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The Trauma Bonded #1
For Fillies and Monsters
“Loving a monster is madness; it is no easy task, and not as simple as just loving them. Loving a monster is to be consumed by them—pliant enough to weather the storm, and strong enough to fight back.”
Stetson
I am good at being alone—the best really. You don’t have to rely on anyone, don’t have to apologize when they feel like you’ve messed up, don’t have to forgive them when they inevitably let you down…being alone is better. But I’ve never really been completely alone; my demons keep me company in the darkest hours of the night. And even though I’m comfortable being alone, I also want to believe bad people get happy endings—the house, the horses, and the man waiting to tie me up when I misbehave. But now that I’m here, surrounded by the eerie silence of my family’s deserted ranch, with the weight of miles of fence to fix and the ghosts of my past lurking behind me at every turn, a happy ending feels farther away than ever. I need help, but where do I turn?
Augustus
I’m used to living in the shadows—the shadows of my older brother’s expectations, the shadows of my inner demons, and the shadows of her apartment building. But I’m tired of hiding. As a retired bronc rider, it’s time to start fresh and Moztecha, Texas feels like just the place to do that. Lucky for me, a desperate yet determined, blonde-haired vixen has a ranch that needs fixing up, and she just stumbled into my path at the local feed store. Just. Like. I. Planned. Every cell in my body screams at me to consume her, devour her, destroy her—and that’s exactly what I plan to do. I will gladly burn the world to ash if anything keeps me from her; that includes her own dark demons.
“It takes a monster to love a monster.”
As Stetson and Gus navigate the tiresome Texas heat and their explosive sexual tension, they must decide what secrets are worth keeping, and just how far they are willing to go to brand themselves on the other’s heart. With the odds stacked against them, and eyes watching their every move, a happy ending seems farther and farther away…like a fire flickering in the distance.
Will the flame in their hearts come together, or will the Texas heat burn them, and everything they love, alive?
Stetson
I am good at being alone—the best really. You don’t have to rely on anyone, don’t have to apologize when they feel like you’ve messed up, don’t have to forgive them when they inevitably let you down…being alone is better. But I’ve never really been completely alone; my demons keep me company in the darkest hours of the night. And even though I’m comfortable being alone, I also want to believe bad people get happy endings—the house, the horses, and the man waiting to tie me up when I misbehave. But now that I’m here, surrounded by the eerie silence of my family’s deserted ranch, with the weight of miles of fence to fix and the ghosts of my past lurking behind me at every turn, a happy ending feels farther away than ever. I need help, but where do I turn?
Augustus
I’m used to living in the shadows—the shadows of my older brother’s expectations, the shadows of my inner demons, and the shadows of her apartment building. But I’m tired of hiding. As a retired bronc rider, it’s time to start fresh and Moztecha, Texas feels like just the place to do that. Lucky for me, a desperate yet determined, blonde-haired vixen has a ranch that needs fixing up, and she just stumbled into my path at the local feed store. Just. Like. I. Planned. Every cell in my body screams at me to consume her, devour her, destroy her—and that’s exactly what I plan to do. I will gladly burn the world to ash if anything keeps me from her; that includes her own dark demons.
“It takes a monster to love a monster.”
As Stetson and Gus navigate the tiresome Texas heat and their explosive sexual tension, they must decide what secrets are worth keeping, and just how far they are willing to go to brand themselves on the other’s heart. With the odds stacked against them, and eyes watching their every move, a happy ending seems farther and farther away…like a fire flickering in the distance.
Will the flame in their hearts come together, or will the Texas heat burn them, and everything they love, alive?
450 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2025
80 people are currently reading
1103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
February 13, 2025
If this is the first book from Landyn Hill, I cannot wait to see what she does next! I was truly hooked right from the start and it was hard to get my nose out of this book until I hobbled through the finish line.
I would peg this book as a cross between Pam Godwin's Trails of Sin series and Lights Out by Navessa Allen. I'm not trying to overhype it, by any means, but more to give you a heads up of the type of content you are in for. Which is: Anything Goes. The tone definitely leans more towards Pam Godwin, but the stalker with lots of kinks leans into Lights Out.
Stetson, the heroine, has a lot stacked against her. Trying to run her family ranch, which is haunted by abuse and bad memories while going up against people who want her out of town. She's short on cash and desperate to keep her head above water. I really felt for her.
Gus, our hero, is a professional bronc Rider turned full time stalker of Stetson? Truly.. what else was he doing besides haunting her every step? Anyway, we'll get back to that. He's her long-term stalker, who after watching her for years, finally makes himself known when he gets a job helping her on her ranch. In the day time, he's crude, rude, and a bit mean to Stetson. But she... must like that? Because she keeps him around and he uses his proximity to her to wedge himself deeper into her life.
There was also a heavy suspense element due to the people in town who are holding grudges against her. There is also plenty of trauma to go around and we deal with PTSD quite a bit. The author did include a full intro with TWs, so I won't over-list them here, but this book had a LOT going on.
A few final things I struggled with were the length of this story. It drug on and on... I think the hate in this hate-to-love, well, hate on Stetson's part, faux hate on Gus' side, went on for too long. And the romance part took too long to start. There wasn't much intimacy (outside of non-consensual things) that happened before a looonnnggg ways into this book. So when you see the kink list, just remember it's because of variety, not quantity. Which is absolutely fine, just an odd choice.
There was a lot of meat on these bones though, and I do look forward to watching this author for more.
4 stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: Again, author lists them all, but a few that I'm sensitive to are: Harm to animals, murder, child abuse, spousal abuse, Non-Con by MC, and more.
*Thank you to Luna Literary Management and the author for an ARC of this title.*
I would peg this book as a cross between Pam Godwin's Trails of Sin series and Lights Out by Navessa Allen. I'm not trying to overhype it, by any means, but more to give you a heads up of the type of content you are in for. Which is: Anything Goes. The tone definitely leans more towards Pam Godwin, but the stalker with lots of kinks leans into Lights Out.
Stetson, the heroine, has a lot stacked against her. Trying to run her family ranch, which is haunted by abuse and bad memories while going up against people who want her out of town. She's short on cash and desperate to keep her head above water. I really felt for her.
Gus, our hero, is a professional bronc Rider turned full time stalker of Stetson? Truly.. what else was he doing besides haunting her every step? Anyway, we'll get back to that. He's her long-term stalker, who after watching her for years, finally makes himself known when he gets a job helping her on her ranch. In the day time, he's crude, rude, and a bit mean to Stetson. But she... must like that? Because she keeps him around and he uses his proximity to her to wedge himself deeper into her life.
There was also a heavy suspense element due to the people in town who are holding grudges against her. There is also plenty of trauma to go around and we deal with PTSD quite a bit. The author did include a full intro with TWs, so I won't over-list them here, but this book had a LOT going on.
A few final things I struggled with were the length of this story. It drug on and on... I think the hate in this hate-to-love, well, hate on Stetson's part, faux hate on Gus' side, went on for too long. And the romance part took too long to start. There wasn't much intimacy (outside of non-consensual things) that happened before a looonnnggg ways into this book. So when you see the kink list, just remember it's because of variety, not quantity. Which is absolutely fine, just an odd choice.
There was a lot of meat on these bones though, and I do look forward to watching this author for more.
4 stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: Again, author lists them all, but a few that I'm sensitive to are: Harm to animals, murder, child abuse, spousal abuse, Non-Con by MC, and more.
*Thank you to Luna Literary Management and the author for an ARC of this title.*
February 15, 2025
Thank you to Landyn Hill and Luna Literary Management for sending me a free copy of For Fillies and Monster in exchange for my honest review.
Tropes :
- Cowboy romance
- Small town
- She's his boss
- Stalker
- Obsessed MMC
- Mention of past abuse
I really enjoyed the author's writing style, and I quickly became fond of Gus (the MMC). His backstory and personality were both captivating and interesting. However, I struggled to connect with the FMC. While she's supposed to be super sassy, her strong personality often felt forced and unnatural.
The small-town/cowboy elements were done perfectly. If you're looking for a darker take on this genre, this book delivers.
Despite the spicy scenes being extremely hot, I wouldn’t describe the book as smutty. It's quite long, with only a few spicy scenes, so if you're expecting spice every few chapters, you might be disappointed. For me, that didn’t bother me at all, but it’s worth mentioning because I feel like the book sounds like it should be extremely smutty.
Both characters are deeply broken, dealing with their own personal issues, and I think the author addressed these well. I also liked the tension between them, but I felt like they lacked some chemistry. This might be because Gus has been obsessively stalking her for 10 years. We hear about his feelings and obsession, but once they meet, he doesn't really act obsessively (when they're together) for a good portion of the book. I’m not even sure if I would describe this as a slow burn or a fast burn romance lol
I did enjoy the stalker trope, though. Despite what I mentioned above, the fact that Gus had been stalking her for 10 years added an interesting layer to his POVs and made him feel realistically crazy (in a good way)
Overall, I didn’t really care for the FMC, but I loved Gus. I would have preferred either more of his POVs or even having the book told by his POV only. If you like dark romance with a crazy, obsessive, and unrealistically loyal MMC, then Gus will be a character you’ll love too!
Tropes :
- Cowboy romance
- Small town
- She's his boss
- Stalker
- Obsessed MMC
- Mention of past abuse
I really enjoyed the author's writing style, and I quickly became fond of Gus (the MMC). His backstory and personality were both captivating and interesting. However, I struggled to connect with the FMC. While she's supposed to be super sassy, her strong personality often felt forced and unnatural.
The small-town/cowboy elements were done perfectly. If you're looking for a darker take on this genre, this book delivers.
Despite the spicy scenes being extremely hot, I wouldn’t describe the book as smutty. It's quite long, with only a few spicy scenes, so if you're expecting spice every few chapters, you might be disappointed. For me, that didn’t bother me at all, but it’s worth mentioning because I feel like the book sounds like it should be extremely smutty.
Both characters are deeply broken, dealing with their own personal issues, and I think the author addressed these well. I also liked the tension between them, but I felt like they lacked some chemistry. This might be because Gus has been obsessively stalking her for 10 years. We hear about his feelings and obsession, but once they meet, he doesn't really act obsessively (when they're together) for a good portion of the book. I’m not even sure if I would describe this as a slow burn or a fast burn romance lol
I did enjoy the stalker trope, though. Despite what I mentioned above, the fact that Gus had been stalking her for 10 years added an interesting layer to his POVs and made him feel realistically crazy (in a good way)
Overall, I didn’t really care for the FMC, but I loved Gus. I would have preferred either more of his POVs or even having the book told by his POV only. If you like dark romance with a crazy, obsessive, and unrealistically loyal MMC, then Gus will be a character you’ll love too!
February 25, 2025
I was very impressed by this debut from Landyn! I am giving it a solid 4.5 stars. I literally read the whole thing last night. I wanted to get to a part where Stetson and Gus were involved in the current time and just got sucked in. I read another review claim there are Lights Out vibes in this one- which I totally agree. I appreciated how Landyn addressed the TWs for this book. There are a LOT of heavy topics, but I thought she did a great job navigating her characters through them. The only reason I didn't give this one full star was that I felt like it took a little too long for me to connect with Stetson. She was at war with herself for what she wanted vs what was considered normal. And she was a tad bit too hot and cold for my liking. HOWEVER I will say that reading the twist with her at the end helped give SOME clarity on why she had been acting so withdrawn towards the end. This woman was a fighter. She didn't give up. She swallowed her pride and asked for help KIND OF. And she liked things a little different than would be considered normal in the bedroom. Enter Augustus. The man who has been stalking her from a far for YEARS. The man who I somehow found romantic while also unhinged. The man who knew what he wanted and how his life was going to be for years. I enjoyed watching these two around each other. I had a hard time with Gus's gruffness at the beginning but got a better understanding when he was like how am I supposed to talk to the girl like I don't know her when I know EVERYTHING about her. These two had been through so much, and I really enjoyed watching them be unhinged together.
Stetson has somehow found herself in the one place she said she would never return. Her childhood home. The ranch that Gibson (her stepdad of sorts) ruined. The ranch that is somehow now hers. The one that is in shambles. But Stetson is determined to make this work. She is determined to be strong and survive. She enjoys reconnecting with her BF from high school. She didn't stay in touch after she ran away. She is not used to asking for help. But realizes she needs it when even Dale (her BF) says she does. And then Gus enters her life. He seems familiar to her but she can't quite place him. He offers to work for her in exchange for room and board. She can pay him at the end of the year. They get off on the wrong foot. All Stetson can think about is making moves with him. Showing him her monster. But she is his boss. They can't cross that line. So she distracts herself or tries. But he is just so hot and always there. He seems to be closing in on her like she is his prey. And she finally realizes she doesn't want to run from this thing within her anymore. She wants it to come out and play. And play they do. And it is explosive. Gus's brother tried to put a wedge between them but what he didn't know was what Stetson knew. She knew that Gus also had a monster. And now their monsters can play together. But then their bubble bursts when someone tries to take Stetson due to things from her past. Will Gus be able to save her in time? Will she be able to tell him how she really feels?
Augustus has known for 10 years who he is going to marry. He has followed her through thick and thin. He has watched her soar and recover and get strong. And he is in awe of her. He thinks she is ready for him now. So he worms his way onto her land as a ranch hand. The problem is- he doesn't know how to talk to her. She gets him all flustered. He is in this for the long haul but the closer he is to her the harder it is to restrain what he wants- HER. So he tries different tactics. Tries to find one that will stick. Tries to draw out her inner monster to play with his. And eventually he wears her down and she is EVERYTHING he remembers her to be. She is everything he still wants. And now they will have a future together. He just can't wait! But then tragedy strikes. And Gus will do everything in his power to protect Stetson and prove to everyone else what happens when they mess with her.
This was truly a great read! I just found myself wanting MORE and MORE. I wanted to see their monsters play together- and that was everything I wanted it to be. I liked watching Stetson finally recognize who she really was. I liked the added mystery and kind of suspense in this one too. I just felt like I was on the edge of my seat for more than one reason. I am wondering how many books will be in this series? I am thinking book 2 will be about Dale and Mateo and MAYBE we will get one about McCrae??
Thank you to Luna Literary and Landyn for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Stetson has somehow found herself in the one place she said she would never return. Her childhood home. The ranch that Gibson (her stepdad of sorts) ruined. The ranch that is somehow now hers. The one that is in shambles. But Stetson is determined to make this work. She is determined to be strong and survive. She enjoys reconnecting with her BF from high school. She didn't stay in touch after she ran away. She is not used to asking for help. But realizes she needs it when even Dale (her BF) says she does. And then Gus enters her life. He seems familiar to her but she can't quite place him. He offers to work for her in exchange for room and board. She can pay him at the end of the year. They get off on the wrong foot. All Stetson can think about is making moves with him. Showing him her monster. But she is his boss. They can't cross that line. So she distracts herself or tries. But he is just so hot and always there. He seems to be closing in on her like she is his prey. And she finally realizes she doesn't want to run from this thing within her anymore. She wants it to come out and play. And play they do. And it is explosive. Gus's brother tried to put a wedge between them but what he didn't know was what Stetson knew. She knew that Gus also had a monster. And now their monsters can play together. But then their bubble bursts when someone tries to take Stetson due to things from her past. Will Gus be able to save her in time? Will she be able to tell him how she really feels?
Augustus has known for 10 years who he is going to marry. He has followed her through thick and thin. He has watched her soar and recover and get strong. And he is in awe of her. He thinks she is ready for him now. So he worms his way onto her land as a ranch hand. The problem is- he doesn't know how to talk to her. She gets him all flustered. He is in this for the long haul but the closer he is to her the harder it is to restrain what he wants- HER. So he tries different tactics. Tries to find one that will stick. Tries to draw out her inner monster to play with his. And eventually he wears her down and she is EVERYTHING he remembers her to be. She is everything he still wants. And now they will have a future together. He just can't wait! But then tragedy strikes. And Gus will do everything in his power to protect Stetson and prove to everyone else what happens when they mess with her.
This was truly a great read! I just found myself wanting MORE and MORE. I wanted to see their monsters play together- and that was everything I wanted it to be. I liked watching Stetson finally recognize who she really was. I liked the added mystery and kind of suspense in this one too. I just felt like I was on the edge of my seat for more than one reason. I am wondering how many books will be in this series? I am thinking book 2 will be about Dale and Mateo and MAYBE we will get one about McCrae??
Thank you to Luna Literary and Landyn for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
February 27, 2025
Great debut novel! Thank you Luna Literary for the ARC.
Gothic cowboy romance with lots of trauma bonding. Stetson comes back to her small town to try and rebuild her mom’s ranch after tragedy struck.
This one had all the tropes
🤠 small town
🤠 forced proximity
🤠 stalker
🤠 dark romance
Just to name a few. This book had lots of plot twists and the spice was very well written. Can’t wait to keep reading this series. Cliffhanger at the end left me wanting more.
Gothic cowboy romance with lots of trauma bonding. Stetson comes back to her small town to try and rebuild her mom’s ranch after tragedy struck.
This one had all the tropes
🤠 small town
🤠 forced proximity
🤠 stalker
🤠 dark romance
Just to name a few. This book had lots of plot twists and the spice was very well written. Can’t wait to keep reading this series. Cliffhanger at the end left me wanting more.
February 6, 2025
• ARC REVIEW •
• FOR FILLIES AND MONSTERS: BY LANDYN HILL •
• STETSON & GUS •
•⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 •
First and foremost I want to thank Luna Literary and Landyn Hill for this ARC opportunity.
Where do I even start!? This is Landyns debut novel and he should be super proud! I really loved this book! It was my first sort of dark romance book and I devoured it! It’s nothing like I have read before but I’ll definitely be going back for more. Especially when it’s a cowboy romance! I loved the love, trauma and everything in between. I mean I knew what I was getting myself into when I read this book, but like I was soooo surprised, in such a good way!
This story follows Stetson, as she discovers her life after a super rough and traumatic one. But Stetson has a dark side, and a kinky one too. She moves back to the ranch she promised she would never return to run the ranch she was left. Gus happens to “need” a job and offers to help her get the ranch back up and running. He also has a dark side, a side that may eventually get the attention of the girl he has been waiting for, for 10 years.
- Duel POV
- Obsessive MMC
- Kinks
- She’s his boss
- Family drama
- Stalker
I will admit, it took me a little to get into the book , but once I did, I was hooked. I felt all the emotions reading this book! Landon’s way of capturing the emotions on the page was amazing.
Gus, oh my! I don’t think I have read about someone so obsessed with someone until now. He knew from the get go that he wanted Stetson, and he wasn’t going to stop until he got her. He would go above and beyond to keep her safe, happy and…. satisfied, who doesn’t want a guy like that!
Stetson! The things she has been through, no wonder she likes certain…. Things. I can’t imagine the terror, the fright she must have felt growing up. But she is so strong and determined she bought her life back bigger and better, and that part of the story, watching her grow and fight throughout was my favourite to read. I can’t image how she felt, knowing that there are people who care, who love her.
I can’t wait til see what Landyn has in store next and see the side characters also grow with Stetson and Gus.
#read #arcreview #bookreview #romance #darkromance #forfilliesandmonsters #landynhill #thetraumabondseries #gusandstetson
• FOR FILLIES AND MONSTERS: BY LANDYN HILL •
• STETSON & GUS •
•⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 •
First and foremost I want to thank Luna Literary and Landyn Hill for this ARC opportunity.
Where do I even start!? This is Landyns debut novel and he should be super proud! I really loved this book! It was my first sort of dark romance book and I devoured it! It’s nothing like I have read before but I’ll definitely be going back for more. Especially when it’s a cowboy romance! I loved the love, trauma and everything in between. I mean I knew what I was getting myself into when I read this book, but like I was soooo surprised, in such a good way!
This story follows Stetson, as she discovers her life after a super rough and traumatic one. But Stetson has a dark side, and a kinky one too. She moves back to the ranch she promised she would never return to run the ranch she was left. Gus happens to “need” a job and offers to help her get the ranch back up and running. He also has a dark side, a side that may eventually get the attention of the girl he has been waiting for, for 10 years.
- Duel POV
- Obsessive MMC
- Kinks
- She’s his boss
- Family drama
- Stalker
I will admit, it took me a little to get into the book , but once I did, I was hooked. I felt all the emotions reading this book! Landon’s way of capturing the emotions on the page was amazing.
Gus, oh my! I don’t think I have read about someone so obsessed with someone until now. He knew from the get go that he wanted Stetson, and he wasn’t going to stop until he got her. He would go above and beyond to keep her safe, happy and…. satisfied, who doesn’t want a guy like that!
Stetson! The things she has been through, no wonder she likes certain…. Things. I can’t imagine the terror, the fright she must have felt growing up. But she is so strong and determined she bought her life back bigger and better, and that part of the story, watching her grow and fight throughout was my favourite to read. I can’t image how she felt, knowing that there are people who care, who love her.
I can’t wait til see what Landyn has in store next and see the side characters also grow with Stetson and Gus.
#read #arcreview #bookreview #romance #darkromance #forfilliesandmonsters #landynhill #thetraumabondseries #gusandstetson
February 12, 2025
This was an incredible read! Landyn’s writing style had me hooked from the beginning. I loved seeing Stetson come in to her own and to watch her thrive was amazing, and Gus is swoon worthy with his growly personality and devotion for Stetson. I cannot wait for the rest of this series to be published!
February 21, 2025
2.5 stars. Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC.
This one was a bit of a weird reading experience for me. It started out promising, setting up some obsession/possession, stalking, dark pasts etc. But it falls apart.
First, I would argue that there's nothing "gothic" about this book. It's just a dark romance. And even then, it's not too dark in comparison to other's I've read. Gus goes on and on about how much of a monster he is - and he definitely is super stalkerish, but monstrous? Not really. I mean he beats up a few guys but that's like it? Even on the spicy side, there are a few moments where he alludes to super twisted things he wants to do to Stetson and honestly I don't feel like that ever happens outside of his stalking. So I guess up against the barometer of other dark romances, this didn't feel too dark to me.
Second, the middle of the book is a SLOG. There's just not enough outside structure outside of Gus and Stetson for any interesting plot. A character is introduced at like the 11th hour, that just feels cartoonish, to provide more tension but nothing really changes until like the last 50 pages. So the whole middle of the book is just super repetitive situations of sexual tension->arguing->sexual interaction->Stetson running away and questioning Gus' feelings (even though he's like super clear about them multiple times but that's another thing...). And it just repeats over and over. I love spice but even I got bored. There are also time jumps that aren’t always obvious (you have to pay attention to the specific dates in the chapter headers, it’s not like “5 years prior”, it’s a specific date) and I would have to backtrack to figure out where in the timeline I was.
Next, I honestly don't like Stetson much :/. Her character felt confusing to me. I just couldn't connect with her ultimately, nor see why Gus was so obsessed with her. There are also constant mentions of her insecurity about her friendship with Dale which, while I get how it was explaining Stetson's character, felt super repetitive in a book that already is repetitive.
Finally, it just all felt very unfinished? Again, there's very little plot outside of the central couple - there's Dale who we learn almost nothing about, there's Gus' brother whose weird threats never get explained or resolved, and there's the 11th hour character who just felt dropped in to have the ending climax. Because I just couldn't get into the central relationship, nothing really worked.
I think the author has skills and is a solid writer, but structure-wise, this didn't work for me.
This one was a bit of a weird reading experience for me. It started out promising, setting up some obsession/possession, stalking, dark pasts etc. But it falls apart.
First, I would argue that there's nothing "gothic" about this book. It's just a dark romance. And even then, it's not too dark in comparison to other's I've read. Gus goes on and on about how much of a monster he is - and he definitely is super stalkerish, but monstrous? Not really. I mean he beats up a few guys but that's like it? Even on the spicy side, there are a few moments where he alludes to super twisted things he wants to do to Stetson and honestly I don't feel like that ever happens outside of his stalking. So I guess up against the barometer of other dark romances, this didn't feel too dark to me.
Second, the middle of the book is a SLOG. There's just not enough outside structure outside of Gus and Stetson for any interesting plot. A character is introduced at like the 11th hour, that just feels cartoonish, to provide more tension but nothing really changes until like the last 50 pages. So the whole middle of the book is just super repetitive situations of sexual tension->arguing->sexual interaction->Stetson running away and questioning Gus' feelings (even though he's like super clear about them multiple times but that's another thing...). And it just repeats over and over. I love spice but even I got bored. There are also time jumps that aren’t always obvious (you have to pay attention to the specific dates in the chapter headers, it’s not like “5 years prior”, it’s a specific date) and I would have to backtrack to figure out where in the timeline I was.
Next, I honestly don't like Stetson much :/. Her character felt confusing to me. I just couldn't connect with her ultimately, nor see why Gus was so obsessed with her. There are also constant mentions of her insecurity about her friendship with Dale which, while I get how it was explaining Stetson's character, felt super repetitive in a book that already is repetitive.
Finally, it just all felt very unfinished? Again, there's very little plot outside of the central couple - there's Dale who we learn almost nothing about, there's Gus' brother whose weird threats never get explained or resolved, and there's the 11th hour character who just felt dropped in to have the ending climax. Because I just couldn't get into the central relationship, nothing really worked.
I think the author has skills and is a solid writer, but structure-wise, this didn't work for me.
February 5, 2025
Oh my! This is not your cliche cutesy cowboy romance. This is DARK. What a debut! Yes we have allll the cowboy aesthetic but add in a highly obsessed masked stalker and incredibly depraved sexual interests. HIGHLY recommend!
“I don’t believe in love at first sight; that sh*t is for f*ckers who write poetry and dance under the stars naked.”
“I will know every single thing about her. I will go to the ends of the world to find her. And when I do, I will brand my name into her heart.”
“Loving a monster is to be consumed by them—pliant enough to weather the storm and strong enough to fight back.”
“You aren’t touching yourself are you? I will break those fingers if they go near my p*ssy again.”
“I don’t believe in love at first sight; that sh*t is for f*ckers who write poetry and dance under the stars naked.”
“I will know every single thing about her. I will go to the ends of the world to find her. And when I do, I will brand my name into her heart.”
“Loving a monster is to be consumed by them—pliant enough to weather the storm and strong enough to fight back.”
“You aren’t touching yourself are you? I will break those fingers if they go near my p*ssy again.”
February 21, 2025
The reason this book wasn't 5 stars for me personally is for a few reasons.
One reason is simply because some of the dialogue and inner monologue sounded too formal. It needed more contractions instead of constantly spelling out "I am, we are, you are, etc," which just isn't how people talk these days. That, to me, was distracting.
Additionally, I feel like we needed more background regarding Gus' past and his relationship with his brother. Yes, his parents died tragically and his brother took over caring for him, but I wanted more background and more interaction between the two to explain their toxic relationship.
We were also missing some information about Gus throughout the book, I felt. He never shared what was in his box of “personal items” with Stetson. Though it was implied, I feel like we needed more when it came to Stetson discovering who Gus really was…
One last thing I noticed was I didn't quite feel the spark between Gus and Stetson until almost the very end. And yes, I know this was a slow burn. But even when reading a slow burn, I usually still feel the connection and chemistry between the characters before they do the deed. Gus and Stetson just seemed to "hate" one another for so long that it interfered with their connection.
Again, these are just my personal opinions.
Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
One reason is simply because some of the dialogue and inner monologue sounded too formal. It needed more contractions instead of constantly spelling out "I am, we are, you are, etc," which just isn't how people talk these days. That, to me, was distracting.
Additionally, I feel like we needed more background regarding Gus' past and his relationship with his brother. Yes, his parents died tragically and his brother took over caring for him, but I wanted more background and more interaction between the two to explain their toxic relationship.
We were also missing some information about Gus throughout the book, I felt. He never shared what was in his box of “personal items” with Stetson. Though it was implied, I feel like we needed more when it came to Stetson discovering who Gus really was…
One last thing I noticed was I didn't quite feel the spark between Gus and Stetson until almost the very end. And yes, I know this was a slow burn. But even when reading a slow burn, I usually still feel the connection and chemistry between the characters before they do the deed. Gus and Stetson just seemed to "hate" one another for so long that it interfered with their connection.
Again, these are just my personal opinions.
Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 17, 2025
Hot, brooding, obsessed stalker, cowboy - Say Less, I'm in.
For Fillies and Monsters follows 2 beautifully Broken souls in Stetson and Gus set on a dilapidated ranch, much like these 2 MC's the ranch is run down and needs some love and attention to bring it back.
Stetson is a boss bitch, literally & figuratively. It's her ranch left to her by estranged parents. She left them and the ranch 10 years ago and never looked back. Her childhood was full of trauma, and that sh*t leaves scars.
Gus has his own demons. His parents died when we he was young, and he was in the care of his older brother who seems to hate him and doesn't hide it.
When Gus finds Stetson, he is obsessed, he must have her, but she is still young and lost. She isnt ready for him like he is for her, so Gus stays in the shadows biding his time but always watching.
The tension between them is palpable, the slow burn will have you edging just waiting for that moment when Stetson will finally break.
Amazing especially considering it is a debut novel, I was drawn into the side characters story and now I can't wait to see if we get Dale's story. Girl is damaged but WHYYY
As always check your triggers this one has some dark themes and some hot kinky sh*t 😝
For Fillies and Monsters follows 2 beautifully Broken souls in Stetson and Gus set on a dilapidated ranch, much like these 2 MC's the ranch is run down and needs some love and attention to bring it back.
Stetson is a boss bitch, literally & figuratively. It's her ranch left to her by estranged parents. She left them and the ranch 10 years ago and never looked back. Her childhood was full of trauma, and that sh*t leaves scars.
Gus has his own demons. His parents died when we he was young, and he was in the care of his older brother who seems to hate him and doesn't hide it.
When Gus finds Stetson, he is obsessed, he must have her, but she is still young and lost. She isnt ready for him like he is for her, so Gus stays in the shadows biding his time but always watching.
The tension between them is palpable, the slow burn will have you edging just waiting for that moment when Stetson will finally break.
Amazing especially considering it is a debut novel, I was drawn into the side characters story and now I can't wait to see if we get Dale's story. Girl is damaged but WHYYY
As always check your triggers this one has some dark themes and some hot kinky sh*t 😝
February 2, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ but rounding to 4!
An epic dedication. But I knew it was going to be good when I had highlights in the content warnings 😅
Stetson is a paradox. She is equal parts tough bitch and vulnerable.
Gus…obsessive cowboy stalker? Say less, sir.
I don’t think you would ever be able to tell this was a debut novel.
If you enjoy dark gothic western vibe with a cowboy stalker ranch hand and a sassy rancher boss bitch, this is for you!
gothic western
cowboy
rancher
trauma
Sassy fmc
stalker mmc
bratty banter
ex bronc rider
secret shrine of tattoos for her
rope restraints
barn bang
good girl
dirty talk
kink clerb
two person love triangle
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for sending the eArc!
An epic dedication. But I knew it was going to be good when I had highlights in the content warnings 😅
Stetson is a paradox. She is equal parts tough bitch and vulnerable.
Gus…obsessive cowboy stalker? Say less, sir.
I don’t think you would ever be able to tell this was a debut novel.
If you enjoy dark gothic western vibe with a cowboy stalker ranch hand and a sassy rancher boss bitch, this is for you!
gothic western
cowboy
rancher
trauma
Sassy fmc
stalker mmc
bratty banter
ex bronc rider
secret shrine of tattoos for her
rope restraints
barn bang
good girl
dirty talk
kink clerb
two person love triangle
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for sending the eArc!
February 17, 2025
Thank you so much Landyn for letting me be an arc for this book!
A dark cowboy romance?! Omg yes please! I devoured this book and loved every second of it.
I loved how dark and twisty this was. The whole story line was phenomenal from start to finish.
Stetson was one of the best fmc! Such badass! Never taking anyone’s shit!
I love how dark Gus was and how much he loved Stetson. 🥹 the lengths he went to, to be with her!
The epilogue was so hot! I couldn’t get enough of it!
Can’t wait for the next book as I need to know what happened!!! Can’t believe Landyn left it like that 😭😭
A dark cowboy romance?! Omg yes please! I devoured this book and loved every second of it.
I loved how dark and twisty this was. The whole story line was phenomenal from start to finish.
Stetson was one of the best fmc! Such badass! Never taking anyone’s shit!
I love how dark Gus was and how much he loved Stetson. 🥹 the lengths he went to, to be with her!
The epilogue was so hot! I couldn’t get enough of it!
Can’t wait for the next book as I need to know what happened!!! Can’t believe Landyn left it like that 😭😭
February 5, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Gus x Stetson
Small town cowboy 🤠
Dark
Kinks 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Obsessive MMC
Sassy FMC
She’s the boss
Suspense
Stalker
Tattoos
This was a debut novel.
And I commend writing a book that’s a little bit different than what’s already out in the world.
It was just too wordy for me. I may have started skimming the inner dialogue the last half.
Arc review ✨
Gus x Stetson
Small town cowboy 🤠
Dark
Kinks 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Obsessive MMC
Sassy FMC
She’s the boss
Suspense
Stalker
Tattoos
This was a debut novel.
And I commend writing a book that’s a little bit different than what’s already out in the world.
It was just too wordy for me. I may have started skimming the inner dialogue the last half.
Arc review ✨
February 3, 2025
What a Debut novel!
If you’re into morally grey, obsessed cowboys… and an FMC who’s tarnished by trauma but strong as hell.. this book is for you!
Gus is a man obsessed with Stetson. His love for her knows no bounds and he goes above and beyond anything to make sure she is safe.. For a long time she doesn’t realise how entwined their lives are- she fights her attraction to him and the sense that he knows her better than herself until all of the sexual tension comes to a head and then let’s just say it denotes in the most delicious way!
Landyns writing is poetic and beautiful.. her descriptions of Gus’s desperation for Stetson are incredible throughout.. when I say he’s obsessed- he really is!
Stetson learns through Gus that it’s ok to have a darker side, to accept you are different and that they are in fact both attracted to the darkness in each other. She grows incredibly throughout the story and realises that there are people that care about her and her safety, despite her feeling worthless for most of her life, that’s to
Her so called father.
I’m so intrigued about the side characters Dale and Mateo and I’m hoping they get a book next!
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you’re into morally grey, obsessed cowboys… and an FMC who’s tarnished by trauma but strong as hell.. this book is for you!
Gus is a man obsessed with Stetson. His love for her knows no bounds and he goes above and beyond anything to make sure she is safe.. For a long time she doesn’t realise how entwined their lives are- she fights her attraction to him and the sense that he knows her better than herself until all of the sexual tension comes to a head and then let’s just say it denotes in the most delicious way!
Landyns writing is poetic and beautiful.. her descriptions of Gus’s desperation for Stetson are incredible throughout.. when I say he’s obsessed- he really is!
Stetson learns through Gus that it’s ok to have a darker side, to accept you are different and that they are in fact both attracted to the darkness in each other. She grows incredibly throughout the story and realises that there are people that care about her and her safety, despite her feeling worthless for most of her life, that’s to
Her so called father.
I’m so intrigued about the side characters Dale and Mateo and I’m hoping they get a book next!
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
February 3, 2025
What a wild ride! We meet Stetson on her 18th birthday. We learn about her troubled home life and her plan to get away. That same day, she runs into bronc rider, Gus. He becomes obsessed but she's leaving town to get away and doesn't let him get close. Over the next 10 years, Gus has always been there in the background, watching and letting her grow. Waiting for the right time for them to be together. When her father unalives her mom and disappears, she comes home to take one the cattle ranch. Ends up hiring Gus but doesn't realize who he is. Over time, they slowly open up to each other. When a part of her past comes back to haunt her, Gus does what he can to protect her.
January 12, 2025
For Fillies and Monsters is Landyn’s debut novel and what a debut novel it was. To say I’m obsessed would be an understatement.
Landyn’s writing is so powerful and captivating that it will hit you hard and you will feel every single word tugging at your soul. This book had me questioning every single one of my morals and wishing for my very own monster to be lurking in the shadows. I felt like I was constantly being teased and stripped bare, pushing me right to the edge with no release just waiting for Gus and Stetson to rip each other’s clothes off. Stetson’s dirty dirty inner dialogue will have you squirming in your seat and fighting for release that only Gus will be able to provide. These two are both walking red flags and I have never loved the colour red more than I do now after reading this book. They’re broken and flawed monsters beyond measure who love each other in their own way and I wouldn’t want them any other way. To say Gus is obsessed with Stetson would be an understatement, he’s been loving her from afar for 10 long years just waiting and lurking. Despite their pasts and their very twisted ways they love each other and don’t want each other to change but to embrace themselves and their darkness. I was not expecting the twist that was thrown right in my face but I’m not even remotely disappointed by it.
Landyn’s writing is so powerful and captivating that it will hit you hard and you will feel every single word tugging at your soul. This book had me questioning every single one of my morals and wishing for my very own monster to be lurking in the shadows. I felt like I was constantly being teased and stripped bare, pushing me right to the edge with no release just waiting for Gus and Stetson to rip each other’s clothes off. Stetson’s dirty dirty inner dialogue will have you squirming in your seat and fighting for release that only Gus will be able to provide. These two are both walking red flags and I have never loved the colour red more than I do now after reading this book. They’re broken and flawed monsters beyond measure who love each other in their own way and I wouldn’t want them any other way. To say Gus is obsessed with Stetson would be an understatement, he’s been loving her from afar for 10 long years just waiting and lurking. Despite their pasts and their very twisted ways they love each other and don’t want each other to change but to embrace themselves and their darkness. I was not expecting the twist that was thrown right in my face but I’m not even remotely disappointed by it.
February 8, 2025
For Fillies And Monsters is a beautifully written novel with beautifully broken characters. Stetson and Augustus’s love story is one that is captivating full of love, flaws, and traumas. It reminds you that every piece of you broken and all is worth loving! In the last ten years Augustus Dobbs has been there lurking in shadows biding his time from afar never once questioning his love for her. Stetson is a fiercely brave independent women with strength that’s incredibly admirable. You can’t help but fall in love with Stetson and Gus. Landyn takes you on a journey like no other. And In the words of Augustus Dobbs you will “Beg” for more!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So grateful to have been able to read For Fillies And Monster! Landyn congratulates on your debut! I can’t wait for everyone else to read about Stetson and Augustus story!
January 13, 2025
If you’re sugar no spice and vanilla this is not the book for you. Do not read. Step away this is not the book for you. And that’s ok. But if you dare to be bold triggered and pleasured. Well then here you go.
To be seen and unashamed!!! Is an understatement!!!
Landyn leaves you feeling used & abused and craving aching for more. Has you second guessing if you’ve settled in love. And questioning just how dark your own lust and desire can go. 🥵🔥❤️🔥
To be seen and unashamed!!! Is an understatement!!!
Landyn leaves you feeling used & abused and craving aching for more. Has you second guessing if you’ve settled in love. And questioning just how dark your own lust and desire can go. 🥵🔥❤️🔥
January 9, 2025
Hot, obsessive, dominant cowboy? YES PLEASE🥵
The spice scenes were so hot and the relationship between Stetson and Gus is everything. Can not WAIT for the next book!
The spice scenes were so hot and the relationship between Stetson and Gus is everything. Can not WAIT for the next book!
March 31, 2025
This book was definitely a ride—dark, gritty, and tangled in secrets. For Fillies and Monsters delivers a twisted romance between two damaged souls, set against the haunting backdrop of the ranch Stetson grew up on. Stetson and Augustus are both wrestling with their demons, but their chemistry? Absolutely scorching.
I’ll be honest, this one wasn’t fully for me. While I appreciated the raw intensity and atmospheric writing, the story leaned heavier into the darkness than I usually prefer. Augustus is the kind of possessive, obsessive hero that some readers will love, but I never fully connected with him. Stetson had me rooting for her —she’s resilient! But I also wanted a bit more emotion from her about half way through. But this story was absolutely captivating and kept me turning the page because I had to know how it was going to end! I think this was a great debut and a great cowboy romance for lovers of dark romance. 🖤
3.5 ⭐️ rounded to a 4!
June 5, 2025
4.3 ☆
𝜗𝜚 tropes: dark romance | small town | stalker | he falls first 𝜗𝜚
𝜗𝜚 reaction:
ngl i’ve been in a reading slump for a week so i picked this up, it was on my fyp. the writing wasn’t the best but it was a fast paced read. i love stetson & i love augustus. those names are 10/10 imo. it was hilarioussss. i didn’t like how long it actually took them to get together,
i fucking hate McCrae. idc what his excuse is i hate him. the meet cute was so ughhhh idk. also, i love Dale. nathan has me so susss. honestly, the book gets better after like 15%. i am giggling so hard. augustus’ 2nd chapter had me dyingggg. i lowkey do not like how he acts towards her tho, like i get she loves him being mean n shit but he was just blatantly cruel at times. (coming from a dark romance reader) gus has grown on me tremendously. i don’t like how longs it’s taken stetson to admit her feelings tho, like i get it but cmonnnn. i hate her uncle. i’m so glad nathan got beat up. fuck me man. i really am not liking how long it’s actually taking them to get together, like if they’ve already slept w each other & she admitted she loves him, monster & all why is she still evading it? i get it, i do. she’s traumatized asf but shittt. it’s so drug out. yup, i fucking take it back. SHE KNEW THE WHOLE TIME. ARE YOU KIDDING ME. i can’t believe she was the one who killed her dad, like yes im so fucking proud of her but that twist is crazyyy. they got their happy ending & their baby. they got their horse rescue. mateo i love you. i love his & gus’ friendship sm. THE END THO??? WHAT DO U MEAN DALES GONE
𝜗𝜚 quotes:
- “For those who have been through trauma, big or small—you are not alone. We are bonded together because we are survivors of horrible circumstances, and are stronger, better, braver because of them. Here’s to laughing in the face of those who thought they could ruin us; you didn’t destroy me—you made me indestructible. Life is about what you make of it, and I don’t know about you, but I plan to make it my bitch.”
- “It’s not just stupid tail—it’s the girl, and I will not leave this town until I get her name. I refuse.”
- “I have always attracted trouble. Drowned in it. Been suffocated by it. Trouble is my closest lover, and no matter how hard I’ve tried, it’s always had a chokehold on me.”
- “I need to get her out of here—is she humming the wedding march?”
- “It didn’t take a rocket scientist to realize Gus was behind me, probably with a miserable scowl painted on his face, his demon pony from Hell glowing in the sunshine.”
- “Maybe I’ll have to get a tattoo of her fingerprints there. To remember this moment. ”
- “But I can make him work for it. I can see his wicked, depraved plan unfold, because I deserve that much. I deserve to see how far he will truly go to have me. I deserve to feel the full weight of his desire—his obsession—upon me. I need it. And if I have to make him crawl to me, I will.”
- “Before he can respond, a shriek fills the living room, and Mateo and I both jump, ready to fight off whatever threat is causing such a commotion. I ignore the fact that we end up back to back like a couple of cowboy besties in an old western. I refuse to be that fucking cliche. ”
𝜗𝜚 tropes: dark romance | small town | stalker | he falls first 𝜗𝜚
𝜗𝜚 reaction:
ngl i’ve been in a reading slump for a week so i picked this up, it was on my fyp. the writing wasn’t the best but it was a fast paced read. i love stetson & i love augustus. those names are 10/10 imo. it was hilarioussss. i didn’t like how long it actually took them to get together,
i fucking hate McCrae. idc what his excuse is i hate him. the meet cute was so ughhhh idk. also, i love Dale. nathan has me so susss. honestly, the book gets better after like 15%. i am giggling so hard. augustus’ 2nd chapter had me dyingggg. i lowkey do not like how he acts towards her tho, like i get she loves him being mean n shit but he was just blatantly cruel at times. (coming from a dark romance reader) gus has grown on me tremendously. i don’t like how longs it’s taken stetson to admit her feelings tho, like i get it but cmonnnn. i hate her uncle. i’m so glad nathan got beat up. fuck me man. i really am not liking how long it’s actually taking them to get together, like if they’ve already slept w each other & she admitted she loves him, monster & all why is she still evading it? i get it, i do. she’s traumatized asf but shittt. it’s so drug out. yup, i fucking take it back. SHE KNEW THE WHOLE TIME. ARE YOU KIDDING ME. i can’t believe she was the one who killed her dad, like yes im so fucking proud of her but that twist is crazyyy. they got their happy ending & their baby. they got their horse rescue. mateo i love you. i love his & gus’ friendship sm. THE END THO??? WHAT DO U MEAN DALES GONE
𝜗𝜚 quotes:
- “For those who have been through trauma, big or small—you are not alone. We are bonded together because we are survivors of horrible circumstances, and are stronger, better, braver because of them. Here’s to laughing in the face of those who thought they could ruin us; you didn’t destroy me—you made me indestructible. Life is about what you make of it, and I don’t know about you, but I plan to make it my bitch.”
- “It’s not just stupid tail—it’s the girl, and I will not leave this town until I get her name. I refuse.”
- “I have always attracted trouble. Drowned in it. Been suffocated by it. Trouble is my closest lover, and no matter how hard I’ve tried, it’s always had a chokehold on me.”
- “I need to get her out of here—is she humming the wedding march?”
- “It didn’t take a rocket scientist to realize Gus was behind me, probably with a miserable scowl painted on his face, his demon pony from Hell glowing in the sunshine.”
- “Maybe I’ll have to get a tattoo of her fingerprints there. To remember this moment. ”
- “But I can make him work for it. I can see his wicked, depraved plan unfold, because I deserve that much. I deserve to see how far he will truly go to have me. I deserve to feel the full weight of his desire—his obsession—upon me. I need it. And if I have to make him crawl to me, I will.”
- “Before he can respond, a shriek fills the living room, and Mateo and I both jump, ready to fight off whatever threat is causing such a commotion. I ignore the fact that we end up back to back like a couple of cowboy besties in an old western. I refuse to be that fucking cliche. ”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2025
“For those who have been through trauma, big or small—you are not alone. We are bonded together because we are survivors of horrible circumstances, and are stronger, better, braver because of them. Here’s to laughing in the face of those who thought they could ruin us; you didn’t destroy me—you made me indestructible. Life is about what you make of it, and I don’t know about you, but I plan to make it my bitch.”
I. Am. Obsessed. OH MY!!! Landyn this was phenomenal 🤩 I ate this up! I genuinely couldn’t put it down, the characters are a new fave of mine. I can’t believe it’s over but I’m so grateful to Landyn!!
Stetson, ohhh my I was in awe of this woman. Her strength and courage to stand up for herself had me in pieces. It was so inspiring and beautiful to see her blossom. She held her head up high and she made me fall in love with her character so quickly. She felt relatable and raw. Her dialogue had me wanting to give her the biggest hug, everything about Stetson gripped me. After everything she’d been through, u was SO unbelievably happy she finally got her happy ending. She’s definitely a favourite FMC! I loved how she handled everything that was thrown at her, and she’s a BEAUTIFUL character 🖤
Gus, OH OH OHHHH he is my newest obsession! This man could do anything to me…. He was so dark and mysterious. He truly had me BLUSHING! He IS a man obsessed and I love that in a book. I knew he’d have me HOOKED from the start! He went to every single length to ensure his woman had everything. He knew what he was doing… I loved his dark side. Everything he did, I was melting and I loved it. He’d been through a lot himself so seeing HIS ending being the way it was had me so HAPPY!! 🖤
This book had dark themes but that is why I ate it up!!! It had everything I needed in this book and I will be thinking about it for the foreseeable future. The storyline had me on the edge of seat, and the twists in the book had me GOING CRAZYYYY I LOVED IT!! And the spice…. well I was screaming, blushing and kicking my feet because this man knew he had to make his woman’s fantasies come true 👀 The characters were so interesting and I just wanted to know more and more about them, I truly had such a good time reading it. Landyn is now a favourite author for me! This book was everything and I will simply never shut up about it. I adored the friendship in this book between the girls, it was a true friendship and seeing the way they defend one another was everything!! I love when books have these impactful subplots, we saw how Stetson found her person after so many years without that connection. It was so beautiful to see the different relationships that were built in this book, but Landyn has created a masterpiece 🤩
Thank YOU so much Landyn for this opportunity to arc read your debut novel! I had the time of my life reading it!! 🖤
What to expect -
🖤 small town cowboy romance
🖤 obsessive MMC
🖤 sassy FMC
🖤 she’s his boss
🖤 dark romance suspense
🖤 two person love triangle
🖤 spitting and ropes
‼️ please check trigger warnings!!!!
I. Am. Obsessed. OH MY!!! Landyn this was phenomenal 🤩 I ate this up! I genuinely couldn’t put it down, the characters are a new fave of mine. I can’t believe it’s over but I’m so grateful to Landyn!!
Stetson, ohhh my I was in awe of this woman. Her strength and courage to stand up for herself had me in pieces. It was so inspiring and beautiful to see her blossom. She held her head up high and she made me fall in love with her character so quickly. She felt relatable and raw. Her dialogue had me wanting to give her the biggest hug, everything about Stetson gripped me. After everything she’d been through, u was SO unbelievably happy she finally got her happy ending. She’s definitely a favourite FMC! I loved how she handled everything that was thrown at her, and she’s a BEAUTIFUL character 🖤
Gus, OH OH OHHHH he is my newest obsession! This man could do anything to me…. He was so dark and mysterious. He truly had me BLUSHING! He IS a man obsessed and I love that in a book. I knew he’d have me HOOKED from the start! He went to every single length to ensure his woman had everything. He knew what he was doing… I loved his dark side. Everything he did, I was melting and I loved it. He’d been through a lot himself so seeing HIS ending being the way it was had me so HAPPY!! 🖤
This book had dark themes but that is why I ate it up!!! It had everything I needed in this book and I will be thinking about it for the foreseeable future. The storyline had me on the edge of seat, and the twists in the book had me GOING CRAZYYYY I LOVED IT!! And the spice…. well I was screaming, blushing and kicking my feet because this man knew he had to make his woman’s fantasies come true 👀 The characters were so interesting and I just wanted to know more and more about them, I truly had such a good time reading it. Landyn is now a favourite author for me! This book was everything and I will simply never shut up about it. I adored the friendship in this book between the girls, it was a true friendship and seeing the way they defend one another was everything!! I love when books have these impactful subplots, we saw how Stetson found her person after so many years without that connection. It was so beautiful to see the different relationships that were built in this book, but Landyn has created a masterpiece 🤩
Thank YOU so much Landyn for this opportunity to arc read your debut novel! I had the time of my life reading it!! 🖤
What to expect -
🖤 small town cowboy romance
🖤 obsessive MMC
🖤 sassy FMC
🖤 she’s his boss
🖤 dark romance suspense
🖤 two person love triangle
🖤 spitting and ropes
‼️ please check trigger warnings!!!!
February 12, 2025
ARC Review
5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
Gus is now ranking in top 3 book boyfriends. I love a dark broody tortured backstory man and Gus hits all those checks.
Stetson is our FMC and she is a badass. Her childhood and even early adult life was filled with trauma and abuse. She did everything she could to finally get out of that life and make it on her own. She did exactly that until her mother’s death brought her back to her home town.
Gus is just as tortured and faced familial abuse in his own way. But once he laid eyes on Stetson there was nothing that was pulling him away from her. Gus knew what he wanted the moment he saw her and did everything he could to have her.
Dale is a fiery best friend to Stetson and welcomed her back with open arms. I absolutely loved Dale’s character and who she was to Stetson when Stetson felt like she had no one else.
My thoughts overall on the book:
I am obsessed with this book. It is a dark cowboy romance which isn’t common is this subgenre and I loved every bit of it. Gus is hot and broody and oh boy was my heart getting ripped to shreds during his chapters. I want to be as badass as Stetson is. To overcome her trauma and be able to be so strong even when she felt like it would be easier to hideaway was amazing. Landyn Hill did an amazing job writing this book and is definitely on my list of auto-read authors. I can’t wait for the next one!
5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
Gus is now ranking in top 3 book boyfriends. I love a dark broody tortured backstory man and Gus hits all those checks.
Stetson is our FMC and she is a badass. Her childhood and even early adult life was filled with trauma and abuse. She did everything she could to finally get out of that life and make it on her own. She did exactly that until her mother’s death brought her back to her home town.
Gus is just as tortured and faced familial abuse in his own way. But once he laid eyes on Stetson there was nothing that was pulling him away from her. Gus knew what he wanted the moment he saw her and did everything he could to have her.
Dale is a fiery best friend to Stetson and welcomed her back with open arms. I absolutely loved Dale’s character and who she was to Stetson when Stetson felt like she had no one else.
My thoughts overall on the book:
I am obsessed with this book. It is a dark cowboy romance which isn’t common is this subgenre and I loved every bit of it. Gus is hot and broody and oh boy was my heart getting ripped to shreds during his chapters. I want to be as badass as Stetson is. To overcome her trauma and be able to be so strong even when she felt like it would be easier to hideaway was amazing. Landyn Hill did an amazing job writing this book and is definitely on my list of auto-read authors. I can’t wait for the next one!
February 11, 2025
Stetson and Gus definitely trauma bonded! Stetson has only ever wanted freedom and for someone to fight for. Her mom never did but for 10 YEARS Gus was secretly loving her when she never loved herself, protected and cared for her from afar, and has now helped rebuild her ranch and her.
I’m so excited to get to read more about Mateo and Dale!
I’m so excited to get to read more about Mateo and Dale!
February 5, 2025
What a journey! 😮💨 Stetson & Gus’ story had it all - the good, the bad and the downright terrifying (in the best way).
Stetson is such a strong FMC and totally relatable! After everything she’s been through, watching her grow and learn to accept herself was so satisfying.
And then there’s Gus 🫠 Where do I even begin? Morally grey, obsessive and absolutely relentless in getting what he wants. Nothing and no one stands in his way. Talk about ‘touch her and die’ because DAMN. Safe to say, I am very jealous of our Little Filly. 🥹
Beyond the insane chemistry between these two, the plot twists and glimpses into the lives of the side characters added the perfect balance to the story. I need to know where the next book takes us!
Stetson is such a strong FMC and totally relatable! After everything she’s been through, watching her grow and learn to accept herself was so satisfying.
And then there’s Gus 🫠 Where do I even begin? Morally grey, obsessive and absolutely relentless in getting what he wants. Nothing and no one stands in his way. Talk about ‘touch her and die’ because DAMN. Safe to say, I am very jealous of our Little Filly. 🥹
Beyond the insane chemistry between these two, the plot twists and glimpses into the lives of the side characters added the perfect balance to the story. I need to know where the next book takes us!
February 14, 2025
This book has everything I love! But still, there was something missing for me.
Cowboys - yes
Stalker - yes
Obsessed MMC - yes
Strong FMC - yes
Gus has been stalking Stetson for 10 years, but she only recently found out she has a stalker. Even after he moved in with her, he was stalking her.
This was the slowest of slow burns, and I hate slow burns. I need to learn my lesson!
Cowboys - yes
Stalker - yes
Obsessed MMC - yes
Strong FMC - yes
Gus has been stalking Stetson for 10 years, but she only recently found out she has a stalker. Even after he moved in with her, he was stalking her.
This was the slowest of slow burns, and I hate slow burns. I need to learn my lesson!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2025
✨ ARC Review ✨
For Fillies and Monsters 🐎 by Landyn Hill
4.5/5 ⭐️
"From the moment fate began spinning our stories, we were destined to cross each other, to find each other. She has been mine from the beginning of time, and I hers." 🖤
First and foremost, thank you so much @landynhillreads for giving me the opportunity to read and review your debut novel! I am truly honored. Fillies and Monsters, the first book in The Trauma Bond Series, is an intense, dark and gritty cowboy romance. The book was a slow burn, but the character development and story arc were fantastic. Landyn expertly weaves suspense and passion into each chapter. While I did find parts of the book to be a little too slow, the third act picks up at a blistering pace. I found myself unable to put it down, completely invested in the story and wondering how this first entry would wrap up. It does end on a big cliffhanger and I cannot wait for the second book to see what happens next!
This story follows Stetson (FMC), who has deep rooted trauma and scars from her shitty childhood as she navigates taking over an inherited ranch. Her past doesn't slow her down though - she is fierce, brave and such a badass! She knows exactly what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. I found myself relating to some of the trauma Stetson endured and quickly fell in love with her. The MMC, Augustus (Gus), is an obsessed stalker who follows Stetson throughout the years after their first encounter. He's always silently rooting for her in the shadows until she's ready to be consumed by him. Gus is dark, handsome, and the gritty masked man! I would have enjoyed more back story on him during the time he was stalking Stetson but perhaps that’s coming in a follow on entry to the series. One can only hope! 🤞🏼
Overall, I really loved this book! If you are a fan of dark romance, masked men, or cowboy themes I think you will enjoy it! This was a great debut novel for Landyn and I cannot wait to read more from her. 🫶🏼
‼️ Check trigger warnings ‼️
- Dark cowboy romance
- Small town
- Obsessive MMC
- Spitting & Rope
- She's his boss
- Trauma
For Fillies and Monsters 🐎 by Landyn Hill
4.5/5 ⭐️
"From the moment fate began spinning our stories, we were destined to cross each other, to find each other. She has been mine from the beginning of time, and I hers." 🖤
First and foremost, thank you so much @landynhillreads for giving me the opportunity to read and review your debut novel! I am truly honored. Fillies and Monsters, the first book in The Trauma Bond Series, is an intense, dark and gritty cowboy romance. The book was a slow burn, but the character development and story arc were fantastic. Landyn expertly weaves suspense and passion into each chapter. While I did find parts of the book to be a little too slow, the third act picks up at a blistering pace. I found myself unable to put it down, completely invested in the story and wondering how this first entry would wrap up. It does end on a big cliffhanger and I cannot wait for the second book to see what happens next!
This story follows Stetson (FMC), who has deep rooted trauma and scars from her shitty childhood as she navigates taking over an inherited ranch. Her past doesn't slow her down though - she is fierce, brave and such a badass! She knows exactly what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. I found myself relating to some of the trauma Stetson endured and quickly fell in love with her. The MMC, Augustus (Gus), is an obsessed stalker who follows Stetson throughout the years after their first encounter. He's always silently rooting for her in the shadows until she's ready to be consumed by him. Gus is dark, handsome, and the gritty masked man! I would have enjoyed more back story on him during the time he was stalking Stetson but perhaps that’s coming in a follow on entry to the series. One can only hope! 🤞🏼
Overall, I really loved this book! If you are a fan of dark romance, masked men, or cowboy themes I think you will enjoy it! This was a great debut novel for Landyn and I cannot wait to read more from her. 🫶🏼
‼️ Check trigger warnings ‼️
- Dark cowboy romance
- Small town
- Obsessive MMC
- Spitting & Rope
- She's his boss
- Trauma
February 20, 2025
Cowboys, dark romance, complex family, and obsession? Consider me obsessed! I absolutely fell in love with the hardheadedness of the main characters. Definitely gives me a Grumpy x grumpy vibe. I don’t think i’ve ever read a MMC as obsessed with the FMC as in this book, and I absolutely love it. The strong female relationships and importance on limitless love in female friendships really was the cherry on top for me. I’m keeping my eyes peeled for the next book and will definitely be reading more Landyn Hill.
Thank you to Landyn Hill and Lina Literary for sending me the ARC!
Thank you to Landyn Hill and Lina Literary for sending me the ARC!
May 15, 2025
This was amazing, hot, suspenseful, dark, so damn good! GO READ THIS DEBUT RIGHT NOW!!! yes that was in all caps because the book was that good!!
talk about a man obsessed, THIS BOOK!
thank you for luna and landyn for letting me arc read and immerse into this dark yet romantic fictional world!!
talk about a man obsessed, THIS BOOK!
thank you for luna and landyn for letting me arc read and immerse into this dark yet romantic fictional world!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
DNF@70% this book had a good concept but the execution was terrible
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