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Ruined
She came for the wedding. He came to disappear.
Tasha Montgomery doesn’t do slow, soft, or second chances. She’s got the attitude, the curves, and the career to make most men flinch and she likes it that way. Love? Overrated. Men? Useful at best. Until one weekend in the middle of nowhere shoves a cowboy into her path that doesn’t flinch at all.
Waylon Boone McCrae isn’t just country. He is country. All slow drawl, rough hands, and brooding silence, six foot seven of farm-raised strength and barely tamed heat. He came to D.C. for a wedding, ready to hate every second of it. Then Tasha walks in.
Sharp-tongued. Beautiful. Untouchable.
And everything he’s never let himself want.
She doesn’t chase. But she stares him down like she could eat him alive.
He doesn’t beg. But he starts doing things he’s never done before. Like talking. Like needing.
Now she’s in his arms, in his truck, in his bed and nothing feels simple anymore.
He was supposed to be a weekend.
She was supposed to be a warning.
Instead, they ruin each other in all the best ways.
A slow-burn, high-heat, opposites-attract BWWM romance full of wild tension, dirty talk, country heat, and emotional gut-punches.
Tasha Montgomery doesn’t do slow, soft, or second chances. She’s got the attitude, the curves, and the career to make most men flinch and she likes it that way. Love? Overrated. Men? Useful at best. Until one weekend in the middle of nowhere shoves a cowboy into her path that doesn’t flinch at all.
Waylon Boone McCrae isn’t just country. He is country. All slow drawl, rough hands, and brooding silence, six foot seven of farm-raised strength and barely tamed heat. He came to D.C. for a wedding, ready to hate every second of it. Then Tasha walks in.
Sharp-tongued. Beautiful. Untouchable.
And everything he’s never let himself want.
She doesn’t chase. But she stares him down like she could eat him alive.
He doesn’t beg. But he starts doing things he’s never done before. Like talking. Like needing.
Now she’s in his arms, in his truck, in his bed and nothing feels simple anymore.
He was supposed to be a weekend.
She was supposed to be a warning.
Instead, they ruin each other in all the best ways.
A slow-burn, high-heat, opposites-attract BWWM romance full of wild tension, dirty talk, country heat, and emotional gut-punches.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
38 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Raven DeNoir
71 books27 followersSign up for my newsletter to stay in the know of all things in the House of DeNoir:
https://ravens-forms.netlify.app/f/ra...
I write BWWM romance across four lanes: dark mafia, contemporary, paranormal, and erotic short stories—all built on obsession, power, and the kind of love that leaves bruises on your pride (in the best way).
My stories live where leverage matters. Where desire is a decision. Where the man doesn’t chase—he claims. And the woman isn’t a prize—she’s the one who can burn the whole operation down if she’s pushed wrong.
My debut novel, Dark Vows, released May 1, 2025, and it set the tone for what I do: high heat, hard choices, ruthless devotion, and heroines who don’t fold just because a powerful man wants them. Whether I’m writing mafia wars and bloodline politics, a contemporary romance that hits like a confession, a paranormal world with teeth, or a fast, filthy short meant to be read in one breath—my focus stays the same:
competent Black women, dangerous men, clear consent, and HEAs that are earned.
If you like romance with edge, intensity, and consequences—welcome.
If you want sweet, soft, and polite… you’re probably in the wrong place.
Start with Dark Vows. Then pick your poison.
https://ravens-forms.netlify.app/f/ra...
I write BWWM romance across four lanes: dark mafia, contemporary, paranormal, and erotic short stories—all built on obsession, power, and the kind of love that leaves bruises on your pride (in the best way).
My stories live where leverage matters. Where desire is a decision. Where the man doesn’t chase—he claims. And the woman isn’t a prize—she’s the one who can burn the whole operation down if she’s pushed wrong.
My debut novel, Dark Vows, released May 1, 2025, and it set the tone for what I do: high heat, hard choices, ruthless devotion, and heroines who don’t fold just because a powerful man wants them. Whether I’m writing mafia wars and bloodline politics, a contemporary romance that hits like a confession, a paranormal world with teeth, or a fast, filthy short meant to be read in one breath—my focus stays the same:
competent Black women, dangerous men, clear consent, and HEAs that are earned.
If you like romance with edge, intensity, and consequences—welcome.
If you want sweet, soft, and polite… you’re probably in the wrong place.
Start with Dark Vows. Then pick your poison.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 26, 2026
That look told them everything!
When Tasha walked in the church for the wedding, the first thing she saw was Boone. Boone couldn't take h his eyes off of her. In that moment he knew, and she k job de they were meant o e and Boone would do everything he could to make sure she stayed in his life. They had o work out the problems of long-distance and Rash are family issues. Her mother did not want to see Tasha move to the country, but Tasha 's father had to remind her that Tasha was the one in control of her own life. Tasha felt guilty because No one's family made he feel welcome. Once they solved their differences, they did not waste time getting to their HEA
When Tasha walked in the church for the wedding, the first thing she saw was Boone. Boone couldn't take h his eyes off of her. In that moment he knew, and she k job de they were meant o e and Boone would do everything he could to make sure she stayed in his life. They had o work out the problems of long-distance and Rash are family issues. Her mother did not want to see Tasha move to the country, but Tasha 's father had to remind her that Tasha was the one in control of her own life. Tasha felt guilty because No one's family made he feel welcome. Once they solved their differences, they did not waste time getting to their HEA
September 5, 2025
As a Black woman, I felt seen. Tasha gets to keep her voice and her career. Boone listens and shows up. No silly drama. Between the heat, Tasha's sense of self and allowing herself to be vulnerable for what seems like the first time in her life, and Boone showing up and showing out claiming her from the minute go, but telling her yeah baby girl I want you but you not about to make a fool out of me, had me and kept me in my feelings the entire book. Five stars.
September 5, 2025
Every journey is different
Tasha and Boone feel different. They are both still letting go and learning that its okay to be anchored in different things. It's the love, acceptance, and being fully seen. Theirs isn't a neat circle. It's still in progress.
I usually would hate this type of ending. I don't because it fits them. It is also in a place where some couples settle before going to the next step. It was raw and real.
Tasha and Boone feel different. They are both still letting go and learning that its okay to be anchored in different things. It's the love, acceptance, and being fully seen. Theirs isn't a neat circle. It's still in progress.
I usually would hate this type of ending. I don't because it fits them. It is also in a place where some couples settle before going to the next step. It was raw and real.
December 6, 2025
I discovered senior by accident
Yet here I am 3 deep and the lines keep me laughing. The writing is similar to my thoughts lawd she has some lines that would make you mama eyes roll in her head but the delivery is so darn good she will might steal your read..
Sit a minute sip that good coffee and read you some Raven DeNior.. Happy Holidays all..
Yet here I am 3 deep and the lines keep me laughing. The writing is similar to my thoughts lawd she has some lines that would make you mama eyes roll in her head but the delivery is so darn good she will might steal your read..
Sit a minute sip that good coffee and read you some Raven DeNior.. Happy Holidays all..
September 5, 2025
I fell for Tasha in the first chapter. She is sharp and funny. Boone feels like a grown man in every sense of the word. He is literally the meaning of "standing on business". The hotel return in D. C. hit hard. I closed the book feeling proud of them.
September 23, 2025
Amazing storyline ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Ruined ( The Ache Book 3) is full of pure fire. Tasha & Boone met at a wedding. Their attraction was instant, unavoidable, and undeniably intense. Boone and Tasha were each other's peace! Raven Denoir is an amazing Storyteller! I'm hooked ♥️🥰
Ruined ( The Ache Book 3) is full of pure fire. Tasha & Boone met at a wedding. Their attraction was instant, unavoidable, and undeniably intense. Boone and Tasha were each other's peace! Raven Denoir is an amazing Storyteller! I'm hooked ♥️🥰
September 25, 2025
Loving
This was such an enjoyable read. Boone and Tasha showed what love could be. All it takes is truth and love. Loved it!
This was such an enjoyable read. Boone and Tasha showed what love could be. All it takes is truth and love. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews