Beautiful Ruins

A Dark, Messy, Beautiful Read

I picked up Beautiful Ruins on a whim—yes, partly because of the hot guy on the cover—and hoped for the best. Sometimes, those impulsive picks turn into the best reading experiences. Bonus: it’s on Kindle Unlimited.

Mae and Damon are easily one of the most compelling enemies-to-lovers couples I’ve read in a while. Don’t worry, that’s not a spoiler—their story runs much deeper than the trope. From the first page, this book pulls you in with its dark undercurrents and emotional depth.

The connection between Mae and Damon is immediate and intense. Sure, it leans into insta-love, but their relationship evolves in a way that feels earned and emotionally real. Mae’s journey is filled with pain and hardship that genuinely broke my heart—but she never comes across as broken. Her resilience is what makes her story so powerful.

Damon’s arrival in her life shifts everything. Their dynamic is intense but balanced, and even through all the chaos and heartache, their bond only grows stronger. Their chemistry? Off the charts. The emotional layers? Even better.

MJ Lucy nails the blend of gritty emotion, solid storytelling, and the perfect amount of spice. Beautiful Ruins is a must-read if you're into angsty romance with depth, heat, and characters who feel real. I loved every page.

And to the author—please keep going with this series. Every side character deserves their own dark, messy, beautiful story.

Easily a solid four stars.