Sinner & Saint

Black Hollow #1

by J.L. Beck

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. **

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, Forced Proximity, Romance, Westerns, M F Romance

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2025

About the author

J.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

Reviews

[Kursed Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Cristina]

Disappointed. The H is no alpha, afraid of his Dad. Silly h having a crush on someone who’s not worthy.

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. ✨

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ioana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Church-girl stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5🌶

[Sarahreadsallthebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

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🌶️

[Chay Charita Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Trinket Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Sentranced Jem · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***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**

[Ashly Giner · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[SmuttyEverAfter · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Lemon · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[FS Meurinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ozzie Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Theresa Styles · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Joni M S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me first say Author J.L. Beck doesn't disappoint. This story was good never a dull moment. Sinner aka Calder an all American bad boy through and through Saintlyn aka Saint good Ole girl preachers daughter. Such different personalities. Hidden feelings collide and there's no turning back. Will Saint pull through, will Calder live up to his name? This book will give you all the answers you ask yourself while you read and surprise.... didn't expect that. J.L. Beck keeps you interested and guessing holding your attention, growing with the characters and feeling what their going through. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to Kade's story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love JL Beck’s books and writing. So when I saw she was writing a cowboy book I was excited!! Calder and Saint story started off a bit slow. Saint was young and sweet kinda naive and annoying at times. Calder was more reserved but a hot dark cowboy 🔥. He has been through some stuff due to his horrible Dad. I hated his dad awful man. Once the story picked up I couldn’t put it down. Loved how their feelings grew for each other giving the circumstances they were under. Good book for start of a series. Can’t wait for the next one!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sinner & Saint by JL Beck is a dark and intoxicating romance that masterfully contrasts two brothers—one a ruthless sinner consumed by vengeance, the other a tormented saint wrestling with morality—in a gripping tale of obsession, power, and forbidden desire. Their shared fixation on a resilient heroine creates electric tension and emotional complexity, blending high-stakes danger with raw passion that kept me hooked. I appreciated Beck’s ability to humanize these anti-heroes while delivering pulse-pounding suspense.

Beck’s writing thrives on immersive psychological depth, sharp banter, and steamy intensity that heightens the moral ambiguities and redemptive arcs. The world-building in this shadowy underworld feels vivid, with supporting intrigue adding layers without diluting the central triad dynamic.

While the dark romance tropes of shared obsession and enemies-to-lovers are familiar, Beck’s nuanced character motivations and emotional payoff make it feel fresh and addictive. Pacing builds relentlessly, though a few twists could have been foreshadowed more subtly for greater impact.

Overall, Sinner & Saint is a compelling, heart-racing read for fans of dark contemporary romance with moral gray areas. I’m rating it 4 stars and look forward to more from JL Beck.

[Michelle Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was full of desire,betrayal and spice that will have you panting. This author knows how to write a hot kidnapper and make him sound appealing. Roman is an absolute monster with traditions that had me fuming. Saint is adorable and I'm so glad she grew a back bone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessie The Great · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm starting to think that J.L. Beck is one of those authors I auto read. This magical copy of Sinner & Saint appeared in my inbox when I was searching for something to read. This book is definitely the first of her cowboy series. If this book is an indicator for the series, I'm ecstatic for it.

This story starts off with a girl and her friend making bad decisions to go drink at a local pub for the preacher's daughter's 18th birthday where she ends up needing saving by the oldest son of the hillbilly mafioso - of whom gives her a ride home and finds out maybe he wants to give her more than just a truck ride - but he can't because she's UNTOUCHABLE. (oh nooo, that's awful, surely he'd never ignore his sensibilities). Anyway, he's out and about doing his job and somehow is forced to kidnap Saintlyn to save her life.

Also, Saintlyn? Man, preacherman, could you be anymore on the nose with that name. This book gave me Walk to Remember vibes. Girl fell down in prayer so dang often I wanted to remind J.L. the last book she wrote was so blasphemous that this rang as borderline insincere. God I loved The Psychopaths, that fight scene. *shivers*. I digress. Anyway Calder ('cus his name isn't Sinner) concocts a plan to force her into marriage to save her from his father. And it works? Sort of. His father is awful, as is common in JL Beck's books, and he does awful things. Anywho, things happen and our couple grows closer. Calder is a bit possessive and it turns out that Saint also has a bit of the obsessive bug.

Anyway, this book is sweet and spicy, you just have to give the prickly characters some room to grow. So what did I think about this book? I liked it. I'll ready any books that this author writes. They're fun and I gush about them to whoever wants to listen. You should check your triggers, because things do happen in this book, but as she says in her note, it's definitely not as dark as her previous series. But it is dark. I also can't wait for book 2. We're getting a weird sibling situation (THERE'S. NO. BLOOD. SO. IT. DOESN'T. COUNT.). I can't freaking wait. GIVE ME MORE.



Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Adeselna · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Sinner & Saint” is my first J. L. Beck book, and it’s also the first book from the Black Hollow series. It will focus on the Bishop boys, a mafia family that controls Black Hollow. In this first book, we meet Calder, the oldest and also the heir to the empire his father built. While the focus may look like it’s around Saint, the preacher’s daughter, most of the plot centers on Calder’s family. Saint is the one that will learn and develop throughout the plot, but it’s Calder that puts in motion the events for the next books.

Calder is supposed to k!ll Saint after a job gone wrong, but he’s been obsessed with her for years and cannot even think about Saint being a consequence of the dark world he lives in. So, Calder kidnaps her and pulls her into his world to give her the only protection he knows. Saint has lived all her life sheltered. To be fair, we never know what she dreams about doing for work, although I have to say for a Saint, I could totally see her a mafia wife. This is a compliment, by the way. I could see her toughening up in the years to come and being an excellent support for Calder.

I hope to see her in the future books and how she’s faring because I think this was just the introduction to a very interesting world. Especially since the second book will focus on Kade, whom I believe to be a little more complex than Calder. Calder had a lot of expectations towards his role as head of family, but he wasn’t as tortured as some of his brothers, especially Kade. They all have different fears of their father. They all want to prove themselves differently, but seeing Kade as the disappointment’s son and how the mistreatment of his family caused him so much pain. I’m really interested in reading his redemption story. Especially because they all will come out of their father’s shadow and make their own way. So not only do I wanna see what Calder will do as head of family now, I also want to see how the family interacts.

“Sinner & Saint” introduces us to a world with complicated emotions, especially for the Bishop brothers. While the first part centers a lot around Saint being taken and her introduction to the Bishop family and their darkness, it’s how the brothers handle their father, Roman, that gets the series rolling for the next books. Saint is used to being loved and cherished, while the Bishop brothers only know humiliation and were raised in a hostile home.

I am very excited for Kade’s book, because somehow I hope it will be absolutely heartbreaking!

[Jessica OBryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness, this book dug it's claws in me and didn't let up till the very last word of the very last page. What a ride this book was! So. Freaking. Good!!!

We meet our mmf, good girl Saintlyn, aka, Saint, the local preacher's daughter, on her 18th birthday. Her best friend Allie lures her to the local bar to celebrate said birthday, where Saint, who is a little inebriated, is accosted by 2 men after Allie has an emergency and has to leave her there alone. These men, of course, are up to no good, but Saint isn't exactly alone.

Enter Calder Bishop, the mmc and resident cowboy badboy, who Saint has secretly crushed on since he rescued her at 17. His father owns a good portion of the town and is not a man to be crossed. Calder once again rescues Saint, and insists on taking her home. Having a bit of liquid courage behind her, Saint makes a move, climbing in Calder's lap and kissing him. He rejects her, saying harsh words, leaving Saint heartbroken. Unbeknownst to her, Calder was doing what he thought was right, saving her, though he wanted her.

Fast forward a year later, Calder has pined for Saint all this time, watching her, yearning for her, obsessing over her, but he keeps his distance. So, he pours his time into the family business. One day, while out collecting a debt owed to his father, things go horribly wrong. The man he's collecting the debt from doesn't have all of what he owes, and, Calder knows, per his father, if you owe a Bishop and you don't pay up when it's due, your life is forfeit. Calder hates what he's become, what his father turned him into and forces him to do, but he knows if he fails, it's his neck on the chopping block. Unfortunately, the man escapes wounded and happens upon Saint's home. She finds him injured and goes to help him, only to witness his murder. Calder knows he can't let her go, knows he'll be forced to kill her if his father finds out about her, but he just can't do it. So, he does the only thing he can and secretly kidnaps her.

Will Saint come to see Calder for who he is, a man who wants her more than his next breath and would do anything to protect her, even risking his own life, as well as someone who saved her yet again and learn to love him, or will he be nothing more than a monster and the man who took her choices away, forcibly shackling her to him?

When I say this book will keep you hooked from start to finish, I promise that is not an exaggeration. You will absolutely lose sleep to finish. It's that insanely good! Without question, 5 stars!!!

[BookishMarineMama03 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinner and Saint by JL Beck is book 1 in her BRAND NEW Black Hollow series. So I will admit, I really don't read western romance, but when JL Beck announced her new series, #1-ANYTHING she writes I am there for and #2 a dark mafia meets the wild west romance, yes please. I literally DEVOURED this book in less than a day. If you love dark, morally grey cowboys, a yummy age gap and so much angst and burn, you will LOVE this book!

Saintly, the preacher’s daughter, good girl, so innocent and naive, always there to do what she's told and thinks is right, rule follower to the core. And oooo our morally grey cowboy, Calder Bishop. EVERYTHING she is not! Part of the feared Bishop family who run the town of Black Hollow. He is a rancher by day and the family enforcer at night. She has always had a crush on him. But after a chance night that turned into rejection, she moves on. Only to a year later be pulled back in FULL FORCE to the dark world of Calder’s life. Innocence and sin, dark and light, good and evil, the angel and the devil. All the words these two represent. One decision must be made or they both will die. And this story takes you down a dark path these two must follow to find freedom and deep love. I loved watching Saintly grow, slowly come out of her shell, realize her worth and stand up for who and what she wants! And Calder, to watch this beautiful man fall to his knees. This man, the mouth on this man is pure fire… The chemistry and connection between these two… It burns so freaking hot! To watch his possessiveness and know he will get ALL her firsts. OMG

We also get a glimpse into the other 3 Bishop boys, Levi, Sawyer and Kade. Who we will meet in their books and I can already tell you each one of those are going to be so good just from what we learned so far!

JL Beck is truly one of my favorite authors. She builds these worlds that pull you in and don't let go! She weaves her stories so perfectly raw and real. They consume you, they pull you in and you can only devour them as fast as you can. This was a GREAT start to a new series! I cannot wait for more of this new world!

Rate: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 5/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

🤠 Morally Grey Cowboy
🤠 She Falls First But He Falls Harder
🤠Opposites Attract
🤠Forbidden Love
🤠Forced Marriage
🤠Age Gap
🤠He Brands Her
🤠Small Town Romance
🤠Filthy Talkin' Hero

🖤THANK YOU J.L. Beck for being a part of your ARC team!

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sinner and Saint is the first book in a gripping new series by JL Beck. The story centres on Saint, a sheltered preacher’s daughter who has always followed the rules. She's also had a secret crush on Calder. When Saint witnesses something she shouldn’t, Calder kidnaps her, setting off a tense and emotional journey for both characters.

Despite her sheltered upbringing, Saint is not just a meek, passive character, she has a strong heart and surprising backbone. Throughout the book, Saint faces some incredibly intense, confronting challenges, but she stands up for herself, showing growth and courage even as her world is turned upside down.

Calder is a slightly more complex character. He is not your usual romantic hero; his actions are often harsh, and the choices he makes are shaped by the pressures and expectations of his family, namely his overbearing, and cruel father. Calder’s split second decision to kidnap Saint force him to confront his own morals and desires. The story gives readers a look into the internal conflict that Calder struggles with, and this makes him a source of danger and surprisingly, I felt sympathetic toward his character.

This is a classic enemies-to-lovers romance, a trope that this author is known for and writes to perfection. The chemistry between Saint and Calder is palpable, and their interactions are filled with tension, raw emotion, and authentic dialogue. The contrast between Saint’s innocence and Calder’s rough edges creates a compelling push and pull that keeps the reader engaged and adds depth to the narrative. The suspense builds throughout the book, especially as it picks up in the middle and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

If you’re looking for a sweet romance, this isn’t it. It is far from sweet or simple. Sinner and Saint is raw, rough, and complicated. Lies are told, truths are revealed, and trust is shattered. Despite everything, Saint’s resilience shines through, making her a standout character.

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy dark, suspenseful romance with flawed and complex characters and emotional twists. The pacing and tension will keep you hooked until the very end.

[Elaina Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an arc copy of @authorjlbeck‘s new series! Sinner & Saint Is the first book in the Black Hollow Series! This book was incredible! I loved Calder and Saint. JL Beck never disappoints! This book reminded me of Yellowstone but way darker. I started out hating Calder but by the end I loved Saint and him together. He fought for her and she was so strong. She was a beast. This book had me gasping the entire time. If you’re looking for a dark cowboy romance. It was spicy, romantic, face paced and I can’t recommend this one enough! I can’t wait for Kade’s story.

Fave quotes? ✨
“You want me. But I’m going to make you need me. There’s a difference.”

“Don’t talk to my wife like that.” My voice drops, quiet but sharp as a blade. “Your problem is with me, not her.”

You’re mine Saint, and I don’t let what’s mine sleep anywhere that I can’t protect it.”

“She’s my daughter.” “She’s my wife.”

I think I’m starting to accept being Calder Bishop’s wife. Worse, I like it.


✨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.✨

Released December 12th! 📖

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.