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Solace and Ruin
Forbidden was only the beginning…
I lost everything—my parents, my home, my future—until survival was all I had left. Finding enough food to fill my belly was the best I could hope for now.
Then he came into my life, saving me in more ways than one.
He wasn’t a stranger or the hero he pretended to be. He was someone from my past and knew who I was as soon as I gave him my name. He chose to keep the truth hidden, and that stung more than any of the losses I’ve experienced. The hope he had given was just a lie.
By the time I learned who he really was, I’d already crossed a line I couldn’t undo.
Wanting him was forbidden.
Loving him was worse.
The age gap. The secrets. The life I was still clinging to—none of it mattered once my heart betrayed me.
Now I don’t know what hurts more: the truth he kept from me, or walking away from the one thing that made me believe in hope again.
He may have been my hero, but some betrayals can't be forgotten.
I lost everything—my parents, my home, my future—until survival was all I had left. Finding enough food to fill my belly was the best I could hope for now.
Then he came into my life, saving me in more ways than one.
He wasn’t a stranger or the hero he pretended to be. He was someone from my past and knew who I was as soon as I gave him my name. He chose to keep the truth hidden, and that stung more than any of the losses I’ve experienced. The hope he had given was just a lie.
By the time I learned who he really was, I’d already crossed a line I couldn’t undo.
Wanting him was forbidden.
Loving him was worse.
The age gap. The secrets. The life I was still clinging to—none of it mattered once my heart betrayed me.
Now I don’t know what hurts more: the truth he kept from me, or walking away from the one thing that made me believe in hope again.
He may have been my hero, but some betrayals can't be forgotten.
364 pages, ebook
Published June 30, 2026
About the author
Stacy Rush
37 books199 followersStacy Rush resides in Central Iowa with her husband. She started writing in 2017 and self-published her first book in 2018. Since then, Stacy has self-published over 20 titles on Amazon and has written two series and one standalone, with another in progress on the iReader app. She is currently in the middle of writing a 5-book Dark Urban Romance series. Stacy’s title, Twisted Hunger, has recently won an award in Contemporary Fiction, General Fiction, and New Adult Fiction, with it being a Finalist in the Romance and Book Cover categories at the Literary Global Awards. Stacy has also recently put out her first audiobook with Saints and Sinners, a dark and very spicy academia romance. Follow Stacy Rush on her media pages to find out what’s next on the writing block and what upcoming signing events she will be attending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 28, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. Wow Stacy this nothing like we are used to!! Absolutely loved this story as I felt all the emotional life’s happenings! This is an age gap romance where the goddaughter and godfather find each other with that forbidden chemistry! This will have you on in an emotional roller coaster and this made me ugly cry!! This is definitely a must read and I need more!! Chefs kiss Stacy!!
“He may have been my hero, but some betrayals can't be forgotten.
From this award-winning author comes this forbidden, age-gap romance with dark themes and TWs that you don't want to skip. Please take care of your mental health when reading any titles by this author.”
“He may have been my hero, but some betrayals can't be forgotten.
From this award-winning author comes this forbidden, age-gap romance with dark themes and TWs that you don't want to skip. Please take care of your mental health when reading any titles by this author.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
The moment I picked up this book, I couldn't put it down. I’m giving it 4 stars. For me, the spice level was around a 2 to 2.5 out of 5, making it a nice balance between romance and story.
I really enjoyed the forbidden age-gap aspect of the relationship. Watching Maya and Trayce navigate their pasts was one of my favorite parts of the book. Maya carries deep trauma, while Trayce struggles with guilt, and seeing them come together was both emotional and rewarding. They don't magically fix each other, but they support one another through the healing process while still facing their own struggles, fears, and insecurities.
Overall, this was an engaging and heartfelt read with characters who felt real and relatable. Their journey of healing, growth, and finding love made this a story I thoroughly enjoyed.
The only reason this wasn't a 5-star read for me is that the last few chapters felt a little rushed. I found myself wanting more detail and closure on some of the events that took place toward the end of the story. That being said, it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. The storyline was fantastic, the characters were compelling, and it was a story that kept me invested from beginning to end.
I really enjoyed the forbidden age-gap aspect of the relationship. Watching Maya and Trayce navigate their pasts was one of my favorite parts of the book. Maya carries deep trauma, while Trayce struggles with guilt, and seeing them come together was both emotional and rewarding. They don't magically fix each other, but they support one another through the healing process while still facing their own struggles, fears, and insecurities.
Overall, this was an engaging and heartfelt read with characters who felt real and relatable. Their journey of healing, growth, and finding love made this a story I thoroughly enjoyed.
The only reason this wasn't a 5-star read for me is that the last few chapters felt a little rushed. I found myself wanting more detail and closure on some of the events that took place toward the end of the story. That being said, it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. The storyline was fantastic, the characters were compelling, and it was a story that kept me invested from beginning to end.
June 7, 2026
Oh. My. Goddddd. This book was everything I didn’t know I needed and so much more. Mya’s story is heartbreaking but it is so relatable. Trayce really grew up throughout this book. I loved that Mya’s middle name is Traycee by the way; that was perfection. Their pain was mine, their love was mine, their world felt like I was in it. Stacy, you really out did yourself with this one. In true Stacy fashion there are twists like no other. One minutes you think you know the direction and then the next thing you know you’re on a whole different street than you thought this book was taking you. And the age gap? Yupppp I ate that up. Please give us more of this trope PLEASE. When I say RUN don’t walk to get your copy, I MEAN IT!
June 6, 2026
Wow! Great job on this one! This book is a forbidden romance with godfather/goddaughter! This is definitely not your typical Stacy Rush book! We normally get dark from her. This one she reigns in that aspect.
The love Trayce has for Mya is so sweet and romantic. Mya grew up without Trayce. Her parents died when she was young and ends up in a house of horrible conditions! She ends up on the streets. Just by chance she ends up back in Trayce’s life.
To not give away any spoilers I’ll leave it at that! This book was a wonderful read. Thank you for allowing me to read it early! I cannot wait for the world to read it!
10/10 recommend!
The love Trayce has for Mya is so sweet and romantic. Mya grew up without Trayce. Her parents died when she was young and ends up in a house of horrible conditions! She ends up on the streets. Just by chance she ends up back in Trayce’s life.
To not give away any spoilers I’ll leave it at that! This book was a wonderful read. Thank you for allowing me to read it early! I cannot wait for the world to read it!
10/10 recommend!
June 17, 2026
My 5th read of this author and I love it. This was a slower story than previous I’ve read from her but I loved it. Taboo topic with a beautiful story made it a favorite. The part about life happening to them exactly as it was supposed to was fantastic. Ummm Stacy what the f$/68;ck was that letter from her dad because it gutted me and had me in TEARS. And the ending!! Everything. This is a must read.
June 20, 2026
Did I fly through this book? Yes I did.
Do I love age gaps and taboo relationships I sure do. Trayce and Mya are 🔥🥵
Trauma
Taboo
Age gap
Crazy exes
Foster system fails
Psycho twins
Read it!
Do I love age gaps and taboo relationships I sure do. Trayce and Mya are 🔥🥵
Trauma
Taboo
Age gap
Crazy exes
Foster system fails
Psycho twins
Read it!
June 25, 2026
This is definitely a different book than I’m used to with Stacy Rush but it’s so good. Forbidden love to HEA. I love how he was fighting his own demons and past on how to tell Mya the truth on what really happened when she was a child. So many obstacles tried to come between them and they came out on top.
July 7, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. Swooning for Tracey. I was all about sweet Cameron then BAM. Ugh. I can't with him. Poor sweet kind Mya. Love the HEA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2026
This is why Stacy is one of my favourite authors. I love her writing, her story telling and what she put into her novels. Im talking about you feel everything they are. You feel their sorrow, heartbreat, Love. It jumps of the pages for you to feel it.
I loved this. A bit different than her others but thats perfect and torally ok. This is great. Loved everything about it. I laughed and cried. Cannot recommend this enough. If you havnt read her books yet. We'll, get on it. Plain and simple.
I loved this. A bit different than her others but thats perfect and torally ok. This is great. Loved everything about it. I laughed and cried. Cannot recommend this enough. If you havnt read her books yet. We'll, get on it. Plain and simple.
July 5, 2026
This book was most def a book I did not know I needed! I read it in just a couple short days and I fell in love with it. Age gap was not something I’m heavy in but this book goodness I just couldn’t get enough of
July 1, 2026
He’s always been her everything…
Trayce has always been there for Mya. No matter what. What first started as protective and caring for her as if she were his own changed. One fateful day he was kicked out of her life only for him to find her years later in an unexpected way.
This does have some darker themes but it is light for being written by Stacy. I still loved it all the same and devoured it.
Trayce has always been there for Mya. No matter what. What first started as protective and caring for her as if she were his own changed. One fateful day he was kicked out of her life only for him to find her years later in an unexpected way.
This does have some darker themes but it is light for being written by Stacy. I still loved it all the same and devoured it.
June 30, 2026
This has made it to the very top of my list of favorite books. Trayce and Mya’s story was heartbreaking and healing. Everything from the loss of her parents to the trials they are put through are enough to keep those pages turning!
I may be biased as I live a good age gap but Trayce sets the bar very high for all future MMCs to the point I have yet to pick up and finish another book!
I cannot rave enough about this book.
I may be biased as I live a good age gap but Trayce sets the bar very high for all future MMCs to the point I have yet to pick up and finish another book!
I cannot rave enough about this book.
July 1, 2026
Since I already messaged the author and yelled at her, I guess I'll yell to the masses of the Zon! If you love forbidden, age-gap romance with a touch of dark themes, you need to read Trayce & Mya's story! The author will have you crying from your eyes AND your thighs, so grab a puppy pad and box of tissues. Settle in and enjoy the ride!
June 30, 2026
I loved this book! I thought it had perfect amount of detail and depth for all the characters. I felt so pulled into the story, I was unsure how to feel about Trayce at first but as the story progressed I definitely felt the connection between him and Mya! Please be sure to check your trigger warnings!
June 30, 2026
Forbidden love, Age gap, God daughter and God father?? Yes sign me up! Tracye and Myas story is one I will think about for years to come. This is not a typical Stacy Rush book. It is not a dark romance and more of a slower burn for one of her books but let me just tell you I absolutely loved every second of it!
July 1, 2026
Very nicely written romance book. I enjoythe age gap of the main characters. It was refreshing to read a romantic book with out teenage drama and the FMC not acting like a spoiled brat. MMC is what every female wants to marry, lol. Loved the ending!! Great job Stacey. Definitely will be recommending to all my people who read strictly romance without the darkness
June 30, 2026
Stacy hit it out of the park with this forbidden romance!!! I absolutely loved the story of Tracey and Mya. How he is there for her and wants to take care of her. She went through some tough times but she is a fighter and worth the love he gives her!!!!
July 1, 2026
Dark
A balance of light and dark, check the CWs carefully because there are some serious ones but otherwise it’s a light read.
A balance of light and dark, check the CWs carefully because there are some serious ones but otherwise it’s a light read.
July 13, 2026
OMG!! 😳 This book is not typical for Stacy Rush! I have never been into the forbidden romance books, especially like this, but it was so well written that I had to keep reading to figure out what happened next. Definitely brought out emotions of various degrees. Not as dark as the other books I’ve adored by this phenomenal author. I also read a lot of her books that have cliff hangers, but in this one she wrapped everything up nicely!! It was definitely different but still amazing nonetheless the less!! I do recommend reading this book even if it’s not your typical read!
June 20, 2026
What a great contemporary age gap romance! Lots of spice, drama and second chances!
July 9, 2026
Heyyyy All you book lovers, I wanted to share my thoughts on Solace and Ruin by Stacy Rush with you.
This book is like a voice caught in a bottle - it's fresh, compact, and quietly powerful. The story is brief yet emotionally rich, falling perfectly into the literary fiction genre. It offers readers a meditative look into intimate struggles that are often left unspoken. While it may not be sprawling or flashy, its concise nature demands attention and provides space for reflection. I was particularly drawn to this book because it promised to blend emotional depth with brevity, which is a nice change from the dense times that usually fill the shelves. Hope you find this recommendation helpful💜
This book is like a voice caught in a bottle - it's fresh, compact, and quietly powerful. The story is brief yet emotionally rich, falling perfectly into the literary fiction genre. It offers readers a meditative look into intimate struggles that are often left unspoken. While it may not be sprawling or flashy, its concise nature demands attention and provides space for reflection. I was particularly drawn to this book because it promised to blend emotional depth with brevity, which is a nice change from the dense times that usually fill the shelves. Hope you find this recommendation helpful💜
July 3, 2026
This book is slightly different than what I'm used to with Stacy Rush. It starts out strong and with trauma that Mya went through after losing her parents. By the act of fate she meets her long lost godfather Trayce, but it's kept a secret from her and her boyfriend.
With feelings for Trayce, Mya is trying to figure life out as he is the same age as her dad.
Trance knowing who she is is struggling with how to tell her and they are both dealing with thier past coming to get them.
Will they be able to overcome the secrets that were kept and move on or will this be the end?
Solace and ruin was both a fast and medium pace at once, with truths being omitted and past trauma that linger.
It will keep you invested and hard to put down.
With feelings for Trayce, Mya is trying to figure life out as he is the same age as her dad.
Trance knowing who she is is struggling with how to tell her and they are both dealing with thier past coming to get them.
Will they be able to overcome the secrets that were kept and move on or will this be the end?
Solace and ruin was both a fast and medium pace at once, with truths being omitted and past trauma that linger.
It will keep you invested and hard to put down.
July 1, 2026
So many feelings for this book. This age gap forbidden romance is written perfectly. From the very start the roller coaster of emotions are delivered as only Stacy Rush can do. The traumatic path of this story hits and hits deep allowing us to be consumed by the events as they unravel. Just when it feels as if we’ve hit a smooth road, you felt wrong and a hard right comes and damn, the feels keep crashing in. The duel pov adds layers to our characters and it’s impossible not to love them. Experiencing Mya and Trace’s healing, emotional growth and resilience both individually and together is magic. The story unfolds at a perfect pace and we are given the opportunity to feel part of their turbulent world. All their experiences are felt and there were times throughout I was angry, crying and laughing because it’s all felt. This is a lighter read than we typically get from this author and I loved every word.
July 1, 2026
I love Trayce so much!!!
This was a new kinda story from Stacy. This is not her typical dark romance. Yes it’s forbidden, age gap and touches on darkish themes but it’s nothing like she normally writes. I thought Trayce and Mya’s story came together so beautifully.. I wouldn’t have changed a damn thing! Well.. maybe I was hoping for someone to get their face rearranged but again.. not that kind of story lol!! This made me sad.. mad.. happy.. everything!! Another great story Stacy!
This was a new kinda story from Stacy. This is not her typical dark romance. Yes it’s forbidden, age gap and touches on darkish themes but it’s nothing like she normally writes. I thought Trayce and Mya’s story came together so beautifully.. I wouldn’t have changed a damn thing! Well.. maybe I was hoping for someone to get their face rearranged but again.. not that kind of story lol!! This made me sad.. mad.. happy.. everything!! Another great story Stacy!
July 2, 2026
OMG . What an emotional rollercoaster that sucks you right in from the very first page and does not let go . I started reading late last night and to say I did not get any sleep would definitely be an understatement.
This was actually my first time reading one of Stacy’s books and it most definitely will not be my last !! Where do I even start ? Because guys , words cannot even start to express how much I absolutely loved Maya and Trayce’s story . The whole forbidden and age gap aspect , the way both had struggles and challenges/ trauma to overcome . I loved that their story wasn’t all hearts and flowers . I loved that both had flaws just like we all do . Add into that the humor , the chemistry, the angst and witty banter . Watching them help each other heal , the way they supported and loved one another was just so so beautiful. This is so much more than your typical forbidden and age gap romance. It’s a journey about love and heartbreak,insecurities , fears trauma , healing and second chances. The way it touched my heart , the way it shattered it in pieces and then so flawlessly all those pieces were put right back together again. I feel like I went through everything right along with Maya and Trayce . Smiling, laughing, crying and cheering them on so freaking hard.
This was actually my first time reading one of Stacy’s books and it most definitely will not be my last !! Where do I even start ? Because guys , words cannot even start to express how much I absolutely loved Maya and Trayce’s story . The whole forbidden and age gap aspect , the way both had struggles and challenges/ trauma to overcome . I loved that their story wasn’t all hearts and flowers . I loved that both had flaws just like we all do . Add into that the humor , the chemistry, the angst and witty banter . Watching them help each other heal , the way they supported and loved one another was just so so beautiful. This is so much more than your typical forbidden and age gap romance. It’s a journey about love and heartbreak,insecurities , fears trauma , healing and second chances. The way it touched my heart , the way it shattered it in pieces and then so flawlessly all those pieces were put right back together again. I feel like I went through everything right along with Maya and Trayce . Smiling, laughing, crying and cheering them on so freaking hard.
Review of advance copy received from Author
You can never go wrong with a forbidden age-gap trope! Stacy absolutely delivered with this one. From the very beginning, I was drawn into both Mya and Trayce’s story and couldn’t put it down.
Mya had a heartbreaking life, and seeing everything she had to overcome made her such an easy character to root for. Trayce’s love, loyalty, and protectiveness toward her added so much depth to their relationship. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and every scene they shared had me completely invested.
Stacy knows how to keep you on your toes with twists you never see coming. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, she takes it in a completely different direction. The emotional moments hit hard, the romance was beautifully written, and the connection between Mya and Trayce felt genuine and unforgettable.
By the time I reached the end, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters. Another amazing read from Stacy, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Also I don’t give away spoilers, you’ll just have to read it for yourself to see why I loved it so much trust me 10/10 recommend
Mya had a heartbreaking life, and seeing everything she had to overcome made her such an easy character to root for. Trayce’s love, loyalty, and protectiveness toward her added so much depth to their relationship. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and every scene they shared had me completely invested.
Stacy knows how to keep you on your toes with twists you never see coming. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, she takes it in a completely different direction. The emotional moments hit hard, the romance was beautifully written, and the connection between Mya and Trayce felt genuine and unforgettable.
By the time I reached the end, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters. Another amazing read from Stacy, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Also I don’t give away spoilers, you’ll just have to read it for yourself to see why I loved it so much trust me 10/10 recommend
Review of advance copy received from Author
If I said it once I’ll say it again, what can’t Stacy do? Now we are throwing a contemporary romance into the mix? Not to mention a glorious age gap at that as well.
If you’ve read any of Stacy’s books before you may think you know what you're going into with this one but I promise you… just take those thoughts and throw them out the window because they are wrong. This book isn’t going to be anything like you expected. It won’t be like her other books at all. This is not a dark romance. This is a contemporary romance and it is softer compared to her others.
That is not to say that true to Stacy fashion that there are not a million twists and turns that will have you gasping and waiting more. If you think you can put a Stacy book down, think again.
I absolutely love Myra and Tracey. I think they are both very strong characters and I loved the journey’s they both take. If you need something that is a little lighter, but maybe will tug at those heart strings just a little bit, then this is definitely the book for you.
If you’ve read any of Stacy’s books before you may think you know what you're going into with this one but I promise you… just take those thoughts and throw them out the window because they are wrong. This book isn’t going to be anything like you expected. It won’t be like her other books at all. This is not a dark romance. This is a contemporary romance and it is softer compared to her others.
That is not to say that true to Stacy fashion that there are not a million twists and turns that will have you gasping and waiting more. If you think you can put a Stacy book down, think again.
I absolutely love Myra and Tracey. I think they are both very strong characters and I loved the journey’s they both take. If you need something that is a little lighter, but maybe will tug at those heart strings just a little bit, then this is definitely the book for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am a sucker for forbidden romance! This was my first god parent forbidden romance, and I ate it up! Binge read it in less than 24 hours, stayed up way too late and got nothing done!
Trayce's love and protectiveness in all forms for Mya is everything. It broke my heart the horrible cards Mya had been dealt in her life. But she found Trayce again and he put the pieces of her life back together. Everything he did to help her and love her through it, how could she NOT get past his betrayal.
I also loved that her middle name is Traycee, clearly named after him. And the fact that it was never mentioned I thought made it even sweeter.
The spice in this book was mostly sweet and loving, specifically between Trayce and Mya. However, check your triggers as there is very sensitive topics/situations mentioned.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶
Trayce's love and protectiveness in all forms for Mya is everything. It broke my heart the horrible cards Mya had been dealt in her life. But she found Trayce again and he put the pieces of her life back together. Everything he did to help her and love her through it, how could she NOT get past his betrayal.
I also loved that her middle name is Traycee, clearly named after him. And the fact that it was never mentioned I thought made it even sweeter.
The spice in this book was mostly sweet and loving, specifically between Trayce and Mya. However, check your triggers as there is very sensitive topics/situations mentioned.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book from Stacy. This definitely was a taboo subject of Godfather/god daughter.
It flowed really well, and it had a lot of twist i wasnt expecting.
One thing that got me, was that when Mya's parents had died, it felt that Trayce although he looked for Mya in the beginning, kind of gave up looking for her.
Also what did he think would happen, keeping important information from her, really??
Mya had it hard after the death of her parents, ending up being homeless. She has trauma from being in the Foster system, and a boyfriend on the cusp of pushing her past her boundaries but im glad she survived it and that her story bumps back into Trayces world.
Im glad Trayce sorted himself out and built a business he should be proud of.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this story. Can't wait to see what Stacy comes out with next!!
It flowed really well, and it had a lot of twist i wasnt expecting.
One thing that got me, was that when Mya's parents had died, it felt that Trayce although he looked for Mya in the beginning, kind of gave up looking for her.
Also what did he think would happen, keeping important information from her, really??
Mya had it hard after the death of her parents, ending up being homeless. She has trauma from being in the Foster system, and a boyfriend on the cusp of pushing her past her boundaries but im glad she survived it and that her story bumps back into Trayces world.
Im glad Trayce sorted himself out and built a business he should be proud of.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this story. Can't wait to see what Stacy comes out with next!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I do not know what Stacy puts in her books, but this is a perfect balance between heartfelt romance and an engaging storyline. Stacy Rush steps away from her usual darker style to deliver an emotional forbidden age-gap romance with a godfather/goddaughter dynamic that kept me completely invested. The side characters were engaging and infuriating at the same time.
Trayce and Mya's story is both tender and heartbreaking. Mya has endured unimaginable loss and trauma, while Trayce carries years of guilt. Rather than magically fixing each other, they support one another as they heal, making their journey feel authentic, emotional, and deeply rewarding. Their chemistry is sweet; their love is unwavering and watching them find their way back to each other was my favorite part of the book. This gave the book a more realistic feel to it.
Trayce and Mya's story is both tender and heartbreaking. Mya has endured unimaginable loss and trauma, while Trayce carries years of guilt. Rather than magically fixing each other, they support one another as they heal, making their journey feel authentic, emotional, and deeply rewarding. Their chemistry is sweet; their love is unwavering and watching them find their way back to each other was my favorite part of the book. This gave the book a more realistic feel to it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews