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This is a short prequel to the Mckinley Ranch Duet, find out how Josh and Emmy met in high school.

Emily

Ten.
Ten new schools.
Ten new groups of friends I had to fit in with.
This move is different. This are not the usual kids I’ve had to befriend before.
These are the elite offspring of the rich and famous.
One look at me and they’ll know, I’m an imposter.

Josh

The new girl sealed her fate the moment she thought she could sit at my table.
I warned her to stay away from me.
She should have listened.

37 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2023

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About the author

Kylie Kent

95 books3,202 followers
Kylie made the leap from kindergarten teacher to romance author, living out her dream to deliver sexy, always and forever romances. She loves a happily ever after story with tons of built in steam.

She currently resides in Perth, Australia and when she is not dreaming up the latest romance she can be found spending time with her three children and her husband of twenty years, her very own real life instant-love.

Come join me in my reading group on Facebook Kylie's Steam Room.



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5 stars
507 (58%)
4 stars
221 (25%)
3 stars
117 (13%)
2 stars
23 (2%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for claudia (purged my account).
243 reviews83 followers
February 8, 2024
Emily has been in ten different high schools with ten groups of friends she has to fit herself into. However, this move is different it is not the usual type of kid she has met. Instead, she finds herself amongst the elite children of the rich and famous. It is obvious at first glance Emily appears as an imposter. Emily attempts to befriend Josh by sitting at his table. What she did not know was that she sealed her fate. Josh warns her to stay away but Emily has a new habit of not listening. Does this develop feelings of obsession, protection, and love or will Emily just be another new kid who does not belong?

I cannot put into words how excited I am for Josh and Emily's duology. I have been living off crumbs and this preview into how they first met has me elated.

Josh has always been obsessed with Emmy and it’s obvious from day one. We all believed it because of the previous books but seeing it first-hand was everything.

I expect to see her cower, to avert her eyes. She doesn't. She plasters an even bigger smile on her fucking pretty face and then turns around, picks up her sandwich, and starts eating. I stand there and watch for a minute, waiting to see if she's going to break. She doesn't. And if I'm honest with myself, I'm fucking relieved she doesn't. I don't want to see this girl break. I want to see her fucking reign.

Even though we saw Josh being just straight-up rude, in the background he cared for Emmy and wanted to set up a good life for her at the school.

"You'll not only befriend her; you'll be her best fucking friend. If you don't, I'll make sure that crown you've given yourself is passed on to someone else. I won't just destroy your place in the hierarchy here. I'll destroy your place in this whole fucking town. By the time I'm done, you'll wish you were never born."

Josh’s trauma and his home life slowly being revealed does break my heart, we finally have some insight as to why he has become the person he is. I cannot wait to understand the ins and outs of his brain.

I've read books upon books about emotions, feelings, and behaviours. It's why I like to torture the assholes here so much. I like to see the range of emotions flickering across their faces. I've never felt anything but numb. Well, I had a dog once, a pet I thought I loved. My father made me watch as he slit the mutt's throat. Told me love was for the weak and us McKinley men were not weak.

Josh's mentality of 'if I can’t have her then no one can' I lived for it. The obsession is so valid I did not expect anything less from Josh,

The new girl is off-fucking-limits. I might not be able to have her for myself but that doesn't mean I'm about to let any other asshole have her either.

The guy's passed out. When did he pass the fuck out? I don't really care. His nose is broken, and blood drips from his cheeks and forehead. Red marks that will soon form into bruises cover his entire face. Turning around, I stare down at his friend who is starting to back away. "Tell everyone the new girl is off-fucking-limits. Anyone even breathes a word of her name, and this is what will happen to them."

They should know better than to look at what's mine. She's not mine though. She can never be mine. But she sure as fuck won't be theirs either.


The moments of vulnerability Josh allowed Emmy to see will always resonate with me. Like, let's be real for a second that man quite literally begged for her. Something I never thought I would see Josh do.

"That's the thing, Emily. I don't hate you. I couldn't, even if I tried. And believe me, I've fucking tried."

I belong to Emily. She just doesn't know it.

"I mean every word of it. Emmy, you are the most beautiful creature I've ever seen. I can't give you promises of tomorrow. What I can give you is tonight. Let me give you tonight." I'm practically begging her for one night. I hold my breath, waiting for her reply.”


Josh wanted to let Emmy go for her safety and it just shows off the extent of his feelings so beautifully when you look at his character as a whole.

I have to do this. I repeat those words over and over in my head. My father has been trying to break me for years. If he finds out about her, he will succeed in his quest, and it will cost Emily her life. Walking out, I take one last look at her asleep on the bed. Fucking perfect. Closing the door softly, I walk away and for the first time in my life, I cry. I fucking cry as I shatter my own fucking heart.

Emmy may think she can let go put it behind her but we all know they’ll find their way back to each other. Eventually. I would bet my left kidney on it.
Profile Image for Jamie Hicks.
322 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2024
This was a glimpse into Josh and Emmy's past and left me wanting to reread their story and reminded me why they are one of my favourite book couples!

It's been a while since I read a Kylie Kent book and this small novella reminded me why I love her work. Luckily it was short because I didn't want to put it down.
Profile Image for Kurisara Phakintanapinyo.
208 reviews
Read
August 31, 2026
No star because it’s short and a set up for the series so it’s hard to judge. I do love the plot and I see potentials but because of how short it is, a lot of the lines and scenes were delivered in the wrong timing. There was no buildup to the conversation. It just constant cringe, but I understand the concept if it has been well delivered, it would have been so so good. I do love the bully but low-key protective of her even though he act wrong, but it’s still a way to keep other guys from messing with her so he basically punch everyone and blackmailed everyone and then get rid of everyone who touch her, he even blackmailed the teacher to not have her made cheer squad because of the skirt was too short and he doesn’t want anyone else looking at her. This book covered a scene where they had that one night together and then he left and the book end right there. Again, if it was well written, it could create a lot of impact but to me I don’t think the writing was that great.
162 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2024
This is a short, fun look at the events that are referenced in the main books of the duet. While its called a prequel due to the age of the characters its better read after the Duet in my opinion. I just think seeing the small glimpses Josh and Emmy's past in the 2 main books is fun before having the full stories.

The grammar and editing are still exceptional even tho this is a short story and its a quick read to give you a more in depth look at information gathered during the duet.
Profile Image for Steph.
240 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2025
It was good to see more of Josh and emmys beginning. I knew this was a short prequel, but I still expected a little more.

It is well written and gives us more insight into the little stories we get in ruining him and ruining her. I really like both characters, and seeing how they first meet and interact gives you an even better understanding of how they become who they are as adults..


Again, I just wanted more but am still happy with our little glimpse
634 reviews
November 4, 2025
Reading a prequel last!

Yes, I know that's not the way to do it, but I didn't know this existed until I read the other books. It didn't matter, anyway, it didn't spoil anything, it just clarified a couple of points. Like how deep the obsession ran for both of them right from the very beginning.

I might read*all* prequels last in future!
Profile Image for Melissa.
54 reviews5 followers
March 11, 2023
I’m always here for Josh (& Emmy I guess)

Kylie is one of my favorite authors. She hasn’t written a book I haven’t loved, but the McKinley Ranch Duet will always be my favorite. I kinda feel like she wrote this just for me.
Profile Image for Andra Kapule.
580 reviews10 followers
March 14, 2023
great

I have always wondered about their beginning!!! It was so awesome to see how it all started. She put JUST enough snippets in their main book so you aren’t totally lost but also gets your curiosity up! Curiosity satisfied now😝🤣
Profile Image for Cassie.
114 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2023
oh my goodness

Josh and Emmy have always held a special place in my heart. This just sets that feeling in stone. No other no couple Can ever take their place. The depth of their feelings is insane.
Profile Image for Carmen.
991 reviews
July 12, 2023
Beginning of their story

This beginning of Josh and Emmy definitely got me wanting more of them.... This book was a good prequel of them.... I can't wait to see more of their story....
39 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2023
Amazzzzinnnggg!

I absolutely love this series. Each story is heartbreakingly beautiful. So worth reading this and each and every story. I love reading about a strong yet vulnerable alpha. Josh is definitely an alpha.
Profile Image for Sonya.
610 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2023
Beautifully sad

I read this prequel after reading the duet series McKinley Obsession. I normally hate reading books out of order, but I'm so glad I did with this one. Knowing the HEA made it feel less tragic with this prequel.
Profile Image for Bexbookrex .
555 reviews44 followers
April 22, 2024
The preview of things to come...

It's a good story.
I read the novels about Emmy and Josh first, though, and there's absolutely nothing new in the prequel than what we've already read in Ruining Her and Ruining Him. It's a lot of repetition.
Profile Image for Jesmin Nawaz.
1,334 reviews14 followers
June 16, 2024
Memorable start to Josh and Emmy's story what with the milkshake and all. I would have loved to see the love blossom a bit before we got to graduation day because possessive and jealous Josh was fabulous! Looking forward to their story and how they come together again.
Profile Image for Maria .
2,521 reviews23 followers
August 10, 2024
Sad

What a very sad prequel for Josh and Emily! What a horrible life Josh has lived with his wretched father. I really can't wait to read their story. I have a feeling I will probably need Kleenex. Just thus prequel made me swallow deeply.
Profile Image for Chrissy Shaffer-McNeal.
930 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2023
Quick read

This a quick, good read, A prequel! Makes ya want to find out what happens next, with Emmy and Josh!
Profile Image for audiobook_chaos.
2,096 reviews34 followers
June 8, 2023
Great Prequel

I was about to start Ruining Her when I was told about the prequel . It gave me insight to Josh & Emmy and how they began.
Profile Image for Donna.
252 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2023
Interesting prequel introduction to Josh and Emmy. Enjoyable quick read. I'm ready to start theirs duet starting with Ruining Her. A dark second chance romance.
Profile Image for Lisa J..
262 reviews
August 24, 2023
I loved Josh and Emmy's prequel and their duet's love story. I wish there were more McKinley boys in the world.
263 reviews
November 19, 2024
Josh and Emmy- the beginning. I did love it but I wish it was longer! Having the back story of them was great and I might re read their story because it was powerful.
Profile Image for Star.
586 reviews
April 8, 2025
Me pase este libro,y lo lei al ultimo
Si lo lei primero me hubiera gustado mas la dulogia,pero como no es el caso ..
Profile Image for Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm.
1,441 reviews20 followers
December 11, 2025
Teenage Josh - OMG!

Couldn’t love him more.

Yes he’s in the psycho side but who cares.

Loved seeing his beginning with Emme. So cute and spicy.
Profile Image for Cindy Pearson.
989 reviews
September 5, 2026
Dark Romance

What a tragic start to Josh and Emmy’s romance. I definitely can’t wait to read more books by Kylie. 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Mandy Petty.
103 reviews
February 7, 2024
easy quick read introducing you to both characters. makes you want to read more and find out how their story continues.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews