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Ares Infidels MC #19

Ruin's Embattlement

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Ruin found the Ares Infidels MC when his mom and sister both ended up as old ladies in the club. The Infidels become his family and instill in him the desire to serve in the military so he can join the club one day as a member. Service is a requirement. However, Ruin and the woman he sees as his best friend, who’s his foster sister, become estranged. Over the span of the past four years, they no longer speak unless forced to do so when with their family.

However, Ruin is on his way home to finish his time as a prospect and, hopefully, to become a patched member. Along for the trip is his friend Konrad, who wants to see if he might have what it takes to be an Infidel. Ruin hopes he’ll be able to mend his relationship with Desi and get their friendship back.

Desi has mourned the loss of her best friend Tanner, aka Ruin. And she’s kept secret her true feelings for him. Knowing he’ll be there day in and day out has her making plans. And Isaiah is the man who will help her with those plans. He’s been there for her since losing Ruin.

The waters become muddied as Ruin, Desi, Isaiah, and Konrad enter the mix. Desi avoids Ruin while he tries to get her to talk to him. Isaiah is always nearby and seems to be accepted by their family, much to Ruin’s disgust and anger. Konrad finds Desi intriguing and makes his interest known. Ruin is forced to reveal what he truly desires from Desi.

It’s going to take confessions from multiple people, especially from Ruin and Desi, to have people end up where they’ve always been destined to be. Happily ever afters are rarely simple, and they sometimes involve battles.

As life unfolds, there are a couple of other secrets to be revealed, and the past doesn’t always stay the past. Come see how the youngest Ares Infidel gets his happy ending with the woman he loves. And get a glimpse at the future generation of Ares Infidels.

This is the final book in the Ares Infidels MC…for now.

418 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

264 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

Ciara St. James

107 books937 followers
An avid reader with a passion for romances that finally got the chance to write one of her own. The rest is history. Not what anyone thought for someone who has been a nurse and in healthcare management for years.

I sit writing as my two fur babies, my pugs Kujo and Khaos, impatiently wait for me to get done so they can lay on me as their human sofa!

My children are finally considered to be adults, so it's me, the hubby and the dogs.

I'm a iced tea drinking fiend who has insomnia, more ideas than I know what to do with, and a need to write them down.

Not too bad for a girl from rural Ohio in the foothills of Appalachia that grew up in a town of about 4000 people.

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5 stars
453 (76%)
4 stars
100 (16%)
3 stars
39 (6%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,940 reviews5 followers
November 2, 2024
Excited, yet bitter sweet for this series ending book

Ruin nearly ruins his future before he left for the military, and finally figures stuff out in Ruin’s Embattlement (Ares Infidels MC Book 19) by Ciara St. James. As the final book in this series, I was excited about finally getting Ruin/Tanner and Desi’s story, but sad to see the end of this MC series.
That said, let me tell you why I enjoyed this book. Ruin and Desi have a long-historied backstory that is heart wrenchingly sad and gut-firing rage-y. To say Desi suffered is putting it too mild. But in the present, in this book, Desi is safe, happy, and thriving- despite her best friend, Tanner (Ruin) turning on her. Their relationship, what little there is to it, turns the family home and compound into a battleground. There’s tension, conflict ground deeply. Almost too deeply for any resolution.
As a fan of this series, it was obvious to most that Ruin (then Tanner) and Desi were meant to be. And Ruin’s behavior made it difficult for me to find any empathy or sympathy for him! Sheesh, the guy’s heart and mind was completely ruled by jealousy that he couldn’t see through. And Desi, as stubborn as Ruin, sees her assumptions as truths.
While Ruin and Desi were frustrating, Konrad and Isaiah are strong supporting characters. These two bring levity and shifts focus from time to time, much as Shane, Desi’s son, stole the show from time to time. All of the MC characters continue to be their awesome selves and support this young couple through their resolution, conflict, dangers and surprises.
Overall, Ruin might have nearly ruined everything, but he battled through with steely determination and earned redemption, respect and Desi’s love. This HEA was a long time coming, but worth the wait. As for the end of the series. Well, my HEA loving mind is conjuring HEAs all around for Arrow, Hazard and Konrad, too.
I read an ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.
Profile Image for Leslee.
2,671 reviews76 followers
November 1, 2024
Tanner and Desi's story has been a long time coming. Having once been the best of friends, now Desi can hardly stand to be around him. A switch seemed to have flipped in Tanner when they all went to New York. He couldn't handle Desi being more of a normal teenage girl, flirting and hanging out with one of the mafia guys. He said some things that were incredibly insulting to Desi and their relationship fractured. When he left for boot camp a while later, they were barely speaking. Now he is back and Desi knows she can no longer stay at the compound if it means watching him live his life without her. Ruin is back for good and he is determined to win back Desi even if it is only as his friend. He has to fix what he broke, he just can't seem to stop putting his foot in his mouth. I simultaneously wanted to consume their story as fast as possible and read as slowly as possible as to not let this series end. I got so teary eyed watching these two come back to each other, no secrets and with their feelings laid bare. This was an epic ending for the first generation of the Ares Infidels. While I'm sad to see it end, I know there will more adventures to be explored with the second generation in the future, thank goodness!
Profile Image for Nancie Blume.
798 reviews15 followers
August 3, 2025
Tanner/Ruin and Desi

Ruin almost torpedoes his future before shipping out to the military, but he finally gets his act together. As the final installment in this series, I have been impatiently awaiting to dive into Ruin/Tanner and Desi's story, but bummed it's the last hurrah for this MC crew. That said, let's dive into why this book rocked. Ruin and Desi's history is a real tear-jerker, with Desi's suffering being the emotional equivalent of a punch to the gut. But in the present, Desi's living her best life, despite Ruin's betrayal. Their relationship turns the family homestead into a war zone, with tension and conflict running deep. Like, really deep. Konrad and Isaiah bring some much-needed comic relief, while Shane steals the show with his awesomeness. The MC crew shows up big time, supporting the young lovers through thick and thin. In the end, Ruin battles through his demons and earns redemption, respect, and Desi's love. This HEA was worth the wait, but now I'm over here hoping Arrow, Hazard, and Konrad get their own happy endings.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.6k reviews543 followers
November 8, 2024
This one frustrated me. I was annoyed that NO ONE took either Desi or Tanner aside and talked to them about what was going on, that maybe there might be more there. Instead, they all lived through years of hurt and anger from them as they had to figure that shit out on their own and then say...I knew it. What a load of crap!

Once these 2 were on the same page, it was full steam ahead, with the club backing them on getting ahead in life.

I was a bit let down at what happened with the one prospect. He was a no body, people had reservations, yet they were letting him go around willy nilly, until the end and it was the women who did something. Glad things there were taken care of and done in the way it, it was deserved!

I found I really liked Desi's friend Isaiah, hated what he went through, so glad that the club had his back! His ending was a bit shocking, yet so great!
Profile Image for Mimirureviewbooks.
2,247 reviews
November 6, 2024
Ruin's Embattlement is book 19 in the Tenillo Guardians AIMC series written by the amazing and talented author Ciara St. James. This is Tanner aka Ruin and Desi's story! Just go ahead and pick this book up, This book was everything! Gosh, I really don’t know what to say other than wow!!!!This story had it all; lots of wonderful characters, bit of drama, humor, banter, great bits of the future and a beautiful romance. This is probably the easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given a book. Well I'm an emotional mess after this book, sad because it's the last book of a very great MC romance series. Hopefully leaves open the door for more adventures with a second generation Ares Infidels books.
Profile Image for Phyllis Wolford.
1,879 reviews
October 25, 2024
This is a great ending to an awesome series, but leaves open the door for the second generation. All the characters are both strong and gentle except when their family is in danger then both the women and the men will bring down hellfire and brimstone on you. They each have their strong points and their breaking points, but as long as they are together they can and will do what it takes to protect the week and hurt.
They each have club has been taking care of the trash since they were formed and doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.
This is a series that I personally will be missing.
884 reviews5 followers
November 12, 2024
Just want to tell the reader and the author what a wonderful ending to this series,?I truly enjoyed reading about how two great characters finally got it together and became friends again and lovers. One part of the story was sorta funny to me about the fellow Niamey talked about his last name was Ashby , I sat there reading it and thought oh my we have a bad person in our clan. You see my maiden name is Ashby. Anyway I just thought it was funny!! But to be honest I love this story, I give a 5 Star rating. 🥰🥰🥰🥰👏👏👏👏👏👏
534 reviews
November 19, 2024
Ruin’s Embattlement by Ciara St James

This is the last book in the AIMC series. It is Tanner(Ruin) and Desi story. They met when the MC rescued her from traffickers. They became best friends and she was fostered by Tanners Mom and Husband. As they got older their feelings for each other changed but Tanner fought it as he felt that it wasn’t right as Desi was his “sister”. As you can tell this lead to much drama involving the whole club. They get their HEA but have to work for it.
Profile Image for Lora Cimino.
835 reviews16 followers
August 15, 2025
Wow!!

I was waiting to read Ruin and Desi's story since the New York book. I absolutely loved it! It was as good and romantic as I expected. I am sorry to see this series end, I will miss the characters. However, this book had a very satisfying happily ever after. The couple's road to each other was a bumpy and at times sad. But once they realized their feelings for each other it was such a joyous book. I had a feeling about Tyson and I am glad he got his happy ending too. This book is steamy and angsty. I loved it and I think anyone who reads it will too.
34 reviews
November 3, 2024
Bittersweet ending

It was so great to read Ruin's story. Seeing Desi get over her past abuse and be able to have her HAE with Ruin was great. Something I thought of at the beginning of the book turned out I was right.. Tyson was gay and the best part was he was with isaha. That made me smile 😁 I know this is book 19 but I wish it could keep going. I'll miss this group, it may have to go on my re-read list along with the Archangels!!!!
162 reviews
November 3, 2024
Wonderful love story!!❤️

Wow, this book was bittersweet it was the last book in the series. Watching these two grow over the years has been amazing. Desi has overcome so much to get her HEA, but she definitely got it. Ruin had a few struggles to get through before being able to admit his true feelings, and once he did, it was wonderful watching these two as adults navigate life. I can’t wait for the second generation it's gonna make the older generation have grey hair!!!
348 reviews
November 8, 2024
Finally

This series brought a lot of scary moments, but they all survived to live HEA. That is remarkable! The MC grew and grew, each story touched so many different emotions. I was bummed we didn't get any of the "Time served" crew or the crazy coven involved with this last book. Well on to the next adventure!😉💚💙
Profile Image for Judy R.
297 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2024
Excellent series of bikers and their families

This series of motorcycle club bikes and their family members was outstanding. Not only was there the best in pairing up bikers to their significant others but the love and caring shared by all. Family for one member was family to the club.
278 reviews
December 22, 2024
Loved Desi and Tanners story!

This is a great series and this story was the perfect one to end the series. Desi and Ruin had a rough road to finally get together. Once Ruin realized what his feelings were their relationship moved quickly. Two good side stories as well. This was a page turner, I loved it!
Profile Image for Linda.
671 reviews5 followers
May 12, 2025
it's bitter sweet and sad to see this series end. I was hoping for more information regarding the epilogue as to what was meant as there were some loses. Who was lost? I kind of felt for this being a series finale a lot more information should of been provided in that aspect.

Overall, Desi and Tamner finally get their HEA after so many yrs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
781 reviews
November 2, 2024
Absolutely loved Ruins book. You could just feel love between Desi & Tanner. They were always the end game. So many little Easter eggs in this book.

Sad this series has come to an end but I’m hopeful for maybe a Second Generation 🤞🏻
620 reviews5 followers
November 2, 2024
Awesome book

Awesome book awesome series!! I am so sad to see it end! I wanted to smack both Ruin and Desi at first but they acted right so it was great. Loved Jackie and Oman plus Shane was great
31 reviews
November 3, 2024
Beautfiul Ending!

Another great book from one of my favorite authors club. I have revisited her motorcycle family on several occasions. I'm trying to pick out a favorite but found they all were. This was a beautiful way to end the series, but I still want more.
1,003 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2024
Great read

I hate that it has come to the end. But I have to say I loved the way it turned out for them. It was the best way for it to happen. I can not wait to see what happens with all the MC kids once they are all grown up.
23 reviews
November 3, 2024
Bittersweet

Amazing journey can’t wait until the next generation if it’s anything like the first we are in for an awesome ride. Hopefully we can get maybe some updates or stories of the first generation.
745 reviews
November 4, 2024
About this book

Love this book and it's series and would recommend it to anyone who loves to read about MC life and their families and friends 🧡 and Ciara is an amazing writer ❤️ 💖
Profile Image for Laurie Gyd.
1,976 reviews9 followers
November 4, 2024
so very good

“Is this because we haven’t told the club about us? We plan to, but we want to tell Shane first. We’re doing that tonight,” I informed him swiftly. “No, it’s not about that. But we are overjoyed for you.
92 reviews
November 5, 2024
Brilliant

An amazing end to the first generation of this series! Tanner and Desi’s story has been a long time coming and I’m glad they finally got their HEA! I also loved the glimpse into the future we were given. Hope to hear from the second gen in the future
Profile Image for Angela.
3,478 reviews33 followers
November 9, 2024
A great ending to this series

This was another terrific story, and a great ending to this series. Hopefully we'll see the second generation in the future.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and author.
Profile Image for Merle.
2,432 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2024
End of the first generation of Infidels, the next may be coming up in the future. A stepson of one of the originals, Tanner, also known now as Ruin, has been a part of the series since his mother and older sister were rescued by the club. After his Marine service, Tanner fulfills his destiny.
775 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2024
Amazing

I have waited for Desi to get her HEA since we met her. I loved Omen the best and now Tanner is right up there. This was the perfect way to end this generation of Ares Infedeles. I can't wait for the 2nd generation
243 reviews
November 26, 2024
Excellent Read

So glad it worked out for Desi and Tanner. Lived their story. I had a feeling that Tyson wasn’t into girls. So glad it worked out for all of them . Sad that it’s the end of their stories. Thanks for a great series.
Profile Image for Hendrix Fan 4ever.
2,597 reviews7 followers
December 31, 2024
LOVED IT!

My Village!😍 I am so glad Ms Ciara shares her crazy, big, and wonderful village with us readers! I'm doubly happy at the hint that there might be some second generation stories!😍😍😍
72 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2025
Absolutely wonderful! So happy for Desi and Tanners HEA. Kinda sad the series is over, but it was a wonderful journey and since I now own the entire series, it's a journey that I can repeat as often as I want!
Profile Image for Catherine Marie Meyer.
532 reviews
March 1, 2025
Desi and Ruin

They met as teenagers when his Mom and stepdad got together and later became her foster parents after she was saved from being a sex slave. It's a really great story 😁.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews