Title: Empire of Ache & Ruin
Trilogy: Empire of Ruin #1
Author: Diana A. Hicks
Genre: Contemporary Dark Romance
Tropes: Forbidden/Virgin Auction/Billionaire
Revenge/Brother’s Best Friend/He Falls First
Release Date: May 6, 2025
BLURB
“Stay away from me, Little Dove. I’m exactly the monster you think I am.” – Archer
The ballet performance of my life ends with a forbidden auction.
My older brother’s best friend is the highest bidder.
Now he’s here to claim his prize…me.
But the reclusive billionaire is no knight in shining armor.
Though I’m irrevocably drawn to him, I know something sinister lurks beneath those steely blue eyes.
I must protect my family, even if it means losing myself in the process.
A Note from Diana: Empire of Ache & Ruin is a 150k-word romance novel. It’s book one in the Empire of Ruin Trilogy, featuring Archer/Tristan and Paloma. This Beauty and the Beast retelling is about never letting go. Check TW
Renee’s Five Star Review
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
This is the story of Archer and Paloma. Welcome to their world that has a ton of secrets and feeling that no one can ever speak out loud. Archer is a man who is driven by revenge against Paloma’s father for all the suffering that his family endured. Paloma is a girl who loves her father but is conflicted by her own trauma, but she knows that her happiness should be the main thing. But, when Archer shows his face, things change quickly. I can’t tell you much about this story. I think it is best that you go in blind and discover all the things you will see in this book. I loved reading it. It kept my attention the entire time. This is an emotional read and I was all over the place at times. I loved the relationship between these two. You need this book in your life.
PURCHASE LINKS
Free in Kindle Unlimited
COMING SOON
AUTHOR BIO
Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy, new adult romance with a heavy dose of suspense.
When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.
Praise for Diana A. Hicks:
“Hicks’ first installment of her Desert Monsoon series is confident and assured with strong storytelling, nuanced characters, and a dynamic blend of romance and suspense…A sexy and irresistible tale for fans of contemporary romance.” – Kirkus Reviews
About Renee Henson
Renee Henson has an obsession with reading and reviewing. Especially anything that is a dark romance, fairy tale retelling, MC, and is trying her best to love the PNR worlds. Nothing is quiet as exciting to her as reading a good book and then talking about it or making comments while reading with her friends that have read the book too. She is always happiest with her kindle in her hand and her nose is a book. She has been reviewing for Stephanie's Book Reports for over ten years.
Leave a Reply