Bleeding Blackheart: A Dark Cowboy Romance

Wounded Hearts #1

by R. Collins

When my father kidnapped me from my friend’s birthday party, I didn’t expect to wake up in a cage. It took me a week to escape, but I knew I’d be okay as long as he didn’t find me again. Having a hitman on my tail wasn’t something I thought about, and when faced with death or making him an offer he couldn’t refuse, I promised him everything I had as long as he’d help me hide. Little did I know that my suspected ally would turn me into his prisoner, trading my cage for handcuffs and making me fulfill his every demand. And the more time I spent with him, the harder it became to exist without him.

Genres: Dark Romance, Westerns, Romance, Dark, BDSM

467 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2024

About the author

R. Collins is a dark romance author with a passion for storytelling that began at a young age. A lifelong admirer of romance in all its forms, she is particularly drawn to the darker, more complex aspects of love—where desire, obsession, and vulnerability intertwine. Her writing journey started with poetry, where she honed her ability to capture raw emotions and complex feelings in every word. Now, she channels that same emotional depth into crafting interracial dark romance novels that explore intense, often forbidden connections between characters from different walks of life. Each story she tells delves into the depths of passion, the shadows of longing, and the unexpected twists that love can bring.

Reviews

[andrea.el · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 🖤


““I love you more, Montana Elizabeth. You’ve picked up my dead heart and brought it back to life, little fox. I promise to love you forever. You’ll never go a day without my love.”” Blackheart was everything…..that’s it.

[RenitaReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🩸🖤Bleeding Blackheart was everything I knew it would be and MORE!! That cowboy, y’all! Gunner a.k.a Blackheart is a hit man for hire who has been through an unthinkable amount of tragedy in his life. His life has hardened him in such a way that he never intended to open his heart to a woman ever again. But alas, here comes Montana, a woman he’s been hired to un-alive. Montana has been through her own tragedies and hardships. And that is putting it LIGHTLY! I loved the way that, just by being her sassy, strong willed self, she was able to break down Gunner’s defenses. The tension between them was palpable and then some! When the heat kicked in and they finally got things going, it was H.O.T.T HOT!!I loved how protective Gunner was over Montana. I loved how Montana finally got someone who actually wants to protect her and go to war for her because nobody had ever been that for her. She finally got her person, but the road to get there was nothing if not challenging and hard. But more than all of that, this book was so inspiring to me. It showed how people can go through unspeakable tragedy and adversity, but when the right person comes along they can help pull you out the darkness and into the light. And that as long as you remain open, you can have a happy and fulfilling life. It gives you hope. And when a book can make you me feel all the things, and has a great storyline & plot, with amazing unique characters, It’s always going to be a 5 star for me. And that is exactly what Bleeding Blackheart did for me. This is one of my top read of the year and one of my favorite books in general, and I will forever recommend it anyone who listen! So, y’all do yourselves a favor and listen to me….You are going to love this book! The pre-order is still live, so I’ll drop the link here so y’all can have this cowboy ready to drop into your Kindle on December 13th!!
Pre-Order here 🔗 https://rb.gy/twdqom

[A P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just devoured Bleeding Blackheart and I’m still reeling! Couldn’t put this dark cowboy romance down, it kept me coming back for more. This dark, emotional cowboy romance had twists, spice, and nonstop tension. A total page-turner—10/10 recommend! 📖✨

[CLorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to think of romance story categories in terms of chocolate: from the smooth sweetness of milk chocolate to the bittersweet decadence of dark chocolate.
I consider the books written by author R. Collins to fall in the category of dark chocolate, rich, compelling, but with a hint of bitterness to temper the sweetness. Before we talk about her most recent book, I want to point out her truly stellar series, the While Orchid Trilogy, each book was a revelation...exceptional storytelling. Bleeding Blackheart: A Dark Cowboy Romance (Wounded Heart Series) by R. Collins starts another trilogy but with a different couple for each book with some character overlap. Montana has lived a repressed existence under the watchful eyes of her controlling, evil father, when she escapes for bit, she is reined back in only to escape again! Blackheart has also lived a repressed and empty life, and, since life has no meaning for him, he works taking care of other people’s messes. Blackheart and Montana come together when their worlds collide as she becomes the target of one of his clean-ups. For all their conflict and animosity, Montana and Blackheart are more alike than they are different, both with an innocence that is engaging, two lonely hearts coming together with a quick but resilient passion. They were so cute together and I enjoyed their extreme snark and banter. The next two books in the series Diamond Heart and Heart of Stone are scheduled for Spring of 2025, I am excited for the chance to read them!
https://theretiredreader.com/f/bleedi...

[Brooke MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to begin by thanking R. Collins for sending me the most wonderful PR box with Bleeding Blackheart and a snippet from the next book (which I promptly devoured after finishing the first one). ❤️‍🔥🖤

This book is an easy five stars for me. The tension, the smut, the HEAT. Good lord. Watching Blackheart morph into Gunner was a treat every step of the way. My heart was pounding, my eyes were watering, and I was gasping out loud reading some of the things I read 🤭. This book really kept me on my toes, and I absolutley loved it. 🥹

Montana is such a strong woman, especially after everything she goes through, and watching her bloom alongside Gunner made my heart SO happy🥰😖. Seeing them experience each other from both of their POVs was so fun and kept me reading past my bedtime.

If you were considering preordering it before its release on December 13th, I would HIGHLY encourage it. Get your dark romance fix in, I promise you won't regret it. The fact that this is only the first in a series is SO EXCITING. You won't want to miss it. ‼️‼️‼️

Tropes:
- He hurts her, he heals her ❤️‍🩹
- Two of them against the world 🌎
- Experimentation ❔
- They heal each other 🩹
- Strong FMC 💪🏾
- Black & Biracial FMC 🖤
- Enemies to lovers ⚔️
- Hitman & his target 🔫

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my 1st dark cowboy romance and
I'm all for it! This was also my introduction to
@rcollinsauthor and l'm hooked!

The banter between Montana and Gunner is hilarious and addicting.

The way that this man loves her is everything! He's patient, protective, he sings to her to calm her nightmares, he cooks for her and bathes her, and makes
her feel loved and safe.

Montanas love is fierce and understanding and
unconditional. With all the trauma she has endured in her life she has a heart of gold and continues to love

The writing style keeps you hooked and the adventures they took and places they went really brought the story to
life.

I loved how my home state is referenced and l'm very excited to read the next 2 books in the series!!

The rest of the trilogy will be out in Spring 2025!!

[BoriBookBabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bleeding Blackheart takes you on a dark, twisted journey of survival, captivity, and an unyielding pull toward the forbidden. When the FMC escapes her father’s clutches, she never expects her savior to become her captor—a morally gray, hitman cowboy with a penchant for control. 🖤 With a tantalizing age gap and slow-burn tension that builds into an all-consuming connection, this story will leave you questioning right and wrong, love and obsession. 🌒

[Channel Stidem]

I really enjoyed this!

This book was so much fun to read and held my attention from start to finish! I love the morally grey hero and the strong yet soft, determined heroine.
Some moments were really emotional for me, especially when dealing with subjects such as grief, but the great storyline and spice made the emotional Rollercoaster so worth it. 5 stars!

[Nelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Bleeding Blackheart: A Dark Cowboy Romance** by R. Collin is a strikingly powerful addition to the romance genre, showcasing the author’s extraordinary gift for weaving a spellbinding narrative. From the moment you turn to the first page, the story seizes your attention with its dynamic pace and pulls you into a world brimming with tension and emotion where it refuses to release its grip.

Collin’s prose delights in its vivid imagery and eloquent language, transforming each scene into a visceral experience. The characters, Montana and Blackheart, come alive with depth and nuance; their transformation throughout the story is both engaging and authentic. The chemistry between them crackles with intensity, creating a magnetic pull that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The intricate premise of a killer developing feelings for his kidnapped victim, and the subsequent emotional reciprocation, is handled with a deft touch, balancing thrills with tenderness in a way that feels both exciting and poignant.

The connection between Montana and Blackheart was electric, igniting a fire that was palpable to anyone who witnessed it. Their chemistry was not just physical; it was a passionate exploration that awakened every nerve in Montana's body, making her feel more alive than ever before. Each touch sent shivers down her spine, and each glance exchanged between them held a promise of deeper intimacy.

Their emotional compatibility was equally striking, as they understood each other's desires and fears without the need for words. This profound bond made their romance feel like a living, breathing entity, lighting up the pages with a vibrant energy that pulled the reader into their world. It was a relationship that blended passion with deep understanding, creating moments that were both tender and exhilarating.

And that's one of the reasons that truly sets *Bleeding Blackheart* apart— the characters intimacy. And it makes it a standout feature that distinctly elevates *Bleeding Blackheart* more. And it is one of the author’s remarkable talent for maintaining an exhilarating pace throughout the narrative. Each scene bursts forth with a vibrant energy that captivates the reader, ensuring that the romance never falls into the trap of monotony. The intimate scenes strike with the ferocity of lightning in a thunderstorm—unexpected yet meticulously crafted—intensifying the suspense and pulling readers further into the intricate web of unfolding drama. With each turn of the page, the tension between both characters escalates, enveloping the audience in a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation.

Once again R. Collin's writing style is a harmonious blend of elegance and accessibility, inviting readers to lose themselves in this richly constructed world. Her meticulous attention to detail creates an atmosphere that feels both authentic and immersive. The dark cowboy romance theme is an intriguing backdrop, infused with grit and passion, enhancing the overall depth of the storyline.

As I journeyed through *Bleeding Blackheart*, I found my senses fully engaged, captivated by the narrative's layers and emotional complexities. This not just a thrilling tale, but an exploration of profound themes—love intertwined with redemption, and the intricate nuances of human nature. Collin’s storytelling reflects a real talent and commitment to her craft.

*Bleeding Blackheart: A Dark Cowboy Romance* is an absolute must-read for aficionados of the genre as well as anyone who relishes a finely crafted tale. R. Collin has undoubtedly won my admiration, and I eagerly await her future works. I wholeheartedly recommend this book; it is a magnificent treasure that deserves every accolade it receives.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two scarred souls come together like a kaleidoscope scene. Blackheart, aka Gunner, and Montana are two complex characters with stories that bury themselves in your heart. Montana was a captive her whole life, and when she got the chance to gain her freedom, she grasped it with both hands. Little did she know, it would put her on the path of a hired hitman with a haunting past.

Bleeding Blackheart has an interesting plot and story progression for these characters. Both characters display a beautiful depth and explore topics of grief, expectation, and healing. From the action scene to the crazy turns, Gunner and Montana will make you go gaga. The tension was so finger-licking good and I nearly hit a split when the spice began. Collins takes you on a journey that feels as though you're watching a movie with how the scenes are beautifully written. Overall, this was an AMAZING read! For all my dark romance readers, I think you'll thoroughly enjoy Bleeding Blackheart.

Please make sure to read the trigger warnings, this is a dark captive romance that grapples with heavy content throughout the whole story. Your mental health always matters.

[Kelsey]

DNF at 26%

I don't typically DNF books, and when I do, I don't usually say anything about them. I also don't keep track of them.
I'm changing that this year.
This is not me saying that the book is bad. Not at all. Everyone is different. Just because I don't like a book doesn't mean you wouldn't love it.
This is just my way of keeping track of the books that I do DNF and why so that I know if I want to go back and try and read them again.

Bleeding Blackheart
I loved the idea of this book.
Woman whose father wants to kill her falls in love with her hitman? Yes, please.
I just wasn't a super fan of the writing. I'm not 100% sure why, but I just couldn't do it. And that makes me sad. 😭

[Mei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping😍

This series was recommended in a FB book group that I’m in and I immediately downloaded it. So glad that I did! I fell in love with these characters and their stories—their back stories and love story as well. This book stressed me out but made me smile and blush too. Lol 😆 I give it like 3,000 🌶️ peppers for spice 😆 I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. So glad to have stumbled upon this author and their work!😄 10/10 highly recommend! 😁

[b ˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 starsss!!

I really enjoyed this and think it's a true hidden gem. dark cowboy romance is right up my alley and this book gives all of those vibes. Blackheart/Gunner has made it to my never-ending list of book boyfriends due to his pure softness towards the end of the story. He loves Montana so much and it literally made my heart ache. going into the second book immediately!!!

KEEP IN MIND--this is a DARK romance book. check TWs.

[Aubri]

Unfortunately I dnf’ed @ 32%. Black heart was too much of an asshole for me, at times, Montana’s behavior wouldn’t make sense, and it felt like she was falling for him for no reason. Bc he isn’t doing shit to actually make her like him for any reason.

[Dhaiyan ౨ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bleeding Blackheart hits the mark on drama and emotion. R. Collins blends romance and suspense effectively. Overall, an engaging story.

[amaareads · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gunner's morally gray, Montana's morally trapped, and I'm morally exhausted

[Yvonne Meier · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Good story and likeable characters, but it didn’t keep me engaged. The second half was a drag.

[Alex 📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional rollercoaster this was. Like with 3 loops in a row.. but I was STRAPPED IN and never wanted to get off the ride.

When the hitman her own father hires to take her out finally catches up to her, the promise of double the pay for her freedom keeps her alive a little longer.

He really didn’t know what he was in for when he picked up Montana though. She’s no damsel in distress that’s for sure. The banter between these two is top tier. They are both such complex characters with more in common than they realized. Watching as Montana starts to bring some color and life back into Blackheart was so fun to read.

If you’re not left wondering if you love him or hate him throughout this book, I’m not sure you’re reading it right. 😜

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Montana's father wants her dead, so he kidnaps her months after she fled his home and massacres everybody near her. Now, she's trapped in a cage, weak and hungry. She escapes and she knows she only has a couple of hours headstart before her father sends his goons after her. She doesn't have long to wait before a man approaches her and asks her name and she says ... who wants to know.

Really, girl?! SMH! He pulls the trigger but the gun jams and he lets her live but now she becomes his prisoner after promising him a greater financial reward than her father. I was just as terrifed of her father as she was, and thought he was going to strike any minute. There is good tension in this book, I was on pins and needle waiting for the other shoe to drop. Blackheart and Montana are now reluctant partners, but they don't trust one another. The money isn't in her bank account, so it's road trip time and their journey, interactions and stops along the way turn very interesting.

They eventually give into their attraction and they quickly take it to a level I wasn't ready for—their dirty talk and bedroom antics was straight up porn-level material—quadruple X!

As with any good revenge story, with an antagonist that doesn't value life, I wanted the bad guy to die slow, this was promised by Blackheart, but it went in another direction.

All in all, this is a good story with lots of heat, and raunchy dirty talk. I'd definitely check out the other books in this author's catalog. Recommended: Read It!