What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Hollow #1
Sinner & Saint
I’ve always been the good girl.
The preacher’s daughter. The town’s saint.
The one who never strays from the rules.
Until one reckless night changes everything.
Calder Bishop is the monster I’ve been warned about my entire life.
Heir to the most feared family in Black Hollow Creek.
Rancher by day, enforcer by night.
His touch carries ruin, his name carries blood, and his gaze makes my prayers falter.
When I stumble into Bishop business, Calder is left with a choice: end my life or claim it.
Killing me would be mercy.
Keeping me could start a war.
But Calder Bishop has never been a merciful man. And if there’s one thing he wants, it’s me—all to himself.
Now I’m trapped in his world of violence and vengeance, my innocence colliding with his sin. I search for a way out but there is none. Only Calder.
It’s when he claims me—branding me with his soul—I learn the truth: the only thing more dangerous than a Bishop’s wrath…is his love.
**This is book one in the series and is a complete standalone with a happily ever after. Certain scenes within this book may be triggering to some readers. Please review the trigger list at the beginning of the book before reading. **
The preacher’s daughter. The town’s saint.
The one who never strays from the rules.
Until one reckless night changes everything.
Calder Bishop is the monster I’ve been warned about my entire life.
Heir to the most feared family in Black Hollow Creek.
Rancher by day, enforcer by night.
His touch carries ruin, his name carries blood, and his gaze makes my prayers falter.
When I stumble into Bishop business, Calder is left with a choice: end my life or claim it.
Killing me would be mercy.
Keeping me could start a war.
But Calder Bishop has never been a merciful man. And if there’s one thing he wants, it’s me—all to himself.
Now I’m trapped in his world of violence and vengeance, my innocence colliding with his sin. I search for a way out but there is none. Only Calder.
It’s when he claims me—branding me with his soul—I learn the truth: the only thing more dangerous than a Bishop’s wrath…is his love.
**This is book one in the series and is a complete standalone with a happily ever after. Certain scenes within this book may be triggering to some readers. Please review the trigger list at the beginning of the book before reading. **
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2025
543 people are currently reading
1203 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Beck
237 books7,288 followersJ.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 347 reviews
December 16, 2025
The Bishops run Black Hollow Creek, Montana. When Calder Bishop brings trouble to Saintlyn James’, the preacher’s daughter’s doorstep - literally - he has to make a quick decision.
Left with the consequences of Calder’s choice, Saint must learn how to, not just navigate, but survive her new life.
I liked Saint’s strength and resilience. She skillfully merged who she was with who she was forced to become. Calder was mid for me. He had the makings a book boyfriend, but didn’t quite deliver. He was so far under his father’s thumb that he was really not the alpha I was expecting. When released, I’ll give book two a try because I do think there’s potential for the series.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😢😳🤯😬😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present • Past}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult, Suspense
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (?), Bad Boy x Good Girl, Enemies-to-Lovers, Family Saga, Forced Marriage, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Heroine in Danger, Kidnapped/Captive, Organized Crime
💫 Microtropes: Caveman/Bridal Carry, “Good Girl”, Panty Thief, Sassy FMC, She’s a Runner, Virgin FMC
🔆 Character: Cowboy
💋 Kinks: Biting/Marking, Body Betrayal, Edging, Spanking
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: MINE!
⛔️ Safety Squad: Assault, Branding (Not by MMC), Sacrilegious Acts, Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. f you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: Small Town
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
📣 Type: Sinner & Saint is the first book in the Black Hollow Creek series, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Left with the consequences of Calder’s choice, Saint must learn how to, not just navigate, but survive her new life.
I liked Saint’s strength and resilience. She skillfully merged who she was with who she was forced to become. Calder was mid for me. He had the makings a book boyfriend, but didn’t quite deliver. He was so far under his father’s thumb that he was really not the alpha I was expecting. When released, I’ll give book two a try because I do think there’s potential for the series.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😢😳🤯😬😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present • Past}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult, Suspense
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (?), Bad Boy x Good Girl, Enemies-to-Lovers, Family Saga, Forced Marriage, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Heroine in Danger, Kidnapped/Captive, Organized Crime
💫 Microtropes: Caveman/Bridal Carry, “Good Girl”, Panty Thief, Sassy FMC, She’s a Runner, Virgin FMC
🔆 Character: Cowboy
💋 Kinks: Biting/Marking, Body Betrayal, Edging, Spanking
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: MINE!
⛔️ Safety Squad: Assault, Branding (Not by MMC), Sacrilegious Acts, Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. f you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: Small Town
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
📣 Type: Sinner & Saint is the first book in the Black Hollow Creek series, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
April 10, 2026
“Medieval cruelty dressed up as tradition.”
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🩷❤️💙💚
Spice/Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌍
Character development: 🤓😟🤯😎
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
Characters and Plot Dynamics
Saintlyn has spent her life trying to be the kind of daughter her preacher father expects. She is quiet, sheltered, and cautious, which is why sneaking out on her eighteenth birthday feels like a rebellion. A single hour of freedom at The Rusty Nail with her best friend Allie is all she allows herself. What she does not expect is to cross paths with Calder Bishop, the boy she has secretly loved since he once carried her home after an accident.
Their reunion is tense and charged. Calder is older, rougher, and determined to keep his distance. He warns her that her father is right about the Bishop family and that she should stay far away from him. Saintlyn refuses to see him as the monster everyone claims he is, but Calder pushes her away with a cruelty that leaves a mark.
A year later, their lives collide again under far darker circumstances. Saintlyn finds herself face to face with Calder in a moment that shatters her sense of safety and forces her into a world she never imagined. What follows is a story built on fear, obsession, and a connection neither of them can sever, no matter how hard they try.
Highlights and Limitations
J. L. Beck excels at dark romance, and this story leans fully into the grit and emotional brutality of the genre. Although she is known for mafia and new adult romances, this cowboy setting feels like a fresh direction for her. The dynamic between Calder and Saintlyn is intense, unsettling, and compelling. The way Calder uses circumstance to bind Saintlyn to him is one of the most gripping elements of the book.
However, the power structure within the Bishop family may frustrate readers who prefer their antiheroes fully in control. Calder is physically strong and emotionally hardened, yet he remains trapped under the authority of a father who rules through fear and manipulation. Watching a character who is capable of violence and dominance still bow to someone else can be difficult, especially when the entire family shares that same fear. It creates a sense of helplessness that is thematically effective but emotionally draining.
Saintlyn’s reliance on faith may also be polarizing. Her belief system is authentic to her character, but readers who prefer heroines who rely on their own agency may find it challenging at times.
This book is brutal in both content and emotional tone. There are moments that are genuinely hard to listen to, not because of poor writing but because the characters are trapped in cycles of violence and control that feel suffocating. The story does not shy away from darkness, and it earns its place among the more intense entries in the genre. I found myself in tears more than once and it was due to the brutality and the way these characters were so trapped in this awful life.
Narration
The audiobook is performed in dual POV with Hugo Locke and Ri Paige. Ri Paige brings a soft southern tone to Saintlyn that fits the character’s upbringing, even if her voice sounds slightly older than the role. Hugo Locke delivers Calder with a deep, gravelly presence that matches the character’s hardened exterior. Together, they create a listening experience that enhances the emotional weight of the story.
Final Opinion
This book surprised me in the best way. It is harsh, emotional, and often difficult to sit with, yet the connection between Calder and Saintlyn kept me invested. Despite my early frustrations with the power dynamics, the story won me over with its intensity and the raw vulnerability beneath all the violence. By the end, I was fully hooked and already eager for the next installment in the series.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Pinterest|BookBub
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🩷❤️💙💚
Spice/Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌍
Character development: 🤓😟🤯😎
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
Characters and Plot Dynamics
Saintlyn has spent her life trying to be the kind of daughter her preacher father expects. She is quiet, sheltered, and cautious, which is why sneaking out on her eighteenth birthday feels like a rebellion. A single hour of freedom at The Rusty Nail with her best friend Allie is all she allows herself. What she does not expect is to cross paths with Calder Bishop, the boy she has secretly loved since he once carried her home after an accident.
Their reunion is tense and charged. Calder is older, rougher, and determined to keep his distance. He warns her that her father is right about the Bishop family and that she should stay far away from him. Saintlyn refuses to see him as the monster everyone claims he is, but Calder pushes her away with a cruelty that leaves a mark.
A year later, their lives collide again under far darker circumstances. Saintlyn finds herself face to face with Calder in a moment that shatters her sense of safety and forces her into a world she never imagined. What follows is a story built on fear, obsession, and a connection neither of them can sever, no matter how hard they try.
Highlights and Limitations
J. L. Beck excels at dark romance, and this story leans fully into the grit and emotional brutality of the genre. Although she is known for mafia and new adult romances, this cowboy setting feels like a fresh direction for her. The dynamic between Calder and Saintlyn is intense, unsettling, and compelling. The way Calder uses circumstance to bind Saintlyn to him is one of the most gripping elements of the book.
However, the power structure within the Bishop family may frustrate readers who prefer their antiheroes fully in control. Calder is physically strong and emotionally hardened, yet he remains trapped under the authority of a father who rules through fear and manipulation. Watching a character who is capable of violence and dominance still bow to someone else can be difficult, especially when the entire family shares that same fear. It creates a sense of helplessness that is thematically effective but emotionally draining.
Saintlyn’s reliance on faith may also be polarizing. Her belief system is authentic to her character, but readers who prefer heroines who rely on their own agency may find it challenging at times.
This book is brutal in both content and emotional tone. There are moments that are genuinely hard to listen to, not because of poor writing but because the characters are trapped in cycles of violence and control that feel suffocating. The story does not shy away from darkness, and it earns its place among the more intense entries in the genre. I found myself in tears more than once and it was due to the brutality and the way these characters were so trapped in this awful life.
Narration
The audiobook is performed in dual POV with Hugo Locke and Ri Paige. Ri Paige brings a soft southern tone to Saintlyn that fits the character’s upbringing, even if her voice sounds slightly older than the role. Hugo Locke delivers Calder with a deep, gravelly presence that matches the character’s hardened exterior. Together, they create a listening experience that enhances the emotional weight of the story.
Final Opinion
This book surprised me in the best way. It is harsh, emotional, and often difficult to sit with, yet the connection between Calder and Saintlyn kept me invested. Despite my early frustrations with the power dynamics, the story won me over with its intensity and the raw vulnerability beneath all the violence. By the end, I was fully hooked and already eager for the next installment in the series.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Pinterest|BookBub
Read
December 13, 2025Disappointed. The H is no alpha, afraid of his Dad. Silly h having a crush on someone who’s not worthy.
December 9, 2025
4/5 "I can't afford to keep you, but I also can't afford to kill you."
TROPES:
-mafia/cowboy ML x preacher's daughter
-age gap
-forced marriage
-enemies to lovers
Saint fell for bad boy Calder Bishop HARD when she was 17. He of course didn't pay much attention to her, but she always watched him around town. On her 18th birthday, she stole her first kiss from him and he crushed her dreams. A year later, with hatred in her heart, she stumbles upon a scene that makes him kidnap her to keep her safe from his family.
He all but forces her to marry him "to keep her safe". But what she doesn't know? Ever since she stole that kiss from him a year ago, he's had her on his mind. But can he really keep her safe from his evil father?
This book was a rollercoaster! Saint is the pure preacher's daughter, completely smitten with the bad boy from town. When he crushes her dreams, she's determined to hate him. And she does. But she falls for him again soon enough, all while under threats from his family.
I loved the storyline. The only thing I didn't particularly like was how long it took for the MMC to stand up to his evil dad. :( So this book didn't have much "touch her and die" energy in my opinion.
And a spicy quote for the road! ;)
"Come for me, Saint. Come in your father's church while I eat your pretty pussy."
SAFETY - CONTAINS SPOILERS:
Virgin/celibate/etc: virgin heroine, no past on hero
OM/OW: none
Cheating/sharing: none
Kinks: dirty talk, rough sex, cnc, hand necklaces, praise, bdsm, edging
Triggers: drugged sex (consensual), drunk sex (consensual), murder, forced branding (by MMC's dad), threats of forced sex in front of MMC's family (which doesn't happen), kidnapping, loss of parent, blackmail
HEA?: yes
My bookshelves may contain spoilers.
TROPES:
-mafia/cowboy ML x preacher's daughter
-age gap
-forced marriage
-enemies to lovers
Saint fell for bad boy Calder Bishop HARD when she was 17. He of course didn't pay much attention to her, but she always watched him around town. On her 18th birthday, she stole her first kiss from him and he crushed her dreams. A year later, with hatred in her heart, she stumbles upon a scene that makes him kidnap her to keep her safe from his family.
He all but forces her to marry him "to keep her safe". But what she doesn't know? Ever since she stole that kiss from him a year ago, he's had her on his mind. But can he really keep her safe from his evil father?
This book was a rollercoaster! Saint is the pure preacher's daughter, completely smitten with the bad boy from town. When he crushes her dreams, she's determined to hate him. And she does. But she falls for him again soon enough, all while under threats from his family.
I loved the storyline. The only thing I didn't particularly like was how long it took for the MMC to stand up to his evil dad. :( So this book didn't have much "touch her and die" energy in my opinion.
And a spicy quote for the road! ;)
"Come for me, Saint. Come in your father's church while I eat your pretty pussy."
SAFETY - CONTAINS SPOILERS:
Virgin/celibate/etc: virgin heroine, no past on hero
OM/OW: none
Cheating/sharing: none
Kinks: dirty talk, rough sex, cnc, hand necklaces, praise, bdsm, edging
Triggers: drugged sex (consensual), drunk sex (consensual), murder, forced branding (by MMC's dad), threats of forced sex in front of MMC's family (which doesn't happen), kidnapping, loss of parent, blackmail
HEA?: yes
My bookshelves may contain spoilers.
December 21, 2025
4🌟, 3🌶️
This book completely consumed me from the first chapter.
Dark, morally grey cowboy romance with an age gap, heavy angst, and an enemies to lovers dynamic is exactly my weakness, and this delivered. Saint is the sheltered preacher’s daughter who has spent her life doing what is expected of her, while Calder Bishop is the dangerous man everyone fears, tied to a family that controls Black Hollow. Their contrast is instant, intense, and impossible to ignore.
After a painful rejection, Saint is pulled back into Calder’s world a year later under terrifying circumstances that force them into close proximity and a marriage meant to protect her. Watching Saint slowly find her backbone and claim what she wants was deeply satisfying, while seeing Calder unravel for her was even better. The chemistry between them is scorching, possessive, and charged with longing, even when danger and secrets threaten to destroy everything.
The Bishop family drama adds a dark edge, especially Calder’s strained relationship with his powerful, ruthless father. The story is intense, emotional, and clearly setting the stage for the rest of the series and the other Bishop brothers. This was a gripping start that left me fully invested.
Safe to say, Black Hollow has me hooked and I am not mad about it.
~~~~
Special thanks to J.L Beck and Booksprout for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
This book completely consumed me from the first chapter.
Dark, morally grey cowboy romance with an age gap, heavy angst, and an enemies to lovers dynamic is exactly my weakness, and this delivered. Saint is the sheltered preacher’s daughter who has spent her life doing what is expected of her, while Calder Bishop is the dangerous man everyone fears, tied to a family that controls Black Hollow. Their contrast is instant, intense, and impossible to ignore.
After a painful rejection, Saint is pulled back into Calder’s world a year later under terrifying circumstances that force them into close proximity and a marriage meant to protect her. Watching Saint slowly find her backbone and claim what she wants was deeply satisfying, while seeing Calder unravel for her was even better. The chemistry between them is scorching, possessive, and charged with longing, even when danger and secrets threaten to destroy everything.
The Bishop family drama adds a dark edge, especially Calder’s strained relationship with his powerful, ruthless father. The story is intense, emotional, and clearly setting the stage for the rest of the series and the other Bishop brothers. This was a gripping start that left me fully invested.
Safe to say, Black Hollow has me hooked and I am not mad about it.
~~~~
Special thanks to J.L Beck and Booksprout for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
December 10, 2025
Calder + Saint
-dark cowboy romance
-enemies to lovers
-forced marriage
-mafia meets wild west
-preachers girl x morally grey cowboy
oh i am happppyyy about where jl is going with this new series!! the bishop boys are going to treat us so so right & i can't wait! as calder said, a bishop takes what he wants...& i can't wait to see how else these goes!!
-dark cowboy romance
-enemies to lovers
-forced marriage
-mafia meets wild west
-preachers girl x morally grey cowboy
oh i am happppyyy about where jl is going with this new series!! the bishop boys are going to treat us so so right & i can't wait! as calder said, a bishop takes what he wants...& i can't wait to see how else these goes!!
May 4, 2026
oh my! This one pulled me in right away with its dark, angsty tone and addictive enemies-to-lovers dynamic. The contrast between sheltered Saint and dangerous Calder is intense, and their forced-proximity, marriage-of-convenience setup keeps the tension high. The chemistry is strong and emotional.
It's a gripping, drama-filled read that sets up the series well and definitely keeps you hooked. If you love a sizzling intense dark romance, I highly recommend it.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
It's a gripping, drama-filled read that sets up the series well and definitely keeps you hooked. If you love a sizzling intense dark romance, I highly recommend it.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
April 21, 2026
This is a Dark Cowboy Romance, and this is the first book in the Black Hollow series. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I loved the audiobook. I loved this book, but it is very dark at times. If you get triggered by books please look at triggers before going into this book. I loved the characters, and I could feel the connection between the two main characters. This book just totally pulled me into this book, and I could not put it down. This was a great read. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
December 16, 2025
I’ve read just about every book JL Beck has written, even the novellas and ones she co-writes with others. JL is no newbie when it comes to Dark Romance with a very edgy Enemies to Lovers trope and doesn’t skimp with Sinner and Saint, a dark cowboy romance. I love her storytelling because it’s not just the plot and character development she is delivering; she is also building the series.
Sinner and Saint is quite reminiscent of the romance “sagas” I used to read back in the day; it's much darker and way more spicy. Sinner and Saint is intense. Calder’s relationship with his brothers and father is complicated. His father, who reigns over everything, uses his power in a way that frustrated me. I liked Saintlyn’s strength as the story progressed, too.
I loved all the twists the JL put in, as well as the setup for the next book, which I’m looking forward to.
Thank you to Author JL Beck for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sinner and Saint is quite reminiscent of the romance “sagas” I used to read back in the day; it's much darker and way more spicy. Sinner and Saint is intense. Calder’s relationship with his brothers and father is complicated. His father, who reigns over everything, uses his power in a way that frustrated me. I liked Saintlyn’s strength as the story progressed, too.
I loved all the twists the JL put in, as well as the setup for the next book, which I’m looking forward to.
Thank you to Author JL Beck for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2026
If it’s one thing I know for sure it’s that I will never pass up a book written by Josi! Another scorching hot romance that I’m obsessed with! Can’t wait for the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2026
5 Church-girl stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5🌶
3.5🌶
February 3, 2026
I was completely pulled in from the start with this one. This is a dark, small-town romance with a strong forbidden vibe. Saint is the preacher’s daughter—sweet, sheltered, and raised to always do the right thing and has a crush on the resident bad boy. Enter - Calder Bishop who is everything she’s been warned to stay away from. He comes from the most feared family in Black Hollow Creek, and danger follows him everywhere. When Saint accidentally witnesses something she was never meant to see, Calder becomes her protector… and that’s when everything starts to unravel.
Saint starts off very innocent, but she’s not naïve, and watching her slowly grow into her strength was one of my favourite parts. She doesn’t magically change overnight, but little by little she learns how to stand up for herself and what she wants. Calder is peak morally grey—rough, intimidating, and absolutely not a good guy, but fiercely protective when it comes to Saint. His struggle between who he’s supposed to be for his horrendous Father and who he wants to be added to his character. The chemistry between them builds at a really good pace. It’s intense, emotional, and full of tension. Black Hollow Creek feels gritty, there’s always this underlying sense of tension, like something bad could happen at any moment, and it kept me completely hooked. I can't wait for the rest of this series. Please check your TW’s before reading lovelies
Saint starts off very innocent, but she’s not naïve, and watching her slowly grow into her strength was one of my favourite parts. She doesn’t magically change overnight, but little by little she learns how to stand up for herself and what she wants. Calder is peak morally grey—rough, intimidating, and absolutely not a good guy, but fiercely protective when it comes to Saint. His struggle between who he’s supposed to be for his horrendous Father and who he wants to be added to his character. The chemistry between them builds at a really good pace. It’s intense, emotional, and full of tension. Black Hollow Creek feels gritty, there’s always this underlying sense of tension, like something bad could happen at any moment, and it kept me completely hooked. I can't wait for the rest of this series. Please check your TW’s before reading lovelies
April 28, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and JL Beck for the gifted ALC of Sinner & Saint.
Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance
⭐️4/5
🌶2/5
🎧4/5
Cliffhanger: No
Noteworthy: This audio book was recorded in dual narration. Book 1 of an incomplete series of interconnected standalones. Dual first-person POV. Triggers include on page violence, death and DV.
Yellowstone meets mafia in this tension filled first installment of JL Beck's Black Hollow Creek series. Each book will follow a brother in the notorious and dangerous Bishop clan. Here we get Calder and Saint's story. If you love a bad boy/good girl trope but make her pretty darn tough, you'll love this. Saint never stopped fighting from the beginning to the end of this book. I dare say she had more fight in her than Calder who has been abused and conditioned his whole life to come to heel. This plot focuses heavily on DV. It's got one of the worst villains I've read in a contemporary that's not pitch black. The tension this man brought to his scenes was palpable at times. I really never knew what he was going to do and it made me so nervous. There is an age gap in the romance but it's nothing crazy.
The narration was good for a dual style. The slight accents were perfect for the region this is set in. All characters had discernible voices and I had no issue following along.
Book 2 is already out in this series and the setup for it was perfect. I'm so excited to get into it!
Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance
⭐️4/5
🌶2/5
🎧4/5
Cliffhanger: No
Noteworthy: This audio book was recorded in dual narration. Book 1 of an incomplete series of interconnected standalones. Dual first-person POV. Triggers include on page violence, death and DV.
Yellowstone meets mafia in this tension filled first installment of JL Beck's Black Hollow Creek series. Each book will follow a brother in the notorious and dangerous Bishop clan. Here we get Calder and Saint's story. If you love a bad boy/good girl trope but make her pretty darn tough, you'll love this. Saint never stopped fighting from the beginning to the end of this book. I dare say she had more fight in her than Calder who has been abused and conditioned his whole life to come to heel. This plot focuses heavily on DV. It's got one of the worst villains I've read in a contemporary that's not pitch black. The tension this man brought to his scenes was palpable at times. I really never knew what he was going to do and it made me so nervous. There is an age gap in the romance but it's nothing crazy.
The narration was good for a dual style. The slight accents were perfect for the region this is set in. All characters had discernible voices and I had no issue following along.
Book 2 is already out in this series and the setup for it was perfect. I'm so excited to get into it!
December 9, 2025
Welcome to Black Hollow Creek where the Bishops make the rules.
Calder Bishop, eldest son and family enforcer, he lives by his father’s rule, family over everything. When a job goes wrong and Saintlyn James, innocent preachers daughter is a witness Calder does whatever he can to save her from his father, including making her a Bishop.
Sinner & Saint is an age gap, cowboy/mafia, forced marriage romance. It’s book one in the Black Hollow series. It’s giving Yellowstone but darker vibes.
I absolutely ate this up, I love J. L Beck’s books and this was no exception. It’s dark but not too dark, got a brilliant plot and it’s definitely laid the foundations for a brilliant series. I loved that there’s so much tension between Calder and Saint, it’s almost an off the page slow burn as Calder has been obsessed with Saintlyn for quite a while, he would literally burn the world down to keep her safe, even if it means she hates him and that is definitely one of my favourite micro tropes!
Overall I just loved it.
I cannot wait to see what the other Bishop Brothers get up to…
5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
Calder Bishop, eldest son and family enforcer, he lives by his father’s rule, family over everything. When a job goes wrong and Saintlyn James, innocent preachers daughter is a witness Calder does whatever he can to save her from his father, including making her a Bishop.
Sinner & Saint is an age gap, cowboy/mafia, forced marriage romance. It’s book one in the Black Hollow series. It’s giving Yellowstone but darker vibes.
I absolutely ate this up, I love J. L Beck’s books and this was no exception. It’s dark but not too dark, got a brilliant plot and it’s definitely laid the foundations for a brilliant series. I loved that there’s so much tension between Calder and Saint, it’s almost an off the page slow burn as Calder has been obsessed with Saintlyn for quite a while, he would literally burn the world down to keep her safe, even if it means she hates him and that is definitely one of my favourite micro tropes!
Overall I just loved it.
I cannot wait to see what the other Bishop Brothers get up to…
5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
April 28, 2026
Thank you Dreamscape for the ALC.
What’s it about?
Calder Bishop is part of a family that rules the town mafia-style. You don’t get involved with them for your own safety. And Saintlyn knows better, even if she is attracted to Caulder. But when Saint witnesses something she shouldn’t, it means her death. That is, unless she agrees to be Caulder’s wife, for her own protection. And maybe because Caulder wants to keep Saint.
But the longer the ruse goes on, the more dangerous things become with the Bishop family, and Calder and Saint’s lives are at stake.
My thoughts:
The plot in this one was tense. Beck knows how to build a story and keep readers on the edge of their seats. And I am so glad Saint fights back the whole book. I love a good dark romance, but even more so when the FMC is a fighter.
The whole book I kept wondering how the heck it would end with a HEA. There were so many potential threats all around. The romance was built on physical chemistry for most of the book, though it does evolve eventually. I liked the setup with the Bishop brothers. I just wanted more friends and family for Saint.
Overall, this one held my attention, and I enjoyed the high stakes.
The audiobook was narrated by Ri Paige and Hugo Locke, both of whom do an excellent job.
What’s it about?
Calder Bishop is part of a family that rules the town mafia-style. You don’t get involved with them for your own safety. And Saintlyn knows better, even if she is attracted to Caulder. But when Saint witnesses something she shouldn’t, it means her death. That is, unless she agrees to be Caulder’s wife, for her own protection. And maybe because Caulder wants to keep Saint.
But the longer the ruse goes on, the more dangerous things become with the Bishop family, and Calder and Saint’s lives are at stake.
My thoughts:
The plot in this one was tense. Beck knows how to build a story and keep readers on the edge of their seats. And I am so glad Saint fights back the whole book. I love a good dark romance, but even more so when the FMC is a fighter.
The whole book I kept wondering how the heck it would end with a HEA. There were so many potential threats all around. The romance was built on physical chemistry for most of the book, though it does evolve eventually. I liked the setup with the Bishop brothers. I just wanted more friends and family for Saint.
Overall, this one held my attention, and I enjoyed the high stakes.
The audiobook was narrated by Ri Paige and Hugo Locke, both of whom do an excellent job.
December 17, 2025
A story of survival, manipulated loyalty, resilience and character evolution that only J.L. Beck can deliver.
Saint’s character development was the best thing that happened in this book. I felt for her and how the trajectory of her life changed from what she envisioned, being a preacher’s daughter. One action on her part was all it took when an unexpected knock at her door and the decision she made changed her entire life.
Calder was a dutiful son with an overbearing and demanding father. His brothers all played an integral part in the story development and his evolution was a bit difficult for me to really grasp. I didn’t like his character because he endured much of what his father put him through physically and emotionally. I felt that he finally stood up to him even though it was a bit late.
I didn’t see the end coming and as a result, can’t wait for Kade’s story.
Saint’s character development was the best thing that happened in this book. I felt for her and how the trajectory of her life changed from what she envisioned, being a preacher’s daughter. One action on her part was all it took when an unexpected knock at her door and the decision she made changed her entire life.
Calder was a dutiful son with an overbearing and demanding father. His brothers all played an integral part in the story development and his evolution was a bit difficult for me to really grasp. I didn’t like his character because he endured much of what his father put him through physically and emotionally. I felt that he finally stood up to him even though it was a bit late.
I didn’t see the end coming and as a result, can’t wait for Kade’s story.
April 28, 2026
I've never read a western/mafia dark romance and I tell you what, it's become a new favorite genre. The possession, the spice, their way of life....it's everything I look for in dark romance truthfully. And from an indie author?! I need to get me Broken and Branded to find out what happened to Kade. I've got soooooo many questions I need answers to
December 23, 2025
Tropes: Age Gap, Bad Boy x Good Girl, Enemies-to-Lovers, Family Saga, Forced Marriage, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Heroine in Danger, Kidnapped/Captive, Organized Crime
Kind of disappointed to be honest
Kind of disappointed to be honest
April 19, 2026
Sinner & Saint by J. L. Beck is an age gap, cowboy/mafia, forced marriage romance and the first book in the Black Hollow series. Sinner & Saint follows Calder Bishop, a rancher tied to a dangerous family, and Saintlyn, the preacher’s daughter who gets pulled into his world.
I'm a big fan J.L. Beck’s books and this one definitely delivered. It’s dark but not too heavy, and the story really pulled me in. It also feels like it’s setting up a really good series, which has me excited for the next books.
The tension between Calder and Saint was my favorite part. Calder has been obsessed with her for a long time, so it almost feels like a slow burn even though they’re forced together. And the whole “I’ll burn the world down to keep you safe even if you hate me for it” thing gets me every time.
The audiobook was a great listen. Ri Paige and Hugo Locke really brought the story to life. So, if you're an audio fan, definitely give this one a listen!
I'm a big fan J.L. Beck’s books and this one definitely delivered. It’s dark but not too heavy, and the story really pulled me in. It also feels like it’s setting up a really good series, which has me excited for the next books.
The tension between Calder and Saint was my favorite part. Calder has been obsessed with her for a long time, so it almost feels like a slow burn even though they’re forced together. And the whole “I’ll burn the world down to keep you safe even if you hate me for it” thing gets me every time.
The audiobook was a great listen. Ri Paige and Hugo Locke really brought the story to life. So, if you're an audio fan, definitely give this one a listen!
February 13, 2026
Saint is your typical good girl/ sheltered preacher's daughter (although you know what they say about preacher's kids 😉). Calder Bishop is the morally grey bad boy with a tortured past, the guy she's had a crush on forever. When she witnesses something she's not supposed to see, Calder is forced to bring her into his world, not knowing she'll ultimately become everything to him... even against his own family.
At first I didn't feel the connection between these two, and Saint was annoyingly innocent. But as the action picked up, I got into the story and by the end I was loving them together. I'm looking forward to the next book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
At first I didn't feel the connection between these two, and Saint was annoyingly innocent. But as the action picked up, I got into the story and by the end I was loving them together. I'm looking forward to the next book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
December 20, 2025
***4,5 "Surviving!!!" stars***
"You're mine now, Saint."
When I stumbled upon this title, I just couldn't resist it!!!
The preacher's daughter with the son of the cowboy mafia's head in Black Hollow??? Heck yes!!!
Add to that hot cowboys, an unrequired crush, a kidnapping and a forced marrriage and I was a goner!!!
I loved Saintlyn and Calder very much and even though their story wasn't ideal, it was intriguing and very intense!!!
And I can not wait to read the second book in the story... It will be very interesting!!!
"She made me betray my family.
She made me want, when wanting is weakness."
Saintlyn was the good girl, the church girl that everybody was praising, but Saintlyn at the age of seventeen had fallen with the one man that she was warned to stay away from...
A year later, Calder Bishop had broken her heart and she let go the idea of him, until that fateful night a year after...
Calder made the mistake to lead his troubles in Saintlyn's doorstep and the only choice was to kill her or take her...
And since he couldn't let her go, he took her by force... and everything changed for both of them!!!!
"I've made my choice. Made her choice too.
And that's just something she will have to learn to live with."
I know I'm not saying you much, but it would be better to experience this story by yourselves...
I liked the dark aura, the beautiful scenery, and the raging love that was building up between Calder and Saintlyn...
This was a fight for survival in its finest form... They had to get along if they wanted a chance to life cause the Bishop patriach was out for blood... Their blood!!!
So, Saint had to put her hatred for what Calder did to her aside and learn to trust him, but how can you trust a man that lied to you, stole you from your home and made you his by force???
It was a long way for those two, when they were running out of time...
Tick, tock... will they get free from the shackles that the Bishop name had put them in???
"I know better that to believe his good ol' boy act.
I've seen the monster hidden beneath the mask."
I liked Saintlyn so much!!!
She was a wonderful creature full of light and even though everything that happened, she never cowarded and she kept fighting!!! She was such a strong woman and I'm not entirely sure that Calder deserved her!!!
Yep, I loved that guy... He was more than he was showing us, but he was so deeply under his father's thumb that it was sickening from time to time!!! He needed to react much sooner than he actually did!!! Still... I liked that boy!!!!
And I liked how at the end, these two managed to overcome everything and find their way to each other!!!
"I will keep her alive. I will keep her safe.
I will make her mine in every way that matters.
Even if she hates me for it. Even if it destroys us both."
Yep, this was an intense story and I enjoyed it very much!!!
And now I can not wait to read the next book and return back to Black Hollow...
I have the suspicion that Kade and Allie will be explosive, even though I have a weakness toward Levi Bishop!!! This boy is so different than the rest of the brothers and I am very curious about his turn!!!
"We're playing a dangerous game here, and I'm not sure who is going to win."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"You're mine now, Saint."
When I stumbled upon this title, I just couldn't resist it!!!
The preacher's daughter with the son of the cowboy mafia's head in Black Hollow??? Heck yes!!!
Add to that hot cowboys, an unrequired crush, a kidnapping and a forced marrriage and I was a goner!!!
I loved Saintlyn and Calder very much and even though their story wasn't ideal, it was intriguing and very intense!!!
And I can not wait to read the second book in the story... It will be very interesting!!!
"She made me betray my family.
She made me want, when wanting is weakness."
Saintlyn was the good girl, the church girl that everybody was praising, but Saintlyn at the age of seventeen had fallen with the one man that she was warned to stay away from...
A year later, Calder Bishop had broken her heart and she let go the idea of him, until that fateful night a year after...
Calder made the mistake to lead his troubles in Saintlyn's doorstep and the only choice was to kill her or take her...
And since he couldn't let her go, he took her by force... and everything changed for both of them!!!!
"I've made my choice. Made her choice too.
And that's just something she will have to learn to live with."
I know I'm not saying you much, but it would be better to experience this story by yourselves...
I liked the dark aura, the beautiful scenery, and the raging love that was building up between Calder and Saintlyn...
This was a fight for survival in its finest form... They had to get along if they wanted a chance to life cause the Bishop patriach was out for blood... Their blood!!!
So, Saint had to put her hatred for what Calder did to her aside and learn to trust him, but how can you trust a man that lied to you, stole you from your home and made you his by force???
It was a long way for those two, when they were running out of time...
Tick, tock... will they get free from the shackles that the Bishop name had put them in???
"I know better that to believe his good ol' boy act.
I've seen the monster hidden beneath the mask."
I liked Saintlyn so much!!!
She was a wonderful creature full of light and even though everything that happened, she never cowarded and she kept fighting!!! She was such a strong woman and I'm not entirely sure that Calder deserved her!!!
Yep, I loved that guy... He was more than he was showing us, but he was so deeply under his father's thumb that it was sickening from time to time!!! He needed to react much sooner than he actually did!!! Still... I liked that boy!!!!
And I liked how at the end, these two managed to overcome everything and find their way to each other!!!
"I will keep her alive. I will keep her safe.
I will make her mine in every way that matters.
Even if she hates me for it. Even if it destroys us both."
Yep, this was an intense story and I enjoyed it very much!!!
And now I can not wait to read the next book and return back to Black Hollow...
I have the suspicion that Kade and Allie will be explosive, even though I have a weakness toward Levi Bishop!!! This boy is so different than the rest of the brothers and I am very curious about his turn!!!
"We're playing a dangerous game here, and I'm not sure who is going to win."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
April 26, 2026
Ok… So… let me just say that this book was VERY DISTURBING!
Now… being that I read A LOT of books, and a lot of genres… for me to say that, well… just think twice about reading this if you have triggers… as there are MANY in this one!
Saintlyn (Saint) James is an older teenager who is also the town Preacher’s daughter. So, she needs to act accordingly… at least for the most part! The exception? On her 18th birthday she went to the local bar with her friend to celebrate. When her friend got called away, a rough guy comes over to Saint and starts harassing her! Who steps in to save her? None other than Calder Bishop! The guy she’s had a crush on FOREVER… but who is also totally off limits, as his family runs the entire crime racket in their small town In Minnesota!
He ends up bringing her home and she takes her shot! Probably since she IS a bit buzzed…
He kisses her, and then does an about face. Saint is mortified…
They don’t see each other for another year… when they meet again in the most unusual and horrendous circumstances!
Calder is basically FORCED to make an INSTANT DECISION. One that might just change the trajectory of both of their lives!
Have I intrigued you yet? This is only the OPENING of the book!
And the family dynamics in this one?
It will make your head spin. It will make you CRINGE! It will destroy you and bring you to tears on multiple occasions.
But in the end,it was so worth the read… even through all the distress I felt in my heart… and soul!!!
4 1/2 stars for me, happily rounded up to 5!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
#SinnerAndSaint by @JLBeck and narrated beautifully by @RiPaige and @HugoLocke.
*** This one has not been released yet, but please keep your eyes 👀 open for it starting 4/28/26! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @DreamscapeMedia for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
Now… being that I read A LOT of books, and a lot of genres… for me to say that, well… just think twice about reading this if you have triggers… as there are MANY in this one!
Saintlyn (Saint) James is an older teenager who is also the town Preacher’s daughter. So, she needs to act accordingly… at least for the most part! The exception? On her 18th birthday she went to the local bar with her friend to celebrate. When her friend got called away, a rough guy comes over to Saint and starts harassing her! Who steps in to save her? None other than Calder Bishop! The guy she’s had a crush on FOREVER… but who is also totally off limits, as his family runs the entire crime racket in their small town In Minnesota!
He ends up bringing her home and she takes her shot! Probably since she IS a bit buzzed…
He kisses her, and then does an about face. Saint is mortified…
They don’t see each other for another year… when they meet again in the most unusual and horrendous circumstances!
Calder is basically FORCED to make an INSTANT DECISION. One that might just change the trajectory of both of their lives!
Have I intrigued you yet? This is only the OPENING of the book!
And the family dynamics in this one?
It will make your head spin. It will make you CRINGE! It will destroy you and bring you to tears on multiple occasions.
But in the end,it was so worth the read… even through all the distress I felt in my heart… and soul!!!
4 1/2 stars for me, happily rounded up to 5!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
#SinnerAndSaint by @JLBeck and narrated beautifully by @RiPaige and @HugoLocke.
*** This one has not been released yet, but please keep your eyes 👀 open for it starting 4/28/26! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @DreamscapeMedia for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
December 22, 2025
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️½
Sinner and Saint is the kind of dark romance that reels you in, and then slowly tightens it’s vice like grip, and the moment Calder Bishop and Saint slammed into each other on the page, I knew I was done for. Calder is the perfect blend of morally gray, and reigned in, dark, dangerous, with a sharp and quiet intensity that makes you feel like he’s a few steps ahead, and Saint is so resilient and guarded and so much stronger than she knows, with a hard won past that makes you never want to let her go. But what really made this story pop for me was the emotional tension, the ways in which Calder and Saint combust and build off each other, off of frustration and restraint and smoldering, deliberate, delicious, feels. J.L. Beck really knows how to toe the line, and while this book is dark, it’s not at the expense of vulnerability, it’s not at the expense of depth or dimension to these characters or their relationship, and the chemistry is constant and simmering in that *addictive* way. The spice is there, it is good, it is delicious and it definitely builds. And I so genuinely enjoyed my experience of this story, I loved the emotional payoff in that good way, in that makes you sit back and breathe way. Dark romance with depth, with complex, strong characters, with a connection that slowly devours? Sign me up.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️½
Sinner and Saint is the kind of dark romance that reels you in, and then slowly tightens it’s vice like grip, and the moment Calder Bishop and Saint slammed into each other on the page, I knew I was done for. Calder is the perfect blend of morally gray, and reigned in, dark, dangerous, with a sharp and quiet intensity that makes you feel like he’s a few steps ahead, and Saint is so resilient and guarded and so much stronger than she knows, with a hard won past that makes you never want to let her go. But what really made this story pop for me was the emotional tension, the ways in which Calder and Saint combust and build off each other, off of frustration and restraint and smoldering, deliberate, delicious, feels. J.L. Beck really knows how to toe the line, and while this book is dark, it’s not at the expense of vulnerability, it’s not at the expense of depth or dimension to these characters or their relationship, and the chemistry is constant and simmering in that *addictive* way. The spice is there, it is good, it is delicious and it definitely builds. And I so genuinely enjoyed my experience of this story, I loved the emotional payoff in that good way, in that makes you sit back and breathe way. Dark romance with depth, with complex, strong characters, with a connection that slowly devours? Sign me up.
December 22, 2025
Sinner & Saint is the first book in the Black Hollow series. It follows Saintlyn aka "Saint" James the young, innocent, nieve and sheltered preacher's daughter and Calder aka "Sinner" Bishop the eldest son, rancher and enforcer of the most feared family in Black Hollow Creek.
Everyone knows to steer clear of the Bishop's but ever since Calder helped her when she was 17 she's had a crush on him. That was until her 18th birthday when she threw caution to the wind and kissed him when once again he came to her rescue only to be rejected and humiliated when he pushed her away. Now a year later bad luck or maybe fate brought them face to face once again when she witnesses something she shouldn't have. While he knows what is expected of him he can't bring himself to kill her. So he does the only thing he can think of he kidnaps her and lies about what happened.
Their story is an enemies-to-lovers, forced marriage, fight for survival, slow burn romance. It's a dark, edgy, gritty, dangerously intense and emotional roller-coaster ride. I loved the stark contrast between her innocence and his ruthlessness and how they interact, grow and evolve as the storyline unfolds. We also see the dark family dynamics of the Bishop family.
I can't wait to see where this series leads next in Branded & Broken, Kade's story.
I received a free ARC through Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Everyone knows to steer clear of the Bishop's but ever since Calder helped her when she was 17 she's had a crush on him. That was until her 18th birthday when she threw caution to the wind and kissed him when once again he came to her rescue only to be rejected and humiliated when he pushed her away. Now a year later bad luck or maybe fate brought them face to face once again when she witnesses something she shouldn't have. While he knows what is expected of him he can't bring himself to kill her. So he does the only thing he can think of he kidnaps her and lies about what happened.
Their story is an enemies-to-lovers, forced marriage, fight for survival, slow burn romance. It's a dark, edgy, gritty, dangerously intense and emotional roller-coaster ride. I loved the stark contrast between her innocence and his ruthlessness and how they interact, grow and evolve as the storyline unfolds. We also see the dark family dynamics of the Bishop family.
I can't wait to see where this series leads next in Branded & Broken, Kade's story.
I received a free ARC through Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 30, 2026
This book was such a dark, addictive ride—a small-town, cowboy/mafia romance that completely pulls you into its gritty world. Following Saintlin, the preacher’s daughter, and Calder Bishop, the morally gray heir to a dangerous family, the story thrives on tension, obsession, and that irresistible “good girl meets villain” dynamic.
I absolutely love Calder. He is that morally gray MMC that dark romance girlies instantly fall for—dangerous, possessive, and fiercely protective. And the way he falls for Saintlin?? Obsessed. Even with everything stacked against them (including his own family), his loyalty and protectiveness toward her just hit every time.
As for Saintlin, you can’t help but root for her. She’s raw, resilient, and grows into such a strong woman throughout the story. Watching her stand up for herself and navigate everything thrown at her was so satisfying—this is literally the making of a badass FMC. Many readers on Goodreads highlight her character growth as one of the strongest parts of the book too.
This was honestly such a fun, intense ride—full of angst, chemistry, and emotional payoff. If you love dark romances with obsession, danger, and a protective MMC who would burn the world down for the FMC… definitely recommend this!
Tropes:
* Morally gray MMC
* Enemies to lovers
* Forced proximity / forced marriage
* Age gap
* Small-town dark romance
* “Touch her and die” energy
* Good girl x bad boy
Final thoughts: Dark, gripping, and swoony in the most chaotic way—Calder and Saintlin completely own my heart 🖤
I absolutely love Calder. He is that morally gray MMC that dark romance girlies instantly fall for—dangerous, possessive, and fiercely protective. And the way he falls for Saintlin?? Obsessed. Even with everything stacked against them (including his own family), his loyalty and protectiveness toward her just hit every time.
As for Saintlin, you can’t help but root for her. She’s raw, resilient, and grows into such a strong woman throughout the story. Watching her stand up for herself and navigate everything thrown at her was so satisfying—this is literally the making of a badass FMC. Many readers on Goodreads highlight her character growth as one of the strongest parts of the book too.
This was honestly such a fun, intense ride—full of angst, chemistry, and emotional payoff. If you love dark romances with obsession, danger, and a protective MMC who would burn the world down for the FMC… definitely recommend this!
Tropes:
* Morally gray MMC
* Enemies to lovers
* Forced proximity / forced marriage
* Age gap
* Small-town dark romance
* “Touch her and die” energy
* Good girl x bad boy
Final thoughts: Dark, gripping, and swoony in the most chaotic way—Calder and Saintlin completely own my heart 🖤
December 13, 2025
ARC review:
This was a fantastic welcome to Black Hollow Creek!! This book had me in an absolute chokehold from the beginning. Went in completely blind and f@ck this book was good. Dark cowboy MMC, forced marriage, enemies to lovers? Say less! Loved Saint, she was innocent but had a fire in her which made you root for her. Loved Calder too, he had that intimidating “i don’t give a f@ck” vibe to him yet you already knew that deep down he was a good man and a simp for his girl. The chemistry between Saint and Calder was 🔥🔥🔥. The family dynamic was interesting and I’m already wanting to know more about all the brothers. Roman easily takes the award for worst father ever. F him and those archaic AF traditions. The twist towards the end had me audibly gasping 😱. This was such a great start to this new series. I’m already salivating for Kade’s book next!
This was a fantastic welcome to Black Hollow Creek!! This book had me in an absolute chokehold from the beginning. Went in completely blind and f@ck this book was good. Dark cowboy MMC, forced marriage, enemies to lovers? Say less! Loved Saint, she was innocent but had a fire in her which made you root for her. Loved Calder too, he had that intimidating “i don’t give a f@ck” vibe to him yet you already knew that deep down he was a good man and a simp for his girl. The chemistry between Saint and Calder was 🔥🔥🔥. The family dynamic was interesting and I’m already wanting to know more about all the brothers. Roman easily takes the award for worst father ever. F him and those archaic AF traditions. The twist towards the end had me audibly gasping 😱. This was such a great start to this new series. I’m already salivating for Kade’s book next!
December 13, 2025
Plot: 4/5 • Smut: 2.5/5 —————-> She’s the preachers daughter. All pure and innocent. She has a crush on the towns bad boy. From the family who basically owns the town and who she should stay away from. She’s caught in between something she’s not supposed to have seen.
She wakes up in Caulders bed after he knocked her out and kidnaps her. He was supposed to kill her but couldn’t. He
comes up with a plan of forcing her to marry him to prove to his family he’s in love so she’ll be safe. His family proves otherwise. His father is a tyrant. He’s mean and rules with an iron fist.
They do eventually get their HEA, but it takes a lot. There’s really an uphill battle. They have to fight to get what they truly want in the end.
She wakes up in Caulders bed after he knocked her out and kidnaps her. He was supposed to kill her but couldn’t. He
comes up with a plan of forcing her to marry him to prove to his family he’s in love so she’ll be safe. His family proves otherwise. His father is a tyrant. He’s mean and rules with an iron fist.
They do eventually get their HEA, but it takes a lot. There’s really an uphill battle. They have to fight to get what they truly want in the end.
December 15, 2025
This story totally drew me in with its dark, gritty romance and unforgettable characters. Saint, the preacher’s sheltered daughter, is thrown into Calder Bishop's violent world after witnessing something she shouldn’t have. Their forced marriage sets the stage for a slow-burning, passionate, and dangerously intense love story. I loved the contrast between Saint’s innocence and Calder's ruthless, possessive nature. The chemistry was incredible, and the emotional depth added so much to the story. Watching Saint grow stronger while Calder's tough exterior slowly cracked was really satisfying. If you enjoy age gaps, enemies-to-lovers, and morally grey heroes, this is a must-read. It's dark, raw, spicy, and ends with a perfect happily ever after.
December 21, 2025
This book was everything I love about a dark, small-town romance—intense, addictive, and filled with that slow unravelling of two people who should have never crossed paths but were destined to collide.
Saint, the preacher’s daughter and town sweetheart, is the perfect FMC to throw into Calder Bishop’s world of shadows. Her innocence doesn’t make her naive—it makes her strength hit even harder when the darkness starts closing in. And Calder? Whew. The MMC is the exact kind of brutal, obsessive, morally gray rancher/enforcer I come to dark romance for. He’s danger wrapped in desire, and every moment with him had my heart racing.
I loved watching Saint go from sheltered and rule-bound to someone who chooses her own fate, even when that fate is wrapped in Bishop blood.
And then KADE.
Calder’s brother.
That plot twist at the end had me clutching the book. I genuinely didn’t see it coming, and it added such a sharp, emotional edge to everything that followed. It left me desperate for the next installment.
Overall, this book was excellent—dark, gripping, and emotionally loaded. If you love dangerous men, good-girl-meets-monster dynamics, and high-tension family power plays, Saint and Calder’s story will pull you under. I’m definitely continuing the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Saint, the preacher’s daughter and town sweetheart, is the perfect FMC to throw into Calder Bishop’s world of shadows. Her innocence doesn’t make her naive—it makes her strength hit even harder when the darkness starts closing in. And Calder? Whew. The MMC is the exact kind of brutal, obsessive, morally gray rancher/enforcer I come to dark romance for. He’s danger wrapped in desire, and every moment with him had my heart racing.
I loved watching Saint go from sheltered and rule-bound to someone who chooses her own fate, even when that fate is wrapped in Bishop blood.
And then KADE.
Calder’s brother.
That plot twist at the end had me clutching the book. I genuinely didn’t see it coming, and it added such a sharp, emotional edge to everything that followed. It left me desperate for the next installment.
Overall, this book was excellent—dark, gripping, and emotionally loaded. If you love dangerous men, good-girl-meets-monster dynamics, and high-tension family power plays, Saint and Calder’s story will pull you under. I’m definitely continuing the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2026
Oh wow, this book was just had be on edge as I was on the fence with Calder, as I didn’t like him but then I did like him but then again I know he did things the way he did & why did because of who his dad was ut it still didn't make it any easier but when things started to get better finally between him & Saint that's when I could feel better for me towards Calder, he gets possessive & she's obsessive and then when they do things get good and spicy. As always in my opinion you can't go wrong when reading a JL Beck book so don't pass on this read. Can't wait for more on this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 347 reviews