Save more with business pricing
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$0.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

J.A. Owenby
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Love & Ruin (The Love & Ruin Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by J.A. Owenby (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 978 ratings

**An Amazon Top 30 Bestseller**
I got pregnant when I was fourteen.

Now, I can’t seem to escape the constant reminders of my brutal past. So, when my secret college application is accepted, I jump at the chance to start a new life away from my damaged daily existence.

I quickly attract the attention of the college campus bully, and as I stand up for myself, his arch-nemesis steps in. Hendrix is sexy, warm, and earns my trust, and I eventually share my dark secrets with him.

But the past I worked so hard to bury returns to haunt me, threatening to shatter the future I’ve built with Hendrix, and I’m terrified we’ll be torn apart.

Will our destiny collapse under pressure, or will we find strength in selfless love?

Love & Ruin is a best friend’s brother, angsty, new adult romance, and is packed with all the feels, edge-of-your-seat twists, and dark villains. This is a completed trilogy with cliffhangers.

** Love & Ruin is the first book in The Love & Ruin Series. Hendrix and Gemma’s story continues in Love & Deception and finishes with a HEA in Love & Redemption.

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 1 of 10
    The Love & Ruin Series
  2. Print length
    296 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    November 24, 2018
  6. File size
    3.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 10 books in this series.

Customers also bought or read

Rate this feature
Page 1 of 1Start over
Previous page
  19. Blinding Echo
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  21. The Best of Us
    Just released
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  28. Surprise Bratva Octuplets: A Mafia Romance
    Just released
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
Next page
Loading...

From the Publisher

new adult romance, dark romance, angsty college romance
new adult romance, dark romance, angsty college romance, first love
new adult romance, dark romance, angsty college romance, first love
Love & Ruin new adult romance college and new adult dark romance

Editorial Reviews

Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"#1 on my list of all-time best reads. Love & Ruin is EPIC, a heartbreaking, intense, emotional, raw journey. The story and compelling characters captured my heart during the entire story." Gigi, Goodreads Reviewer

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"OMG THIS BOOK! I normally hate duets, trilogies, or cliff-hanger type books but I felt invested in the outcome from the very first page!" Sleep reader

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"My heart is racing. What a cliffhanger ending! I had to force myself to sleep last night and was reading again as soon as I woke up." Laura, Goodreads Reviewer

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Holy roller coaster ride! You better fasten that seatbelt and get ready for a compelling story that takes you through Gemma's ups, downs, hold on tight love interest, quick turns, and jaw dropping over the edge white knuckle plummets! I couldn't put this book down!" Posey, Goodreads Reviewer

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The suspense and romance kept me reading way past my bedtime and secretly at my desk at work.
It was an intense emotional roller coaster ride through love, trust, dark pasts, and foggy futures." Aubrey, Goodreads Reviewer

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Five stars just aren't enough for this Love and Ruin. Wow! It's a heart-stopping, Kleenex grabbing, beautiful love story." Nancy, Goodreads Reviewer

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Holy moly, what a book! Ms. Owenby certainly has created a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, thanks to the compelling writing, awesome characters, and more than a few OMG moments that will sneak up and take your breath away." Deb, Goodreads Reviewer

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"WOW!!!!! This is one powerfully strong and emotional read. I was pulled in and went through an entire box of tissues. Gemma and Hendrix along with the supporting cast, had me from the first few pages." JJ, Goodreads Reviewer

From the Author

Books & Series From the Author:

Love & Ruin Series
Love & Sins, a full-length prequel
Love & Ruin
Love & Deception
Love & Redemption
Love & Consequences, an interconnecting standalone
Love & Corruption, an interconnecting standalone
Love & Seduction, an interconnecting standalone
Love & Vengeance, an interconnecting duet book 1
Love & Retaliation, an interconnecting duet book 2
Love & Betrayal, an interconnecting standalone

Beautifully Damaged Series
Beautifully Damaged
Beautifully Broken
Beautifully Shattered

Whitmore Elite Sports Series
Forbidden Obsession
Ruthless Obsession
Sinful Obsession (2023)
Toxic Obsession (2023)

Wicked Intentions Series
Dark Intentions
Fractured Intentions

Standalone Novels
Where I'll Find You

The Torn Series, Inspired by True Events
Fading into Her, prequel
Torn
Freed
Captured

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07KVP8QJ7
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 24, 2018
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 296 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1732151055
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 10 ‏ : ‎ The Love & Ruin Series
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 978 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
J.A. Owenby

J.A. Owenby

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

International bestselling author J.A. Owenby grew up in a small backwoods town in Arkansas, where she learned how to swear like a sailor and spot water moccasins skimming across the lake.


She finally ditched the south and headed to Oregon. The first winter there, she was literally blown away a few times by ninety mile an hour winds and storms that rolled in off the ocean.


Eventually, she longed for quiet and headed up to snowier pastures. She now resides in Washington state with her hot nerdy husband and three purebred Siberian cats, who insist on using her computer as their napping spot. She spends her days coming up with ways to torture characters in a way that either makes you want to throw your book down a flight of stairs or sob hysterically into a pillow.


J.A. Owenby writes dark, emotional new adult romance novels. Her books ooze with emotion, angst, and twists that will leave you breathless. Having battled her own demons, she’s not afraid to tackle the secrets women are forced to hide. After all, the road to love is paved in the dark.


Her friends describe her as delightfully twisted. She loves fan mail and wine. Please send her all the wine.

You can follow the progress of her upcoming novels on Facebook at Author J.A. Owenby, Instagram @jaowenby1, and on her website at www.authorjaowenby.com.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
978 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this book to be an emotional roller coaster that keeps them enthralled page to page, with phenomenal characters and decent writing. Moreover, they appreciate the book's authenticity, with one customer noting its raw honesty, and another highlighting how Gemma is a true survivor. Additionally, the book receives positive feedback for its readability, with one customer describing it as an "excellent page turner."

Select to learn more

Emotion levelReadabilityCharacter developmentSuspensefulWriting stylePacingAuthenticity
37 customers mention "Emotion level"32 positive5 negative

Customers describe the book as an emotional roller coaster that takes readers through intense love and drama, with one customer noting it's heart-stopping.

"...Romance, spice, tears, laughter, suspense...this one has them all and finishes with a cliffhanger that leaves you anxious to dive into the next..." Read more

"...this book if you like slow burn romances, new adult romances, contemporary romance, or romantic suspense. The Flock Team..." Read more

"Gemma is sweet and loving but she feels broken until she meets Hendrix and Mac. Mac full of energy and a short attention span never stops talking...." Read more

"...If you love your romances dark, angsty, and suspenseful, your heroes steadfast and dreamy, your heroines determined and kick ass, this book will put..." Read more

20 customers mention "Readability"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and entertaining, with one describing it as an excellent page turner.

"...This book however was amazing from start to finish. My emotions were all over the place from sadness to shock to complete and utter heartbreak...." Read more

"...your heroes steadfast and dreamy, your heroines determined and kick ass, this book will put a big smile on your face...." Read more

"...I love the author's trilogies; right when you think you know what is going to happen, the plot twists...." Read more

"Amazing. That is all I can say. A most read." Read more

14 customers mention "Character development"14 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning that Hendrix is the perfect guy.

"...The characters are phenomenal, very real, though broken in different ways. There could definitely be triggers for sensitive readers." Read more

"...you on the edge of your seat, thanks to the compelling writing, awesome characters, and more than a few OMG moments that will sneak up and take your..." Read more

"...Hendrix, what a perfect male specimen!!! Understanding, compassionate, a musician and more... yum!!!..." Read more

"...Love all the characters in this book, but the two MCs…cannot wait to see what is in store for them in the next book!" Read more

9 customers mention "Suspenseful"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book suspenseful and intriguing, with one customer noting it keeps them enthralled page to page.

"...Romance, spice, tears, laughter, suspense...this one has them all and finishes with a cliffhanger that leaves you anxious to dive into the next..." Read more

"...slow burn romances, new adult romances, contemporary romance, or romantic suspense. The Flock Team Audiobook Obsession Reviewer" Read more

"...If you love your romances dark, angsty, and suspenseful, your heroes steadfast and dreamy, your heroines determined and kick ass, this book will put..." Read more

"...Read this book if you want everything, mystery, romance, fun, or drama. This book has it all!" Read more

6 customers mention "Writing style"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one customer specifically praising the narration.

"...Stephanie did an amazing job on the narration. She really knows how to bring a story to life...." Read more

"...story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, thanks to the compelling writing, awesome characters, and more than a few OMG moments that will..." Read more

"Love her writing style. The dark romance theme is right up my alley. Love the way she develops her characters...." Read more

"This book by Miss J A Owenby is written well and handle sensitive subjects with grace and brings out the problems with getting over many issues...." Read more

4 customers mention "Pacing"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one review highlighting Gemma's complex character and another noting her strength as a survivor.

"Gemma is so complex. Hendrix is a rare diamond. This story was so much and not enough I can’t wait ti see what happens next in this love story." Read more

"You can't just send someone on this beautiful, tragic, emotional roller coaster of a ride of overcoming your past trauma and becoming who you truly..." Read more

"Hendricks and gemma are awesome, the book is great and the story and hook lines pull u in like u are in their story with them.the whole series is..." Read more

"...Gemma is a true survivor!" Read more

3 customers mention "Authenticity"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the authenticity of the book, with one mentioning its raw honesty.

"...The characters are phenomenal, very real, though broken in different ways. There could definitely be triggers for sensitive readers." Read more

"...The story is heartbreaking, but oh, so real. I did not want to put the book down from from page one and I didn't want it to end...." Read more

"This book had me hooked from the description. I love the raw honesty and truth about a subject that too many women live through...." Read more

Love it!
5 out of 5 stars
Love it!
Read this book for the first time on kindle, so decided to buy the hardback copy on Amazon. Brand new excellent condition. Only thing I didnt like is it didnt come with a dust cover like most hardbacks do.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Bookishbiker22
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just...wow.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Get ready to be put through your paces with this one as it will run you through a gamut of emotions. Gemma is needing a fresh start and with it she finds a best friend in the form of a roommate and a great guy to help her come to terms with her new normal. In them she finds patience, compassion, love and understanding; they help her understand her worth. Romance, spice, tears, laughter, suspense...this one has them all and finishes with a cliffhanger that leaves you anxious to dive into the next installment.
    Helpful
     Report
  • shedevilreads Bookstagram
    4.0 out of 5 stars New Adult Romance
    Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Love & Ruin by J.A. Owenby is a new adult romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Stephanie Nemeth-Parker. This is the first book in The Love & Ruin series.

    This is the first book of J.A.'s that I have read and it won't be my last. I liked the slow burn relationship that is being built between Gemma and Hendrix.

    The book ends on a cliffhanger, but that wasn't a surprise since Gemma and Hendrix story is a trilogy. I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series Love & Deception.

    Stephanie did an amazing job on the narration. She really knows how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of her work in the future.

    I would recommend this book if you like slow burn romances, new adult romances, contemporary romance, or romantic suspense.

    The Flock Team
    Audiobook Obsession Reviewer
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Marie Bonk
    5.0 out of 5 stars love and ruin may well have ruined me and broken my heart
    Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Oh wow let me start off by saying this one is tough. There are mentions of sa and r*pe and while it isn’t graphic, it is bit hard to read. So if that is a trigger please be kind to yourself. This book however was amazing from start to finish. My emotions were all over the place from sadness to shock to complete and utter heartbreak. And the ending has me screaming that there is absolutely NO WAY! And feeling like I’m gunna be sick.

    And now I’ll likely never sleep until I’m finished with this whole eries
    Helpful
     Report
  • Saundra Wright
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cliffhanger.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I read the prequel to this, and while it was a teaser, it didn't prepare me for the complexity of this. The characters are phenomenal, very real, though broken in different ways. There could definitely be triggers for sensitive readers.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Amazon_junky
    3.0 out of 5 stars Choppy narrative
    Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The author gets a lot done in the first book, but it is at the cost of character development. The storyline cognitively jumps around.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Akbish
    5.0 out of 5 stars wow what a plot and twist
    Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Gemma is so complex. Hendrix is a rare diamond. This story was so much and not enough I can’t wait ti see what happens next in this love story.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Wicked1
    4.0 out of 5 stars Gems & Hendrix
    Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Gemma is sweet and loving but she feels broken until she meets Hendrix and Mac. Mac full of energy and a short attention span never stops talking. She and Gem a are complete opposites but fall madly in bestie status quickly. Hendrix is sweet, sexy, and patient. He loves Gemma almost the second he sees her. He does not even know what she looks like but is drawn to her soul. The two embark in unchartered territory as they start a relationship with a lot of bumps along the way.

    I could not put this book down. I loved it. A cliff hanger that goes right into the next book had me purchasing the next one as soon as I read the last lines.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • IslandDeb
    5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling New Trilogy!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Love & Ruin

    Holy moly, what a book! Ms. Owenby certainly has created a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, thanks to the compelling writing, awesome characters, and more than a few OMG moments that will sneak up and take your breath away. If you love your romances dark, angsty, and suspenseful, your heroes steadfast and dreamy, your heroines determined and kick ass, this book will put a big smile on your face. The secondary characters are wonderfully written and will melt your heart as well. Be forewarned … this first book in the trilogy ends on a cliffhanger. But don’t despair! I’m told books two and three follow right on the heels of this one.
    14 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • crazymother
    5.0 out of 5 stars Where did this come from?
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 28, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I don’t even now how this book came to be on my kindle but wow!
    I enjoyed this so much. I was halfway through and expected a particular revelation but no. I was kept guessing all the way to the end.
    Our main leading lady is Gemma. Traumatised by her past, kind, soft and sheltered she blooms like a rose at college. Meeting Hendrix and Mac changes her life for the better.
    Hendrix our our main man. Hot as sin, artistic and also carrying burdens he meets our girl Gemma and the story begins.
    Mac makes me laugh. We all know someone like her that talks a mile a minute.
    Awesome character development, great supporting cast. This is well worth a read.
    There is a cliffy so prepare yourself!
    Report
  • mhebert
    4.0 out of 5 stars Romantic young love
    Reviewed in Canada on March 27, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed reading this book. It kept getting better and better, the plot getting more complicated and intense as the book went along. The plot subject can be troublesome but is a true reality for people of that age group. I like the characters a lot and their relationship to each other; true love and loyalty.
    Report
  • Miss L. D. Parker
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 4, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Hooked from the beginning. Nothing was given away too soon yet it kept you intrigued throughout. Sensitive issues written beautifully. Although I have never experienced what Hendrix or Gemma went through, I could easily sympathise with their characters and their love and raw emotion for on another. Part of a series, would highly recommend
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Omg
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 5, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I have enjoyed reading this well written book. Gemma is such a strong and amazing young lady. Hendrix is such a loveable young man.
    Report
  • Caseydee Warrander
    5.0 out of 5 stars Heartbreaking
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 31, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book is heartbreaking from start to finish with some wonderful moments in between. I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next instalment
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report