Ruined – Illustrated Cover

by Ally Avery

He was once the man who tucked me into bed, kissed my mom goodnight, and promised to keep us safe.
But when he walked out of my mom’s life, he walked out of mine, too.
He disappeared. Ruined everything we had.
Then, through a chance encounter you might call fate, we meet again.
He’s back in town, and he says he wants to make up for the time we lost. Take care of me again, like he used to.
I want that, but I also want him in a different way than when I was younger.
It’s dirty.
Wrong.
Inappropriate as hell.
But I crave it more than I crave my next breath.
Even if it’s wrong.
Even if he’ll leave me ruined.

Ruined is a forbidden MM Daddy romance with no age play. As book two in the Wrecked & Wrong series, it can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed after Bruised. All characters are consenting adults.

Genres: M M Romance, Forbidden Romance, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Spicy, Gay

238 pages, Paperback

Published August 21, 2026

About the author

Ally found her love for reading and writing at a young age. MM romance in particular has been part of her life since her first exposure to late-2000s Shounen Ai.

She likes to write about fierce, damaged boys who need a lot of love, and she doesn’t shy away from dark and taboo topics that some readers might find disturbing.

Reviews

[Dani (Daniiireads)]

3.5 ⭐️

I’m always a sucker for a forbidden romance, and while I absolutely devoured Ollie and Logan’s story, it didn’t quite pack the punch I was expecting.

Something was just missing—I’m not sure what tbh, but their story just left me wanting more.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- former stepdad + stepson
- age gap (24 years)
- daddy kink, no age play
- size difference
- hurt x comfort
- caretaking
- praise kink
- body worship

[Chrissy_reads2727]

Never have I ever skipped a Daddy kink 😜

Add a forbidden dynamic with a ex stepdaddy? SOLD!

Oliver who we first met in Bruised is 19 and finally moved out of his mother's house. He's ready to pursue long hidden desires and finds a man on a dating app that's exactly what he's looking for: much older, hairy, and a giant of a man. Why these specific requirements? Could have something to do with his ex stepdaddy he never stopped idolizing and lusting over 🤷‍♀️

Imagine his surprise when he shows up on this man's doorstep that he's looking into the eyes of Logan, the stepdad that left him 6 years ago that he never got over. Once over the initial shock Oliver makes it his mission to not lose his Daddy again.

Logan is conflicted, his desire and morals at war with each other. Oliver isn't the sweet child he used to be and is exactly the boy this Daddy has been looking for.

We got Daddy/boy dynamics, caretaking, first times, and spice that will have you 🥵🥵🥵

I wouldn't expect anything less from Ally! 😮‍💨 This read will have you devouring it in one session. Also Oliver's roommates are twins, are we getting a twin book next Ally?!?! Pleaaaaaaaaaase?!?! 🙏

[Mikaela (risqué.romance)]

✨May contain spoilers✨

Bruised by Ally Avery

I just knew that I had to read this book because Oliver was such an interesting character. When I dove into this book, I just couldn’t put this book down. It studied me in from the moment we meet Oliver.

I really loved how they met after not seeing each other for a hot minute and what a surprise that one was. After Oliver decides to meet a gentleman on a dating app, he comes face to face with Logan.

Oliver and Logan were really a fun time. Logan used to be with Oliver’s mom and then he disappeared, which truly broke Oliver to the core. When we find out why he left, I don’t think I could hate a parent as much as I did to his mom because what she did was so selfish.

I really loved how we saw the dynamic of them being such a huge age gap. I really liked seeing them going shopping and even out to eat because people would just stare at them and not in the nicest way. Logan was so standoffish because of it but I was so happy he finally gave in and decided he was going anywhere

As usual, Ally does spice so well and it’s only a matter of time that Oliver finally gets to share his firsts with Logan.

And the found family from his roommates was done so well. Also, I loved how his brother and his partner show up a few times.

And I just know there is going to be another book and if not, there needs to be from that teaser at the end!

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Grace]

Oliver and Logan
MM Dark Romance
Former Step Dad/ Step Son
Forbidden Romance
Daddy Vibes
Age Gap
HEA

Spice - 3.75/5
Story - 4/5

[Klæmint Myllhamar]

Ollie is just the sweetest boy, and Daddy Logan, oh god 🤩🥰😉
Ally Avery has done it agin, amazing book! 🫡🤩

[Julia Toth]

4.25☆

I enjoyed this second book in this series. We got to know Oliver in book one, and we heard a bit about Logan and their history. Logan comes back into his life in a serendipitous way. It was interesting to see them move away from their past as stepdad/stepson toward something different. It was interesting to see them work through hangups and the way others perceive their changed relationship.
I enjoyed their chemistry and dynamic. I loved the caretaking. I loved Oliver's brattiness when it came out and his perseverance to get what he wanted. I lived how gentle and loving Logan was with him and cherished him deeply.

If you enjoy age gap stories with a touch of forbidden then this is the book for you!

[Rotha]

3.75 ⭐
Definitely better than the first.

Loved the forbidden step dad element 🤌 daddy x boy was super cute

Toys! Yay! 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Mariam,]

3.5 stars

I am and always will be a sucker for forbidden age gap romances.

This felt like a treat to going back to my roots.

“Shh, I’m here. Daddy’s here.”

[Eve]

Sweet, spicy, swoon! I’m always sold when it’s a daddy kink 🙂‍↔️ had a fun lil time getting know to more of Oliver and finally getting to meet stepdaddy!

I’m also very interested to see what’s going on with some certain roommates of Ollies 👀 can’t wait to see what Ally has up her sleeve next!

[asa]

I really enjoyed the first half of this book, and thought the mutual pining and build-up to the relationship was great. The tension delivered. I was giggling and kicking my feet! There's some wonderful hurt/comfort and so much caretaking, all delicious essentials for a good daddy/boy romance. Good, quick pacing, and a really thorough exploration of the trials that come with an age-gap relationship. I appreciate that their mutual insecurities weren't just glossed over.

Now the second half... didn't vibe as much. This series is erotica so I was happily prepared for the boatloads of smut provided, but the scenes felt repetitive, and I honestly didn't feel that much passion from Logan. He just like... never really seemed that happy to be with Oliver? Most of his POV was guilt or doubt, which makes sense given how taboo their relationship is, but I didn't feel the obsession from him like we got from Oliver. I think it's clear the author was walking a fine line, trying not to risk posing Logan as a groomer, but for me it detracted from the "daddy"-ness of it all.
It's a tricky one-- this book almost felt too taboo for me at times, and I've read literal in****. Parts of their dynamic do read like age-play which isn't my thing. There is a LOT of reminiscing about Oliver as a child, and their "parent/child relationship", and even though it's 100% non-sexual, it took my head out of the game.
Maybe that's the point though.... and I'm just gross for not wanting to be reminded of the reality behind my dark fantasies :)

They also never have a conversation about kink dynamics and it seems to be kind of assumed, solely based on Oliver knowing what daddy kink is. Definitely a me thing because I'm sure a lot of erotica readers are like, girl who cares if they talk?! But conversation can be VERY EROTIC!

Overall, this was decent for me-- didn't quite live up to Lane & Mason, but I'm hoping and praying we get Nico's book next! Ally Avery is a great writer and storyteller.

[Cia]

244 pages of smut, that’s it.

I’M BORED. Give me a story!!!! Give me angst! Give me connection!!!! All this book had going for it was smut and after about the third or fourth chapter in a row with smut in it, even that gets old.

Oliver has no personality except for being obsessed with Logan, and Logan’s only personality trait is being worried about being with Oliver. Hell, half the time, he didn’t even seem that interested in being with Oliver or enjoying himself much. Most of his chapters with filled with his doubt over their relationship and not enough about how he felt about Ollie.

Why did they fall in love??? They literally had no connection to relationship beyond what they had when Oliver saw Logan as a dad. They fell back on that connection wayyyyy too often to the point of it being WEIRD. Their entire dynamic was sex, and if I had to read Daddy one more time, I was going to go insane.

Genuinely, the only interesting part of this book is when they have to go tell Oliver’s mom about their relationship, and even then, it didn’t live up to what it could’ve been. Where was the angst?! Where was the drama?! It was so subdued, it could’ve been an email.

Lord, I don’t know how I made it through this book. Thank GOD it was so short 😭😭😭

[Reading Rommance]

This had me hooked. Oliver is so sweet. He's young and seems naive, but he's not. He knows what he wants and I love how unashamed he is about all of it. Logan is great, too. He's a caretaker. He's really thoughtful and kind. I really enjoyed how these two met up on accident, worked through their issues, and came together. It was an addicting read for sure. I thought their dynamic was fun and the taboo aspect was interesting. It was definitely a unique storyline and I had a great time reading it. The side characters are great, too. I love the twins and I am so curious about Hunter. I'm ready for the next one!

Notes: 2/5 spice levels, daddy, ex-stepdad/ex-stepson (mom's ex), forbidden, age gap, taboo, "I didn't have anywhere else to go"

[TiffanyreadsMM]

Got the ARC email and downloaded this baby in less than a minute!
Right away I fell in love with Oliver and his sweet personality. He is a damage soul who just needs to be loved and cared for. The pining and longing he has for Logan is oh so good! Perfect book to satisfy your daddy kink!

[Stacktheforest - Natalie]

3.5. I think the first book set my expectations too high. I enjoyed this but not as amazing as the first.

[Paige]

This was very gross to me, The age gap doesnt bother me, What did bother was the fact he kept bring up the fact that he help raise him and that he used to tuck him in at night. It was just gross.

[Sara Husser]

🥞He used to be my dad, but now he's my daddy--the best daddy I could have ever asked for🚲

"Why is he here? Why didn't he tell me? Why did he turn his back on me when I was so young and needed him? I wasn't okay without him, damn it. I haven't been okay ever since he left. He ruined everything. Me. And now his presence is threatening to ruin me a second time."

"Daddy," I whisper again, aching for him with my whole heart, my whole body, everything. God, if only he'd want me back."

"You need to be more careful."
"Yeah, but I was sick of waiting. I wanted to get f*****." I make a choked sound. When I look at Oliver again, he's smirking with mischief, like he knows exactly what he's doing. The little brat.

"I love hugging him, but I want to kiss him as well. I want everything. I want my daddy. If only he'd want his Ollie, too."

"I can't trust myself around him anymore. Not when he looks at me like this...not when I know he wants me. Not when he's right there, offering himself, and all I'd have to do is reach out and take him."

"He needs you. He's all alone. You've already rejected him once, and now you've rejected him again. Your boy needs you. He needs you. He wants you. How long can you keep denying that you want him back?"

"I want gentleness; I want care. I want love. Not just any love; I want Logan's love. I crave it so much I can barely breathe sometimes when he's with me."

"Teach me, Daddy. I want to do good for you."
"You're already doing good."

"All I know is this: I'm not saying it's right, but I want it too badly to stop. Every time he looks at me, touches me, I feel my control slipping even more. God, I shouldn't, but I don't want to let him go."

"See? There's no way Daddy's c*** will fit inside."
"But I want it. Want Daddy's c***."
"Then you need to be a good boy. Be patient and follow Daddy's lead."
"I will. I'll be a good boy. Please..."

"Oliver...my sweet Ollie...He'll be my ruin."

"The one promise I make to myself before I drift back to sleep is that one day, I'll make him understand what a good daddy he is, what a good man he is, because I don't think he knows."

"He used to be my dad, but now he's my daddy--the best daddy I could have ever asked for."

This was a spicy, sweet, and amazing book. I have been waiting for this forbidden story and this author hit it out of the park. I have read and loved everything by this author. I love her writing style and flow. She writes amazing emotional hurt/comfort. And the spice is always delicious 🔥🔥🔥. This story had some great troupes like: Former Stepfather/Stepson, Forbidden Relationship, Huge Age Gap, Longing/Pining, Hurt/Comfort, Size Difference, Daddy/boy (no ap), and Virgin MC. The spice and kink were so filthy and delicious 🔥🔥🔥🔥. I loved seeing cameos from Lane and Mason. I'm really intrigued by the twins Luca and Nico. I hope we get their story! This series of forbidden relationships is everything and I can't wait for more!

This story follows Oliver and Logan. Logan was his stepfather and left the family and didn't stay in touch. This broke Oliver. Him and Oliver had a very close bond. Oliver is now out of his house and living with some roommates. He's always had a crush on Logan so he decides to meet someone off an app for a hook up to get Logan off his mind. This person he ends up meeting is Logan. They freak out and Ollie runs. They both meet as Ollie wants answers as to why he left. These two slowly build their relationship back up. They both start to have different and inappropriate feelings toward each other. Logan is stuck in his head with conflicted feelings and doing the right thing. Logan becomes hot and cold with Ollie. Things get spicy and lines become blurred. Ollie finally got his Daddy but his daddy is too stuck in his head half of the time. Can Logan get a hold of his thoughts before he hurts Ollie again? Ollie can't survive his Daddy leaving again, will he be able to keep him this time?

These two were so perfect for one another. Ollie was such a sweet, innocent, needy boy. He had his moments where he could be a brat. Logan was such an amazing daddy and caretaker. He was super protective of his boy. The chemistry, connection, and intimacy was off the charts 🥵🥵. The spice and daddy kink was so well written and filthy 🔥🔥🔥🔥. I loved how needy and insatiable these two were. The stretching and toy play was 💦🥵🔥. I loved seeing Logan be conflicted with his feelings for Ollie and the morality of it all. I loved the sexual exploration and all the firsts between them. Ollie really opened up and came into his own person with Logan. These two were so adorable, sweet, and filthy. I can't wait to see what this author does next in this series.

[HappilyEverReader]

If you’re looking for a quick and dirty MM romance featuring a forbidden relationship, daddy kink, and a significant age gap, then this might be the book for you.

Oliver and Logan reconnect by accident after being estranged for six years. Logan was once Oliver’s mom’s boyfriend—and although I don’t think it’s ever mentioned whether they were actually married, Logan was the closest thing Oliver had to a father figure. When Logan left and ghosted him at thirteen, Oliver was devastated. He never truly got over losing the only real father figure he had, and it seemed like he had also been harboring feelings for Logan that he never fully understood.

The spice in this book was definitely hot, but I found myself wanting more from the story overall. There was so much potential to explore Oliver’s character. He gave up an opportunity to attend MIT, so we know he’s incredibly intelligent, but now he’s bussing tables and playing video games. Unfortunately, we never really get to see much beyond his complete obsession with Logan.

The entire story revolves around the push and pull of their relationship, with Logan constantly questioning whether he should pursue something more and Oliver slowly wearing him down until he finally gives in to what they both want. I would have loved to see Oliver grow and mature more throughout their relationship, or for the two of them to develop a deeper emotional connection outside of their physical attraction.

Honestly, I thought the most interesting part of the book was when Mason and Oliver’s mom found out about their relationship because it finally added some real conflict to the story. We also don’t get to know much about Logan or what he was doing during those six years they were apart. And while they seem to naturally fall into a daddy/boy dynamic, they never really discuss or explore those desires in any depth.

Overall, this was an entertaining and spicy read that I think had the potential to be so much more. I certainly enjoyed it for what it was—a quick, dirty, and fun time—but I was left wishing for a little more character development and emotional depth.

Tropes:
Forbidden relationship
Daddy kink
Significant age gap
Former parental figure
Reunion romance
Estranged relationship
Second chance-ish romance
Push and pull
High spice

[Lil' Violet]

I want to give this book a fair review so let’s get two things out of the way.

First: when I received this book it was after a few rough nights and while reading it I was at a tug of war with myself. This. Is. Not . The. Books. Fault
As such I’ll be putting it aside for the review

Second: I want the third book if there is going to be a third about Nico and Luca but mainly Nico I’ve fallen hard for his character and would love for this to be a loose series where we follow characters introduced from the last book

Ie. Book 1 we met Oliver but followed lane
Book 2 we met Nico and Luca but followed Oliver

Now with that out of the way.

The review

I read the first book “Bruised” and was excited to see the series (dualology?) continue,
Alley Avery writes realistic character dynamics that pull you in, the third act friction she writes is so immersive it happened when I read “creatures like us” and “bruised” there is a chapter or scene that makes me pause and dread the feelings that are coming but that just makes a good book.

The relationship between Logan and Oliver was spicy, caring, as well as the realistic reactions to the age gap made you feel for them both. While well written that might have been Oliver’s downfall as he is written well as a 19 year old but that makes his “I want daddy” voice come off as pretend rather than genuine. This made some scenes feel as if I had to push through then but Perhaps it was because I was comparing it to other books with a similar premise that felt more established in the life style then just getting into it.

The scene in the dressing room was the only scene that made me uncomfortable which just means I have a new trigger to avoid ha but I will say the characters were just as self aware of what they were doing as we were reading it

But as far as writing goes alley Avory’s at her best when writing tension, there were two moments where I had to read slower because my stomach clenched in anxiety along with the characters and it was painful in the best way possible

If you loved the first book you’ll love this one just as much, while some things didn’t hit me the way I thought they would I still hope there is a third one with the twins

[Kaycee]

Ally Avery has done it again! 5⭐️

I absolutely LOVED book 1 in this series Bruised so I couldn’t wait to read sweet Oliver’s story. Loved that we got to see some of Lane and Mason in this as well.

Logan walked out of Oliver’s life at age 13, but Oliver hasn’t stopped thinking about him since. A random encounter on a dating app brings them back into each other lives. This story does a good job of transitioning from dad to Daddy. They both need each other in the same way. Oliver needs love and someone to take care of him, and while Logan did that before I liked seeing how it changed once the relationship started.

Once Logan let Oliver have a voice and say in what he wanted their relationship to be, it was so sweet and loving. And the spice was hot 🥵. Oliver is a pro at hands free finishing lol. Logan took such good care of Oliver and would never hurt him.

In a world that may not approve of their age gap/Daddy relationship they made it work and I loved that they both got the HEA they deserved.

This book had everything I love. Ally Avery is a must read author for me and I can’t wait to see what is next 😈

[Sasha]

This book is borderline taboo. The main characters, while not blood related, had a father/son relationship in every other way prior to the timeline of this book. As someone who actually reads taboo books (including ones by by this author), this didn’t bother me at all - but just as a PSA to anyone who would be bothered by that.

I love that Ally Avery isn’t afraid to explore darker themes and take her stories to places other authors might not. I was SO intrigued by the premise of this book, especially after loving ‘Bruised’ as much as I did.

I really liked Oliver as a character and admired that he wasn’t afraid to push for what he wanted, despite not being taken seriously because of his age. I thought that he and Logan were very sweet together.

I felt that this topic might have benefitted from the book being longer. I appreciated the focus on their relationship but would have liked more page time devoted to them getting to know each other again after being apart for so long.

Again, I love Ally and I love this series. I’ll definitely be reading whatever she releases next.

⭐ 3.75/5

[Rose]

The title should be “Daddy issues” instead.

Not really sure how to rate this one. Was I entertained? Apparently enough to finish it. Should the characters be in therapy instead of a relationship? Probably.
Idk looking back now, it just didn’t really feel like romance.

I had hoped for daddy kink, but it just felt more like daddy issues (and probably also some mommy issues) and in a not so hot way. In the end, it just didn’t feel like Oliver actually saw Logan as a partner and not his stepdad.
And tbh Logan didn’t actually give off daddy vibes, besides his appearance.

There was just WAY too much focus and comparison to their old relationship.

[Ashley H]

4.75 ⭐️ 3.5 🌶️
ARC Read :

Absolutely ate this book up. 😩😩 love a daddy trope and this AGE GAP 🫠😮‍💨 someone send help. Every scene between them was electric. I dont like to give spoilers in reviews. But obviously we got our HEA for these two, but what Im REALLY looking forward to is potentially 👀👀 the twins that we met in the book 😏😏

But back too it. The way he was so sweet on Oliver was just adorable. Seeing Mason & Lane made me smile so much.

Daddy Kink - former step dad
Care taking
Hurt / Comfort
Forbidden
First time
Age gap

If any of these are your vibe, you will enjoy this one

[Tonya ✨]

*arc review *

This one definitely fell flat for me. Which sucks because I was really excited for this one, definitely love any kind of book considered forbidden. I kinda found Olivier to be a bit whiny and Logan gave me whiplash when it came to how he felt about Olivier.

Overall, I did enjoy some parts but this didn't hit the same book one did for me.

[Amanda Anderson (Beauty.and.the.bookies)]

good but not great

I absolutely loved book 1 with Mason but this one fell a little flat for me. I actually found myself swiping the pages toward the end and that isnt like me. I love a good age gap so I am bummed but it wasnt a bad story. Was just missing something. Nevertheless I will still continue to read this author and all their books

[Che Miller]

It’s me, I’m the problem! I really loved this book the first half, then I started getting a little bored. Whyyy???? Because I needed Daddy to just lose control and get lost in his goodboy. This was very sweet and caring… told you that I’m the problem 😂

[Jade Smith]

DNF at 56%.
I love the Daddy trope and the forbidden/taboo tropes but Oliver's character was too juvenile so it just came across as predatory to me, while Logan's back and forth and his guilt for crossing lines with his stepson just came across as disingenuous and a bit annoying tbh.

Their relationship also progressed really quickly. Felt as if it went straight from Oliver being upset that Logan had abandoned him as a kid to being literally the most sex crazed virgin I have ever read.

I dnf’ed after their first attempt at penetrative sex because i was just cringing the whole time. “Daddy” was overused and Logan did not read like the experienced older man he was supposed to be. Giving in to all of Oliver’s demands, he rushed through the prep, skipped the condom without a proper conversation and then left him alone on the bed while he hid in the bathroom because he couldn’t fit, and throughout all of that, his thoughts keep flip flopping between why he shouldn’t be doing it and “how can I say no to him”.

I imagine a lot of people will enjoy this book as the writing isn’t bad, I’m just the wrong target audience 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Alli 📖🥀]

3⭐️ 4🌶️ holy taboo. Idk how I feel

[Orita]

Too much sex pero amé

[Aurelinho]

This was, for the lack of a better word, too cringe for me and i definitely saw every plot device coming from a mile away.

I got so annoyed at both of them and their story didn't capture me at all but maybe this is just not my vibe

[Ashley Webb]

3.5 ⭐️ I love forbidden/taboo romance, but this one was a little off for me. This is ex stepson/stepdad romance. Logan was with Oliver’s mom for quite a few years, up until Oliver was 13. Then he left and Oliver didn’t understand why. All of that comes to light in the end though.
I thought Logan and Oliver had a very sweet dynamic, the book didn’t pack quite the emotional or angsty vibes I was expecting but it was good non the less. From the way they come back into each other’s lives to, especially Logan, having that internal struggle with himself because he knows he shouldn’t go there.
The only things that bothered me the most were the significant age gap or I guess maybe it was more the face that Oliver was 19? If he’d been in his 20s I don’t think it would’ve been an issue. Also I don’t think enough time passed between when Logan left and they get back in touch…