The Perfect Ruin

A thrilling new novel of lies, deception, and revenge from the bestselling author, perfect for fans of B.A. Paris and Joshilyn Jackson! The glamour of Miami has a dark side in this twisting story where nothing is what it seems, as one wronged woman seeks to destroy the seemingly perfect life of one of the city’s most revered socialites.

A brutal tragedy ended Ivy Hill’s happy family and childhood. Now in her twenties and severely troubled, she barely has a life—or much to live for. Until the day she discovers the name of the woman who destroyed her world: Lola Maxwell—the mega-wealthy socialite with a heart, Miami’s beloved “first lady” of charity. Accomplished, gorgeous, and oh-so-caring, Lola has the best of everything—and doesn’t deserve any of it. So it’s only right that Ivy take it all away…

Little by little, Ivy infiltrates Lola’s elite circle, becomes her new best friend—and plays Lola’s envious acquaintances and hangers-on against her. But seducing Lola’s handsome, devoted surgeon husband turns into a passionate dream Ivy suddenly can’t control. And soon, an insidious someone will twist Ivy’s revenge into a nightmare of deception, secrets, and betrayal that Ivy may not wake up from…

“A shocking, sensual thriller with sharp twists.” —Tarryn Fisher, New York Times bestselling author of The Wives

"Twisty and impossible to put down! 10/10 recommend." —Claire Contreras, New York Times bestselling author

“I was hooked from the very first twist.” —Alessandra Torre, New York Times bestselling author of Every Last Secret

This discussion guide and recommended reading is shared and sponsored in partnership with Kensington.

Book club questions for The Perfect Ruin by Shanora Williams

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

The Perfect Ruin contains chapters in first, third, and even second person point of view. Why do you think the novel was written this way?

Do you wish Lola had been able to share her point of view during the story too? Why or why not?

If Ivy had never been given Lola’s name, do you think that she’d have turned out to be a different woman?

Considering Lola’s reputation and all she’d done to become Miami’s sweetheart, do you understand why she tried to bury the tragedy? Should she have faced the consequences and backlash from her actions?

In your opinion, was what Georgia did to Lola understandable after all she’d gone through while working for her?

Why was Lola’s chandelier such an irritation to Ivy and Georgia?

Ivy can be an unreliable and untrustworthy narrator. Though many chapters were told from her point of view, we don’t know if she’s being truthful or lying about certain events. Was Ivy telling the truth about never wanting to wish harm on Lola and Corey in the end?

What were Ivy’s relationships to other female characters in the novel? Do you think that deep down Ivy wanted a best friend or someone she could call a sister?

Considering the life-threatening act Ivy made toward Keke, and how determined she was to get what she wanted, do you think she got what was coming to her in the end?

What do you think the final chapter means for Georgia and Ivy’s future?

The Perfect Ruin Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the The Perfect Ruin discussion questions

Shanora Williams is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty-five novels, including her traditional publishing debut, The Perfect Ruin. She began self-publishing in 2012 and first landed on the New York Times bestseller list when she was only nineteen years old. She lives with her husband and three sons near Charlotte, NC. Visit Shanora Williams online at www.ShanoraWilliams.com.