Heart of Stone: A Dark Cowboy Romance

Wounded Hearts #3

by R. Collins

Dr. Kennedy was as normal as any professor I’d had before. Until he found out my secret. Friday night changed my life, and when I got home, I wished I was dead. Then I realized I wanted revenge. I found out quickly I was wrong about Dr. Kennedy. He’s just as screwed up as I am. Maybe more. Definitely more. I mean, the man agreed to kill my boyfriend, and he’s already planning on who to take out next. All I have to do in exchange is work on his farm and be his perfect little pet in his room that he used to share with his dead wife. His wife who he killed. This is my life now. A former student turned killer whose accomplice is her teacher. Her teacher who has promised to get rid of her enemies and keep her name clear. All I can hope is that I’m lucky enough to make it out of this alive.

424 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2025

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

[A P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is insane in the best way possible. Dark, twisted, and absolutely impossible to put down. Willa is such a unique FMC—not just a damsel in distress but someone with her own morally grey tendencies. She’s on the verge of making some life-alteringly crazy choices when Dallas catches her in the act and flips the script. What follows is a wild, dangerous, and incredibly sexy game of power and revenge. Despite their turbulent start, Willa and Dallas evolve into one of the most heartfelt and devoted couples, and there is nothing this man wouldn’t do for her.

Speaking of Dallas—what a character. His introduction is hands-down the darkest in the entire trilogy (you’ll see what I mean on page one), but the contrast between his brutal nature and how soft he is with Willa makes for one of the most compelling MMCs I’ve read. He’s terrifying, but he’s also the most devoted and sweet partner in the series, and the way he helps Willa heal? 🫠

The plot is a nonstop rollercoaster—action-packed, intense, and with an incredibly satisfying conclusion. No spoilers, but let’s just say every villain gets what’s coming to them, and then some. Definitely check your triggers before diving in, but if you’re good to go, this story does not disappoint.

And let’s talk about the spice—like the entire trilogy, it’s a 10/10🌶️ situation. This book does not hold back. If you’ve made it this far in the series, you know what you’re getting into, and it delivers in every way. Expect sexy role-play, backdoor adventures, and a hell of a lot of spice.

Don’t walk—run to the Wounded Hearts trilogy and experience this madness for yourself!

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Her Best!

Dallas notices something is off with his favorite student so he decides to check it out and what he finds changes their lives and relationship forever.

I think this might be my favorite R. Collins book. I haven’t read Colt’s story but I read Gunner’s and I think Dallas is a lot sweeter and nicer (if one can be in a dark romance) than the other heroes. I was team Dallas from page 1.
I liked Willa and felt for her. Sometimes I was shaking my head at her then I remember she’s only 21.

If you’re familiar with this author’s work, then you know there’s going yo be taboo topics and trigger warnings abound.

Either way, check this one out!

[CLorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart of Stone: A Dark Cowboy Romance by R. Collins ends her series, Wounded Hearts, on a high note. The story follows Dallas Kennedy, renaissance man. Dallas is a rancher, college professor and hitman! Time has passed and his other two brothers, Colt and Gunner, are thriving with their young families. As the story opens, Dallas is the process of stepping away from his heinous wife in the most permanent way possible. However, before he can even begin to enjoy his freedom, he notices that his favorite student is acting strangely. Could her unusual behavior be related to the disappearance of her boyfriend? Inquiring minds want to know! When Dallas discovers Willa Grace’s secret, he swoops in to untangle the situation Willa is in using his particular skill set. However, his assistance comes with a price AND a contract. Willa and Dallas embark on a raucous and hilariously executed path of vengeance and healing. Again Ms. Collins gives her overtly violent heroes kind hearts and pure souls and that contrast makes reading fun. Willa is innocent and fearful but doesn’t let her trauma consume her. Of the dark cowboys, Gunner is still my favorite, but Dallas comes a close second.

Favorite Lines

“I told you I’m sorry. What more do you want? My liver”

“I’m a mess, Dallas. I hardly know who I am and I don’t know where I’m going. I’m damaged and I’m scared of everything.”

“I still want you. I want your mess, Willa. Your damage. I don’t know where the hell I’m going either. We can both be lost together.”

“Willa’s my North Star. If I’m lost, she’s where I’m turning to.”

[b ˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

what a perfect ending to this trilogy! i think book 2 is my favorite, but all of these messed up & amazing characters hold such a beautiful place in my heart. willa & Dallas are SO sexy and obviously made for each other. i wish we could've seen more of their love unfold, but it's insinuated from the beginning that Dallas would do anything and everything to protect her/his love for her. this story gave me butterflies multiple times & i am so excited to let these characters live rent free in my head forever!

this is a DARK romance trilogy--please look up TWs if you want to read!???

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ This author has a very addictive writing style. I literally finished this in one day and couldn’t put it down! I really enjoyed this as the final book in the series. Wila is my favourite FMC. She did what she had to do to her loser boyfriend and his friends, and I’m not mad about it. Dallas is such a sweet hero and definitely the best of the three. I really liked this. The only reason it’s a 4 star instead of a 5 is that it reads a bit cheesy and cringy at times 😬

[Zombie Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m hooked . Chapter one is a banger of an opening. RC’s writing is just so good and each story gets better and better.