Wait in the Truck

Black River Ranch #1

by Leila James, Shauna Mairéad

Heads or tails? The flip of my coin decides how I end your life.

My obsession with Sage Everett runs deeper and darker than the water of Black River—the boundary that divides our land.

I’ve spent years watching the girl next door from beneath the brim of my cowboy hat. Tragedy and family feuds separate us, so I’ve kept my presence in her life unknown.

Until her monsters creep out of the shadows.

My wildflower seeks a savior, and all this gambler needed was a reason.

And that’s how I end up with blood on my hands for the girl tangled up in my heart.

God can’t save you from The Gambler. Not when there’s a debt to collect.

Wait in the Truck is a dark romance intended for an adult audience—please see either Leila's or Shauna's websites for a comprehensive list of content warnings.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Westerns, Romance, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Abuse

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2025

Reviews

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

A morally grey, obsessed cowboy ready to burn the world down for his girl… What more could you ask for?

I went into this book blind and wow I had so much fun. Binged it in one sitting! It’s a quick read, spicy & very DARK. Definitely check TWs before diving in.

“𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔.”
“𝐈 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.” 🥹

- Small Town Romance
- Cowboy
- Rival Families
- Forbidden
- Neighbors/Close Proximity
- He Falls First/BoyObsessed
- Stalking
- Hurt/Comfort
- OTT Possessive/Protective MMC
- Touch her & 💀
- “You came.” “You called.”

[Darcy’s Good Opinion · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Spice: 3/5

MF
Contemporary
Dark
Unaliver
Morally Grey
Traumatized h
OTT J/P H
Grief/Loss
Ranchers

Wait In The Truck is book one in the Black River Ranch series. This is a dark romance so be sure to check the content warnings.

Kade and Sage are the adult children of rival ranchers, both growing up with direct orders not to cross the river that divides their properties. Kade, however, has always been obsessed with his beautiful blonde neighbor. He keeps a very watchful, yet unknown, eye on Sage. When Sage faces danger, all of Kade’s protective instincts kick in and he is determined to not only solve the problem - by whatever means necessary - but also claim Sage as his own.

This is a dark contemporary romance that deals with heavy themes. The characters shine in an extremely well written plot that leaves you wanting more. The story has spice but not at the expense of the narrative. Sage is a wonderful heroine who fights her demons for her HEA and Kade is the morally grey, well*cough*endowed rancher determined to make all her dreams come true. A great read.

[*CJ* · Rating 1 out of 5]

“Wait in the Truck” is the story of Sage and Kade.

Learned two lessons- never believe the booktok hype and overly positive reviews. I really didn’t enjoy this and if I read “unalive” one more time I’m gonna riot.

I don’t have issues with any of triggers but neither the writing, nor the romance was for me.

Swe
1/5

[Capt.]

a dark cowboy romance…I’m afraid I’m intrigued 🕺

[Lammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Crazy ⭐️

The cover 😊. The GOLD BAR STANDARD trigger warnings 😱😳🖤 … these are a masterpiece all on their own, and the incredible characters and plot. This book had literally everything my twisted heart could have desired.

I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the River boys stories. I would also love more details what happened in the past, hopefully more will come out.

[Smutty Little Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello Dark Cowboy!

This book was a ride and had its moments where I was literally in shock! This dark cowboy romance has it all: trauma, family feud, spice, obsession, etc. The river scene was hot, hot hot! One of my favorite cowboy spicy scenes! That being said, its critical you read triggers even if you aren't someone affected by triggers. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Can we take a moment for Grandma Jo? She is the shining star of this book and a character you need to meet.

#Dark Cowboy Romance
#Trauma
#Touch her and Die
#Lowkey Stalker Romance
#Please check triggers!

[Allison Comis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series by Leila and Shauna. It was so good. This was about Sage and Kade. She was working at the bar to make extra money to assist her dad with bills on the ranch. One night a patron got a little handsy and her boyfriend Toby got her off of him and he got rough with her too. Well Kade and his siblings were there and they took Toby and the other guy out of the bar. Kade and his siblings had the farm right next to theirs so they grew up together. Something happened and their families drifted apart and had a major feud. Her father always told her to stay away from them. Well Kade waited around that night for her to make sure she was okay. Sage was doing her closing down duties for the bar and she went to dump the trash. Her boyfriend was outside waiting for her. He ended up hitting her. When Kade didn’t see her come back he went to look for her and he found her crouched in between the dumpsters. He took her home and never left her side. A lot more happened throughout the book. It was so good. Kade became her protector.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What did I just read!? Kade who wants the girl next door…. Literally. But there’s some bad family blood that keeps the two ranches apart. What’s the reason we don’t know maybe we’ll find out in book 2. This book has everything you could want and some things you didn’t know you needed. If you’re looking for a story with a hot sort of crazy rancher, then pick this book up. The spice unbelievable and the plot is even better.

[RavenRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! My two favorite authors came together and wrote an amazing dark cowboy romance!! I was hocked from the beginning.

[Erica Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Moly… YES, YES, YESSSS. This was a quick, fun read that pulled me in from the very first pages. Wait In The Truck was so freaking good! It was shocking, entertaining, and sweet & spicy with a bunch of WTF moments that left me gasping out loud. I was here for Leila & Shauna’s brand of crazy. Seriously… crazy. I don’t think I’ll ever look at a field of potatoes the same again.

Sage was so strong and fierce. I loved her fire and her sass. I loved how she stood up for herself. She survived so much.

I am absolutely obsessed with Kade. This morally grey cowboy stole my freaking heart. He is the definition of obsessive and possessive. The way he protected Sage and watched out for her… damn! Sign me up! (I don’t know what it is, but I always did love the bad boy!) …Actually give me any of the Rivers boys! I am so ready for Rhett’s book next!

The only thing I wish was that it was longer. I would have loved more back story on their families.

I don’t usually say this (I avoid reading the trigger warnings bc I hate spoilers), but I was shocked a few times while reading this one. IF you think may have any triggers, I would definitely recommend taking a peek at the list.

🖤 Small Town
🖤 Dark Cowboy Romance
🖤 Enemies To Lovers
🖤 He Falls First
🖤 Obsessive & Possessive MMC
🖤 Touch Her & D!e
🖤 Morally Grey
🖤 Rival Families

[Lira · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 74%, I just couldn’t continue anymore. It’s smut with a pinch of a plot that doesn’t progress. Honestly, I expected a lot more from Leila James. The second author I don’t know at all and perhaps now won’t try to read anything else from 😬

When I stumbled upon “my fingers and thumb not coming even close to meeting because of his girth” I just knew that this is definitely not for me. I mean, it isn’t even Si Fi. How small her hands should be for that size? 😅 And he said “You can take me” after that 🫠 I want sex and body parts to be a bit more realistic, sorry not sorry!

Smut is totally fine but I really came for a good plot and that was definitely not it, unfortunately.

[Jenifer Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew this would be a wild ride, and boy was it ever! Kade is every dark cowboy fantasy come to life -- he's very possessive, doesn't budge an inch (unless he has to, *winks!*) and he won't let anyone harm his girl. Plus he's ridiculously talented with a wood chipper. Need I say more?

Sage is a fighter through and through. She has experienced the worst of the worst in her short life, but the way she's able to still smile and have joy for the life she has? That's the epitome of strength. She had so much sass too, and I love how she didn't let Kade manhandle her into anything she didn't want. He may not be all domineering, but he knows damn well who his queen is, and that's his Wildflower!

Now, there is one scene I could have done without, and it took me a bit to recover from it. (No spoilers, but you'll know when you get to it) Other than that, my only complaint was how short it was. There's a lot happening all at once, and we still don't really know a whole lot. Obviously that will change the more this series goes on, but I just wish we got a little more time with everyone, especially with this being the first book in the series.

Other than that though, this was a good good! I'm invested in these characters and I can't wait to know more about Kades brothers, especially Rhett! Just check your triggers before going in!


**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **

[Emmalee Burford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow one of the best books I’ve read in a while!!
This is a dark cowboy romance
This review will contain a lot of spoilers:
So I can remember stuff for the next book in a year!!



Sage.. poor girl this starts off with her being abused by her boyfriend, then we find out she was abused mentally and emotionally by her dad.. then she finds the farm hand hooking up with the cow and he threatens her also and runs her of the road and drowns

There is a lot of death…

Rhett works at the farm even though the family’s are “rivals” we aren’t exactly sure why but I assume because of sages brother and the boys sister being in love and dying together on accident at the waterfall
Rhett’s younger brother Kade is the MMC but Rhett and her have a sweet friendship nothing sexual

There is no mention of OWD which I love!! His sex life is not discussed at all except for her

He talks non stop about how he’s always been obsessed with her
He kills her boyfriend because he abuses her
She kills her dad and him and Rhett cover it up. They rule her dads death as a suscide

Oh and grandma Josie!!! She’s epic.. her helping the boys and knowing about their secret John cena shes a great character

There is no 3rd act breakup




Next book:
Rhett and Noah
He’s the oldest brother and a vet
She’s a country music star and best friends with Sage
At the end we find out she’s engaged I think it’s a PR stunt but we also find out Rhett had previously proposed to her and she said no

The twins will definitely need books we don’t know a ton about them yet

[Nonna 2K · Rating 4 out of 5]

That Was Some Ride!

Okay, I will admit to first becoming interested in this book due to social media. I mean, come on, look at that cover! Kade is just daring readers to enter his world. Then, when I saw Leila James was one of the authors, label me hooked.

I guess readers are calling this a dark romance. I guess that could be accurate. I think of it more of a completely over the top MMC who will do anything to keep the MFC safe. There are TWs that need to be reviewed for anyone who has trigger$. There is unaliving in this book and one particular method had me able to visualize it. I can only imagine what Google search history looks like for these authors.

I enjoyed the book and had 70% read one day and quickly finished the next.

Sage doesn’t have the best life at the moment. Her current boyfriend is abu$ive and I cannot even talk about her miserable excuse for a father. She’s surviving and protecting herself as best she can.

Kade is a neighbor who has known Sage for years, even though their families have a less than stellar relationship. He comes to her rescue, for lack of a better word, and then becomes possessive about her.

Their relationship takes off quickly and this story seems to take place over a short amount of time.

I gave it 4 stars because it was a quick and easy read that kept my interest. There are scenes that will stay with me and I need to know Rhett and Noah’s story in book 2.

If you like your MMCs a bit unhinged and have a “hurt her and d1e” attitude, Kade Everett will be right up your alley.

[Ally Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know the drill. Leila James books are an automatic read for me. Don't have to know anything about them to know it's going to the top of my TBR. This is a cowritten book and Shauna Mairéad I see you. It's time to go read your other books because damn was this book good.

Kade is obsessed with his next door neighbor, Sage. There's bad blood between the families, so nothing has ever come from it. Sage needs help. Her life is absolutely not going well. Abusive boyfriend, abusive father, and no one to turn to. That is until Kade steps in. Kade is over the top, unhinged and absolutely murderous when it comes to keeping Sage safe. Drastic measures and all that. Sparks fly fast between the 2 and 🥵🥵.

I binge read this and have no regrets. I felt so bad for Sage and everything she's going through. Kade was exactly who she needed. It's a fast burn between the 2 all the way. Absolutely loved Kade and his family. Rhett, Cole, and Jace are Kade's brothers, and I'm very excited to see where their stories go. I have a feeling Rhett will get to Kade's level when it comes to Noah. The little hints we got left me desperate for their story.

[Brandi Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am just stuck here processing this book. I am blown away by how good it is. I knew it would be good because I have read many of one of the author's books but was not prepared by how good it is. Please make sure to read the triggers before reading.

Okay, I will review now, lol. Kade is a cowboy and is a bit unhinged when it comes to Sage. Their families have known each other for a long time but there was definitely some things that happened that had kept them at odds with each other.

Sage's dad had warned Sage to keep away from the Rivers boys for a long time. She definitely did stay away but was friends with one brother and another, Kade, who she just couldn't stop seeing at her job. When something happens at her work between her and her boyfriend, suddenly she seems to be caught in Kade's vicinity more and more.

Sage and Kade are explosive together and was here for every second of it. Kade with his dirty talk and unbelievable hotness and a Possessive streak that just made me want more. Sage is such a strong FMC that has and had been through so much that anyone would break but she found a way to keep going.

Absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for more books on the other Rivers boys.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good lord!! So let me start off by saying READ YOUR TW!! These two together have definitely written some messed things and umm as much as I loved it, very easily others won’t. Okay so nothing EVER makes me visibly shutter but I need to create an award because this did it. Honestly I’ve read entirely more messed up things but let’s just say when I go home to visit my family, all the dairies and ranches I pass I will probably be looking at sideways. I basically grew up on a dairy that my friends family owned and there were certainly some people who creeped me out but now I wonder if they’re that messed up LOL. Yes cryptic I know but just means you need to read. Now Kade, man oh man do I want the real life version of him! He’s completely obsessed with Sage and you do not want to upset that girl unless you want to deal with Kade. I do need to give a shoutout to grandma Jo because she’s the real star of the show, although I’m a bit more terrified of her than Kade LOL. I cannot wait for the next book series!!

[BookishlyBroken · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off these two are my absolute favorite authors so when I found out they were writing a book together I was giddy with excitement and let me tell you they didn’t disappoint. Kade is the most unhinged, protective, sexy MMC I’ve come across in a while, he was absolute perfection. I need all my book boyfriends to be like him. Sage and Kade’s family are rival ranchers so told to not cross to the others side but what Sage doesn’t know is Kade has kept a watchful eye on her.

This book deals with heavy themes so make sure to read the traumas to make sure you’re well informed.

MF
Contemporary
Dark
Unaliver
Grief
Cowboy/ranchers
Touch her and die
Possessive MMC
Morally Grey
He falls first
Forbidden
Stalking

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series and this is Kade and Sage’s story.
These two are neighbors and from rival families, and Kade is an obsessed cowboy, who is attracted Sage, the girl next door.
This is a well written action packed story which has rival families, friendships, emotions, stalking, mystery, obsession, suspense, intrigue, touch her and die vibes, neighbors, close proximity, morally grey, humor, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable, thrilling dark romance.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75⭐️

this did exactly what it needed to do 🙂‍↔️🙂‍↕️

this man literally is the definition of touch her and you die and I ATE THIS UP.

Sage and Kade are from rival families and when Sage’s secrets come to life and Kade realizes she needs his help he takes makes into his own hands and keeps her safe and makes her his 😏😛

Read the TW pls because this is a dark cowboy romance!

- small town
- dark cowboy romance
- touch her & you die
- man obsessed
- stalking
- a man who would burn the world down for her
- upgrading from her shitty ex
- rival families
- men who deserve to die and it’s so much fun to watch it happen 🙂‍↔️🤭💃🏻

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by either of these authors and I found it via a book signing that I met Shauna Mairéad at and I devoured it on the train there lol
If you are looking for a cowboy read with a difference then this is the story for you!
Sage and Kade have family history that means that they cant interact with each other but that doesn't stop Kade watching Sage from a distance and being her protector when she least expects it.
If you want... touch her and die vibes with some hot characters and a sprinkling of secy scenes then what are you waiting for.. read this book asap!
*Read as part of KU*

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I'm so excited these two authors wrote a book together! A dark, cowboy romance, with a protective (& obsessed) MMC and a FMC going through some personal battles.

I was hooked on this book from page one, and loved it! Kade was slightly unhinged but also would do anything for Sage. Anything...

She'd suffered at the hands of those around her, but finally had allies, in the family on the ranch nextdoor.

Grandma Jo was a surprising but awesome addition. I loved her.

I'm so looking forward to Rhett's book!

[Erica Cassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to be chosen to arc read this book and I rated it:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5

Wait in the Truck is a dark cowboy romance and is based around our MC's Sage & Kade.. Sage is a victim of abuse from both her boyfriend and father until Kade steps in and vows to protect her.

The story gave Us:
-a cowboy with a dirty mouth
-who done this to you
-stalker
-obsessed MMC
-forbidden love
-DV/SA
-unaliving

I loved this book and literally couldn't put it down!! The story was just amazing and I 100% recommend.

This book has some heavy content so please check your trigger warnings!!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been wanting to read this since Leila first teased it, and it was so dang good.

Unhinged dark cowboy, who will unalive for his girl... say less.

Kade and Sage are supposed to hate each other because of a family fued, but he's been obsessed with her since high school. That obsession however turned into something bigger after Sage was hurt.

There are a few scenes that will honestly live rent free in my brain forever. Make sure to read the triggers on this one. I can't say much for fear of giving away spoilers but this was so good. I'm excited for more in this series, and more of grandma Jo, because she's a queen!

[(betts) ⚜ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐ / 3🌶️
[📱] ebook

— vibezz
🐎 rival families
🌼 small town/ranches setting
🐎 forbidden attraction
🌼 hurt/comfort
🐎 unhinged mmc

mini blurb — ✍🏻
Between Sage and Kade's families there's always been a feud, however Kade's obsession with Sage reaches a point where he can't deny himself anymore and when she needs him the most he's right there to save her.

//

** SPOILERS BELOW**

get you a cowboy that he's willing to smash your abusive ex's face into the hot stove, bury him in his backyard and dispose of your father's drunk abusive ass first in the wood chipper and then spray him on the field as a potato compost



oh, no regrets whatsoever

[Samantha Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn! I really enjoyed this book! I loved how Kade called Sage ‘Wildflower’. It was so interesting to read a dark cowboy romance from Leila and Shauna! I loved the spice between these two. This book was really fast paced. I really enjoyed the way Kade was so protective of her and was willing to do anything to protect her and save her. I’m definitely curious about their family history and to see what happens next.

[Kellie Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMFG!!! Where can I find myself a Kade? Was he stalkerish? Yes, but he saved Sage from getting hurt. Did he extreme violent tendencies? Again yes, but again he was protecting Sage from getting hurt. Did he ever do anything to hurt Sage? No, he was gentle, loving and protective all the time. He was everything she needed. Kade loved her, his goal was to have her love him too.
Plot⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ spice🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Kade🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
Sage lives on Lilac Meadows Ranch with her father (an alcoholic and absolutely terrible man) who hates the neighboring ranch Black River Ranch. She isn’t to talk to the Rivers’ brothers at all. One, Rhett, does vet work on her ranch so she does speak to him.
This whole twist and turn, secrets are revealed, I’m going to get the girl of my dreams cowboy romance starts off in as any good story in a bar. She’s serving drinks, gets hit on, her drunk boyfriend, Toby, gets out of hand and by laying hands on her in an abusive manner and the River brothers throw him out. Kade stays behind to keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn’t deal with Toby in the bar again and plans to walk her to her truck.
Read the triggers because you may want them but also because they were wrote “chef’s kiss” awesome!
I can’t wait for the next book!

[Jennifer Weatherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you thought you couldn’t find a really dark romance book, Shauna and Leila shows up and says, “hold my beer.”

This book was full of suspense, spice, laughter, and did I mention it was full of spice?
I love how protective Kade is of Sage and he will do anything, and I mean ANYTHING for her. Even some dark, twisted things.
Now the grandmother, she’s a hoot!!! She’s my fave character besides Kade, Sage, and Rhett.
Now, this book has many triggers and not one made me run for the hills. Something must be wrong with me.
Can’t wait to read Rhett’s book!!

Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Touch her and d*e
Possessive MMC
Cowboy romance
Small town romance

I received an ARC for this.

[Terrie Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a minute but I did enjoy the ride. The brothers were so lovable. She got on my last nerve a couple of times but made up for it. Love Grandma Jo!! The woman knows how to handle those boys and help them. I would recommend this book for any dark romance readers.

[Kat Schumacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wait in the truck…. The title is very fitting for the opening in this book. I read it in one sitting, couldn’t put it down! Sage and Kade are perfect for each other. Sometimes i pondered about his brother Rhett…… has a lot of ups and downs. Overall worth the read. Can’t wait to read the next book