True Ruin

True Men #3

by Tracy Sumner

Fall in love like it’s 1995.

From USA Today bestselling author Tracy Sumner comes a steamy reluctant MMC, all-in FMC '90s romance—where sparks fly, walls come down, and love shows up when you least expect it.

Dallas True knows how to survive chaos—war zones, bad coffee, and the press. But he has no defense against her. She’s bright, bold, and impossible to ignore.

True Ruin is for readers who love a grumpy/sunshine slow-burn with steam, scars, and second chances.

The listed release date is just a placeholder—this book is dropping sooner. Preorder now and you’ll get it the moment it’s live.

TRUE MEN Series
Book 1/ True Fate (Justin)
Book 2: True Dreams (Campbell)
Book 3: True Ruin (Dallas)
Book 4: True Burn (Ransom)

Genres: Romance

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2026

About the author

"Witty dialogue and steamy sensuality.”

—Publisher’s Weekly

The USA Today bestselling author's storytelling career began when she picked up a historical romance on a college beach trip, and she fondly blames LaVyrle Spencer for her obsession with the genre. She’s a recipient of the National Reader’s Choice, HOLT Medallion, Golden Leaf and MAGGIE among others. She lived in New York, Paris and Taipei before returning to NYC.

When not writing sizzling love stories about feisty heroines and their temperamental-but-entirely-lovable heroes, Tracy enjoys reading, snowboarding, college football (Go Tigers!), yoga, and travel. She loves to hear from romance readers!

Find me everywhere on social here!
https://linktr.ee/tracysumner

Reviews

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Ruin by Tracy Sumner is a perfect continuation of an already captivating series! Set in the 90’s, this story takes readers on a beautiful walk down memory lane, evoking the nostalgia of a simpler time. The characters are truly lovely, full of heart and depth, making it so easy to connect with their journeys.

The plot is engaging from start to finish, weaving together moments of tenderness and excitement. What makes this story so special is the way it showcases a love built first on friendship, blossoming naturally into a lifetime of happiness. Tracy Sumner has once again delivered a heartwarming, unforgettable romance that leaves you smiling long after the final page.

If you want a feel-good read that perfectly blends nostalgia, romance, and wonderful character development, True Ruin is a must-read!

[Kelli Matthews | SighingOurPleasure · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tension in True Ruin isn't a will-they-won't-they. It's that Dallas and Gabi are already together and still yearning, even mid-affair. The expectation that their affair will be short-lived means we see them try to convince themselves that this is temporary “fun.”

This is a second chance for both of them. They shared a kiss in high school; Dallas was 15 and Gabi, 17. Now more than a decade later, they aren’t just older, they are different people with both emotional and literal scars.

Gabi is sunshine. She’s freshly divorced after marrying at 19 and has a young son. She’s preparing to open a coffee shop/bakery and, just as important, she’s ready to show who she is (and what she desires) on her own. And, frankly, she desires Dallas.

Dallas is broody (maybe grumpy light) and a well-regarded and experienced journalist. Home in Promise, South Carolina for a forced break while his ankle heals, he’s torn between wanting to stay and wanting to flee to his next international assignment. He’s carrying some baggage about being the half-brother to the rest of the True boys and the rejection he felt as a teen. He’s also had a crush on Gabi since they were teens.

Dallas struggles because he feels safe in Promise, safe with this family and with Gabi, but he also wants to take the deputy bureau chief job in Cairo.

"He didn't know what scared him more: the panic when he considered staying or the flicker of elation running beneath it."

So she’s tied to Promise and he’s bound for Cairo. Temporary, sure. Let’s go with that. Lol.

My only critique — and it’s not a deal breaker at all — is some threads resolve fast. A second-chance romance can speed up the love story since they have history, but teens and late-20s are two different eras of life and some of the interpersonal stuff needed additional room to breathe.

Sumner writes HOT spicy scenes and this book is no exception. Turns out, Gabi is a dirty talker.

This series is set in the mid-to-late 90s with all the outstanding cultural references. We're watching Friends and listening to Stone Temple Pilots and figuring out how to set up email.

I'm not sure whether 1997 is "historical" romance or contemporary, but either way, give me more!

4.5-ish/5 stars
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Ruin by Tracy Sumner
True Men #3

~ Steamy dreamy blast to the past ~ memories, music, and romances of my long ago past came to visit as I spent time with “Hotshot” and “Sparkle” ~ It seems that years apart and live experiences allowed them to realize that they were two puzzle pieces that were meant to lock together and never break apart ~

What I liked:
* Dallas True: international war zone press journalist, half-brother to Justin and William, joined the family when his mother died, quiet, thoughtful, wordsmith, conflicted, reticent, wants to belong, had a crush on Gabi in high school, wonderful person and excellent book boyfriend
* Gabi Wilder: high school it-girl, cheerleader, married a jock, gave up her future to raise her surprise son, divorced, new business owner, caring, kind, focused, responsible, free again, realizes the spark she once felt for Dallas might not have been a fluke
* Sam: Gabi’s son, friendly, open, curious, outgoing, grounded, wants a dog, thrives with Dallas
* The timelessness of the story and that it resonated with me and will no doubt do the same for others who read this book as they find themselves relating to the situations the characters experience throughout the book
* The open honest mature communication between Dallas and Gabi both in and out of the bedroom and what a joy it was that they didn’t have hangups and enjoyed being with one another
* Glimpses of the rest of the characters from previous books
* Being able to relate to Dallas’s mental state after spending time in war zones – been there and done that
* The writing and recording of a “writer” and thinking about journalism, journals/diaries, and the ability to use words to record life events
* The way I felt at the end of the book and the smile I had on my face thinking about what the future might hold in store for Dallas and his family.

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Having to wait for the next book

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars

[Tina Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of how Dallas True finally captures his high school crush, Gabi after years away from his home town.

It sounds a bit cliche to say the cheerleader married the quarterback but sadly after having an adorable son, the QB turns out to be a dud as a Dad, not to mention being a dud as a husband too. So Gabi and the QB divorce so Gabi begins to build a new life for herself and her son, Sam. She is opening a cafe/bakery so is busy being a single parent and an entrepreneur. Enter Dallas True, who needs to recuperate, physically and mentally, from his time covering the events in war torn countries. Dallas comes home and immediately he feels the pull to Gabi, just like he always did.

This story kept me totally on the edge of my seat s I watched the push-pull of their intense love breaking through their good sense. If this had been a paperback book, I’m certain the pages would’ve been singed by the heat of their desire. They certainly encounter several stops and starts to their relationship but nothing is keeping these two apart!

I loved every single minute of their story. Wait, no, that’s not exactly true (no pun intended), I was sad and disappointed when Dallas leaves for Cairo. How could he?! But all comes right in the end thankfully. I was so happy and relieved.

I usually read HR so this is a departure for me but I really enjoyed this being set in the nineties. It was a bit nostalgic for me, the good old days before smart phones and the internet changed life forever.

My two favourite scenes were the extended blanket fort scene, Dallas with Sam… then Dallas with Gabi. And the other one was Dallas and Gabi in the new house….you’ll understand when you read it.

Now I can’t wait to read the rest of the True Men books.

All in all, this is one of my favourite Sumner books and that is saying a lot. I already have about 100 favourite Tracy Sumner books! Lol

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dallas True is our war‑zone‑chasing, ankle‑snapping, disaster king, hero. He returns to Promise, SC with the energy of a man who would rather be literally anywhere else, but fate (and a busted ankle) said “Nope.” He’s still the brilliant newspaper nerd who once pined after the town princess...except now he’s grown into a man who feels everything too deeply and tries very hard not to show it.

Gabi Wilder has gone from the town's princess, years earlier, to being a gritty divorced woman with a single‑mom strength, and a coffee‑shop‑opening dream she refuses to let die. She’s warm, determined, and working hard to start her new business, Wilder Grounds while pretending she’s not still wildly affected by Dallas True. Their chemistry is immediate & their honesty with each other is refreshing. Their history is based on the kind of bleacher‑kiss legend small towns never forget.

Set in the late ’90s, before smartphones, before social media, before doom‑scrolling, this story drops you right into the nostalgia. Dallas comes home injured and grumpy, only to collide with Gabi, the girl he loved first and longest. They rebuild a friendship, slip into something more, and then face the reality that Dallas has a job waiting in Cairo. Time is short, feelings are big, and both of them are terrible at pretending otherwise...............And then Sam, Gabi's son, pulls a stunt that changes everything.

Tracy Sumner’s retro ’90s series has been a total blast, and True Ruin is another hit - emotional, nostalgic, and full of second‑chance longing that goes straight for the heart. Dallas and Gabi are easy to root for, easy to love, and impossible to forget. It’s warm, sexy, heartfelt, and absolutely impossible to put down. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an ARC of this book, and did not know that Tracy Sumner wrote contemporary romance—I had only ever read her historicals (and really love them). This is set in the 1990’s, which some might think of as historical-adjacent, but I’m old enough to remember the 90’s, and I enjoyed the little bits of “history” scattered throughout the book.

I have not read the previous books in the series, although I’m going to go look for them now. I really liked Dallas as a character. He had a lot going on, and it wasn’t all just broody one-note alpha guy stuff. He returns to his small hometown on a forced break from his high-profile journalism career because he was injured on an assignment. He has been offered his dream post—a deputy bureau chief position in Cairo, and being forced back home feels like a punishment in many ways.

But not a complete punishment. He feels a lot of feelings about reconnecting with his family, and even more feelings about seeing The One That Got Away. His high school dream girl, Gabi, is a divorced single mother of a young son. Her cheerleader-gets-knocked-up-by the football-player-in-high-school story is a cliche and she knows it. She is determined to reclaim her life on her terms, and when she sees Dallas after so many years, she decides it’s time to live a little.

Small town vibes, 90’s nostalgia, and two winning characters made this an awesome fast read. This doesn’t drag out, it’s steamy, and Dallas and Gabi are great characters. I’m going to go look for the other True brothers’ books now…

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dallas True has spent the past decade chasing stories through war zones—anywhere but Promise, South Carolina. Now a broken ankle and forced leave have sent him back to the town he escaped, where everyone still remembers the wrong-side-of-the-tracks newspaper geek he used to be. Especially Gabi Wilder she was the town princess: bright, popular, impossible. Dallas was the younger boy with the secret crush—the one who fell first and never expected her to look his way. Until one wild kiss behind the high-school bleachers changed everything. Now Gabi is divorced, raising Sam, her son, and fighting to open Wilder Grounds inside the True family’s restored cotton mill.
The third book in the series about the True brothers & another captivating romance. Set in the late 1990’s it takes you back to the time before social media, smart phones & people talked to each other. I loved both Dallas & Gabi, their chemistry was electric but I loved how they opened up to each other especially Dallas. They become friends then lovers then back to friends as Dallas has a job lined up in Cairo so their time together is limited. Until Sam feigns sickness & things change. I found it very hard to put down & was routing for them all the way through & I loved it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dallas lost his mother and arrived in Promise with a birth certificate in his hand, a lonely, scared teen who felt like an outsider in his new family. He left as soon as he legally could and has traveled all over the world as a journalist ever since. After an incident overseas, he returns home to rest and recuperate and try again to connect with his brothers and cousin. Gabi Wilder married young and is now a single mother raising a curious, active little boy, running a food truck and preparing to open a new business featuring her baked goods. They shared a kiss once in high school and Dallas has never forgotten the girl he crushed on hard back then. When they run into each other after he arrives back home, sparks fly. Gabi thinks he’s more attractive than ever and he can’t take his eyes off her. Only thing is, he’s only home temporarily before he takes the job he’s been offered that is based in Cairo. It seems he will have to decide what his priorities are if he wants a chance at winning Gabi and settling down in their small town with the comfort of family all around. I loved this couple and their undeniable attraction, both of them deserved a chance at happiness. This was another delicious story in the True Men series.

[Cheryl McTyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruin(ed), yes for any other book boyfriend. These men from Promise are killing it in the romance and steam department. When Dallas True's journalism career is sidelined by a broken ankle it takes him home, and leads to a future he never thought possible. Gabi Wilder was the queen in high school, now she is a single mom trying to open a business, and raising her son with very little help from her lousy ex-husband. Dallas and Gabi come together through one stolen kiss in high school and as adults they can finally give in to what they want and need. No promises, just fun while Dallas is healing, because nothing this good could be forever.

All roads lead to Promise, and it is paved with high school memories, great music and secret kisses. Sumner's True Men series is a great throwback to the 90s when people actually had to communicate in person, not through texting. Ransom's story is next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pamela Blatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series adds Dallas as one of the hot and ever so sexy True brothers.
Dallas had a difficult time at fourteen being brought into his new life meeting half brothers.
Gabi was the quintessential high school cheerleader who was a couple years older than Dallas.
They shared a steamy kiss on the bleachers.
Dallas went off to work in war zones and Gabi got pregnant, had a son, then divorced from the dead beat.
When Dallas comes back to town to recuperate before tackling a new job, he once again becomes entranced with Gabi and liking her son Sam.
An affair or forever? Conflicting priorities and some seriously sexy scenes make it a compelling “can’t put it down” read.
Author captures the nostalgia of the 90’s and the True brothers are incorporated into the storyline.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.

[gabreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good!

This was my first time reading this author's contemporary romances and I will need to check out more because this was so good.

This is set in the 90's (fun!) and follows our main characters Gabi and Dallas. Dallas is emotionally scared from being a journalist in war zones. He returns to his hometown due to an injury. Gabi is a divorced single mom trying to open a business. These two had history in high school too which added extra drama to the story. Think modern day class difference.

I loved the romance here. It's emotional, swoon worthy and steamy. Everything I crave in a contemporary romance.

This is a novella so it's totally bingeable too.

Definitely recommend this!

[Stacie Irwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and passionate story. Dallas and Gabi were just perfect! They grew up together in high school, had a stolen kiss, and then parted ways. Years later, the two are world-weary from very different things, but they find their peace and quiet with one another. I so appreciate how they both knew they used to have a crush on one another, but they didn’t play hard to get when they had their second chance. They both just went for it and didn’t try to pretend they were not interested. It was so refreshing! So many books have couple playing games or hard to get, and they can get old quickly. This relationship felt real, raw, and flaming. It was so enjoyable!

Thank you to the author for letting me be an ARC reader!!

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Perfect!
It's Dallas' turn to find his happy ever after and when he realises that he has, there is no stopping him.
The love of his life, though he doesn't realise it immediately, is Gabi.
These two are so perfect for each other. Their story is pure magic and I loved them. How could I not?
I am happy to recommend their story. It was a quick read with all I could hope for in a book to keep me well entertained.
My voluntary review is given freely having just finished reading this wonderful love story.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-Felt Romantic Read

Be still my beating heart!

This is a super romantic second chance at love read with lots of emotional moments, new beginnings, getting to know each other and giving each other freedom to appreciate what they have to make a stronger more fulfilling passionate love.

The characters are all amazing and I just love the chemistry and connection within the storyline.

What more can I say but it’s such a beautiful entertaining read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Ruin
By Tracy Sumner

I really enjoyed this series a lot. It wasn’t historical which is my main focus right now. But I seem to be mixing it up lately. Erotica, thriller and some paranormal. So this was another interesting genre for me in recent months. Anyway, I love Tracy’s books and this series is an outstanding example of her writing. Gabi and Dallas’ story is enchanting and uplifting. Great job,Tracy

[Simeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Ruin is a heartfelt and emotionally rich small town romance that beautifully explores first love, second chances, and the courage it takes to open your heart again. Tracy Sumner delivers a compelling story filled with unforgettable characters, genuine emotion, and the kind of romance that lingers long after the final chapter.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veramente una bella serie, scritta benissimo. Spero che Tracy Sumner abbia in serbo altri romanzi per questa serie.
E' un peccato che si limiti ai soli romanzi storici, perchè ha veramente tanto talento per il genere contemporary........ ma possiamo veramente parlare di contemporary per storie ambientate trent'anni fa?
Un bellissimo tuffo nel passato, negli anni della mia adolescenza❤️.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this friends to lovers story between Dallas and Gabi. Gabi is a divorcee with a young son and Dallas us home to recuperate. Soon friendship turns to more aa their world's gravitate to one another.