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Ruining Hattie
A man with no limits is the most dangerous kind of threat.
When Trent Clarke caught me picking pockets at eleven, he didn’t turn me in. Instead, he took me under his wing and taught me that in this world, you take what you want and never look back. He might have shaped me, but I built my empire of the most successful string of strip clubs on the West Coast. Now that I have everything, it’s time to track down my deadbeat mother and remind her who she left behind. That is if the drugs didn’t kill her already.
But I don’t find the worn-down shell of the woman I remember. Instead, she has all the things she never managed to give me—the white picket fence, a family dog, even church on Sunday mornings. The real kicker? She replaced me and raised the perfect daughter with all the care and love she never gave me.
A twisted need for revenge roars to life inside me, and I aim it at my mother’s precious stepdaughter—sweet, sheltered Hattie Sinclair. At first, it’s purely about vengeance, pulling Hattie into the darkness to watch her innocence unravel piece by piece. But she becomes something more. Something dangerous. Something I can’t resist. Until she becomes my obsession.
When Trent Clarke caught me picking pockets at eleven, he didn’t turn me in. Instead, he took me under his wing and taught me that in this world, you take what you want and never look back. He might have shaped me, but I built my empire of the most successful string of strip clubs on the West Coast. Now that I have everything, it’s time to track down my deadbeat mother and remind her who she left behind. That is if the drugs didn’t kill her already.
But I don’t find the worn-down shell of the woman I remember. Instead, she has all the things she never managed to give me—the white picket fence, a family dog, even church on Sunday mornings. The real kicker? She replaced me and raised the perfect daughter with all the care and love she never gave me.
A twisted need for revenge roars to life inside me, and I aim it at my mother’s precious stepdaughter—sweet, sheltered Hattie Sinclair. At first, it’s purely about vengeance, pulling Hattie into the darkness to watch her innocence unravel piece by piece. But she becomes something more. Something dangerous. Something I can’t resist. Until she becomes my obsession.
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Published January 13, 2026
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January 15, 2026My immersive reader self had to request on this on NetGalley just to pair it with my kindle 🙈 absolutely buzzing to start this the synopsis sounds insanely good but first 3 ARCs left
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January 12, 2026
So… Bastion had a really rough childhood. Like nothing you’d ever want your own child to experience…
His mother was a drug abuser and mostly had no idea what was going on with him…never mind actually taking care of him…. Until one day, one of her guys came around to hurt him… and he ran away.
And so he learned to get by on his own…at a very young age. By… picking pockets, pulling schemes, whatever he HAD to do to get some food and some sleep. Until one day an older guy sees what he’s doing and takes him under his wing and teaches him the art of ‘conning people’. And he, unfortunately, is the closest parent figure Bastion has ever had…
Years later he is all grown up and running a string of strip clubs. He’s made good money and lives pretty well, but has some shady deals going on as well…
One day he decides to hire someone to find out what ever happened to dear old Mom…
He figures she’s long gone and buried, with the way she had been living. Instead , he gets the surprise of his life. She’s turned her life around and has a husband, step daughter and a beautiful home!
He’s livid! What the hell? He was tortured, and now she’s fine???
And so, he plans his revenge… but it’s not what you might think… and to me, it just seemed all kinds of wrong. 😑
But… things don’t always go as planned.
And so, as I’m reading this I’m thinking I’m really not gonna like it…
Instead, I fell head over heels in love with the whole mess that was going on….
And, you just might do the same thing!!
#RuiningHattie by @RPayne and narrated beautifully by @HelenaWalters and @TroyDuran.
5 bright, beautiful, love-sick stars for me! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, but look 👀 for it on 1/13/26!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
His mother was a drug abuser and mostly had no idea what was going on with him…never mind actually taking care of him…. Until one day, one of her guys came around to hurt him… and he ran away.
And so he learned to get by on his own…at a very young age. By… picking pockets, pulling schemes, whatever he HAD to do to get some food and some sleep. Until one day an older guy sees what he’s doing and takes him under his wing and teaches him the art of ‘conning people’. And he, unfortunately, is the closest parent figure Bastion has ever had…
Years later he is all grown up and running a string of strip clubs. He’s made good money and lives pretty well, but has some shady deals going on as well…
One day he decides to hire someone to find out what ever happened to dear old Mom…
He figures she’s long gone and buried, with the way she had been living. Instead , he gets the surprise of his life. She’s turned her life around and has a husband, step daughter and a beautiful home!
He’s livid! What the hell? He was tortured, and now she’s fine???
And so, he plans his revenge… but it’s not what you might think… and to me, it just seemed all kinds of wrong. 😑
But… things don’t always go as planned.
And so, as I’m reading this I’m thinking I’m really not gonna like it…
Instead, I fell head over heels in love with the whole mess that was going on….
And, you just might do the same thing!!
#RuiningHattie by @RPayne and narrated beautifully by @HelenaWalters and @TroyDuran.
5 bright, beautiful, love-sick stars for me! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, but look 👀 for it on 1/13/26!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
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January 13, 2026Available now!
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Narrated by Troy Duran & Helena Walters
https://books2read.com/RH
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3F6KRKo
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://books2read.com/RH
Listen today!
Narrated by Troy Duran & Helena Walters
https://books2read.com/RH
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3F6KRKo
January 10, 2026
✨ALC provided by NetGalley for an honest review✨
Ruining Hattie is an age gap, revenge, taboo romance book.
Bastion had a horrible upbringing having to basically suffer and fight to survive because his drug addict mother wouldn’t take care of him. While picking pockets one day he was discovered by a man named Trent, and was brought into his family and taught how to grift. Now almost 20yrs later, Bastion is now a successful business man and strip club owner, but has a curiosity about what ever happened to his mom. To his surprise, she isn’t dead. She is living a good life with her husband and stepdaughter Hattie! Bastion decides to get revenge on his mother by tricking and corrupting her sweet innocent Hattie. But Hattie gets under Bastion’s skin, and his cold envious heart starts to melt for her finding the love he’s always needed.
Bastion was a vindictive a**! Hattie just wanted to live her life and help out her parents, and he sweeps in and upends her world. But in a way, I feel like Hattie deserved it because she was so sweet and naive 😂 Like, who throws all her trust into a hot guy she’s only known for a few weeks? And then ends up moving to another state when he offers her a job? I was like, girl! What are you doing? 😂 And I wanted to yell at Bastion and tell him to tell her the truth already! It was eating up my anxiety with all the lies 😂 But the two of them were a good fit for each other in the end.
I listened to the audiobook which was done in dual narration. My man Troy Duran did an awesome as always (he’s one of my favorite narrators 🥰), and Helena Walters was a good fit to portray innocent Hattie. I enjoyed this book and was satisfied with the HEA 🖤
Ruining Hattie is an age gap, revenge, taboo romance book.
Bastion had a horrible upbringing having to basically suffer and fight to survive because his drug addict mother wouldn’t take care of him. While picking pockets one day he was discovered by a man named Trent, and was brought into his family and taught how to grift. Now almost 20yrs later, Bastion is now a successful business man and strip club owner, but has a curiosity about what ever happened to his mom. To his surprise, she isn’t dead. She is living a good life with her husband and stepdaughter Hattie! Bastion decides to get revenge on his mother by tricking and corrupting her sweet innocent Hattie. But Hattie gets under Bastion’s skin, and his cold envious heart starts to melt for her finding the love he’s always needed.
Bastion was a vindictive a**! Hattie just wanted to live her life and help out her parents, and he sweeps in and upends her world. But in a way, I feel like Hattie deserved it because she was so sweet and naive 😂 Like, who throws all her trust into a hot guy she’s only known for a few weeks? And then ends up moving to another state when he offers her a job? I was like, girl! What are you doing? 😂 And I wanted to yell at Bastion and tell him to tell her the truth already! It was eating up my anxiety with all the lies 😂 But the two of them were a good fit for each other in the end.
I listened to the audiobook which was done in dual narration. My man Troy Duran did an awesome as always (he’s one of my favorite narrators 🥰), and Helena Walters was a good fit to portray innocent Hattie. I enjoyed this book and was satisfied with the HEA 🖤
July 23, 2025
#Review: *Ruining Hattie* - P. Rayne - ARC [18+]
5/5✨
3/5🌶️
I'm always super excited to read anything written by P. Rayne. This time it's from their darker romance side, which I love as much as the other genres they write. Thank you so much for this e-copy, Valentine Pr. and P. Rayne!🤗
Bastion had a really, really difficult childhood, with no father present and a mother who was never sober enough to properly raise a kid. She was always using something, leaving Bastion to handle himself out, until he was too afraid to stay around his mom and the dangerous men who kept on coming in their apartment. So, Bastion was found on the streets by a man who took him under his wing and left his old life completely behind.
Over 25 years later and Bastion finds out that his mom was in fact alive and well, but she never reached out to him. That only stirred some old feelings alive, filled with rage and disappointment. Bastion was now determined to get his revenge and that will only be possible by infiltrating into the life of his mom's new step-daughter, who was a really innocent girl and who would do anything for her parents. She was named Hattie, and Bastion's plan was working really well, until something unfamiliar shifted inside him and some other kind of feelings started to bloom in his dark heart. Will Bastion be able to take his plan until the end or those new feelings will make him question everything?
Honestly, I just love a great revenge story🩵. Bastion had a dark side to him, as an effect of his wrecked childhood, but Hattie brought up to life another part of him, which surprised even him. Bastion was a ruthless man, who didn't care who he hurt in his path to revenge, but Hattie changed that and I loved that new side of Bastion. He was still a brute but one who would do anything to protect Hattie. And I mean ANYTHING! The suspense of this story was so good, the ending being a bit unexpected to me, adding some more intrigue to the plot.
Such an addicting book!! I was initially captivated by the character's personalities and later on, by the twist and turns of this story and the revenge situation, which made me super curious about what was going to happen next.
✨Tropes
#DarkRomance
#Revenge
#OppositesAttract
#AgeGap
#Billionaire
#TragicPast
#AntiHero
#BadBoyGoodGirl
5/5✨
3/5🌶️
I'm always super excited to read anything written by P. Rayne. This time it's from their darker romance side, which I love as much as the other genres they write. Thank you so much for this e-copy, Valentine Pr. and P. Rayne!🤗
Bastion had a really, really difficult childhood, with no father present and a mother who was never sober enough to properly raise a kid. She was always using something, leaving Bastion to handle himself out, until he was too afraid to stay around his mom and the dangerous men who kept on coming in their apartment. So, Bastion was found on the streets by a man who took him under his wing and left his old life completely behind.
Over 25 years later and Bastion finds out that his mom was in fact alive and well, but she never reached out to him. That only stirred some old feelings alive, filled with rage and disappointment. Bastion was now determined to get his revenge and that will only be possible by infiltrating into the life of his mom's new step-daughter, who was a really innocent girl and who would do anything for her parents. She was named Hattie, and Bastion's plan was working really well, until something unfamiliar shifted inside him and some other kind of feelings started to bloom in his dark heart. Will Bastion be able to take his plan until the end or those new feelings will make him question everything?
Honestly, I just love a great revenge story🩵. Bastion had a dark side to him, as an effect of his wrecked childhood, but Hattie brought up to life another part of him, which surprised even him. Bastion was a ruthless man, who didn't care who he hurt in his path to revenge, but Hattie changed that and I loved that new side of Bastion. He was still a brute but one who would do anything to protect Hattie. And I mean ANYTHING! The suspense of this story was so good, the ending being a bit unexpected to me, adding some more intrigue to the plot.
Such an addicting book!! I was initially captivated by the character's personalities and later on, by the twist and turns of this story and the revenge situation, which made me super curious about what was going to happen next.
✨Tropes
#DarkRomance
#Revenge
#OppositesAttract
#AgeGap
#Billionaire
#TragicPast
#AntiHero
#BadBoyGoodGirl
July 29, 2025
As always P. Rayne delivered the best story and with Ruining Hattie once again im addicted to the author's writing!!🫠
4.5⭐️
Ruining Hattie is a raw, twisted, and intense ride from start to finish. At first, I’ll admit, the pacing is a bit slow, but once you hit that 30% mark—oh my god, things take a dark and thrilling turn. I couldn’t put the book down after that. Seriously, I was absolutely feral for these characters.
Bastian, the male lead, is a storm wrapped in a man’s body, and I am here for it. He’s ruthless, dangerous, and so consumed by vengeance, yet somehow, there’s something magnetic about him. His obsession with Hattie is twisted, but you can’t help but root for him, even when you know it’s not healthy. There's so much tension and chemistry between them, it practically sizzles off the pages.
Hattie’s character is a whole other level of complex. She’s the epitome of innocence at the beginning, but as the story unfolds, you see how her world is pulled apart, piece by piece. Watching her transformation is addictive.
The plot is dark and compelling, and the emotional rollercoaster is non-stop. There's the perfect mix of suspense, drama, and steamy moments that kept me hooked throughout. It’s not just a love story; it’s a story of revenge, redemption, and obsession—everything you want in a dark romance.
If you’re into stories that push boundaries, Ruining Hattie is definitely a must-read. Don’t let the slow start fool you—once it picks up, you won’t be able to stop thinking about it. Highly recommend.
4.5⭐️
Ruining Hattie is a raw, twisted, and intense ride from start to finish. At first, I’ll admit, the pacing is a bit slow, but once you hit that 30% mark—oh my god, things take a dark and thrilling turn. I couldn’t put the book down after that. Seriously, I was absolutely feral for these characters.
Bastian, the male lead, is a storm wrapped in a man’s body, and I am here for it. He’s ruthless, dangerous, and so consumed by vengeance, yet somehow, there’s something magnetic about him. His obsession with Hattie is twisted, but you can’t help but root for him, even when you know it’s not healthy. There's so much tension and chemistry between them, it practically sizzles off the pages.
Hattie’s character is a whole other level of complex. She’s the epitome of innocence at the beginning, but as the story unfolds, you see how her world is pulled apart, piece by piece. Watching her transformation is addictive.
The plot is dark and compelling, and the emotional rollercoaster is non-stop. There's the perfect mix of suspense, drama, and steamy moments that kept me hooked throughout. It’s not just a love story; it’s a story of revenge, redemption, and obsession—everything you want in a dark romance.
If you’re into stories that push boundaries, Ruining Hattie is definitely a must-read. Don’t let the slow start fool you—once it picks up, you won’t be able to stop thinking about it. Highly recommend.
July 15, 2025
4.5 ⭐️/2 🌶️
This was my first book by P. Rayne, and I didn’t expect to get pulled in so quickly! The story starts off super emotional, and that prologue? Oh man! I felt so much for Bast in those early pages. You just know there’s a lot of pain under that grumpy, closed-off exterior.
But let’s talk about Hattie—because she completely stole my heart. She’s just the sweetest, and honestly, I ended up being kind of mad at Bast for a while because I loved her so much! 😂 Watching him fight his feelings, get all intense and possessive every time Hattie was involved... it was chaotic and messy in the best way.💞
The writing was perfect, the plot was interesting, and the romance hit all the right beats!🎶
But if I had to pick a favorite? Sorry, Bast, I’m Team Hattie all the way.
Such a great first read by this author—definitely won’t be my last!
This was my first book by P. Rayne, and I didn’t expect to get pulled in so quickly! The story starts off super emotional, and that prologue? Oh man! I felt so much for Bast in those early pages. You just know there’s a lot of pain under that grumpy, closed-off exterior.
But let’s talk about Hattie—because she completely stole my heart. She’s just the sweetest, and honestly, I ended up being kind of mad at Bast for a while because I loved her so much! 😂 Watching him fight his feelings, get all intense and possessive every time Hattie was involved... it was chaotic and messy in the best way.💞
The writing was perfect, the plot was interesting, and the romance hit all the right beats!🎶
But if I had to pick a favorite? Sorry, Bast, I’m Team Hattie all the way.
Such a great first read by this author—definitely won’t be my last!
July 29, 2025
“𝕴’𝖒 𝖘𝖚𝖕𝖕𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝖙𝖔 𝖇𝖊 𝖘𝖊𝖉𝖚𝖈𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖍𝖊𝖗, 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖔𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗 𝖜𝖆𝖞 𝖆𝖗𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖉…”
Dark Romance? Step Siblings? Revenge? Gimmie gimmie !!! This book was EVERYTHING and more! P. Rayne really knocked it out of the park with this one and I devoured it in one sitting!!
We get a glimpse of our MMC in previous books, but no worries…you don’t have to read any of them to understand this one. We finally get the back story on Bastion and why he is the closed off grump that he is , and it was definitely heartbreaking. Bastion grew up with a mom who chose drugs and men over her own child…constantly abandoning him and leaving him to fen for himself. At 11, he decides to runaway and happens upon a man, Trent, who takes him in and raises him as his own. It’s not all sunshine and daisies though…Trent is a con man and raises Bastion to be the same…but it’s a big step up from the hell he was in before.
Now, 25 years later, Bastion is successful and living a life unrecognisable to his past. Things seem fine until he finds out that his mother is still alive. Not just alive but thriving. She’s clean…has her own business, remarried and happily raising her stepdaughter as her own. This insights a blinding rage inside of Bastion. The pain of his mother’s abandonment bubbles to the surface and pushes him into a compulsive position need for revenge. And he knows exactly where to start.
Hattie is Bastions unassuming step sister. She has no idea that Bastion exists and lives a very sheltered and Christian driven life. And that’s exactly how Bastion likes it. He keeps his connection to her hidden…pulling her into his web of revenge…knowing the best way to get back at his mother is by destroying her new daughter.
But what Bastion didn’t bank on was the feelings that Hattie would bring out in him. He wanted to hate her. Use her. She’s innocent. Pure. Everything he’s not. She brings out feelings in him that he’s never felt before. And he slowly starts to fall in love with her.
These two are complete opposites…and I think that’s what makes this dynamic so good. Hattie is literally sunshine and goodness. But she’s also very very naive. Bastion shows her the realities of life. That things aren’t as cut and dry as she’s been lead to believe. That pleasure isn’t sinful…and in return, Hattie shows him that under all the anger and resentment in his heart, there’s kindness and goodness. And that it doesn’t make him weak.
True to P. Rayne form, there’s plenty of suspense and plot twists that’s keep you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages waiting for more.
I absolutely loved this book and I hope that we get to see more of these two later on 🩷
Thank you so much to P. Rayne and Valentine PR for the opportunity to ARC read this incredible book 🩷
🌸Dark Romance
🖤Revenge
🌸Step-Siblings
🖤Opposites Attract
🌸Stalking
🖤Broody MMC
🌸Innocent FMC
🖤Age Gap
🌸Billionaire
🖤Tragic Past
🌸Anti-Hero
🖤Bad Boy x Good Girl
🌸Grumpy x Sunshine
🖤Jealous/Possessive
🌸Morally Grey Hero
🖤Virgin Heroine
🌸Enemies to Lovers
🖤Forbidden
🌸Obsession
🖤Forced Proximity
🌸Boss x Employee
🖤Dual POV
🌸HEA
Dark Romance? Step Siblings? Revenge? Gimmie gimmie !!! This book was EVERYTHING and more! P. Rayne really knocked it out of the park with this one and I devoured it in one sitting!!
We get a glimpse of our MMC in previous books, but no worries…you don’t have to read any of them to understand this one. We finally get the back story on Bastion and why he is the closed off grump that he is , and it was definitely heartbreaking. Bastion grew up with a mom who chose drugs and men over her own child…constantly abandoning him and leaving him to fen for himself. At 11, he decides to runaway and happens upon a man, Trent, who takes him in and raises him as his own. It’s not all sunshine and daisies though…Trent is a con man and raises Bastion to be the same…but it’s a big step up from the hell he was in before.
Now, 25 years later, Bastion is successful and living a life unrecognisable to his past. Things seem fine until he finds out that his mother is still alive. Not just alive but thriving. She’s clean…has her own business, remarried and happily raising her stepdaughter as her own. This insights a blinding rage inside of Bastion. The pain of his mother’s abandonment bubbles to the surface and pushes him into a compulsive position need for revenge. And he knows exactly where to start.
Hattie is Bastions unassuming step sister. She has no idea that Bastion exists and lives a very sheltered and Christian driven life. And that’s exactly how Bastion likes it. He keeps his connection to her hidden…pulling her into his web of revenge…knowing the best way to get back at his mother is by destroying her new daughter.
But what Bastion didn’t bank on was the feelings that Hattie would bring out in him. He wanted to hate her. Use her. She’s innocent. Pure. Everything he’s not. She brings out feelings in him that he’s never felt before. And he slowly starts to fall in love with her.
These two are complete opposites…and I think that’s what makes this dynamic so good. Hattie is literally sunshine and goodness. But she’s also very very naive. Bastion shows her the realities of life. That things aren’t as cut and dry as she’s been lead to believe. That pleasure isn’t sinful…and in return, Hattie shows him that under all the anger and resentment in his heart, there’s kindness and goodness. And that it doesn’t make him weak.
True to P. Rayne form, there’s plenty of suspense and plot twists that’s keep you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages waiting for more.
I absolutely loved this book and I hope that we get to see more of these two later on 🩷
Thank you so much to P. Rayne and Valentine PR for the opportunity to ARC read this incredible book 🩷
🌸Dark Romance
🖤Revenge
🌸Step-Siblings
🖤Opposites Attract
🌸Stalking
🖤Broody MMC
🌸Innocent FMC
🖤Age Gap
🌸Billionaire
🖤Tragic Past
🌸Anti-Hero
🖤Bad Boy x Good Girl
🌸Grumpy x Sunshine
🖤Jealous/Possessive
🌸Morally Grey Hero
🖤Virgin Heroine
🌸Enemies to Lovers
🖤Forbidden
🌸Obsession
🖤Forced Proximity
🌸Boss x Employee
🖤Dual POV
🌸HEA
July 19, 2025
Ruining Hattie by P. Rayne
4/5⭐
3/5🌶️
What an emotional rollercoaster this book was! I was pleasantly surprised by just how deeply it affected me. The story follows Bastion, who had a really rough childhood. His mom struggled with addiction and neglected him, leading him to leave home at just eleven. Fortunately, he met a man who took him in and raised him, and now Bastion is doing great with multiple businesses and financial stability. One day, he discovers that his mom has turned her life around and is living happily with a husband and a stepdaughter, whom she loves like her own. This revelation sparks feelings of anger in Bastion, and he decides to seek revenge through Hattie. Raised as a con who manipulates people, he makes a plan to make Hattie fall in love with him.
What broke my heart was Bastion’s yearning for his mother’s love, despite his success and luxury. I completely understand why he feels the need for revenge, as he believes that corrupting Hattie will hurt his mother the most. But as he spends time with Hattie, he begins to feel guilty. Instead of wanting to hurt her, he finds himself wanting to keep her close. Hattie is a sweet and trusting person, always looking at the bright side of life. She is also innocent, naive, and quite lonely. When Bastion approaches her, she’s thrilled to have someone to befriend. I adored her selflessness; she truly cares for her parents and tries to help lighten their load. Hattie is also brave to try new things, even when she feels uncertain. Above all, she doesn’t judge others, no matter who they are or what choices they make.
Bastion and Hattie are complete opposites, yet they complement each other so well. I loved how protective Bastion was of her, and how he slowly opened her eyes to the idea that things aren't always black and white. At the same time, Hattie shows him the goodness in himself and inspires him to be a better man. She believes in him and loves him as he is. Overall, this was such a good read, and I can’t wait to read more books by this author!
4/5⭐
3/5🌶️
What an emotional rollercoaster this book was! I was pleasantly surprised by just how deeply it affected me. The story follows Bastion, who had a really rough childhood. His mom struggled with addiction and neglected him, leading him to leave home at just eleven. Fortunately, he met a man who took him in and raised him, and now Bastion is doing great with multiple businesses and financial stability. One day, he discovers that his mom has turned her life around and is living happily with a husband and a stepdaughter, whom she loves like her own. This revelation sparks feelings of anger in Bastion, and he decides to seek revenge through Hattie. Raised as a con who manipulates people, he makes a plan to make Hattie fall in love with him.
What broke my heart was Bastion’s yearning for his mother’s love, despite his success and luxury. I completely understand why he feels the need for revenge, as he believes that corrupting Hattie will hurt his mother the most. But as he spends time with Hattie, he begins to feel guilty. Instead of wanting to hurt her, he finds himself wanting to keep her close. Hattie is a sweet and trusting person, always looking at the bright side of life. She is also innocent, naive, and quite lonely. When Bastion approaches her, she’s thrilled to have someone to befriend. I adored her selflessness; she truly cares for her parents and tries to help lighten their load. Hattie is also brave to try new things, even when she feels uncertain. Above all, she doesn’t judge others, no matter who they are or what choices they make.
Bastion and Hattie are complete opposites, yet they complement each other so well. I loved how protective Bastion was of her, and how he slowly opened her eyes to the idea that things aren't always black and white. At the same time, Hattie shows him the goodness in himself and inspires him to be a better man. She believes in him and loves him as he is. Overall, this was such a good read, and I can’t wait to read more books by this author!
July 22, 2025
What starts as revenge quickly becomes Bastion’s obsession with Hattie.
He is morally grey and his upbringing makes that very understandable. His affection for his sister and gratitude to his father figure who took him off the streets made me love him.
His very young childhood before they came into his life made my heart ache for him.
Hattie is sunshine and kindness wrapped in a bit of naïveté. She’s not judgmental, she’s truly kind which made me really like her.
They are in a forced proximity situation, they get to know each other quickly , but it’s partially false because Bastion has his revenge plan, it’s a bit of a game to him. I adore when Hattie’s positivity breaks through some of his his barriers. I love the little things they begin to see about each other, the things they are thoughtful about.
The sensu@l side is hot and steamy.
It’s not a dark story, it has grey throughout and shady figures and shady busines dealings. It’s all very new and different for Hattie.
When secrets come to light and danger rears its head things get a bit intense.
I love the twist with Mom and it made me feel a lot of emotions for her, Hattie and especially Bastion.
I really enjoyed this story, it was different than I was expecting and that was good in this case.
I love the interconnected characters from the authors duo’s -𝙷𝙸𝚂 𝚂𝚄𝙱𝙾𝚁𝙳𝙸𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙴, from 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚁𝙸𝚃𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝚁𝙾𝙾𝙼 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂 which features Bastion’s sister and her love interest. Bastion has small appearances in the book.I recommend that series, it’s very n@ughty, morally grey and loads of fun despite the grey aspects.
This was emotional, steamy and entertaining. I enjoyed it and look forward to more in this world.
He is morally grey and his upbringing makes that very understandable. His affection for his sister and gratitude to his father figure who took him off the streets made me love him.
His very young childhood before they came into his life made my heart ache for him.
Hattie is sunshine and kindness wrapped in a bit of naïveté. She’s not judgmental, she’s truly kind which made me really like her.
They are in a forced proximity situation, they get to know each other quickly , but it’s partially false because Bastion has his revenge plan, it’s a bit of a game to him. I adore when Hattie’s positivity breaks through some of his his barriers. I love the little things they begin to see about each other, the things they are thoughtful about.
The sensu@l side is hot and steamy.
It’s not a dark story, it has grey throughout and shady figures and shady busines dealings. It’s all very new and different for Hattie.
When secrets come to light and danger rears its head things get a bit intense.
I love the twist with Mom and it made me feel a lot of emotions for her, Hattie and especially Bastion.
I really enjoyed this story, it was different than I was expecting and that was good in this case.
I love the interconnected characters from the authors duo’s -𝙷𝙸𝚂 𝚂𝚄𝙱𝙾𝚁𝙳𝙸𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙴, from 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚁𝙸𝚃𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝚁𝙾𝙾𝙼 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂 which features Bastion’s sister and her love interest. Bastion has small appearances in the book.I recommend that series, it’s very n@ughty, morally grey and loads of fun despite the grey aspects.
This was emotional, steamy and entertaining. I enjoyed it and look forward to more in this world.
January 12, 2026
If you live for a dark romance where revenge is a dish best served scorching hot, Ruining Hattie needs to be on your TBR! Bastion is a ruthless businessman fueled by the trauma of a neglected childhood and the rage of being abandoned by his mother decades ago. When he discovers she is living a perfect new life with a stepdaughter she actually cherishes, he sets a cold-blooded plan in motion. His target is Hattie, an innocent girl raised in a strict, predictable world who has no idea she’s about to become the pawn in Bastion's high stakes game of vengeance.
What starts as a calculated infiltration quickly spirals into a messy, sizzling, and deeply emotional connection. This story is an addictive, high-tension ride that had me feeling absolutely feral for these characters. Bastion is a dangerous storm of a man, yet watching his walls crack as Hattie brings out a buried side of him is incredibly captivating. Likewise, Hattie’s transformation from a sheltered girl into a woman finding her own power amidst the chaos is nothing short of enthralling.
Their chemistry is pure fire, blending toxic obsession with a surprising journey toward healing and growth. It’s a raw, twisted exploration of how the very person meant to ruin you might be the only one who can actually see you. If you crave forbidden love, shocking twists, and a "burn the world down for her" hero, you need to read or listen to this book immediately!
Audio: This dual narration audiobook was riveting to listen to! Troy Duran’s deep, gravelly tone is the perfect embodiment of Bastion’s dark and ruthless nature, while Helena Walters artfully captures Hattie’s vulnerability and evolving strength. Their performances add a visceral layer of heat and emotional depth to the story, making the sizzling chemistry and high-stakes tension feel incredibly immersive.
What starts as a calculated infiltration quickly spirals into a messy, sizzling, and deeply emotional connection. This story is an addictive, high-tension ride that had me feeling absolutely feral for these characters. Bastion is a dangerous storm of a man, yet watching his walls crack as Hattie brings out a buried side of him is incredibly captivating. Likewise, Hattie’s transformation from a sheltered girl into a woman finding her own power amidst the chaos is nothing short of enthralling.
Their chemistry is pure fire, blending toxic obsession with a surprising journey toward healing and growth. It’s a raw, twisted exploration of how the very person meant to ruin you might be the only one who can actually see you. If you crave forbidden love, shocking twists, and a "burn the world down for her" hero, you need to read or listen to this book immediately!
Audio: This dual narration audiobook was riveting to listen to! Troy Duran’s deep, gravelly tone is the perfect embodiment of Bastion’s dark and ruthless nature, while Helena Walters artfully captures Hattie’s vulnerability and evolving strength. Their performances add a visceral layer of heat and emotional depth to the story, making the sizzling chemistry and high-stakes tension feel incredibly immersive.
July 19, 2025
Ruining Hattie is a darkly addictive romance with a surprising amount of heart. Trent is dangerous, magnetic, and unapologetically intense, while Hattie is the perfect mix of innocence and quiet strength. Their chemistry sizzles, and watching their connection shift from revenge to obsession to something real is incredibly satisfying. P. Rayne delivers a gritty, emotional story full of tension, vulnerability, and redemption. Despite the darkness, there’s a tender undercurrent that makes you root for both characters. If you love morally gray heroes and high-stakes emotions wrapped in a beautifully written romance, this book is a must-read.
July 30, 2025
It's no secret that I occasionally enjoy my reads on the darker side, but sometimes I don't want it too dark, which is why I love P. Rayne. Their books are long and dark, but not too dark, if that makes sense to you. Because I have read much darker books, this is just the right amount of darkness for me these days.
Bastian is a character I was hoping we would get a story for when he was first introduced in his sister Ari's book, His Subordinate. I was very curious about his backstory, and boy, oh boy, it's a heartbreaker, so make sure you're prepared for it. Fast forward, and now Bastian is the owner of several businesses and making lots of money; he's come a long way from the kid he used to be. When he finds out that his mom is living the good life, the American dream, a nice house with the white picket fence and a family, like he never existed. Well, he is going to make sure she pays for the hell she put him through, and the best way to do that is to ruin her perfect step-daughter, Hattie.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewRH
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
Bastian is a character I was hoping we would get a story for when he was first introduced in his sister Ari's book, His Subordinate. I was very curious about his backstory, and boy, oh boy, it's a heartbreaker, so make sure you're prepared for it. Fast forward, and now Bastian is the owner of several businesses and making lots of money; he's come a long way from the kid he used to be. When he finds out that his mom is living the good life, the American dream, a nice house with the white picket fence and a family, like he never existed. Well, he is going to make sure she pays for the hell she put him through, and the best way to do that is to ruin her perfect step-daughter, Hattie.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewRH
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
July 21, 2025
What started as revenge turned into an obsession and I was hooked the whole way. Bastian is all dark edges and bad intentions, but Hattie? She’s soft, strong, and totally steals the show. Their chemistry is intense, the story between them is addicting, and the emotional pull? Chef’s kiss. I enjoyed this story!
January 11, 2026
Review update:
I did a reread of this on audio and I loved it even more! Helena Walters and Troy Duran did an amazing job narrating this book and bringing these characters to life! Troy Duran's deep voice was perfect for Bastion, and Halena Walters's voice brought out all the vulnerability and innocence. They narrated this audiobook in dual narration. I could feel the tension and chemistry between these two. I highly recommend the audio!
Thank you P. Rayne, NetGalley, and Dreamscape Media for an ALC of this audiobook. I voluntarily listened and gave an honest review.
Original review of ebook ARC:
I just finished my first book by P. Rayne and wow I loved it! This was my first dive into their work, and now I want to read the Ritual Room series, especially since Bastion, a side character in that series, is the MMC in this one.
The blurb for this one totally hooked me. Bastion's had a rough past so his quest for revenge made total sense. Then there's Hattie, this sweet, innocent character who just blossoms throughout the story. I like how she really comes into her own without losing who she is deep down. Their whole journey to love felt so natural and well paced.
I really enjoyed getting into both Bastion and Hattie's heads and watching their feelings grow. Bastion and Hattie really were a perfect pair and I loved their journey to finding love. I've read Piper Rayne's more lighthearted Nest series, but I'm so glad I branched out into their darker romance with this one. I could even relate to some of the themes, which made me connect with Bastion and his decisions on a whole other level. Definitely recommend it!
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Thank you Valentine PR for an ARC of this book. I voluntarily read it and gave an honest review.
I did a reread of this on audio and I loved it even more! Helena Walters and Troy Duran did an amazing job narrating this book and bringing these characters to life! Troy Duran's deep voice was perfect for Bastion, and Halena Walters's voice brought out all the vulnerability and innocence. They narrated this audiobook in dual narration. I could feel the tension and chemistry between these two. I highly recommend the audio!
Thank you P. Rayne, NetGalley, and Dreamscape Media for an ALC of this audiobook. I voluntarily listened and gave an honest review.
Original review of ebook ARC:
I just finished my first book by P. Rayne and wow I loved it! This was my first dive into their work, and now I want to read the Ritual Room series, especially since Bastion, a side character in that series, is the MMC in this one.
The blurb for this one totally hooked me. Bastion's had a rough past so his quest for revenge made total sense. Then there's Hattie, this sweet, innocent character who just blossoms throughout the story. I like how she really comes into her own without losing who she is deep down. Their whole journey to love felt so natural and well paced.
I really enjoyed getting into both Bastion and Hattie's heads and watching their feelings grow. Bastion and Hattie really were a perfect pair and I loved their journey to finding love. I've read Piper Rayne's more lighthearted Nest series, but I'm so glad I branched out into their darker romance with this one. I could even relate to some of the themes, which made me connect with Bastion and his decisions on a whole other level. Definitely recommend it!
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Thank you Valentine PR for an ARC of this book. I voluntarily read it and gave an honest review.
September 22, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ !!! How have I never read anything from this incredible writing duo before? I’m extremely thankful to Piper, Rayne, and Valentine PR for providing me with an advance copy of Ruining Hattie! I was thrilled to be selected for an advance reader copy after seeing the snippet for this book. Two very different worlds collide in Ruining Hattie, and one of those worlds is seeking retribution. Hattie (FMC), who has a strong religious background, is the target of Bastion's retaliation because of Bastion's (MMC) traumatic past. Who doesn't enjoy a revenge story, or is it just me, not to mention the plot and characters were really beautifully written. This book takes you on a crazy journey with many twists and turns. The growth between Bastion and Hattie is just incredible. If you enjoy books that include tropes such as:
*Age Gap
*Enemies to Lovers
*Tragic Past
*Stalker
*Close Proximity
*Millionaire
*Alpha Anti-hero
*Revenge
*Jealous/Possessiveness
*Fish out of Water
Then I highly recommend adding Ruining Hattie to your TBR. Available July 17th on KU
*Age Gap
*Enemies to Lovers
*Tragic Past
*Stalker
*Close Proximity
*Millionaire
*Alpha Anti-hero
*Revenge
*Jealous/Possessiveness
*Fish out of Water
Then I highly recommend adding Ruining Hattie to your TBR. Available July 17th on KU
July 18, 2025
Stalker romances aren't my favorite, but I was fascinated by Bastion as Arianna's brother in His Subordinate, and I liked P. Rayne's stalker romance His Obsession. So I wanted to give Ruining Hattie a whirl, and I am so glad that I did.
Bastion did not lead an easy life. His mother was a drug addict who often neglected him, which led him to run away from home and ultimately be taken in by Arianna's dad, Trent. Living life as a family of con artists wasn't easy either, but at least it was a step up from the life Bastion had with his mom. Ruining Hattie takes place a decade after His Subordinate, and Bastion has decided to look up his birth mom to see what happened to her. Much to his surprise, his mom got clean, got healthy, owns her own salon, got remarried... and has a stepdaughter whom she dotes upon.
Thus, Bastion's revenge plot is born: get Hattie to fall in love with him, not knowing that he is her stepbrother, and ruin her life as a way to get back at Carla. But of course, he never expected to develop genuine feelings for the sweet, innocent, kindhearted ingenue. And when Bastian's plot blows up in his face, it blows up spectacularly!
I loved the contrast between bad boy, con artist, strip club owner Bastion, and naive, sheltered, Christian good-girl Hattie. As much as this was a dark stalker romance, it was a coming-of-age story for Hattie as well. During her time with Bastion, she really blossomed and grew from a woman who was terrified of her own shadow at the start of the book. Hattie's religious beliefs were such a huge part of who she was as a character, and I really loved how she came to realize that what she thought was morally wrong (ie, the strip club, sex and lust, etc.) wasn't necessarily the case.
I was hooked on this opposites-attract couple, Hattie's journey of self-discovery, Bastion's change from charming schemer to a guy head-over-heels in love with his mark, and even the healing he was able to find in reconnecting with his mother.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Bastion did not lead an easy life. His mother was a drug addict who often neglected him, which led him to run away from home and ultimately be taken in by Arianna's dad, Trent. Living life as a family of con artists wasn't easy either, but at least it was a step up from the life Bastion had with his mom. Ruining Hattie takes place a decade after His Subordinate, and Bastion has decided to look up his birth mom to see what happened to her. Much to his surprise, his mom got clean, got healthy, owns her own salon, got remarried... and has a stepdaughter whom she dotes upon.
Thus, Bastion's revenge plot is born: get Hattie to fall in love with him, not knowing that he is her stepbrother, and ruin her life as a way to get back at Carla. But of course, he never expected to develop genuine feelings for the sweet, innocent, kindhearted ingenue. And when Bastian's plot blows up in his face, it blows up spectacularly!
I loved the contrast between bad boy, con artist, strip club owner Bastion, and naive, sheltered, Christian good-girl Hattie. As much as this was a dark stalker romance, it was a coming-of-age story for Hattie as well. During her time with Bastion, she really blossomed and grew from a woman who was terrified of her own shadow at the start of the book. Hattie's religious beliefs were such a huge part of who she was as a character, and I really loved how she came to realize that what she thought was morally wrong (ie, the strip club, sex and lust, etc.) wasn't necessarily the case.
I was hooked on this opposites-attract couple, Hattie's journey of self-discovery, Bastion's change from charming schemer to a guy head-over-heels in love with his mark, and even the healing he was able to find in reconnecting with his mother.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
July 17, 2025
4.25⭐️
I've read books by Piper Rayne, and figured it was time to dove into the realm of P. Rayne. Let me tell you...I am hooked!! From the first page, I was sucked into the story and the characters.
The blurb for this book is what peaked my interest. A man with a tortured, tragic past getting revenge against his mother, and using her innocent step-daughter to do it. I just KNEW the tension and angst would be amazing!
Bastion's character was solely focused on his quest for revenge. Which is understandable because of how he was raised and all that he endured. His plan for revenge was intense, but he knew it would work. The charm this character has would make me fall for it too!! He knew all the right things to say and do to lure Hattie right where he wanted her. Bast had his weaknesses, relating to his past, but he tried to keep his plan in motion. Until Hattie wiggled her way into his heart.
Hattie is the innocent, church-going girl who never strayed. She worked, went to church, saw her parents, and that's it. She had a horrible experience with an ex when she was younger, so she really didn't trust many people. Her beliefs are everything to her and she really didn't know herself. When she meets Bastion and he opens her up to new experiences and feelings, she starts to feel more confident in herself. She never knew so much was out there for her to experience. Her innocence and obliviousness made her self-discovery very enjoyable to witness.
Bastion and Hattie were the epitome of opposites attract in this book. I loved seeing how they grew together and the evolution of love and trust between them. Their story hooked me and kept me reading until the end. I loved so many things about this book and cannot wait to read more by the author.
Thank you to P. Rayne and Valentine PR for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I've read books by Piper Rayne, and figured it was time to dove into the realm of P. Rayne. Let me tell you...I am hooked!! From the first page, I was sucked into the story and the characters.
The blurb for this book is what peaked my interest. A man with a tortured, tragic past getting revenge against his mother, and using her innocent step-daughter to do it. I just KNEW the tension and angst would be amazing!
Bastion's character was solely focused on his quest for revenge. Which is understandable because of how he was raised and all that he endured. His plan for revenge was intense, but he knew it would work. The charm this character has would make me fall for it too!! He knew all the right things to say and do to lure Hattie right where he wanted her. Bast had his weaknesses, relating to his past, but he tried to keep his plan in motion. Until Hattie wiggled her way into his heart.
Hattie is the innocent, church-going girl who never strayed. She worked, went to church, saw her parents, and that's it. She had a horrible experience with an ex when she was younger, so she really didn't trust many people. Her beliefs are everything to her and she really didn't know herself. When she meets Bastion and he opens her up to new experiences and feelings, she starts to feel more confident in herself. She never knew so much was out there for her to experience. Her innocence and obliviousness made her self-discovery very enjoyable to witness.
Bastion and Hattie were the epitome of opposites attract in this book. I loved seeing how they grew together and the evolution of love and trust between them. Their story hooked me and kept me reading until the end. I loved so many things about this book and cannot wait to read more by the author.
Thank you to P. Rayne and Valentine PR for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
July 9, 2025
ARC review
4.5 stars
Having read The Nest series, I was ready to delve into the darker side with P Rayne and dang I was not disappointed!!
Bastion had a horrific childhood but is now a self made man with multiple businesses and anything money could buy. When he finds out his mother is still alive, living the American dream behind the white picket fence he is determined to make her pay. What better way then to take down her step daughter Hattie. Weaving his way into Hattie’s life, he inches forward with his plan until it unravels before him. Hattie isn’t who he thinks and she unlocks an emotions in him he didn’t think were possible.
Bastion was such a great character! Putting on all the charm when he needed to lure Hattie into his web but then being taken down by pure little Hattie was perfect. He really was a broken little boy inside still and I loved how he resolved these feelings. Don’t get it twisted though, his plans for revenge were crazy!!
Hattie is a bonafide church girl which makes it all the more interesting! She has really strict beliefs but the way Bastion opens her mind and shows her who she truely is outside of her faith was amazing. She really learnt that the world wasn’t black and white. She also provides a great support for Bastion even when he doesn’t always deserve the understanding.
Loved the twists and turns in this book! Now I need to delve into the back catalogue because I always need some morally grey in my life.
4.5 stars
Having read The Nest series, I was ready to delve into the darker side with P Rayne and dang I was not disappointed!!
Bastion had a horrific childhood but is now a self made man with multiple businesses and anything money could buy. When he finds out his mother is still alive, living the American dream behind the white picket fence he is determined to make her pay. What better way then to take down her step daughter Hattie. Weaving his way into Hattie’s life, he inches forward with his plan until it unravels before him. Hattie isn’t who he thinks and she unlocks an emotions in him he didn’t think were possible.
Bastion was such a great character! Putting on all the charm when he needed to lure Hattie into his web but then being taken down by pure little Hattie was perfect. He really was a broken little boy inside still and I loved how he resolved these feelings. Don’t get it twisted though, his plans for revenge were crazy!!
Hattie is a bonafide church girl which makes it all the more interesting! She has really strict beliefs but the way Bastion opens her mind and shows her who she truely is outside of her faith was amazing. She really learnt that the world wasn’t black and white. She also provides a great support for Bastion even when he doesn’t always deserve the understanding.
Loved the twists and turns in this book! Now I need to delve into the back catalogue because I always need some morally grey in my life.
July 16, 2025
Ruining Hattie is an addictive, emotional rollercoaster that blends revenge, forbidden romance, and deep character growth into one unforgettable story.
Bastion is a man shaped by a horrific childhood, now powerful, wealthy, and driven by vengeance against the mother who abandoned him. His plan? Ruin his mother’s stepdaughter, Hattie. But from the moment he steps into Hattie’s world, nothing goes as he intended.
Hattie is a sheltered, devout “church girl,” innocent and sweet, but stronger than anyone realizes. Watching her blossom—from someone living to please others into a woman discovering her own desires and boundaries—was one of my favorite parts of the book. She challenges Bastion in ways he never saw coming, and the dynamic between them is pure fire.
The chemistry between Bastion and Hattie leaps off the page, sizzling with tension and passion. Their relationship starts as manipulation but evolves into something messy, complicated, and so genuine. Bastion, beneath all his charm and ruthless plans, is still a broken boy longing for love and healing—and Hattie unexpectedly becomes the key to that redemption.
Piper Rayne did a brilliant job balancing darkness and tenderness. The revenge plot is intense, but the story ultimately becomes one of forgiveness, love, and finding freedom from the past. The emotional stakes are high, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked.
If you love morally gray anti-heroes, strong heroines discovering their true selves, and a romance that’s both steamy and deeply moving, Ruining Hattie is absolutely worth the read.
What you will find:
Forced Proximity
Opposites attract
Jealous/Possessive MMC
Anti-hero
Age-gap
Voyeurism
Workplace Romance
Tortured lead
Bastion is a man shaped by a horrific childhood, now powerful, wealthy, and driven by vengeance against the mother who abandoned him. His plan? Ruin his mother’s stepdaughter, Hattie. But from the moment he steps into Hattie’s world, nothing goes as he intended.
Hattie is a sheltered, devout “church girl,” innocent and sweet, but stronger than anyone realizes. Watching her blossom—from someone living to please others into a woman discovering her own desires and boundaries—was one of my favorite parts of the book. She challenges Bastion in ways he never saw coming, and the dynamic between them is pure fire.
The chemistry between Bastion and Hattie leaps off the page, sizzling with tension and passion. Their relationship starts as manipulation but evolves into something messy, complicated, and so genuine. Bastion, beneath all his charm and ruthless plans, is still a broken boy longing for love and healing—and Hattie unexpectedly becomes the key to that redemption.
Piper Rayne did a brilliant job balancing darkness and tenderness. The revenge plot is intense, but the story ultimately becomes one of forgiveness, love, and finding freedom from the past. The emotional stakes are high, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked.
If you love morally gray anti-heroes, strong heroines discovering their true selves, and a romance that’s both steamy and deeply moving, Ruining Hattie is absolutely worth the read.
What you will find:
Forced Proximity
Opposites attract
Jealous/Possessive MMC
Anti-hero
Age-gap
Voyeurism
Workplace Romance
Tortured lead
July 20, 2025
ARC Review of Ruining Hattie by P. Rayne I absolutely loved this book. It is definitely a 5 star read for me. This is a stepsiblings, age gap, billionaire, boss/employee, revenge plot, slow burn, roommates, forced proximity, spicy darker romance. This story touches on tougher topic of drug abuse and child abuse. This is Bastian and Hattie's story. Bastian is 37 he owns The Black Orchid which is a luxury strip club, Hattie is 24 and was raised in a very religious household. Bastian has a very traumatic childhood and no relationship with his mother he has seen her in 26 years he hires a PI to find her and that’s how he finds put about Hattie her stepdaughter and his stepsister he didn’t know existed. He wants revenge for the pain he was caused my his mom and the love she got instead. He sets out to ruin her morally because of her religious background and offers her a job with him in Seattle. I love how this story evolves I love the development of the characters Hattie is so sweet, innocent and trusting she truly cares about others and you can’t help but love her equally you can’t help but love Bastion too with how resilient he is with the upbringing he had yes he hasn’t done the best things but he is a good man. I love watching their relationship grow and how he helps her find herself without judgement he gets her to open up and try new things and I love how they support each other. I definitely recommend this book
July 14, 2025
**ARC Review**
I would love to thank Piper Rayne & Valentine PR.
I was intrigued with Bastion in The Subordinate, so I was excited when I saw he was getting a book. Running away at eleven from his difficult childhood, twenty-six years later he decides to see what has happened to his mother. What he realizes is she is happily married with a stepdaughter. What a perfect way to get vengeance: Ruin Hattie.
What started as a vengeance story turned into a wonderful love story. The growth of Hattie & Bast was so well done. Hattie, from being innocent woman to discovering things she was ashamed of and realizing not every thing is black and white. Bast, what he experienced as a child and understanding why he would want revenge, then discovering he wants to be a better man and deserving of Hattie’s love was emotional.
I also loved seeing Ari & Sid from Midnight Manor (no need to read it first, but do recommend it)
Overall, Piper Rayne did a fantastic job writing about revenge, forgiveness, love & redemption.
I would love to thank Piper Rayne & Valentine PR.
I was intrigued with Bastion in The Subordinate, so I was excited when I saw he was getting a book. Running away at eleven from his difficult childhood, twenty-six years later he decides to see what has happened to his mother. What he realizes is she is happily married with a stepdaughter. What a perfect way to get vengeance: Ruin Hattie.
What started as a vengeance story turned into a wonderful love story. The growth of Hattie & Bast was so well done. Hattie, from being innocent woman to discovering things she was ashamed of and realizing not every thing is black and white. Bast, what he experienced as a child and understanding why he would want revenge, then discovering he wants to be a better man and deserving of Hattie’s love was emotional.
I also loved seeing Ari & Sid from Midnight Manor (no need to read it first, but do recommend it)
Overall, Piper Rayne did a fantastic job writing about revenge, forgiveness, love & redemption.
July 21, 2025
This is a fantastic revenge, enemies to lovers story. Bastian hadn't seen his mother since he was 11 years old. He lived as a pick pocket and then was raised by a con artist who taught him unsavory ways. As a grown man he is successful and owns str!p clubs. Then he discovers where his mother is currently living and is surprised that she's not the deadbeat he remembers. She is living the white fence suburban life. More interesting to him is that she has a beautiful stepdaughter named Hattie who's had all the love and affection from his mother that he never had. And he wants revenge. He plans an "accidental" meeting between them. But the more time they spend together he wonders if revenge is something he still wants. This is such a great story and different from anything I've read. Hattie is innocent and naive when they first meet but she's ready to explore newfound freedom away from her sheltered upbringing. And Bastian is happy to assist. I loved this couple's chemistry. It was romantic and spicy all rolled together.
July 17, 2025
Bastion has had a tragic childhood with a drug addict of a mother, and he survived by pickpocketing to feed himself, until he is 11-year-old and he is caught by Trent, and now as a successful business owner, he tracks down his mother to find closure, only to discover she is alive and well, married and raising a step=daughter Hattie. Hattie is sweet and has led a sheltered life, and she becomes Bastion’s obsession, and a means to vengeance.
This is a well written emotional roller coaster story, with family dynamics, friendships, intrigue, angst, heartbreak, obsession, revenge, stalking, secrets, boss / employee, opposites attract, tension, close proximity, an age gap, revelation, healing, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, haunting, unpredictable, and heartwrenching, dark romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is a well written emotional roller coaster story, with family dynamics, friendships, intrigue, angst, heartbreak, obsession, revenge, stalking, secrets, boss / employee, opposites attract, tension, close proximity, an age gap, revelation, healing, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, haunting, unpredictable, and heartwrenching, dark romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
December 10, 2025
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: Yes***
Author: P. Rayne
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 3.5/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Bastion and Hattie
Trope(s):
This is my first read by P.Rayne. This is a detailed read. P. Rayne takes her time building the story, drawing us into Bastion’s present world, revealing his past and how it shaped him. Drawing our compassion to him even as he seeks revenge. Hattie’s innocence and naivety are palpable on the pages. But, it’s also why her and Bastion fit so well together.
Bastion spent her childhood raised by a junkie of a mom. Not knowing where the next meal would come from, if they would have rent money. At a young age he learned how to fend for himself. When one of his mother’s friends tries to take advantage of their situation he flees their apartment. After a few weeks on the streets he meets a man, Trent, who will change the direction of his life.
Twenty-six years later Bastion is settled in Seattle running a chain of successful elite membership strip clubs. He is living a life a long way from his beginnings.
He still has an emptiness inside of him despite the wealth and status he has claimed.
So, he makes an impulsive decision to look into his past. Not expecting the answer he receives.
The closure he was hoping for is not coming.
Hattie relocated to Wisconsin with her parents after finishing college. Her own mother passed away when she was six. Her father remarried Carla a year later. Her parents rely on her monetary help since an accident has left her father unable to work.
Bastion wants his pound of flesh.
The mother he thought would be dead by now isn’t. Not only is she alive, she is living a reformed life with another family.
And, her perfect twenty four year old step daughter looks like she could use a little corrupting.
So, he insinuates himself into her lonely life, creating circumstances to make her dependent on his help, his end game is to ruin her.
The opportunities Bastion offers Hattie has her realizing just how sheltered her life is. How she put her own self inside a box, never questioning what she wanted for herself.
Bastion’s plan is working perfectly until he realizes that letting Hattie go will be impossible.
He offers up some of his truths to Hattie.
Leaving out very important ones.
Ones that could ruin everything they have beginning to build.
Stand-alone: Yes***
Author: P. Rayne
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 3.5/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Bastion and Hattie
Trope(s):
This is my first read by P.Rayne. This is a detailed read. P. Rayne takes her time building the story, drawing us into Bastion’s present world, revealing his past and how it shaped him. Drawing our compassion to him even as he seeks revenge. Hattie’s innocence and naivety are palpable on the pages. But, it’s also why her and Bastion fit so well together.
Bastion spent her childhood raised by a junkie of a mom. Not knowing where the next meal would come from, if they would have rent money. At a young age he learned how to fend for himself. When one of his mother’s friends tries to take advantage of their situation he flees their apartment. After a few weeks on the streets he meets a man, Trent, who will change the direction of his life.
Twenty-six years later Bastion is settled in Seattle running a chain of successful elite membership strip clubs. He is living a life a long way from his beginnings.
He still has an emptiness inside of him despite the wealth and status he has claimed.
So, he makes an impulsive decision to look into his past. Not expecting the answer he receives.
The closure he was hoping for is not coming.
Hattie relocated to Wisconsin with her parents after finishing college. Her own mother passed away when she was six. Her father remarried Carla a year later. Her parents rely on her monetary help since an accident has left her father unable to work.
Bastion wants his pound of flesh.
The mother he thought would be dead by now isn’t. Not only is she alive, she is living a reformed life with another family.
And, her perfect twenty four year old step daughter looks like she could use a little corrupting.
So, he insinuates himself into her lonely life, creating circumstances to make her dependent on his help, his end game is to ruin her.
The opportunities Bastion offers Hattie has her realizing just how sheltered her life is. How she put her own self inside a box, never questioning what she wanted for herself.
Bastion’s plan is working perfectly until he realizes that letting Hattie go will be impossible.
He offers up some of his truths to Hattie.
Leaving out very important ones.
Ones that could ruin everything they have beginning to build.
July 14, 2025
A man with no limits is the most dangerous kind of threat.
Ruining Hattie is a delicious and tempting read featuring two completely opposite characters and one unforgettable love story.
Bastian is a deeply complicated character who's no stranger to struggle and intense situations. While he had a rough start, he's built an empire and has everything he could want at his fingertips. What he didn't plan on was Hattie. Hattie is the epitome of innocence that he can’t wait to corrupt.
Ruining Hattie takes us back to the darker side of Piper Rayne and is completely addictive. I mean, you can't go wrong with a revenge plot that turns into more. Hattie and Bastian's story is messy, complicated, and will keep you on your toes. The chemistry and sexual tension oozed off the pages, leaving me begging for more.
If you're a fan of morally gray characters and forbidden romances, you won't want to miss Ruining Hattie.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
Ruining Hattie is a delicious and tempting read featuring two completely opposite characters and one unforgettable love story.
Bastian is a deeply complicated character who's no stranger to struggle and intense situations. While he had a rough start, he's built an empire and has everything he could want at his fingertips. What he didn't plan on was Hattie. Hattie is the epitome of innocence that he can’t wait to corrupt.
Ruining Hattie takes us back to the darker side of Piper Rayne and is completely addictive. I mean, you can't go wrong with a revenge plot that turns into more. Hattie and Bastian's story is messy, complicated, and will keep you on your toes. The chemistry and sexual tension oozed off the pages, leaving me begging for more.
If you're a fan of morally gray characters and forbidden romances, you won't want to miss Ruining Hattie.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
July 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to Valentine PR for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was my first book by P. Rayne, and I was highly entertained. What initially drew me in was the blurb. I absolutely love an antihero redemption story, and when Bastian finds out that his mother – who once chose drugs over him – has not only turned her life around but now has a stepdaughter, he decides to seek revenge by targeting Hattie.
Bastian was a fascinating character, and I found his backstory really compelling. I know he’s appeared in another of the author’s books, but I would have liked to see even more of his past, perhaps through additional flashbacks. I could completely understand his motivations and why he would want to take his anger out on the person raised by the woman who abandoned him.
I also enjoyed the suspenseful element of the story. Bastian has a lot of enemies, and while the reveal behind the attacks was a little predictable, it didn’t take anything away from the overall enjoyment of the plot for me.
The pacing was quick, and I was curious to see how long it would take for Hattie to uncover who Bastian really was. I did feel the story wrapped up quite quickly in the last quarter, and by then, Bastian was already completely in love with her.
Thank you to Valentine PR for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was my first book by P. Rayne, and I was highly entertained. What initially drew me in was the blurb. I absolutely love an antihero redemption story, and when Bastian finds out that his mother – who once chose drugs over him – has not only turned her life around but now has a stepdaughter, he decides to seek revenge by targeting Hattie.
Bastian was a fascinating character, and I found his backstory really compelling. I know he’s appeared in another of the author’s books, but I would have liked to see even more of his past, perhaps through additional flashbacks. I could completely understand his motivations and why he would want to take his anger out on the person raised by the woman who abandoned him.
I also enjoyed the suspenseful element of the story. Bastian has a lot of enemies, and while the reveal behind the attacks was a little predictable, it didn’t take anything away from the overall enjoyment of the plot for me.
The pacing was quick, and I was curious to see how long it would take for Hattie to uncover who Bastian really was. I did feel the story wrapped up quite quickly in the last quarter, and by then, Bastian was already completely in love with her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2025
Bastion really thought he was going to ruin Hattie. Jokes on him because Hattie ended up ruining him. What Bastion went through as a child was awful but I mean in some ways it did make him stronger and more determined to have a better life. Hattie the sweet innocent girl she is really ended up coming out of her shell. She didn't completely change who she was but she did realize she hadn't been living for herself. She was trying to please everyone else. Bastion and Hattie were definitely the perfect match for each other.
July 18, 2025
Church girl meets tall, dark and handsome
What to most would seem to be a chance encounter was so much more for Bastion. Poor innocent Hattie doesn't know what's headed her way.
Bast's home life was nothing short of horrendous. Running away at a young age and taken in by a gentleman who had ulterior motives of his own was good and bad. Now he's an entrepreneur and making a name for himself. One late night he enlisted the help of someone to dig up something from his past. Now with the info in his hand, he's got a target for his wrath. His childhood was ruined now it's his to ruin someone.
Hattie is as sweet as pie. People pleaser, rule follower, wouldn't hurt a fly. Also beyond naive and too trusting. So when a handsome stranger strikes up a conversation with her, she isn't quite sure how to react. She's got hearts in her eyes... too bad he's there to ruin her.
I really enjoyed the second half of the book. I devoured it.
What to most would seem to be a chance encounter was so much more for Bastion. Poor innocent Hattie doesn't know what's headed her way.
Bast's home life was nothing short of horrendous. Running away at a young age and taken in by a gentleman who had ulterior motives of his own was good and bad. Now he's an entrepreneur and making a name for himself. One late night he enlisted the help of someone to dig up something from his past. Now with the info in his hand, he's got a target for his wrath. His childhood was ruined now it's his to ruin someone.
Hattie is as sweet as pie. People pleaser, rule follower, wouldn't hurt a fly. Also beyond naive and too trusting. So when a handsome stranger strikes up a conversation with her, she isn't quite sure how to react. She's got hearts in her eyes... too bad he's there to ruin her.
I really enjoyed the second half of the book. I devoured it.
July 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I love P. Rayne’s writing style. Dark, suspenseful mixed with swoon worthy, MMC.
Ruining Hattie was a very unique story. It begins with Bast’s need for revenge after a traumatic childhood. Poor, sweet, innocent, religious Hattie gets caught in the cross fire. Both of our characters has phenomenal character growth, watching the change was aspiring.
I like that several chunks of the book interconnected with the Midnight Manor. I loved those books so much, and it was fun to catch glimpses of the characters from there.
I love P. Rayne’s writing style. Dark, suspenseful mixed with swoon worthy, MMC.
Ruining Hattie was a very unique story. It begins with Bast’s need for revenge after a traumatic childhood. Poor, sweet, innocent, religious Hattie gets caught in the cross fire. Both of our characters has phenomenal character growth, watching the change was aspiring.
I like that several chunks of the book interconnected with the Midnight Manor. I loved those books so much, and it was fun to catch glimpses of the characters from there.
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