Tragic Hearts

by Carlie Ryen

Beckham Maxwell has lived his whole life handing over his heart to anyone who wants it, and even some who don’t. He loves freely, damn the consequences. When he wins big from a scratch off ticket on his 26th birthday, he finds himself leaving his small town life behind for a new adventure in Chicago. Tragedy strikes and he finds himself in an unlikely friendship with a widow and her adorable daughter.

Jensen Hill is surviving, nothing more. While she mourns the loss of her husband and the life she expected to have with her family, she runs into a man who never stops smiling. She finds it annoying as much as she finds it endearing. Beckham can never be anything more than her best friend, but Jensen isn't sure he's capable of keeping his promise not to fall in love with her.

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2025

Reviews

[ᴄʜᴇʟꜱ · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book 1,000 stars, I absolutely would. As a huge romantasy reader, sometimes my brain needs a break from keeping track of magic systems, ancient feuds, and that one guy who did something 100 years ago that ruined everyone’s lives. Tragic Hearts is the perfect palate cleanser—a contemporary romance that’s light, funny, emotional, and just the right amount of spicy. Not too much, not too little. Goldilocks-level perfection.

I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book, and I don’t know if it was the fact that some of the events hit a little too close to home or if Beckham is just that likable. (We love Jensen too, but let’s be real—we’re all a little bit Beckham and just wish we were more like Jensen. lol.)

Reading this book was like a breath of fresh air, and now I’m fully invested in this series. I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next one—hurry up, please!

[Kaitlyn Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a slump-buster !!???

Tragic hearts a true palette cleanser. Moments of loss, but so many more moments of giggles and love. Fast paced, endearing, and the perfect balance of sunshine MMC and grumpy (except not even, just guarded, which is understandable?) FMC. Jensen is top tier FMC, I love her so much. I couldn’t put them down!!!

Magnificent, heart-felt, movie moments & a lil bit of 🌶️🌶️. I love it and will be eating up every book after.

Giddy that I got an ARC & can’t wait to force all my friends to read it April 8th 🤪

[Crystal Lewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do men like Beckham actually exist? I have no idea but a girl can hope and dream! This book is the perfect representation of bad shit happens but you never know what’s behind the next door.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story. I enjoyed both characters. I felt the emotions between them. It was raw and felt so real. I did think the beginning (with Emma) was a little vague compared to the rest of the story, like maybe downplayed a little and lacked dialogue between her and Beckham? But the banter between him and Jensen made up for it! Perfect amount of spice/plot ration I would definitely read more from this author!

[Drewgirlz · Rating 4 out of 5]

what an amazing and heartfelt book!!! i love these 2 charters and the journey of growth of love and accepting love. I think we need more about emma or maybe not have her in the book, but that being said it either way this book is still so good. i def recommend it and cant wait to read other book in series and by this author. the spice was perfect not to much and not to little.

[Logan Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute book. I absolutely love Beckhams personality. The banter was perfect. Jensens growth, from the beginning to the end, was great. I was cheering her on as if I knew her. Can’t wait to read the next one!!