Ruin Me Gently

Hailey Carter is the golden girl of Willow Creek, a picturesque small town where everybody knows everybody. She's the kind of person who bakes cookies for the church fundraiser, rescues stray cats, and always offers a warm smile even to the grumpiest old neighbor. But beneath her sunny exterior, she's been feeling stifled-like she's living in a bubble that's too perfect, too fragile.

Enter Xavier Black-tall, broad-shouldered, and covered in tattoos that hint at a past he doesn't talk about. He's new in town, renting a rundown cabin on the edge of the woods. Rumors swirl about him: he used to fight underground, he's running from something, he's dangerous. Most townsfolk steer clear. But not Hailey.

Their paths cross when Xavier helps her out of a tight spot-rescuing her when a drunk stranger corners her late one night outside her bakery. After that, Xavier keeps telling himself to stay away from her. She's too sweet, too pure for someone like him. He's got scars on his knuckles, shadows in his eyes, and secrets that could ruin them both. But somehow, Hailey keeps finding ways into his life.

As trouble from Xavier's past comes knocking-along with a local ex-boyfriend of Hailey's who doesn't take no for an answer-Xavier becomes fiercely protective of her. But falling for her feels dangerous... because the darker parts of his life might drag her down with him.