~ Maria’s Review ~
Ruckus is what I hoped for and more. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Dean’s character when I met him in Vicious, book 1, of the Sinners of Saint series. I was definitely intrigued. But, I was also wary. I believed there was more to him than meets the eye. Author LJ Shen proved me right by writing a character with flaws and a vulnerability he kept hidden under the façade of the cocky, arrogant, party boy. A Hothole through and through. And he stole a piece of my heart.
Ruckus is the story of Dean and Rosie. Sigh…I loved the development of their relationship. It wasn’t really insta-love because it had been unrequited for many years. It may have been love at first sight but it wasn’t cheesy or over the top. Author LJ Shen builds the tension and heat. She develops their romance with witty, sarcastic banter and palpable chemistry. I loved the push/pull. The hesitation Rosie had was realistic. Dean’s persistence made me love him more. His cocksure attitude that they were a foregone conclusion and Rosie’s exasperation with it was funny and endearing.
These two had issues and a cargo of baggage, but they worked together. Their story had everything. Humor, fun, snark, steam and romance. There was angst and emotional twists that broke my heart and had me rooting for them. It is truly a second chance romance at its best. Rosie’s illness and Dean’s demons made for some crazy ups and downs. They go through so much. I was glued to my kindle and read their story cover to cover.
Rosie is a great character. Her need to live and be independent despite her condition, had me in her corner. She refused to be the damsel in distress. She stubbornly chooses to live her life her way, as best as she could. I already said I love Dean. He hides his true self from everyone, except Rosie. He knows her circumstances and is determined to love her as long as he can, as best as he can. Author LJ Shen uses alternating POV to tell their story and allow the reader to really get inside the characters’ heads, to fully understand.
I love that all the hotholes are very much a part of Ruckus because they are more than friends, they are family. They enhance the story through humor and their irreverent love for each other. True friendship, they always have each other’s backs. I love their connection. I especially love Vicious’ character. Overprotective of all he loves in his brash, nasty way.
Author LJ Shen does not disappoint. Ruckus is a fantastic story. It is raw, gritty, dark yet, hopeful. There are some unexpected, heart wrenching moments and twists that made me say “OMG and WTF.” And that epilogue? Nailed it! Loved it! Dean, with all his flaws, will make you swoon. He is perfectly imperfect. Fans of this series are going to love it. Definitely recommend. Read it. You’re going to love it, too.
L.J. Shen resides in sunny California with her husband, son, chubby cat and wild, wild dreams.Her passion is to write badass stories, sushi, UFC and her awesome family and friends (not in this order, though. Obviously, sushi comes before writing. Oh, and also the family part.)
She spend the first half of her twenties traveling the world and is now paying all the fun with extra shifts in front of her MacBook. Feel free to contact her on her Facebook page. She loves to hear from her readers.
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