Made For Ruin: A Mountain Man Romance

by Stella Banks

He's the one man she shouldn't want, but his obsession leaves her nowhere to hide...

Marcus

I swore I’d never touch Lainey Daniels.
She’s everything I want, but she’s my son's ex and too sweet for a man like me.
I try my best to resist her.
But one night, I give in.
I take her to my cabin in the mountains to keep her safe.
Now, she’s mine, whether she's ready for it or not.
I expect her to run, to hate me for the filthy things I want to do to her.
But she doesn't.
She meets my darkness with a blaze of her own.
And I’ll burn the whole world down before I lose her.

Lainey

Marcus Ruin is everything I want in a man-- strong, possessive, and willing to fight for me.
He's also my ex-boyfriend's dad and the last man I should want.
But one night, he drags me away to his cabin in the mountains to keep me safe.
And I let him.
I know I should run from the possessive fire in his eyes.
But there's something about his dominance that breaks me apart in all the best ways.
With him, I feel like I've finally found my home.
And I'm starting to see that some ruins are worth risking it all...

Made for Ruin is a full-length mountain man romance about a brooding mountain man who will stop at nothing to claim his son's gorgeous ex-girlfriend.

**Note to my readers: This book includes some themes that are darker than my other mountain man books, including lite BDSM and brief violence. Please check the content warning at the beginning of the book for more information .**

Genres: Romance, Dark, BDSM, Military Fiction, Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks

284 pages, Paperback

Published March 9, 2025

Reviews

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quickie review: Know what I love more than an age gap romance? When you pair it up with ExBoyfriend’s dad. Yummy. And Banks did a phenomenal job with this story and the romance. I loved every bit from start to finish. There was more than just delicious romance. There was also suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see how it would all come together in the end. Would they see their happily ever after? I can’t wait to see what story comes next in this fabulous series. 5 Stars.

[Auntee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

-Dual pov
-Age gap h23 H45
-Ex boyfriends dad (the ex was a good friend and they tried dating but she said they never did more than fool around because it felt too awkward, then he cheated on her and they went back to being friends only)
-Virgin h/ H not a manwhore- no info given about his past at all, apart from that he had his son when he was 18, I don’t think he was together with the baby mom then he deployed and 2 years later found out the baby mama had married and the son now had a stepdad. He was in and out of his son’s life due to the military.
He has a dom/sub situation going on with the h but he says ‘I’ve never crossed that line before or explored my dominant side.’ So I liked that he had some firsts to give to the h even at his big age lol especially since she was a virgin.
-Safe no owd/omd
-No third act breakup
-HFN engaged

[Becky Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I love an age gap romance and I especially love an ex boyfriends dad trope.

Marcus is just hot! Ex-Marine, mountain man, and just all man!
4 🌶

The spice was everything! but a few continuity errors. For instance, in the club, Marcus blindfolds Lainey, but then he moves in front of her to see her eyes, which are suddenly uncovered. Also, not one mention of her being on birth control.

The story was good, and for a short book, there was a lot packed in there.

The only thing that really bugged me was that I lost count at how many times the word 'Primal' was used 🤦‍♀️

[Mar-Mar bookaholic · Rating 3 out of 5]

* 3,5 stars *

This had so much potential to be really awesome book, but because it was so short- all great aspects were cut short and therefore didn’t live out its full potential.

All emotions were there
Storyline was so good
Family relationships and emotional side of it
Love story
Taboo relationship
Bad people who wants the diner
h under so much pressure because of the failing diner

All those things were there , but cut short and it didn’t give as good impact as it should. Whole book was on surface level.

🔸 virgin h
🔸 age-gap (23/45)
🔸 no cheating
🔸 no ow/om drama
🔸 h was in short relationship with H son
🔸 h is best friends with H son
🔸 j/p alpha H
🔸 H has military background
🔸 kidnapping
🔸 medium burn, spicy scenes
🔸 h is on birth control, no condoms used
🔸 some say there is BDSM, I would say it’s more than vanilla relationship with light spanking adding in to it.
🔸 HEA

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The content warnings include BDSM, but just FYI, it’s more BDSM lite. Still good though.
The book is longer and darker than most of the Mountain Man Romance I’ve read. I wouldn’t call it super dark, but there are certainly some dark elements.
That being said, I really liked this book. I love a good J/P hero, and Marcus fit the trope to a T without being an a-hole. He’s confident and firm and totally hawt.
Lainey is a heroine who is likable. And who hasn’t wrestled with cutting off a toxic family member or friend? She is a downright good person, or at least she does her best, and the brother being her soft spot (even when I was yelling at my Kindle), well, it makes her more human.
I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but tough. I totally judge. And if I have to choose between two books, I will totally go with the one that has the better cover with the hotter guy. Yeah, I said it. And I own it. This cover is excellent (at least, of this edition) and the cover model is sinfully gorgeous and makes me try to get Alexa to add him to my cart.
Here’s the breakdown:
MMC/FMC- Marcus and Lainey
Genre- mountain man romance
Length- about 260 pages
Heat- BDSM lite, but still very hot.
Series? N
Safety? Y
Triggers- violence, language, gambling addiction.
Tropes- Age Gap, Arm P rn, Dysfunctional Family FTW, Ex’s Father, Fireman’s Carry, Instalove, J/P Hero, MINE, Secret Crush, Virgin Heroine.
I gave it five stars because not only did I enjoy it, but I found it memorable which is amazing because I have the attention span of a squirrel on speed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

She inherited the diner from her father when he passed and is determined to keep the family legacy alive, despite the challenges. He is just about the hottest man she has ever seen, but he is also her friend's dad, her friend who she dated for a hot minute. He has known she was going to be his since he laid eyes on her. He knows it is complicated, so he holds back. Until the night he sees her in a place she shouldn't be, and he can't hold back any longer, throwing her over his shoulder and taking her home. Letting her know he is claiming her. This story is described as a dark mountain man romance. I would say that is subjective because I did not find it dark at all. Yes he is alpha and possessive, ex military and a security specialist with a little bdsm kink for control. But even that kink is pretty mild, a little blind fold, and light spanking but not what I would call dark at all. There is a danger arc to the story involving her fresh out of prison brother, but again nothing so dramatic I would classify as dark. The story reads like a protector romance with a side of mountain man. He is hot and spicy and will do anything to protect her and keep her safe. After losing her parents, and her brother in prison, she really needs someone to come in and wrap her up and protect her. Despite the age gap and circumstances they have crazy chemistry and are all in with each other from the get go. They have to navigate the drama for their happily ever after but they get there in the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RumBelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus, former military, now an isolated mountain man, has fallen hard for his son's ex-girlfriend Lainey. All he wants is to love her, protect her and keep her safe. He wants her submission and in return he will give her everything he has. Lainey runs her family diner and is trying to keep it afloat. When her criminal brother is released from prison and he starts making deals with mobsters to sell the diner and the land, Lainey's life is put in danger. It will take all of Marcus and his friend Reign' skills to save her.

Marcus was a solitary man who had closed himself off. Until he met Lainey. She burrowed into his life and heart and all she wanted was to be loved and cared for. Marcus would do anything to protect his strong fierce girl. When she is abducted and her life threatened Marcus doesn't hesitate to do what needs to be done to save her.

These two people are closed and isolated not really ever believing that they would find love. When they do, especially for Lainey, it takes a little time for her to realize that Marcus will do anything for her. She has to be willing to let herself be loved.

Of all the supporting characters, I loved Reign, Ruby and Spike the bearded dragon. Ruby and Reign were Lainey and Marcus' best friends respectively and they were the heart and humor and strength of this story.

This was a really fun adventure, and a wonderful romance.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made For Ruin (Made for the Mountain Man, Book 1) by Stella Banks

Dark, steamy, and utterly addictive, Made For Ruin delivers a forbidden mountain man romance packed with danger, passion, and high-stakes drama. Marcus Ruin knows Lainey is off-limits—she’s his son’s ex-girlfriend, too young, too sweet. But when threats against her escalate and he’s forced to take her to his secluded cabin, resisting her becomes impossible.

Lainey is fighting battles of her own. With her ex-con brother bringing trouble and powerful people determined to take her family’s diner, she doesn’t have time for forbidden attraction. But Marcus isn’t just temptation—he’s safety, strength, and the only man willing to burn the world down to keep her safe. Their chemistry is a slow, smoldering fire that erupts into something neither of them can deny.

With an age-gap romance, a fiercely protective alpha, and a heroine caught between danger and desire, Made For Ruin is a must-read for fans of dark, possessive love stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus had an attraction to Lainey since he first met her. The issue is she is his son's ex, he is trying to establish a relationship with him and getting with her could definitely do damage to that. When he sees her all dressed in a place that is dangerous to her, his control snaps and he takes her to his cabin. There is no going back now.

If it was just his son that was an issue that would easier, but Lainey's brother is tangled up with a local mobster. He will do what needs to be done to protect his girl.

Lainey has never had anyone that really had her back, Marcus will be there for her whether she wants it or not. There is some violence and with an OTT alpha male and intense physical scenes.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

★“Someone who’d take care of me for once. But that’s not how my life works.”★

➡️ ABOUT THE BOOK:
Just one thing after another, Lainey finds herself sinking even deeper and deeper trying to keep her father’s diner afloat, a legacy she was fighting tooth and nail to keep, but when her no-good brother calls asking for yet another big ask in a long line of favors, this may be the last straw which will put everything into jeopardy - even her life. Luckily, she has a guardian angel in the form of a tough ex-marine…who is a complication she might actually want and need in her life. Some mild mafia action, suspense, action, and good chemistry. Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!

[Celia L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crushing on your love

Lainey is best friends with Axel. They tried dating and decided they made better friends than boyfriend/girlfriend. However, Lainey has been crushing on Axel’s dad, Marcus. And Marcus has been crushing on Lainey. He’s older than her and doesn’t have a good relationship with Axel. Lainey’s older brother, Derrick, is in jail but is continually reaching out to her for money to cover his gambling debts. The story holds your interest and keeps you glued to your seat. There’s suspense, instant connections and mega sexual tension. There’s also some BDSM and dominance/submission. A definite must read

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in Made for the Mountain Man series. This book is a little darker than other books by Stella Banks. I loved every second of it. Tropes: age gap, ex military, mountain man, BDSM, ex boyfriend's dad, and innocent FMC. I loved Lainey and Marcus. Lainey is used to taking care of everyone and their problems especially her older brother. Marcus just wants to take care of Lainey even if she dated his son. Great story. Kept me interested throughout.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcus and Lainey have an attraction that cannot be denied. Their "taboo" romance is sexy and passionate. Marcus finally allows himself to show Lainey exactly the kind of possessive and dominant man he is and she loves it!

Their relationship is fast paced, but for all the right reasons, their love. Their drama comes from both sides, Marcus's son, Axel and Lainey's brother, Derrick. It is heart pounding suspense. I recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are taken into the life of Lainey and Marcus, their story is a bit taboo because she was with his son first and now they both have feelings for each other. From the moment they admitted their feelings for each other their journey started, they fit so well together and also how Marcus dealt with her was so nice and patient. Great storyline and characters this was definitely a page turner. I enjoyed their story.


I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcus has a thing for Lainey but there is a problem, she's his son's ex and half his age. Lainey has been crushing on Marcus since the first day she met him. Neither of them told the other, but when things take a dangerous turn these two fall in love with each other. This age gap, forbidden romance has well developed characters and a story that held my attention from the first page until the last. Made for Ruin is book one and a great start to the Made for the Mountain Man series. I look forward to reading the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Merry One Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweetheart romance for Lainey and Marcus

This is book one in the series. It is an easy to read and enjoy romance about a young woman, Lainey, who falls in love with Marcus, the father of her ex-boyfriend Axel. There is a lot of baggage, from their pasts, between all the main characters, but by the end they work through to get a happy ending for Marcus and Lainey. Ruby, the BFF to Lainey, is funny, quick witted, and so helpful. There is a bad guy in this scenario. Read On!

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a full length romance novel, its easy to read with a great plot/storyline and two characters that have amazing chemistry. There are many reason Marcus should stay away from Lainey; she's too young, to innocent, his sons ex.... But once he has her in his cabin he can't control his desires. Luckily for him she feels the same! I am so excited for the second book in this series, I hope its just as addicting!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashante Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcus & Laney: triggers- cancer, gambling, arson, kidnapping, assault, military, BDSM. this was a surprisingly smoking hot ex-boyfriend's/best friend's dad trope. Laney is struggling to keep get family's failing, while also dealing with her brother in prison and hiding a serious crush on her ex boyfriend's dad. Marcus is former military who works security with a former teammate. he's been fighting his feelings for Laney for years but no more. now... she's HIS! I really enjoyed this. though the bdsm was more than expected.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honesty I’m not even sure what to say. Wow. Just wow!!!

Another new series by this author and it's spectacular for the first book. This book was my case of booksomnia the day I started it. I literally read it cover to cover in one day. Honesty I’m not even sure what to say. Wow. Just wow. Marcus and Lainey are everything. This is a book I will re-read forever more! Well done Ms Banks on your first full length book. I can’t wait to read more. Happy reading

[Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcus and Lainey are explosive together. These two have a somewhat "taboo" romance since she has a little bit of history with Marcus's son. I liked how their relationship developed and how Marcus was with her. The man was absolutely perfect for Lainey. I liked them together. The story was good. I was just expecting something darker since it says it's a dark romance. I still liked it and had fun reading it.

[Krystal Christenberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read and very insta love. I really needed a good caveman protective read. The plot is ok, smut 100% hotness, and loved the minor characters. The two main characters are great and communicate which is always refreshing. Would recommend. Why not 5 stars? For me 5 stars is a very rare find, I’ve read stories similar to this by several different authors. I knew what I was going to get, a very predictable plot and a very big HEA. However sometimes that is just what someone needs.

[Mendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first of Stella’s book that I’ve read. It’s a good book if you’re looking for something fast paced with low plot and lots of spice. I was drawn by the taboo ex-boyfriend’s dad trope, but enjoyed the suspense aspect at the end. I did feel like I was dropped into the middle of a series even though this is considered book 1 of this series. That was a bit jarring and I’ll still read the next book in the series when it comes out.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

FB kept popping this into my feed…so here we are.
It was on Kindle Unlimited and short - 4ish hour read
Although some titillating elements, it moved too quickly and was underdeveloped. And certain elements - especially phrases like “I can wait for you to dominate me” were so extraordinarily cringe. It had potential but was ultimately a flop.
Will I read another? Maybe, quick trashy reads are sort of entertaining in their own right.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a spicy, age gap, ex-boyfriends dad romance. Marcus and Lainey liked each for a long time before either of them acted on it. She might of dated his son, but I think that they was better friends than lovers. Marcus showed up when Lainey needed someone to love her, she had lost everyone else. Marcus is an alpha, and he trusted Lainey enough to show her his other side and she was there for it.

[Andi · Rating 1 out of 5]

What in the hell was that. This book is all over the place. Things are brought up for shock and awe factor with little or no explanation so I was constantly left wondering what is going on or why the author felt the need to do that. The MMC is a cringy DOM and the FMC is TSTL. I have tried to give this author a go but 4 books later and I gotta tap out, I have better things to do with my time like sweep my driveway with a toothbrush 😂

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless... l am completely 110% speechless. This romance book is and was HOT and INTENSE in the most amazing way possible. Lainey and Marcus are going to WOW you and have you swooning over them and the storyline which is AMAZING to read. Stella has really done a FABULOUS job writing this book and it deserves nothing but 5/5 stars.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy age gap romance. Lainey and Marcus each had an unspoken longing for each other that comes to light when she puts herself in danger. Some family drama, a couple of kidnappings and explosive chemistry round out this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a heartwarming older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Lainey and Marcus. The story keeps us turning the pages with forbidden desires, connection, outside obstacles and a bit of BDSM.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made for Ruin is an intense dark romance with suspense, action, passion, drama and true love.
Lainey and Marcus fit perfectly together balancing their strengths and steadfast relationships. Marcus is truly swoon worthy!
Greatly enjoyed reading this book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.