, nothing was strong enough to break them apart. Their chemistry and love for each other was too strong. I loved how they fought for their love and for each other.

Since this is the first book I've read in the Sinner of Saint series, I feel the need to point out two things. First, the side characters are just as intriguing as the main characters. Hearing about everyone's combined past makes me want to hurry up and read the other books in the series. I need to know more about the rest of the HotHoles and their women. Second, this book can be read as a standalone. You don't have to have read the first book to read this one. It might have made it more fun (I don't know since I didn't read the other books first.), but it was a great reading experience without having read the other books.

Oh! And I can't leave out the fact that Ruckus surprised me! I thought I knew what Dean's secrets were going to be, but I didn't! I was completely surprised a couple of different times while reading. I loved that!

Overall, I loved reading Ruckus. This enthralling romance was combined with just the right amount of mystery and darkness. It was everything I expect from a great new adult book. I will be immediately reading the rest of the series.

Dean and Rosie were meant to be together since high school. Although dating Rosie’s sister Emilia senior year, Rosie was in love with her and he with her. 10 years later they get their happily ever after, with some bumps in the road. Dean discovers family secrets and poor Rosie almost dies. There is so much character and plot development in this book, I ate it up! Such a good book, so far better than Defy & Vicious!

Dean and Rosie were meant to be together since high school. Although dating Rosie’s sister Emilia senior year, Rosie was in love with her and he with her. 10 years later they get their happily ever after, with some bumps in the road. Dean discovers family secrets and poor Rosie almost dies. There is so much character and plot development in this book, I ate it up! Such a good book, so far better than Defy & Vicious!

As I delved into the second book of the Sinners of Saints series, my expectations were uncertain. Despite having read several of LJ Shen's works, the course of this tale was unpredictable. The plot veered into unforeseen territory, tugging at my heartstrings and taking me on an emotional odyssey. Rosie LeBlanc has cherished feelings for Dean "Ruckus" Cole from their initial meeting in high school, certain he was 'the one.' However, a romance was not in the cards; Dean was her sister's boyfrie...

As I delved into the second book of the Sinners of Saints series, my expectations were uncertain. Despite having read several of LJ Shen's works, the course of this tale was unpredictable. The plot veered into unforeseen territory, tugging at my heartstrings and taking me on an emotional odyssey. Rosie LeBlanc has cherished feelings for Dean "Ruckus" Cole from their initial meeting in high school, certain he was 'the one.' However, a romance was not in the cards; Dean was her sister's boyfriend, making him off-limits, even after their breakup. Years later, Dean reappears in Rosie's life. Living in the same building, despite Rosie's attempts to avoid him, she frequently runs into him and his crew. Dean's blatant arrogance and playboy reputation should make him unappealing, but as Rosie's sister's wedding draws them closer, she becomes more entangled in his world.
Rosie and Dean faced numerous obstacles. Rosie's parents, fearing her CFP diagnosis and its associated life expectancy, smothered her instead of allowing her independence like they did her sister Millie. They kept her close, treating her as an invalid rather than a capable twenty-eight-year-old woman. Meanwhile, Dean grapples with issues involving someone named Nina. Initially, I suspected Nina was a young woman intent on blackmailing him, perhaps over a secret child, but the reality was much different,
As you delve into this story, ensure you have a box of Kleenex at hand, along with your preferred choice of wine, liquor, or beer to soothe you as you turn the pages—you're going to need them. I enjoyed this story immensely and intend to read the sequel, which explores the adventures of another one of Baron and Dean's friends.