The Bookish Ashley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5 stars)

Destructively Mine is the kind of book that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go—a compulsively readable, emotionally layered romance that dances on the edge of deception and desire. Krista and Becca Ritchie deliver yet another addictive read that blends high-stakes drama with heart-aching vulnerability, proving why they continue to dominate the bestseller lists.

At the heart of the novel is Phoebe Graves, a former grifter trying to outrun her past in a town that practically bleeds privilege. Phoebe is sharp, resourceful, and refreshingly self-aware—a heroine who’s made a thousand bad choices but is trying, genuinely, to make better ones. Her fake relationship with Jake Waterford (hello, delicious tension) serves as the perfect smokescreen for her very real, very messy romance with Brayden “Rocky” Tinrock—who just so happens to be her best friend’s older brother.

The emotional stakes skyrocket when Phoebe’s manipulative mother crashes into town, bringing chaos and secrets in her wake. Suddenly, the straight and narrow path Phoebe was building isn’t enough. She’s forced to weigh truth against survival, love against loyalty, and her own identity against the mask she’s worn for so long.

What makes Destructively Mine shine is the Ritchies’ signature voice—witty, heartfelt, and disarmingly honest. They excel at writing flawed, complex characters who feel like real people. The romantic chemistry sizzles, especially between Phoebe and Rocky, whose connection is raw and beautifully imperfect. And while the “fake-dating-while-secretly-dating-someone-else” trope might sound convoluted on paper, the authors pull it off with finesse, delivering a story full of tension, charm, and just the right amount of chaos.

Why not a full 5 stars? At times, the pacing stumbles, particularly in the middle where some plot points felt slightly stretched. Additionally, readers looking for clean-cut resolutions might be left wanting—this is a story that thrives in emotional gray areas, and some character arcs reflect that ambiguity.

Still, Destructively Mine is a wild, romantic, and emotionally charged ride that fans of the Ritchies (and of messy, magnetic love stories) will devour. If you’re drawn to tales of reinvention, secrets, and fiercely earned love, this book absolutely belongs on your TBR pile.

Final Verdict:

A seductive blend of heart and hustle, Destructively Mine is a must-read for fans of morally complicated characters and slow-burn romance with bite.