ARC Review of Ruined by Jus Accardo

Goodreads Summary:
Hell is looking for a way to break loose…

Jax lost the genetic lottery. Descended from Cain, the world's first murderer, he's plagued by a curse that demands violence in exchange for his happiness. He left everything behind, including the girl he loved, but thriving on the pain of others is lonely… And it's killing him.

After a series of heartbreaking losses, Samantha put rubber to pavement and headed for college as fast as her clunker could carry her. But she can't outrun her problems. When an attack at school drives her back home, she's thrown into the path of a past—and a guy—she's been trying to forget.


Sam strains Jax's control over his darkness, but running isn't an option this time. Someone—or, something—followed her home from school: a ruthless monster with a twisted plan centuries in the making. Forced together to survive, and fighting an attraction that could destroy them both, Jax and Sam must stop a killer bent on revenge.

My Review:
Finally! A book that depicts demons as demons! Not the cuddly, super sex charged, or things that area actually good inside. Well, I might be wrong about the super sex charged part but, whatever. Jax has been fighting with his real life inner demon his whole life. Being a decedent of Cain definitely sucks. The demon has a hunger for pain and fear. Something that needs to be fed frequently. Jax had to leave home for if he didn't he would murder his twin brother, Chase. When Jax is drawn back to his home town because his father figure, Rick, is dying. This puts a strain on Jax because Chase and the girl he loves, Sammy, are both there. Sammy is the one person with the power to crush Jax. He pines for her but, he is also very dangerous. The demon will hurt hurt her if given the chance. Will being back home destroy Jax? Will the demon's desires become to strong? Will Jax hurt the ones he loves?

I loved Jax as a character. He was complicated, loving, dangerous, and hot all in one. He has some control over the demon but, not much. The demon has the ability to take over his body at times. He has never truly been happy, not like Chase. Chase has been whoring himself around and living it up his adult life. Jax is the one who lurks in the shadows waiting to feed off violence and anger. I feel like deep down he just wants to be happy. Unfortunately, happiness causes him physical pain and Sam makes him happy. So you can imagine what that works! 

Jax and Sam have a very different relationship. It's not all unicorns and rainbows. It's real. Demons are dangerous. Jax's demon could seriously hurt Sam. This makes Jax pretty much an ass towards Sam. He wants to push her away. To keep her safe. The book goes back and forth between Jax and Sam's point of view so we get to see how Sam feels about all this too. I was truly heartbroken for her. She loves Jax with all her heart. They have some pretty hot scenes too. I mean like...light your panties on fire hot. To be honest, I had a love/hate relationship with Jax's demon. He came in handy but, also makes Jax's life hell. Sam and Jax will need each other to get through what is coming. I just don't know if they will have a future.

I really liked this book! I am so curious as to where the story is headed! I so hope we get more of Jax and Sam's story. Things are far from over!