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 brotherโs best friend is the highest bidder.
Now heโs here to claim his prizeโฆme.
But the reclusive billionaire is no knight in shining armor.
Though Iโm 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
Lita’s Book Review: 4 Stars
Empire of Ache and Ruin (Empire of Ruin Book 1) by Diana A. Hicks. Tristan, aka Archer, has one focus and one focus only. He is determined to destroy the man who killed his father and hurt not only him and his mother along with slealing everything from them. Now, 20 years later, Archer is back where it all started, and he is out for blood. He has been laying his plan for years. Senator Davis is up for re-election; he needs money and is in big trouble. Senator Davis knew Tristan when he was 11. Now, as Archer, he sees an extremely rich potential donor. Archer’s plan changes when he sees someone special. Paloma is Senator daughter. There is an instant attraction to Paloma for Archer. Due to this attraction, Archer’s plans for the Senator have changed. Paloma, too, has an attraction to Archer. Paloma has many secrets and issues. Her biggest issue is her relationship with her father. She has endured years of his controlling behavior, and she follows him blindly. This story was definitely more than just revenge. When Archer decided to make Paloma part of the plan, he got more than he bargained for. So much was going in in this story. Yes, it is a long read. And yes, book 2 isn’t due until next year. Something to look forward to. 4 stars for me.
Empire of Ache & Ruin by Diana A. Hicks
Tanya’s rating: 4 of 5 stars
Empire of Ache and Ruin is the first book in the Empire of Ruin Trilogy and is the first book that I have read by this author. This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling.
Is this story about just revenge? I will leave that up to you. Tristan Archer is the MMC and Paloma Davis is the FMC in this book and her father is an evil senator. He uses his power to hurt people. Paloma grew up under that power and as long as she is a good girl her father seems to love her and he can manipulate her. Archer is after revenge on the Senator.
There are twists and turns to the story, so buckle up.
Do check the TW and CW if you have any to worry about. I enjoyed reading this story and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
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
TaSTy WordGasms 