Review: An Intriguing, Action Packed Read!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 1, 2014
My Thoughts:The premise of the main character Jax, descending from, Cain, completely intrigued me.  Most of the New Adult books available on the market right now are contemporary, so I was really excited to dig in to a New Adult Paranormal story.  This was the first book, I read by Jus Accardo.  I loved it, and am highly anticipating the next installment in this series.Jax and Chase are identical twin brothers, but appear to be complete opposites in temperament and personality.  Jax carries a demon inside of him that constantly demands violence.  He cannot control this demon, but does his best to limit the violent acts, and tends to engage the darker side of humanity with this vice.  Jax keeps to himself, has a brooding personality, and is treated like he is the spawn of satan in his hometown.  He has always loved Samantha (Sam).  They grew up together, became best friends, and fell in love with one another.  However, Jax feels he's undeserving of Sam's love, and whenever he is with her, the urge for violence tends to get intense and hard to control.  So he left town three years ago to protect her.Chase is the "golden boy," who can do no wrong.  Girls are always throwing themselves at him, and he never gets serious about anyone.  Chase and Sam are best friends, and while he has feelings for her as more than a friend, she does not return them.  Jax and Chase cannot stand to be around one another, because Jax always has extremely violent urges toward his brother, due to the demon inside of him, and the Cain curse.  Parentless, both brothers were raised by their uncle Rick.  As death draws near to Rick due to his terminal illness, Jax returns to his hometown.  He realizes that his feelings for Sam never changed, and on top of that, her life is consistently being threatened.  Jax is determined to protect Sam from peril, and once he removes the danger, he plans on leaving her forever.Ruined was a very unique story.  I enjoyed the fresh topic, the creative and intricate plot, as well as the very steamy and swoon-worthy scenes between Jax and Sam.  The story started off at a slow pace, as Ms. Accardo took the time to really develop the story, and give us the necessary background information.  A lot of the story focuses on Jax's constant challenge with fighting the demon inside of him.  Ms. Accardo did an excellent job of making Jax and his demon, really distinct entities.  While the demon fed on the anger and fear of others, Jax would constantly fight against his need for violence.  He felt guilty, and believed himself to be truly evil.  The demon had no remorse, and learned about human emotion from Jax.  The demon also learned about love from Jax, as he too fell in love with Sam.  The two were united when it can to there deep love for her, as well as their need to protect her.At about the halfway point, the story really picked up pace!  I needed to unravel all the clues, and figure out who was trying to kill Sam.  There were so many twists, turns, and surprises along the way.  The more I learned about the origination of the curse, demons, and other paranormal entities, the more I became completely immersed in the story.  I loved Jax and Sam's character's.  Jax was so loyal, loving, and protective when it came to Sam, and I appreciated his willingness to sacrifice anything for her.  Sam was great too.  She never stopped believing in Jax, and no matter how much she got hurt, she let herself be vulnerable when it came to him.  She saw him for who he was, and her good heart really shined through.My Rating:I give Ruined by Jus Accardo 4 Addicting, Unpredictable, Fascinating, and Steamy Stars!!!  For a  unique, paranormal, New Adult Story, with a twist, look no further than Ruined!  I can't wait to read the next installment in The Eternal Balance Series!  Ms. Accardo has completely hooked me with Jax and Sam's story!My Favorite Quotes:"Even then, so early in my life, I saw pieces of myself mirrored in her eyes.  Lost.  Alone.  Separated.  Ruined.  It was another one of those defining moments.  I'd known, even then, that this girl would play a monumental role in my life."  (eARC, Loc. 2226)~Jax"Doesn't matter that you won't admit it," she continued.  "The truth is, you're a good man-not a demon-and I love you.  I've always loved you."  Warmth enveloped me as she placed her hand on the side of my face.  "Always been in love with you."  (eARC, Loc. 2534)~Sam*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape