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Ruined: A Small Town, Second Chance Romance
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2026
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July 6, 2026
Ruined by Em Hardy gave me that emotional small-town romance feeling where you can already tell the past is about to walk back in wearing cowboy boots and regret.
Grace really made me feel for her. She went through so much hurt and heartbreak from the boy she thought was going to be her forever, so I completely understood why coming back to Beaumont Ridge was not something she wanted to do. Sometimes a hometown is not just a place. Sometimes it carries memories, people, and pain you were trying so hard not to face again.
But when her dad gets injured and breaks his leg, Grace still comes home.
That part already made me emotional because it showed how strong she is. Even though returning means facing the old wound that still has not fully healed, she still shows up for her dad. And what made it even softer was that her dad knew exactly what coming home could do to her. He knew the history. He knew Tucker was there. He kept checking if she was okay to come back, and honestly, that father-daughter care touched my heart.
Then we have Tucker Beaumont.
The man. The regret. The old flame. The cowboy who broke her heart and somehow still has the audacity to be shocked when she is back and actually speaking to him. Sir, please. You broke her heart, of course she is not going to make this easy for you 😭
But that is what made the story fun and emotional at the same time. Tucker clearly never stopped loving Grace, but love alone is not enough when trust was broken. He has twelve years of regret sitting on his shoulders, and now that Grace is back, he finally has a chance to show her that he is not the same man who hurt her.
I loved the second-chance tension between them. It had that “we still feel something, but can we survive what happened before?” kind of ache. Grace’s heart still has Tucker written all over it, but she is guarded for a reason. Tucker may want her back, but he has to earn that place again. That made their romance feel more meaningful because it was not just about old feelings coming back. It was about whether those feelings could grow into something stronger, safer, and better this time.
The small-town meddling also made me giggle. Tucker’s sister being Grace’s best friend and clearly trying to push them back together? Loved it. Grace’s dad being quietly in on it too? Even better. I love when a small town romance has that “everyone knows your business and nobody is subtle” energy. It gave the story warmth, humor, and that cozy hometown chaos I always enjoy.
And the rodeo setup was such a good way to force them into each other’s space. Working together on the 75th Anniversary Beaumont Ridge Rodeo meant they could not just avoid the past forever. The rodeo brought out the memories, the tension, the unresolved feelings, and all those little moments where you can tell the love never fully left.
This book gave me small-town romance, second chance, rodeo charm, hurt/comfort, old flames, return-to-hometown emotions, meddling family, and a cowboy who has to work for the woman he never stopped loving.
Overall, Ruined was heartfelt, emotional, funny in the right places, and full of that soft ache I love in second-chance romances. Grace and Tucker’s story had pain, regret, hope, and the question that kept me hooked: can you rebuild something beautiful from what once broke you?
And honestly? I was rooting for them.
If you love cowboy romance, small-town drama, family meddling, old heartbreak, rodeo tension, and a second chance that has to be earned properly this time, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Grace really made me feel for her. She went through so much hurt and heartbreak from the boy she thought was going to be her forever, so I completely understood why coming back to Beaumont Ridge was not something she wanted to do. Sometimes a hometown is not just a place. Sometimes it carries memories, people, and pain you were trying so hard not to face again.
But when her dad gets injured and breaks his leg, Grace still comes home.
That part already made me emotional because it showed how strong she is. Even though returning means facing the old wound that still has not fully healed, she still shows up for her dad. And what made it even softer was that her dad knew exactly what coming home could do to her. He knew the history. He knew Tucker was there. He kept checking if she was okay to come back, and honestly, that father-daughter care touched my heart.
Then we have Tucker Beaumont.
The man. The regret. The old flame. The cowboy who broke her heart and somehow still has the audacity to be shocked when she is back and actually speaking to him. Sir, please. You broke her heart, of course she is not going to make this easy for you 😭
But that is what made the story fun and emotional at the same time. Tucker clearly never stopped loving Grace, but love alone is not enough when trust was broken. He has twelve years of regret sitting on his shoulders, and now that Grace is back, he finally has a chance to show her that he is not the same man who hurt her.
I loved the second-chance tension between them. It had that “we still feel something, but can we survive what happened before?” kind of ache. Grace’s heart still has Tucker written all over it, but she is guarded for a reason. Tucker may want her back, but he has to earn that place again. That made their romance feel more meaningful because it was not just about old feelings coming back. It was about whether those feelings could grow into something stronger, safer, and better this time.
The small-town meddling also made me giggle. Tucker’s sister being Grace’s best friend and clearly trying to push them back together? Loved it. Grace’s dad being quietly in on it too? Even better. I love when a small town romance has that “everyone knows your business and nobody is subtle” energy. It gave the story warmth, humor, and that cozy hometown chaos I always enjoy.
And the rodeo setup was such a good way to force them into each other’s space. Working together on the 75th Anniversary Beaumont Ridge Rodeo meant they could not just avoid the past forever. The rodeo brought out the memories, the tension, the unresolved feelings, and all those little moments where you can tell the love never fully left.
This book gave me small-town romance, second chance, rodeo charm, hurt/comfort, old flames, return-to-hometown emotions, meddling family, and a cowboy who has to work for the woman he never stopped loving.
Overall, Ruined was heartfelt, emotional, funny in the right places, and full of that soft ache I love in second-chance romances. Grace and Tucker’s story had pain, regret, hope, and the question that kept me hooked: can you rebuild something beautiful from what once broke you?
And honestly? I was rooting for them.
If you love cowboy romance, small-town drama, family meddling, old heartbreak, rodeo tension, and a second chance that has to be earned properly this time, this one is definitely worth picking up.
July 10, 2026
Grace Clark always believed her high school sweetheart, Tucker Beaumont, was the love story she'd tell for the rest of her life. With flights booked, dreams mapped out, and a future waiting for them in Chicago, she leaves Tennessee ready to begin their forever. But when Tucker never arrives, Grace discovers that sometimes the only thing that follows you across state lines is heartbreak.
Years later, when her dad is injured, Grace doesn't think twice about returning home to help run the family store and care for him. What she doesn't expect is that going back to Tennessee means confronting the life (and the love) she left behind. Surrounded by familiar faces, old memories, and emotions she's spent years trying to bury, Grace quickly realises that some places don't just hold your past... they force you to face it.
Excuse me Miss Em, but what in the fuck was that?
I absolutely loved every second of Beaumont Ridge & everybody in it. You’ve created a town that feels so warm & lived in, filled with characters that you can’t help but love even those with only small interactions.
I devoured this book!! I can’t wait for more 🙊
Years later, when her dad is injured, Grace doesn't think twice about returning home to help run the family store and care for him. What she doesn't expect is that going back to Tennessee means confronting the life (and the love) she left behind. Surrounded by familiar faces, old memories, and emotions she's spent years trying to bury, Grace quickly realises that some places don't just hold your past... they force you to face it.
Excuse me Miss Em, but what in the fuck was that?
I absolutely loved every second of Beaumont Ridge & everybody in it. You’ve created a town that feels so warm & lived in, filled with characters that you can’t help but love even those with only small interactions.
I devoured this book!! I can’t wait for more 🙊
July 9, 2026
If you want to know something about me, give me a small-town cowboy romance and I will eat it up every single time! And this one did not disappoint at all.
Grace and Tucker have reconnected after years apart and watching these two FINALLY get back to one another oh my god the LONGING THE ANGST!! I was kicking my feet and giggling so much while reading this one.
I am also one for a meddling family, and neither disappointed!
Many thank's to Em Hardy for the eArc! OUT NOW!
Grace and Tucker have reconnected after years apart and watching these two FINALLY get back to one another oh my god the LONGING THE ANGST!! I was kicking my feet and giggling so much while reading this one.
I am also one for a meddling family, and neither disappointed!
Many thank's to Em Hardy for the eArc! OUT NOW!
Review of advance copy
ARC review
Gracie and Tucker’s story melted my heart! So many emotions played out while reading, I was sad, giddy, and happy. The love they have for each other felt real. Overall this book was so cute and heartwarming.
Gracie and Tucker’s story melted my heart! So many emotions played out while reading, I was sad, giddy, and happy. The love they have for each other felt real. Overall this book was so cute and heartwarming.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the absolute privilege of beta reading this book, and wow... what an introduction to Em Hardy's writing.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The prologue immediately pulled me in, and I knew I was in for an emotional second chance romance. The longing, the unanswered questions, and the emotion between Tucker and Grace had me invested from the start.
One of my favorite things about this book was just how effortlessly it flowed. I found myself flying through the pages because every chapter left me wanting more. Em's writing is incredibly immersive, and I was completely swept away by this small town world.
The setting felt so authentic. As someone from Australia, Em absolutely nailed the feel of small town Tennessee. The dialogue, the Southern expressions, the sense of community—you could practically hear the Southern drawl as you read. I was so impressed by how natural it all felt.
And speaking of community... the found family in this book was everything. Tucker's family had me laughing constantly, and every sibling brought something different to the story. By the time I finished, I wasn't ready to leave this family behind. I'm already so intrigued by the siblings and cannot wait to get my hands on their stories.
Tucker and Grace's romance was beautiful. Twelve years after going their separate ways, they're forced back into each other's lives to save the family rodeo, and all those old feelings are still simmering beneath the surface. The yearning, the history, the chemistry, and the quiet moments between them made their second chance feel so rewarding. Tucker completely stole my heart.
If you love small town romance, second chances, forced proximity, meddling family members, found family, cowboys, and a love story full of heart and plenty of heat because the spice was amazing, this is one you won't want to miss.
I can't believe this was my first Em Hardy book because it definitely won't be my last.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The prologue immediately pulled me in, and I knew I was in for an emotional second chance romance. The longing, the unanswered questions, and the emotion between Tucker and Grace had me invested from the start.
One of my favorite things about this book was just how effortlessly it flowed. I found myself flying through the pages because every chapter left me wanting more. Em's writing is incredibly immersive, and I was completely swept away by this small town world.
The setting felt so authentic. As someone from Australia, Em absolutely nailed the feel of small town Tennessee. The dialogue, the Southern expressions, the sense of community—you could practically hear the Southern drawl as you read. I was so impressed by how natural it all felt.
And speaking of community... the found family in this book was everything. Tucker's family had me laughing constantly, and every sibling brought something different to the story. By the time I finished, I wasn't ready to leave this family behind. I'm already so intrigued by the siblings and cannot wait to get my hands on their stories.
Tucker and Grace's romance was beautiful. Twelve years after going their separate ways, they're forced back into each other's lives to save the family rodeo, and all those old feelings are still simmering beneath the surface. The yearning, the history, the chemistry, and the quiet moments between them made their second chance feel so rewarding. Tucker completely stole my heart.
If you love small town romance, second chances, forced proximity, meddling family members, found family, cowboys, and a love story full of heart and plenty of heat because the spice was amazing, this is one you won't want to miss.
I can't believe this was my first Em Hardy book because it definitely won't be my last.
Review of advance copy received from Author
• ARC REVIEW •
• RUINED: EM HARDY •
• GRACE & TUCKER•
•⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️•
First and foremost I would love to thank EM for my ARC copy as well as thanking her for giving me the opportunity to ALPHA read this book as well! When I say that this book is amazing, I mean it! This is the first book in the Beaumont Ridge Series and I have a feeling that this series is going to be one of my favourites!
- Small Town
- Second Chance
- Meddling Family
- Its always been you
- Rodeo School Owner x Events Exec
Reading Grace and Tuckers book had me feeling so many emotions. I was hooked from start to finish. I love a good second chance book, and the way this one was written was perfection. The longing, the hesitation, the pull back into those old feelings just was done so perfectly.
He wanted her to live her dreams, and she wanted to stay and help him. Their time apart was long, but that connection was strong. Seeing them learn about each other again, about the things they missed in the 12 years was also so special, and I feel it made them closer! I loved the little flashbacks we got too. They made the story feel extra special.
Gracie's character was so special! She was so strong, independent. The way she stepped up, to help her dad without hesitation. And bringing her back bought back memories and a certain special cowboy from her past. Tucker, oh the man that he is! A loyal family man who works hard, and loves harder. The way he communicates with Gracie was perfect.
We met so many side characters in this book, and I can not wait to see what the rest of the series has in store for us! I just want to mention the girl gang in this book too, how PERFECT it is! It reminds me of some of my closest friendships!
Thankyou again Em, I'm so honoured to be apart of your team xox
• RUINED: EM HARDY •
• GRACE & TUCKER•
•⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️•
First and foremost I would love to thank EM for my ARC copy as well as thanking her for giving me the opportunity to ALPHA read this book as well! When I say that this book is amazing, I mean it! This is the first book in the Beaumont Ridge Series and I have a feeling that this series is going to be one of my favourites!
- Small Town
- Second Chance
- Meddling Family
- Its always been you
- Rodeo School Owner x Events Exec
Reading Grace and Tuckers book had me feeling so many emotions. I was hooked from start to finish. I love a good second chance book, and the way this one was written was perfection. The longing, the hesitation, the pull back into those old feelings just was done so perfectly.
He wanted her to live her dreams, and she wanted to stay and help him. Their time apart was long, but that connection was strong. Seeing them learn about each other again, about the things they missed in the 12 years was also so special, and I feel it made them closer! I loved the little flashbacks we got too. They made the story feel extra special.
Gracie's character was so special! She was so strong, independent. The way she stepped up, to help her dad without hesitation. And bringing her back bought back memories and a certain special cowboy from her past. Tucker, oh the man that he is! A loyal family man who works hard, and loves harder. The way he communicates with Gracie was perfect.
We met so many side characters in this book, and I can not wait to see what the rest of the series has in store for us! I just want to mention the girl gang in this book too, how PERFECT it is! It reminds me of some of my closest friendships!
Thankyou again Em, I'm so honoured to be apart of your team xox
July 3, 2026
4.5 Stars - Thank you to Em Hardy for the opportunity to receive an early copy of this!
A second chance, small town, cowboy romance…YES PLEASE!! This story follows Grace and Tucker, and is set around Grace going back home to help her father recover from an injury. The only problem with going back home is that it has been 12 years…12 years since the boy she loved broke her heart. The prologue alone already had me emotional “the boy who currently holds my heart in his hands, his to keep or destroy.” I don’t know about you, but that’s pretty perfect to me!
Even before our MMC and FMC meet again for the first time, the author had set the scene perfectly. These are the things I was already obsessed with. Firstly, Grace’s relationship with her dad. This is written so beautifully throughout the story, there is so much genuine care, understanding and love between the father and daughter it was so wholesome. Secondly, the Beaumont siblings, I love when there is importance placed around a family unit, and the author did just that. Their banter, witty communication and deep adoration for each other was reflected through the pages. Finally, how the town was described, I felt like I knew what the houses and local shops looked like, which only helped me feel more a part of this town.
When Grace and Tucker meet again for the first time after 12 years, it was palpable. I could feel every emotion, every lingering look, every confused thought, every memory flooding back after all those years. And then Tucker drops a line like this “we drifted apart like feathers in the wind, yet by some unknown miracle, the wind returned her and I wasn’t going to let her go.” THE YEARNING and how sure he was of himself to pursue her again was pure perfection! Oh and in their 12 years apart Tucker called Grace’s dad once a week for an update on her…I WAS AN EMOTIONAL WRECK!!!
Now onto the spice, because what’s a small town, cowboy romance without a little spice? Let me just say that the author absolutely delivered on this. It was never gratuitous, overdone or written in for the sake of it. It helped move the couple along and added to Grace and Tucker’s overall yearning and tension.
The pacing of this story in my opinion was perfect, I devoured it in two sittings and appreciated the addition of the flashbacks which gave a little insight into their time apart. I loved that there was no third act breakup, it was more of a complication that Grace quite quickly deals with. If I could say one thing, I would have maybe liked Grace to sit with her discomfort for a bit longer, maybe there could have been more of an internal battle. I would have also liked a little more insight into how Tucker and Grace met for the first time, their initial reactions and internal monologues.
All in all this was such a fun and entertaining story that truly had me giggling and kicking my feet. Given this was the first book in the series, I was maybe picking up on some easter eggs for future couples and storylines. The author has created the perfect small town, with characters that already have so much personality, I am so excited for what’s to come in this series.
If you’re after a genuinely well written small town romance, honestly look no further and pick up Ruined by Em Hardy.
A second chance, small town, cowboy romance…YES PLEASE!! This story follows Grace and Tucker, and is set around Grace going back home to help her father recover from an injury. The only problem with going back home is that it has been 12 years…12 years since the boy she loved broke her heart. The prologue alone already had me emotional “the boy who currently holds my heart in his hands, his to keep or destroy.” I don’t know about you, but that’s pretty perfect to me!
Even before our MMC and FMC meet again for the first time, the author had set the scene perfectly. These are the things I was already obsessed with. Firstly, Grace’s relationship with her dad. This is written so beautifully throughout the story, there is so much genuine care, understanding and love between the father and daughter it was so wholesome. Secondly, the Beaumont siblings, I love when there is importance placed around a family unit, and the author did just that. Their banter, witty communication and deep adoration for each other was reflected through the pages. Finally, how the town was described, I felt like I knew what the houses and local shops looked like, which only helped me feel more a part of this town.
When Grace and Tucker meet again for the first time after 12 years, it was palpable. I could feel every emotion, every lingering look, every confused thought, every memory flooding back after all those years. And then Tucker drops a line like this “we drifted apart like feathers in the wind, yet by some unknown miracle, the wind returned her and I wasn’t going to let her go.” THE YEARNING and how sure he was of himself to pursue her again was pure perfection! Oh and in their 12 years apart Tucker called Grace’s dad once a week for an update on her…I WAS AN EMOTIONAL WRECK!!!
Now onto the spice, because what’s a small town, cowboy romance without a little spice? Let me just say that the author absolutely delivered on this. It was never gratuitous, overdone or written in for the sake of it. It helped move the couple along and added to Grace and Tucker’s overall yearning and tension.
The pacing of this story in my opinion was perfect, I devoured it in two sittings and appreciated the addition of the flashbacks which gave a little insight into their time apart. I loved that there was no third act breakup, it was more of a complication that Grace quite quickly deals with. If I could say one thing, I would have maybe liked Grace to sit with her discomfort for a bit longer, maybe there could have been more of an internal battle. I would have also liked a little more insight into how Tucker and Grace met for the first time, their initial reactions and internal monologues.
All in all this was such a fun and entertaining story that truly had me giggling and kicking my feet. Given this was the first book in the series, I was maybe picking up on some easter eggs for future couples and storylines. The author has created the perfect small town, with characters that already have so much personality, I am so excited for what’s to come in this series.
If you’re after a genuinely well written small town romance, honestly look no further and pick up Ruined by Em Hardy.
Review of advance copy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
RUINED absolutely ruined me in the best possible way.
Gracie and Tucker were EVERYTHING. Their story had my heart from the very beginning and never let go.
These two were childhood sweethearts, high school sweethearts, soulmates who were each other’s safe place and light in the darkness until life stepped in and pulled them in different directions. Watching them navigate all that history, love, heartbreak, and longing was so emotional and so beautiful.
Gracie is such an incredible heroine. She’s smart, ambitious, strong, kind, and determined to chase her dreams beyond her small town. But no matter how far she went or how much time passed, there was always one piece of her heart left behind.
And Tucker… this man. This cowboy absolutely owned my heart. Loyal, hardworking, protective, devoted to his family and ranch, and carrying so much responsibility on his shoulders far too young. The fact that he pushed Gracie to follow her dreams because he didn’t want to hold her back just shattered me.
What made this story so special was that even with years apart, they never truly lost each other. Time was stolen from them, but their love never disappeared. They were tethered together in a way that felt so real and so believable.
Watching them rediscover each other as adults and learn who the other had become while still holding onto who they had always been to one another was everything I want from a second chance romance.
I could not put this book down. I was rooting for Gracie and Tucker with every page, desperate for them to finally get the happy ending they deserved.
And Tucker? That cowboy swoon was off the charts. The charm, the devotion, the way he loved Gracie… perfection. And when the spicy scenes hit? Let’s just say the man knew exactly what he was doing and I was fully seated for it.
This book gave me heartbreak, hope, longing, love, and one absolutely beautiful second chance romance.
I would recommend this book in a heartbeat.
RUINED absolutely ruined me in the best possible way.
Gracie and Tucker were EVERYTHING. Their story had my heart from the very beginning and never let go.
These two were childhood sweethearts, high school sweethearts, soulmates who were each other’s safe place and light in the darkness until life stepped in and pulled them in different directions. Watching them navigate all that history, love, heartbreak, and longing was so emotional and so beautiful.
Gracie is such an incredible heroine. She’s smart, ambitious, strong, kind, and determined to chase her dreams beyond her small town. But no matter how far she went or how much time passed, there was always one piece of her heart left behind.
And Tucker… this man. This cowboy absolutely owned my heart. Loyal, hardworking, protective, devoted to his family and ranch, and carrying so much responsibility on his shoulders far too young. The fact that he pushed Gracie to follow her dreams because he didn’t want to hold her back just shattered me.
What made this story so special was that even with years apart, they never truly lost each other. Time was stolen from them, but their love never disappeared. They were tethered together in a way that felt so real and so believable.
Watching them rediscover each other as adults and learn who the other had become while still holding onto who they had always been to one another was everything I want from a second chance romance.
I could not put this book down. I was rooting for Gracie and Tucker with every page, desperate for them to finally get the happy ending they deserved.
And Tucker? That cowboy swoon was off the charts. The charm, the devotion, the way he loved Gracie… perfection. And when the spicy scenes hit? Let’s just say the man knew exactly what he was doing and I was fully seated for it.
This book gave me heartbreak, hope, longing, love, and one absolutely beautiful second chance romance.
I would recommend this book in a heartbeat.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ruined
Gracie and Tucker.
These two were everything, I absolutely loved their story.
Gracie and Tucker were high school/childhood sweethearts, they were each other’s better halves, one other’s lights in the dark until one day they just weren’t.
Gracie was a small town gal with Big city dreams. She’s smart, ambitious, strong, willed, beautiful, and kind. Gracie has one true love in her life she left behind and could never bring herself to find love again.
Tucker is a cowboy in a cozy small town who loves his family, and the ranch that he grew up on. He’s driven, smart, kind, loyal to a fault, handsome, and has only ever loved one woman his entire life.
Tucker has to grow up fast due to a sad circumstance and tells the love of his life to go live her dreams, cause he doesn’t wanna hold her back. Gracie ambitious said she was wanted to stay with Tucker to help him through his hard time in need, but held out hope that one day they’d be together in the big city and pursuing their dreams. little did they both know neither of them were right, and after so many years and many moons later, fate would bring them back together yet once again.
As they get to know each other yet again they learn so many new things about one another and their adult lives. Time was something that they lost, but they never lost their love that they shared. They never fully moved on because they were tethered together.
This second chance romance was so good. I couldn’t put the book down. Gracie and Tucker You can’t but help cheer for them to get their happy ending.
And yes, he was that cowboy that swooned. he was just too much and oh when those spicy scenes happened the mouth on him…….. so good.
I would definitely recommend this book.
⭐️/5 star read for sure
🌶️/2.3 in the spice department
Gracie and Tucker.
These two were everything, I absolutely loved their story.
Gracie and Tucker were high school/childhood sweethearts, they were each other’s better halves, one other’s lights in the dark until one day they just weren’t.
Gracie was a small town gal with Big city dreams. She’s smart, ambitious, strong, willed, beautiful, and kind. Gracie has one true love in her life she left behind and could never bring herself to find love again.
Tucker is a cowboy in a cozy small town who loves his family, and the ranch that he grew up on. He’s driven, smart, kind, loyal to a fault, handsome, and has only ever loved one woman his entire life.
Tucker has to grow up fast due to a sad circumstance and tells the love of his life to go live her dreams, cause he doesn’t wanna hold her back. Gracie ambitious said she was wanted to stay with Tucker to help him through his hard time in need, but held out hope that one day they’d be together in the big city and pursuing their dreams. little did they both know neither of them were right, and after so many years and many moons later, fate would bring them back together yet once again.
As they get to know each other yet again they learn so many new things about one another and their adult lives. Time was something that they lost, but they never lost their love that they shared. They never fully moved on because they were tethered together.
This second chance romance was so good. I couldn’t put the book down. Gracie and Tucker You can’t but help cheer for them to get their happy ending.
And yes, he was that cowboy that swooned. he was just too much and oh when those spicy scenes happened the mouth on him…….. so good.
I would definitely recommend this book.
⭐️/5 star read for sure
🌶️/2.3 in the spice department
July 4, 2026
One of my top reads of 2026!! I fear I will never get over Grace and Tucker and I’m not one bit mad about it!! I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. The journey we watched between these two had my heart MELTING!
Gracie is my girl and I adore her with all of my heart. Her relationship with her dad definitely healed a little something in me. I loved her strength and compassion, and a very special mention to the friendship between her and Carson, it felt like so much more than that and I genuinely adore it. Grace is a character I fell in love with immediately and I never looked back.
Tucker was a man down bad and I’m so here for it. He is most definitely a walking green flag and we love to see it!! This hunk of a man has quickly become one of my all time MMC’s and most definitely husband material! I love the Beaumont family and I need everyone single one of these brothers in my life immediately!
This story pulled on every single heart string, the emotions ran very deep and I loved how we saw the past, we saw all of that rawness and it was so beautifully written. The heartbreak and the healing throughout this book hit so hard and every single second had me hooked. The tension and chemistry between Grace and Tucker definitely had me screaming, sweating and shaking at the knees. The spice between them was PHENOMENAL and the love between them was undeniable, they were made for one another! Rereading this book hit even more, I had the absolute pleasure of alpha reading and arc reading this beaut of a book and I’m so beyond grateful that I had this opportunity 🥹 I couldn’t remember Em’s books more!!!! One last thing. Hudson has been claimed. CLAIMED BY ME. This series has my heart, soul and everything else. I love it SO MUCH 😭
Em I’m so proud of you and I’ll never stop saying it!! You’re AMAZING bestie and I love you and this universe endless amounts 💙
Gracie is my girl and I adore her with all of my heart. Her relationship with her dad definitely healed a little something in me. I loved her strength and compassion, and a very special mention to the friendship between her and Carson, it felt like so much more than that and I genuinely adore it. Grace is a character I fell in love with immediately and I never looked back.
Tucker was a man down bad and I’m so here for it. He is most definitely a walking green flag and we love to see it!! This hunk of a man has quickly become one of my all time MMC’s and most definitely husband material! I love the Beaumont family and I need everyone single one of these brothers in my life immediately!
This story pulled on every single heart string, the emotions ran very deep and I loved how we saw the past, we saw all of that rawness and it was so beautifully written. The heartbreak and the healing throughout this book hit so hard and every single second had me hooked. The tension and chemistry between Grace and Tucker definitely had me screaming, sweating and shaking at the knees. The spice between them was PHENOMENAL and the love between them was undeniable, they were made for one another! Rereading this book hit even more, I had the absolute pleasure of alpha reading and arc reading this beaut of a book and I’m so beyond grateful that I had this opportunity 🥹 I couldn’t remember Em’s books more!!!! One last thing. Hudson has been claimed. CLAIMED BY ME. This series has my heart, soul and everything else. I love it SO MUCH 😭
Em I’m so proud of you and I’ll never stop saying it!! You’re AMAZING bestie and I love you and this universe endless amounts 💙
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ 🌶️🌶️½
Ruined was my first book by Em Hardy, and I believe only her second published book, and WOW. I loved it! I am already looking forward to reading whatever she publishes next, and I’ll definitely be going back to read her first book, From London, With Love.
Without giving away any spoilers, I’ll set the scene a little. Tucker and Grace were childhood sweethearts, and as often happens, life and tragedy get in the way, leading them down different paths.
Fast forward 12 years, and they have both established themselves and their careers—Grace in Chicago and Tucker in their hometown, which he never left.
When Grace’s father injures himself, she has no choice but to return to the place she never thought she’d come back to, and she virtually runs straight into Tucker.
As mentioned before, I don’t feel I can say too much more because this really is a beautiful story to experience for yourself. If you need a hint of what’s to come, think: cowboy romance, small town, second chance, meddling family, and it’s always been you.
There are some flashbacks throughout the book, but they’re limited, which I appreciated, as I sometimes find flashbacks can take away from the present-day story. In this case, though, they were absolutely warranted, and the chapters were short enough that they added to the story rather than distracted from it.
Em has certainly laid the groundwork with the characters we meet throughout the book, and I have a fairly good idea of who the next couple might be… but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!
Thank you to Em Hardy for sending me this ARC. I may be biased, but I do love supporting authors—especially Aussie ones. x
This review reflects my own opinions.
Ruined was my first book by Em Hardy, and I believe only her second published book, and WOW. I loved it! I am already looking forward to reading whatever she publishes next, and I’ll definitely be going back to read her first book, From London, With Love.
Without giving away any spoilers, I’ll set the scene a little. Tucker and Grace were childhood sweethearts, and as often happens, life and tragedy get in the way, leading them down different paths.
Fast forward 12 years, and they have both established themselves and their careers—Grace in Chicago and Tucker in their hometown, which he never left.
When Grace’s father injures himself, she has no choice but to return to the place she never thought she’d come back to, and she virtually runs straight into Tucker.
As mentioned before, I don’t feel I can say too much more because this really is a beautiful story to experience for yourself. If you need a hint of what’s to come, think: cowboy romance, small town, second chance, meddling family, and it’s always been you.
There are some flashbacks throughout the book, but they’re limited, which I appreciated, as I sometimes find flashbacks can take away from the present-day story. In this case, though, they were absolutely warranted, and the chapters were short enough that they added to the story rather than distracted from it.
Em has certainly laid the groundwork with the characters we meet throughout the book, and I have a fairly good idea of who the next couple might be… but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!
Thank you to Em Hardy for sending me this ARC. I may be biased, but I do love supporting authors—especially Aussie ones. x
This review reflects my own opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had to sit with this for twenty four hours before I posted my review. It was so so good. Thank you so much Em for the ARC.
I think Tucker is in line for my new BOOK HUSBAND.
This is also the best way to write a second chance romance. Grace and Tucker make an incredible couple. Tucker knows how to yearn. He makes all the right decisions. He doesn't make silly choices, he communicates! Grace is such a fierce and independent woman. I loved seeing her realise what she enjoyed and what she really wanted out of life and making decisions for herself, not just solely based around a man.
Don't get my started on the mouth on this man. Filthy!! The spice is chefs kiss fantastic, a great mix of dirty and emotional.
I also loved the girlhood and the community, both literally and figuratively. The girls are so funny but also hold each other accountable which is great to see.
This book is so well written! There are so many wonderful lines, it is so hard to pick a favourite, I don't think I've highlighted a book this much in such a long time. Here is one of my favourites though...
"If you isolate the kiss itself, it’s simple— just two sets of lips pressed against one another; no tongues begging for entry, no teeth clashing with desire. But when you add in the fact that it’s us— two people who once thought they’d be inseparable for all time— it’s anything but simple."
Please do yourself a favour and pick this book up, if you're looking for something swoony, yearning, loving, romantic and just beautiful. PICK. IT. UP.
I think Tucker is in line for my new BOOK HUSBAND.
This is also the best way to write a second chance romance. Grace and Tucker make an incredible couple. Tucker knows how to yearn. He makes all the right decisions. He doesn't make silly choices, he communicates! Grace is such a fierce and independent woman. I loved seeing her realise what she enjoyed and what she really wanted out of life and making decisions for herself, not just solely based around a man.
Don't get my started on the mouth on this man. Filthy!! The spice is chefs kiss fantastic, a great mix of dirty and emotional.
I also loved the girlhood and the community, both literally and figuratively. The girls are so funny but also hold each other accountable which is great to see.
This book is so well written! There are so many wonderful lines, it is so hard to pick a favourite, I don't think I've highlighted a book this much in such a long time. Here is one of my favourites though...
"If you isolate the kiss itself, it’s simple— just two sets of lips pressed against one another; no tongues begging for entry, no teeth clashing with desire. But when you add in the fact that it’s us— two people who once thought they’d be inseparable for all time— it’s anything but simple."
Please do yourself a favour and pick this book up, if you're looking for something swoony, yearning, loving, romantic and just beautiful. PICK. IT. UP.
June 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I truly loved this book so much and would recommend it in a heartbeat. I finished in less than 24hrs because I simply could not put it down.
I’m not usually a fan of second chance romance, but this was done so beautifully and it truly felt more like a homecoming than a second chance.
Gracie and Tuck, from highschool sweethearts to strangers, they never truly fell out of love with each other. Loss and grief and loneliness stole from them, and even after a decade it truly felt like no time had passed at all.
Tucker John Beaumont 🥵 Probably the hottest cowboy with a filthy mouth but a gentleman at the same time. The way he loves Grace and does his best to reassure her through all of her overthinking, spiraling and fear was honestly my favorite part of this. But don’t get me wrong, the spice had me completely SAT. Everything about Tucker is just perfection.
Grace was holding on to a lot of hurt, heartbreak and loss from the past and was understandably terrified of what would happen if it didn’t work out a second time. But somehow, someway, she came to the realization that life is too short to let it be ruled by fear. She is headstrong, independent, smart as hell, and also one of the most relatable FMCs I’ve ever read about.
If you were every questioning whether or not to read this book, I highly recommend it.
Thank you Em Hardy for sharing your story and allowing me to ARC read for you. It was truly a pleasure. 🩷
I truly loved this book so much and would recommend it in a heartbeat. I finished in less than 24hrs because I simply could not put it down.
I’m not usually a fan of second chance romance, but this was done so beautifully and it truly felt more like a homecoming than a second chance.
Gracie and Tuck, from highschool sweethearts to strangers, they never truly fell out of love with each other. Loss and grief and loneliness stole from them, and even after a decade it truly felt like no time had passed at all.
Tucker John Beaumont 🥵 Probably the hottest cowboy with a filthy mouth but a gentleman at the same time. The way he loves Grace and does his best to reassure her through all of her overthinking, spiraling and fear was honestly my favorite part of this. But don’t get me wrong, the spice had me completely SAT. Everything about Tucker is just perfection.
Grace was holding on to a lot of hurt, heartbreak and loss from the past and was understandably terrified of what would happen if it didn’t work out a second time. But somehow, someway, she came to the realization that life is too short to let it be ruled by fear. She is headstrong, independent, smart as hell, and also one of the most relatable FMCs I’ve ever read about.
If you were every questioning whether or not to read this book, I highly recommend it.
Thank you Em Hardy for sharing your story and allowing me to ARC read for you. It was truly a pleasure. 🩷
July 3, 2026
☆☆☆☆☆
──── ୨୧ ────
౨ৎ˚₊‧“ᴇxᴄᴜꜱᴇ ᴍᴇ? ʏᴇꜱ, ʜɪ. ʀᴇᴍᴇᴍʙᴇʀ ᴍᴇ? ɪ’ᴍ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴘʀɪᴅᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴇʟꜰ-ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ, ᴀɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴅʀᴏᴘ ᴍᴇ.”‧₊˚౨ৎ
This was my favourite inner monologue EVER had me giggling 🤭
──── ୨୧ ────
I loved Tucker and Grace’s story so muchhhhh! Second chance can be one of my fave tropes when it’s done right and this was definelty done right hehehe. They are the definition of “it’s always been you,” high school sweethearts who got torn apart by life, then brought back together 12 years later, and still had that connection! Omg I love.
I freaking love all the side characters, Whit will forever be my favourite meddling sister that all brothers need to whip them into shape. So many badass women in this that put the men on their KNEES🤭
I felt all the emotions reading this, the longing, the tension, the fear of them starting something again and making the same mistake that tore them apart before, this really just had it all🫶🏼
I loved seeing them discover their love had never disappeared after all those years, they really were just right person wrong time 🥺🩵
Tropes:
౨ৎ˚₊‧ Second chance
౨ৎ˚₊‧ Small town
౨ৎ˚₊‧ Cowboy romance
౨ৎ˚₊‧ It’s always been you
౨ৎ˚₊‧ Rodeo school owner x events exec
౨ৎ˚₊‧ Meddling family
౨ৎ˚₊‧ Forced proximity
౨ৎ˚₊‧ Right person, wrong time
──── ୨୧ ────
౨ৎ˚₊‧“ᴇxᴄᴜꜱᴇ ᴍᴇ? ʏᴇꜱ, ʜɪ. ʀᴇᴍᴇᴍʙᴇʀ ᴍᴇ? ɪ’ᴍ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴘʀɪᴅᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴇʟꜰ-ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ, ᴀɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴅʀᴏᴘ ᴍᴇ.”‧₊˚౨ৎ
This was my favourite inner monologue EVER had me giggling 🤭
──── ୨୧ ────
I loved Tucker and Grace’s story so muchhhhh! Second chance can be one of my fave tropes when it’s done right and this was definelty done right hehehe. They are the definition of “it’s always been you,” high school sweethearts who got torn apart by life, then brought back together 12 years later, and still had that connection! Omg I love.
I freaking love all the side characters, Whit will forever be my favourite meddling sister that all brothers need to whip them into shape. So many badass women in this that put the men on their KNEES🤭
I felt all the emotions reading this, the longing, the tension, the fear of them starting something again and making the same mistake that tore them apart before, this really just had it all🫶🏼
I loved seeing them discover their love had never disappeared after all those years, they really were just right person wrong time 🥺🩵
Tropes:
౨ৎ˚₊‧ Second chance
౨ৎ˚₊‧ Small town
౨ৎ˚₊‧ Cowboy romance
౨ৎ˚₊‧ It’s always been you
౨ৎ˚₊‧ Rodeo school owner x events exec
౨ৎ˚₊‧ Meddling family
౨ৎ˚₊‧ Forced proximity
౨ৎ˚₊‧ Right person, wrong time
July 4, 2026
Yeeeeehaw! What does a girl have to do to stay in Beaumont Ridge forever??
I feel like a broken record at this point but I will never stop saying this. Second chance has been and always will be one of my absolute favorite tropes to read. Gracie and Tucker are literally everything and man do I love them. I was rooting for them immediately after reading the Prologue because I could just feel they were meant to be. Every few chapters we get some flashbacks and those were jsut tugging on every single heartstring, I was feeling very emotional watching their journey. The tissue box because my best buddy while devouring this book.
Tucker is the definition of yearning done right. This man not only communicates, but he owns his mistakes, and never stops showing Grace how much she means to him even after 12 years apart. I was SWOOONING. Our sweet little Gracie was just incredibly strong, independent, and determined to build the life she truly wanted for herself. I fell in love with not just them, but the entire crew at Beaumont Ridge, and Carson of course, DUH. This book had everything from emotion, banter, SPICEEEEEE and so many funny moments it was all just so heartfelt and written so incredibly well. I cannot wait until we set foot back in Beaumont Ridge for whoever we may get next!
I feel like a broken record at this point but I will never stop saying this. Second chance has been and always will be one of my absolute favorite tropes to read. Gracie and Tucker are literally everything and man do I love them. I was rooting for them immediately after reading the Prologue because I could just feel they were meant to be. Every few chapters we get some flashbacks and those were jsut tugging on every single heartstring, I was feeling very emotional watching their journey. The tissue box because my best buddy while devouring this book.
Tucker is the definition of yearning done right. This man not only communicates, but he owns his mistakes, and never stops showing Grace how much she means to him even after 12 years apart. I was SWOOONING. Our sweet little Gracie was just incredibly strong, independent, and determined to build the life she truly wanted for herself. I fell in love with not just them, but the entire crew at Beaumont Ridge, and Carson of course, DUH. This book had everything from emotion, banter, SPICEEEEEE and so many funny moments it was all just so heartfelt and written so incredibly well. I cannot wait until we set foot back in Beaumont Ridge for whoever we may get next!
July 13, 2026
I received this as an unedited ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Grace and Tucker’s story is packed with longing, regret, and all the emotions you’d hope for from a second-chance romance. Ruined delivers a heartfelt return to small-town life, where old wounds are forced back into the open and two people who never truly moved on have to decide if love is worth risking again.
The chemistry between Grace and Tucker is undeniable, and I really enjoyed watching them slowly work through twelve years of hurt, misunderstandings, and unanswered questions. Their shared history gave the romance plenty of emotional weight, and the rodeo setting added plenty of small-town charm and brought the community to life.
While I loved the emotional journey and the strong cast of supporting characters, there were moments where I wanted a little more depth in resolving some of the past issues, and parts of the pacing felt slightly uneven. Even so, the heartfelt romance and satisfying emotional payoff kept me invested until the very end.
Overall, Ruined is a touching start to the Beaumont Ridge series that blends second chances, family, forgiveness, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. If you enjoy emotional small-town romances with lovable characters, lingering chemistry, and the promise of more stories to come, this is definitely one to pick up.
Grace and Tucker’s story is packed with longing, regret, and all the emotions you’d hope for from a second-chance romance. Ruined delivers a heartfelt return to small-town life, where old wounds are forced back into the open and two people who never truly moved on have to decide if love is worth risking again.
The chemistry between Grace and Tucker is undeniable, and I really enjoyed watching them slowly work through twelve years of hurt, misunderstandings, and unanswered questions. Their shared history gave the romance plenty of emotional weight, and the rodeo setting added plenty of small-town charm and brought the community to life.
While I loved the emotional journey and the strong cast of supporting characters, there were moments where I wanted a little more depth in resolving some of the past issues, and parts of the pacing felt slightly uneven. Even so, the heartfelt romance and satisfying emotional payoff kept me invested until the very end.
Overall, Ruined is a touching start to the Beaumont Ridge series that blends second chances, family, forgiveness, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. If you enjoy emotional small-town romances with lovable characters, lingering chemistry, and the promise of more stories to come, this is definitely one to pick up.
July 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ruined by Em Hardy was everything I wanted in a small-town cowboy romance and more🤠🤍
I am officially convinced that cowboy romances have become one of my favorite genres because they’ve been feeding me SO well this year and Ruined was no exception!! I absolutely loved this book!
Grace and Tucker had me hooked from the very beginning!! Their second-chance romance was filled with so much history, emotion and longing that I couldn’t help but root for them. Watching them find their way back to each other was so satisfying🥹
And Tucker!!! EXCUSE ME?? 😭🤠 This man is the ultimate cowboy book boyfriend. Protective, caring, devoted… he had me swooning every chance he got. Yeehaw, indeed😋🤭
Grace was just as incredible. I loved her strength, her heart and the way she stood her ground. She was such an easy character to root for and I absolutely adored her.
One of my favorite things about small-town romances is the side characters and this book absolutely delivered. They made the town feel so alive and gave the story so much warmth. They’re honestly one of the reasons I love this genre so much. And Carson and Rhett!!😭🥹 I already need their books. I just know they’re going to be SO good and I cannot wait to be back in this town.
The chemistry between Grace and Tucker was everything. The tension, the banter, the emotions… it all came together so beautifully, making this such an addictive read!!
If you’re looking for a heartfelt small-town romance with an amazing second-chance love story, unforgettable side characters and a cowboy you’ll absolutely fall for, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up! 🤍🐎
Thank you to Em Hardy for the ARC! ✨
Ruined by Em Hardy was everything I wanted in a small-town cowboy romance and more🤠🤍
I am officially convinced that cowboy romances have become one of my favorite genres because they’ve been feeding me SO well this year and Ruined was no exception!! I absolutely loved this book!
Grace and Tucker had me hooked from the very beginning!! Their second-chance romance was filled with so much history, emotion and longing that I couldn’t help but root for them. Watching them find their way back to each other was so satisfying🥹
And Tucker!!! EXCUSE ME?? 😭🤠 This man is the ultimate cowboy book boyfriend. Protective, caring, devoted… he had me swooning every chance he got. Yeehaw, indeed😋🤭
Grace was just as incredible. I loved her strength, her heart and the way she stood her ground. She was such an easy character to root for and I absolutely adored her.
One of my favorite things about small-town romances is the side characters and this book absolutely delivered. They made the town feel so alive and gave the story so much warmth. They’re honestly one of the reasons I love this genre so much. And Carson and Rhett!!😭🥹 I already need their books. I just know they’re going to be SO good and I cannot wait to be back in this town.
The chemistry between Grace and Tucker was everything. The tension, the banter, the emotions… it all came together so beautifully, making this such an addictive read!!
If you’re looking for a heartfelt small-town romance with an amazing second-chance love story, unforgettable side characters and a cowboy you’ll absolutely fall for, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up! 🤍🐎
Thank you to Em Hardy for the ARC! ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ruined by Em Hardy is a sweet second-chance romance about two people who never truly stopped loving each other. Tucker is the ultimate book boyfriend—hardworking, protective, loyal, and completely devoted to his family and the Beamount ranch. When unexpected circumstances forced him to stay in their small town, he made the selfless decision to encourage his high school sweetheart, Grace, to leave and pursue her dreams because he refused to hold her back.
Grace is intelligent, kind, and determined to build a life beyond her hometown. But no matter how far she went, she never left Tucker completely behind. Years later, she returns home to help care for her father after he breaks his leg. Within days, she’s unexpectedly recruited to manage an event at the Beaumont Ranch, which means working directly alongside Tucker.
Their forced proximity creates so many tender, swoon-worthy moments, and the lingering history and undeniable chemistry between them leap off the page. Every interaction reminds you that their love never truly faded. With Tucker’s unwavering devotion to Grace, combined with the small-town charm and emotional depth of their story, made this such a warm, comforting, and satisfying read.
Thank you to Em Hardy for the ARC.
Grace is intelligent, kind, and determined to build a life beyond her hometown. But no matter how far she went, she never left Tucker completely behind. Years later, she returns home to help care for her father after he breaks his leg. Within days, she’s unexpectedly recruited to manage an event at the Beaumont Ranch, which means working directly alongside Tucker.
Their forced proximity creates so many tender, swoon-worthy moments, and the lingering history and undeniable chemistry between them leap off the page. Every interaction reminds you that their love never truly faded. With Tucker’s unwavering devotion to Grace, combined with the small-town charm and emotional depth of their story, made this such a warm, comforting, and satisfying read.
Thank you to Em Hardy for the ARC.
July 5, 2026
I want to start out by saying that I have a very love-hate relationship with the second chance trope, but I think this book might be the one that's changed my mind.
Tucker Beaumont. The man that you are. I'm obsessed. No notes. The yearning, the mouth, his communication skills, his emotional intelligence?! I'm sat.
Grace Clark. She's a very strong, smart, and ambitious heroine. Grace is determined to achieve her dreams that are much bigger than the small town of Beaumont Ridge. But after 12 years away, she comes home to help her dad when he gets injured.
When Grace and Tucker are roped into working on the 75th Anniversary Beaumont Ridge Rodeo together, the past begins to rehash old wounds and rekindle forgotten flames.
This story was a classic case of "right person, wrong time." Even with the time that Grace and Tucker had spent apart, it felt like they just picked up right where they left off. Their rediscovery of each other was so sweet and made me want more with every page.
Tropes:
* Small Town
* Second Chance
* Cowboy & Rodeo School Owner MMC
* Events Exec FMC
* Meddling Family
* "It was always you"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to Em Hardy and Love Notes PR for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tucker Beaumont. The man that you are. I'm obsessed. No notes. The yearning, the mouth, his communication skills, his emotional intelligence?! I'm sat.
Grace Clark. She's a very strong, smart, and ambitious heroine. Grace is determined to achieve her dreams that are much bigger than the small town of Beaumont Ridge. But after 12 years away, she comes home to help her dad when he gets injured.
When Grace and Tucker are roped into working on the 75th Anniversary Beaumont Ridge Rodeo together, the past begins to rehash old wounds and rekindle forgotten flames.
This story was a classic case of "right person, wrong time." Even with the time that Grace and Tucker had spent apart, it felt like they just picked up right where they left off. Their rediscovery of each other was so sweet and made me want more with every page.
Tropes:
* Small Town
* Second Chance
* Cowboy & Rodeo School Owner MMC
* Events Exec FMC
* Meddling Family
* "It was always you"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to Em Hardy and Love Notes PR for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2026
Absolutely! Here's a more Goodreads-style review with your additions:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
THIS is how you do a second-chance romance.
*Ruined* had me completely hooked from start to finish. Grace and Tucker had the kind of chemistry that jumps off the page, and the yearning? Absolutely unmatched. She yearns, he yearns, and I was hanging onto every single interaction.
The flashbacks were used perfectly, giving just enough of their history to make every reunion, conversation, and emotional moment hit even harder. Nothing felt overdone, just authentic, messy, and real.
I also loved the female friendships woven throughout the story. They added so much heart and depth, and it was refreshing to see Grace surrounded by women who genuinely supported her.
And Tucker... whew. Give me a dirty-mouth cowboy with a heart full of love any day. The spice was incredible, but what made it work so well was how naturally it fit into their story. It never overshadowed the emotional journey, it only made their connection feel even stronger.
A beautifully written small-town cowboy romance with unforgettable characters, incredible tension, and one of my favourite second-chance romances I've ever read.
I genuinely cannot stop thinking about Grace and Tucker.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
THIS is how you do a second-chance romance.
*Ruined* had me completely hooked from start to finish. Grace and Tucker had the kind of chemistry that jumps off the page, and the yearning? Absolutely unmatched. She yearns, he yearns, and I was hanging onto every single interaction.
The flashbacks were used perfectly, giving just enough of their history to make every reunion, conversation, and emotional moment hit even harder. Nothing felt overdone, just authentic, messy, and real.
I also loved the female friendships woven throughout the story. They added so much heart and depth, and it was refreshing to see Grace surrounded by women who genuinely supported her.
And Tucker... whew. Give me a dirty-mouth cowboy with a heart full of love any day. The spice was incredible, but what made it work so well was how naturally it fit into their story. It never overshadowed the emotional journey, it only made their connection feel even stronger.
A beautifully written small-town cowboy romance with unforgettable characters, incredible tension, and one of my favourite second-chance romances I've ever read.
I genuinely cannot stop thinking about Grace and Tucker.
July 13, 2026
An angsty emotional second chance romance full of nostalgia.
Tucker and Grace were in love for what felt like their entire lives. Their journey was beautiful and filled with growing pains. After 12 years, their chemistry and connection felt intact fueled by the notion that while they are different people now, their feelings remain the same. You can feel the love, the heartbreak and all the missed moments between them.
I loved the way they reconnected and took the time to get to know each other as adults. I also really enjoy how the family embraced Grace again, as if she never stopped being part of them. Her bond with Whitney was adorable.
Tucker was an awesome mmc, his emotions will get to you. I felt so much empathy and admiration for they way he handled things. This isn't a second chance about mistakes but rather about impossible choices that life puts in the way. Grace understood that and I was in awe of her compassion and bravery, but most of all I felt her vulnerabilities, her fears. They really never stopped being a team and I loved how they supported each other, they were really their biggest fans and never stopped.
Thanks so much to the author for this arc, I can't wait to see what's next in Beaumont Ridge 🫶🏻🩵
Tucker and Grace were in love for what felt like their entire lives. Their journey was beautiful and filled with growing pains. After 12 years, their chemistry and connection felt intact fueled by the notion that while they are different people now, their feelings remain the same. You can feel the love, the heartbreak and all the missed moments between them.
I loved the way they reconnected and took the time to get to know each other as adults. I also really enjoy how the family embraced Grace again, as if she never stopped being part of them. Her bond with Whitney was adorable.
Tucker was an awesome mmc, his emotions will get to you. I felt so much empathy and admiration for they way he handled things. This isn't a second chance about mistakes but rather about impossible choices that life puts in the way. Grace understood that and I was in awe of her compassion and bravery, but most of all I felt her vulnerabilities, her fears. They really never stopped being a team and I loved how they supported each other, they were really their biggest fans and never stopped.
Thanks so much to the author for this arc, I can't wait to see what's next in Beaumont Ridge 🫶🏻🩵
July 3, 2026
Grace and Tucker's second-chance romance had everything I look for in the cowboy romance genre; heart, chemistry, plenty of tension, and enough delicious spice to keep me thoroughly entertained. Watching Grace return home and slowly reconnect not only with Tucker, but with the town and the life she'd left behind, made this such a comforting and emotional read.
One of my favourite parts of the book was the Beaumont family. The sibling banter had me smiling constantly, Whit was the ultimate chaos agent in the best way, and I already need more stories from this family - Rhett & Carson, I'm looking at you 👀
A special mention also has to go to Randy. He was genuinely one of my favourite characters in the book. His unwavering love and support for Grace was beautiful to read, and he embodied the kind of parent every child deserves.
Em’s writing is so effortlessly readable that I found myself flying through this book. It struck a lovely balance between humour, romance, family, healing, and emotional depth, making it incredibly easy to become invested in these characters.
Thank you Em for the opportunity to read this ARC! 🐴🫶🏼
One of my favourite parts of the book was the Beaumont family. The sibling banter had me smiling constantly, Whit was the ultimate chaos agent in the best way, and I already need more stories from this family - Rhett & Carson, I'm looking at you 👀
A special mention also has to go to Randy. He was genuinely one of my favourite characters in the book. His unwavering love and support for Grace was beautiful to read, and he embodied the kind of parent every child deserves.
Em’s writing is so effortlessly readable that I found myself flying through this book. It struck a lovely balance between humour, romance, family, healing, and emotional depth, making it incredibly easy to become invested in these characters.
Thank you Em for the opportunity to read this ARC! 🐴🫶🏼
July 5, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am fully in my cowboy romance era, and Ruined by Em Hardy absolutely did not disappoint!
From the very first page, Em Hardy’s writing pulled me in and had me completely invested in Tucker and Grace’s story. It was impossible not to feel every emotion right alongside them as they navigated their pasts, heartbreak, and healing.
Tucker is everything I want in a cowboy book boyfriend—completely swoon-worthy, sweet, protective, and capable of making me blush more than once. His dirty talk was top-tier, but what made me love him even more was the tenderness and heart he showed Grace.
I rarely highlight quotes while reading, but this book had me reaching for the highlight button over and over again. There were so many beautiful, heartfelt moments that I know will stick with me long after finishing.
I especially loved how the story explored past pain and heartbreak. Watching Tucker and Grace work through their emotional baggage only made me root for them even harder.
If you’re looking for an emotional cowboy romance with incredible chemistry, heartfelt healing, and a hero you’ll absolutely fall for, Ruined deserves a spot on your TBR.
I am fully in my cowboy romance era, and Ruined by Em Hardy absolutely did not disappoint!
From the very first page, Em Hardy’s writing pulled me in and had me completely invested in Tucker and Grace’s story. It was impossible not to feel every emotion right alongside them as they navigated their pasts, heartbreak, and healing.
Tucker is everything I want in a cowboy book boyfriend—completely swoon-worthy, sweet, protective, and capable of making me blush more than once. His dirty talk was top-tier, but what made me love him even more was the tenderness and heart he showed Grace.
I rarely highlight quotes while reading, but this book had me reaching for the highlight button over and over again. There were so many beautiful, heartfelt moments that I know will stick with me long after finishing.
I especially loved how the story explored past pain and heartbreak. Watching Tucker and Grace work through their emotional baggage only made me root for them even harder.
If you’re looking for an emotional cowboy romance with incredible chemistry, heartfelt healing, and a hero you’ll absolutely fall for, Ruined deserves a spot on your TBR.
July 3, 2026
I was lucky enough to get an arc of Ruined.
This was a second chance romance set 12 years after the events that led to Tucker and Gracie no longer being together.
The actual reason for them breaking up was honestly just circumstances due to grief and being too young to communicate what was happening, so in that sense they needed the time to grow up, but the main conflict or reason for their break up was anti climactic.
It was fairly obvious that they still loved each other early on, but they fell back into a relationship too quickly in my opinion. I would have liked a little bit more tension before they inevitably got together again.
The best parts about this book are the Beaumont Family and the found family. I can’t wait to continue reading books in this series about the other characters, in particular Rhett and Carson’s love story, and a book about Whit, Hudson, Sully and Kenny.
This was a very solid small town romance book and I loved it. Will definitely be waiting to be back in Beaumont Ridge for future books in the series.
This was a second chance romance set 12 years after the events that led to Tucker and Gracie no longer being together.
The actual reason for them breaking up was honestly just circumstances due to grief and being too young to communicate what was happening, so in that sense they needed the time to grow up, but the main conflict or reason for their break up was anti climactic.
It was fairly obvious that they still loved each other early on, but they fell back into a relationship too quickly in my opinion. I would have liked a little bit more tension before they inevitably got together again.
The best parts about this book are the Beaumont Family and the found family. I can’t wait to continue reading books in this series about the other characters, in particular Rhett and Carson’s love story, and a book about Whit, Hudson, Sully and Kenny.
This was a very solid small town romance book and I loved it. Will definitely be waiting to be back in Beaumont Ridge for future books in the series.
July 3, 2026
⋆ ₊ ‧ ° 𐐪 ♡ 𐑂 ° ₊ ⋆ ₊
First off, a huge thank you to Em Hardy for an advanced copy of the book !!
⋆ ₊ ‧ ° 𐐪 ♡ 𐑂 ° ₊ ⋆ ₊
[ 🦢 My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 6/5 Stars !! ]
Review:
I am such a sucker for small town romances and ohmygods this book was so precious! I absolutely adored it and cannot wait to get my physical copy of it!!
Tucker and Grace are such a cute couple and I enjoyed reading their story sooo much. I loved the way that they found each other again after years of being apart. It was so fun to see the interactions between them and the other characters in the story!
THE YEARNING ?!?! Oh my God I couldn't put the book down, it was too good. Need me a relationship like that fr fr
Tucker is easily on my book boyfriend list now and I cannot wait to read more of Em's books because the way that she writes?? Ohmygod it's just so amazing.
I also loved the meddling family so much and they had me grinning like an idiot. It felt so authentic while reading and I just adored this book so much.
⋆ ₊ ‧ ° 𐐪 ♡ 𐑂 ° ₊ ⋆ ₊
First off, a huge thank you to Em Hardy for an advanced copy of the book !!
⋆ ₊ ‧ ° 𐐪 ♡ 𐑂 ° ₊ ⋆ ₊
[ 🦢 My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 6/5 Stars !! ]
Review:
I am such a sucker for small town romances and ohmygods this book was so precious! I absolutely adored it and cannot wait to get my physical copy of it!!
Tucker and Grace are such a cute couple and I enjoyed reading their story sooo much. I loved the way that they found each other again after years of being apart. It was so fun to see the interactions between them and the other characters in the story!
THE YEARNING ?!?! Oh my God I couldn't put the book down, it was too good. Need me a relationship like that fr fr
Tucker is easily on my book boyfriend list now and I cannot wait to read more of Em's books because the way that she writes?? Ohmygod it's just so amazing.
I also loved the meddling family so much and they had me grinning like an idiot. It felt so authentic while reading and I just adored this book so much.
⋆ ₊ ‧ ° 𐐪 ♡ 𐑂 ° ₊ ⋆ ₊
July 3, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Every cowboy romance lover needs to read this! 🤠❤️ One of the best cowboy romance novels I’ve ever read.
This book somehow manages to be ridiculously hot 🥵 and unbelievably sweet 💛 at the same time. I was kicking my feet one minute and fanning myself the next.
This book is fantastic. The humor is on point, the romance is everything, and the side characters absolutely steal the show. I am officially addicted to the Beaumont family and need every single one of their books immediately.
Also… can we all agree that Rhett’s “You’re so whipped.” is going to live rent-free in our heads while reading the next book? 😂 Watching Rhett completely short-circuit every time he sees Carson is hilarious. That man doesn’t stand a chance.
I’ll definitely be reading everything this author writes because… damn. What a book. 🔥
Tropes:
🤠 Cowboy romance
🏡 Small town
💞 Second chance
👨👩👧 Meddling family (yes Whit you 😂)
🐎 Rodeo school owner × Events executive
💕 Young love
❤️🔥 It’s always been you… even 12 years later
Every cowboy romance lover needs to read this! 🤠❤️ One of the best cowboy romance novels I’ve ever read.
This book somehow manages to be ridiculously hot 🥵 and unbelievably sweet 💛 at the same time. I was kicking my feet one minute and fanning myself the next.
This book is fantastic. The humor is on point, the romance is everything, and the side characters absolutely steal the show. I am officially addicted to the Beaumont family and need every single one of their books immediately.
Also… can we all agree that Rhett’s “You’re so whipped.” is going to live rent-free in our heads while reading the next book? 😂 Watching Rhett completely short-circuit every time he sees Carson is hilarious. That man doesn’t stand a chance.
I’ll definitely be reading everything this author writes because… damn. What a book. 🔥
Tropes:
🤠 Cowboy romance
🏡 Small town
💞 Second chance
👨👩👧 Meddling family (yes Whit you 😂)
🐎 Rodeo school owner × Events executive
💕 Young love
❤️🔥 It’s always been you… even 12 years later
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m such a sucker for a second chance romance and right person-wrong time…. I truly don’t think you can get better yearning than that of a couple who never got over each other.
This story absolutely melted my heart. Grace returns to her hometown after leaving at 18 twelve years ago, only to come face to face with the only man she’s ever loved and broke her heart.
They’ve both made decisions they regret but never stopped loving each other. And when the MMC says he’d like to slide his hand into her pants and show her what twelve years of yearning does to a man… blow me down and fold me like a lawn chair… swoon!
I felt all the emotions, the longing, the pull and reluctancy and fear of the past repeating itself. This book definitely RUINED me!
If you love a small town second chance, cowboy romance full of yearning, you’ll eat this one up!
I’ve already pre-ordered the book trophy!
Thank you Em Hardy for the advanced copy.
This story absolutely melted my heart. Grace returns to her hometown after leaving at 18 twelve years ago, only to come face to face with the only man she’s ever loved and broke her heart.
They’ve both made decisions they regret but never stopped loving each other. And when the MMC says he’d like to slide his hand into her pants and show her what twelve years of yearning does to a man… blow me down and fold me like a lawn chair… swoon!
I felt all the emotions, the longing, the pull and reluctancy and fear of the past repeating itself. This book definitely RUINED me!
If you love a small town second chance, cowboy romance full of yearning, you’ll eat this one up!
I’ve already pre-ordered the book trophy!
Thank you Em Hardy for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cowboy romance, second chance at love, and all the heartache and healing? Sign me up. ❤️ It's been a while since I've picked up a cowboy romance, and this one reminded me why I love them.
I was rooting for Tucker and Grace from the very beginning. After being torn apart by unfortunate circumstances, Grace returns home temporarily to help her father recover from an accident. Before she knows it, she's helping Tucker's family pull off a rodeo, forcing the two of them to work side by side.
Watching Tucker and Grace reconnect was everything I wanted from a second-chance romance. Their chemistry never disappeared, and their journey back to one another was filled with longing, forgiveness, and hope.
Will their reunion only last while Grace is home, or will Tucker finally fight for the woman he's always loved?
"No one could ever compare to you. I look at you, and I see my past, my future, my home. I was a fool to ever think anyone could ever take your place."
I was rooting for Tucker and Grace from the very beginning. After being torn apart by unfortunate circumstances, Grace returns home temporarily to help her father recover from an accident. Before she knows it, she's helping Tucker's family pull off a rodeo, forcing the two of them to work side by side.
Watching Tucker and Grace reconnect was everything I wanted from a second-chance romance. Their chemistry never disappeared, and their journey back to one another was filled with longing, forgiveness, and hope.
Will their reunion only last while Grace is home, or will Tucker finally fight for the woman he's always loved?
"No one could ever compare to you. I look at you, and I see my past, my future, my home. I was a fool to ever think anyone could ever take your place."
July 5, 2026
This is my first time reading Em Hardy and her story telling captivated my attention. I absolutely found myself lost in the story of Tucker and Grace.
I am a sucker for a small town second chance romance and Ruined delivered. This book felt more like a home coming than a second chance romance.
Grace was holding on to a lot of hurt from the past and was terrified of things not working out with Tucker for the second time. She is headstrong, independent and a FMC that I could related to on so many levels.
Tucker—-🔥🔥 what can I say about this man?? Hot damn! He was down bad to Grace, loved her and did everything he could to reassure her when she was overthinking.
The chemistry between Tucker and Grace never wavered. Those two definitely brought the heat—-and the mouth on Tucker?? 🥵🥵🔥🔥—-yes please ❤️❤️
I loved this book and cannot wait to see what Em has planned for the next book in the series.
I am a sucker for a small town second chance romance and Ruined delivered. This book felt more like a home coming than a second chance romance.
Grace was holding on to a lot of hurt from the past and was terrified of things not working out with Tucker for the second time. She is headstrong, independent and a FMC that I could related to on so many levels.
Tucker—-🔥🔥 what can I say about this man?? Hot damn! He was down bad to Grace, loved her and did everything he could to reassure her when she was overthinking.
The chemistry between Tucker and Grace never wavered. Those two definitely brought the heat—-and the mouth on Tucker?? 🥵🥵🔥🔥—-yes please ❤️❤️
I loved this book and cannot wait to see what Em has planned for the next book in the series.
July 12, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ but also at times I feel like I could give it a 4.
Second chance romance is not a top trope of mine, but I did enjoy this. Tucker Beaumont was everything. That man yearned. I did like the flashbacks so we could see what they were feeling as things fizzled out for them, I do wish we could have seen more in those. I am so intrigued by Rhett and Carson, and just know they have to have a book. I liked the introduction of all of the side characters and think this could be a fun series! Grace.. she was not my favorite FMC. While I understand she was scared, the back and forth was a bit exhausting. She seemed really quick to start things back up (physically not emotionally) and then they would go periods of time and act like nothing was happening. There seemed to be a breakthrough at his rodeo school and then when her dad invited him to dinner they acted shy and like nothing had been happening? The end where he said “love you” and she was so mad and ran off because she said he said it so carelessly really solidified that I just don’t think I’m a huge fan of hers. However, it was still a good book and I do think I would read more in the series!
Second chance romance is not a top trope of mine, but I did enjoy this. Tucker Beaumont was everything. That man yearned. I did like the flashbacks so we could see what they were feeling as things fizzled out for them, I do wish we could have seen more in those. I am so intrigued by Rhett and Carson, and just know they have to have a book. I liked the introduction of all of the side characters and think this could be a fun series! Grace.. she was not my favorite FMC. While I understand she was scared, the back and forth was a bit exhausting. She seemed really quick to start things back up (physically not emotionally) and then they would go periods of time and act like nothing was happening. There seemed to be a breakthrough at his rodeo school and then when her dad invited him to dinner they acted shy and like nothing had been happening? The end where he said “love you” and she was so mad and ran off because she said he said it so carelessly really solidified that I just don’t think I’m a huge fan of hers. However, it was still a good book and I do think I would read more in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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