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Grant Stockton is the devil incarnate. The cowboy turned casino-owning crime boss has been the bane of my existence for as long as I can remember—first as my older brother’s best friend, then as my guardian when my brother died at his side, and now as the rival bar owner and landlord running me into the red.
He might be the head of The Quiet Horsemen, the man everyone else in this town fears, but I’m not about to cede a single inch of ground to him.
If I have to lie, cheat, and steal to keep him from finding out my bar’s underwater—well, that’s exactly what I’ll do.
At least until he breaks into my apartment and discovers my secret. One that gives him all the leverage he needs to control my fate.
My only reprieve is that The Horsemen are in the middle of a war, one that’s been spilling blood for the better part of a decade, and his enemies are closing in on our small mountain town.
Which is why I’m taken off guard by the demand he makes in exchange for keeping my secret.
Apparently there are benefits to being at the mercy of the devil…

402 pages, Paperback

Published March 28, 2025

1578 people are currently reading
12585 people want to read

About the author

Maggie Rawdon

18 books1,638 followers

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5 stars
2,502 (36%)
4 stars
2,663 (39%)
3 stars
1,293 (19%)
2 stars
270 (3%)
1 star
63 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,052 reviews
Profile Image for Ashley.
670 reviews2,846 followers
March 17, 2025
I will legit devour anything Maggie Rawdon writes >>>

This was a fun one!! Dakota is one feisty FMC & I love her attitude. Grant... phew 😅 that man can get it. Some of the scenes in this book will live in my head rent free.

The epilogue was FANTASTIC. I am absolutely loving this series so much and the way each book ends and has me wanting/ needing more. I am still a Ramsey girly til' I die though HAHA

"Something about you makes the rest of the world fade away."

-age gap
-best friends little sister
-dark western
-hate / annoyance to love
-"good boy" / "daddy"
-arrangement of convenience
-former guardian
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Profile Image for Kursed Reads.
808 reviews9,439 followers
April 1, 2025
Daddy. Devil. Grant. Doesn’t matter which moniker you use, the man is what dirty dreams are made of.

Never having allowed himself to think about his best friend’s little sister as anything beyond his ward, the Quiet Horsemen’s leader is just as surprised by his feelings as he is to learn they’re reciprocated.

There’s steam, intrigue, a little angst, and a lotta FAFO. There are cameos by favorite characters and, of course, our beloved Hazel, along with the other Stocktons.

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Maggie is top-tier romance. Her foray into the darker side of romance has been a dream come true.
Profile Image for Mackenzie.
427 reviews1,144 followers
March 2, 2025
♾️ f—king stars!!

Full RTC, but just know… those Stockton men are built different 😮‍💨🤤
Profile Image for Jenn (The Book Refuge).
2,686 reviews4,508 followers
March 28, 2025
Oh Lordy! This book was delicious! The banter and spice were on point. The tension and suspense were also very thrilling. I was hooked right away by being back in this series and I loved watching the story unfold.

Dakota was full of spirit and I definitely understood why Grant called her "Hellfire", because she really lived up to it. It's clear the obsession that they both have with each other. They have let it manifest in ire and hatred but that's just a front to keep them from letting more happen. Because once Dakota pushes him over the edge... WOWZA!

I also felt there was a real danger to the situation. With the Quiet Horsemen being at war. It really puts Dakota and all Grant's family at risk. We see how much that really weighs on him, and how serious he takes protecting his loved ones. It was great to get that insight on him.

Then there was the sex... well, that was hot as Hell-fire... as it were. There was voyeurism, spitting, toys (so many toys!), dirty talking (from BOTH of them), edging, and a dash of role playing. It was a wild ride and yet it wasn't too much. It fits them both.

The reason this gets four stars with me is that it felt too long. I may have liked some of the suspense elements, but I was also a bit underwhelmed by it at times. Still really a great story though. I can't wait for more.

4 Stars
4 on the spice scale

CW: Daddy kink, blackmail, organized crime, arson, stalking, kidnapping and more!

*Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity and the author for an ARC of this title.*
Profile Image for Jono Mitchell.
229 reviews903 followers
June 26, 2025
I’ve quickly become a big fan of Maggie Rawdon. Bull Rush was a fun ride, but Dark Horse is downright addictive. Grant and Dakota are so much more compelling as a couple than Ramsey and Hazel ever were. That said, the pacing felt a bit rushed in spots, and there were moments where key context came a little too late. Still, I was fully hooked. The underlying mystery builds great tension for the romance to play off, and the world beyond the love story is so rich and interesting, you can’t help but keep going.
Profile Image for Smutty Little Books.
360 reviews239 followers
October 20, 2025
Ugh! I loved this book so much. The chemistry between Dakota and Grant was tension filled and 🔥🔥🔥🔥. I can’t wait for the next book
Profile Image for Kayla | Kayla Reads Smut.
324 reviews592 followers
March 18, 2025
Move over Ramsey, we have a brand new Stockton brother in town and goes by the name Zaddy Grant. Maggie was not playing around she gave us Grant Stockton. I am sat. Cooked. Put a fork in me, I'm done. This man is pure perfection. And dare I confidently say this book WILL be a top read for me this year.

If you know me, then you know I couldn't and STILL can't stop talking about Bull Rush. The whole book lives rent free in my brain, and this one? Maggie, you truly delivered another infinity star banger! I loved everything about this book. The plot was on point. You delivered with the suspense element. I loved the darker topics set in a small town. And the MCs, they both delivered BDE and I'm here for it. Overall, let's just say, I am down bad and in pure infatuation with this world that you have created in Purgatory Falls.

I will be honest with you, I didn't know if you could top Ramsey for me, but that lasted all about 5% of me reading Dark Horse to realize that I was on my knees gagged for the grumpy and controlling eldest Stockton sibling. Like sir, please boss me around. I will do anything and everything you say. The amount of highlighting that I did in this book is sickening because Zaddy Grant has a filthy mouth. Everything that came out of this man's mouth had me sweating. Like my feminism flew out the window and it's no where to be found.

On the topic of Dakota, I know identify as Dakota Hartfield moving forward. Dakota, I absolutely loved her personality. I loved her Bull Rush and seeing her as an FMC, I have a massive girl crush on her. Not only is she a strong bad ass woman who doesn't talk shit from anyone, I love how she challenges Grant. She pushes his buttons. Their push and pull relationship was giving me life. They honestly complimented each other nicely.

The TENSION! We need to take a moment for the tension build up in this one. It was so PALPABLE and thick I could cut it with an invisible knife. But the tension was so hot! Like there were so many scenes that made me sweat in the best possible ways and they didn't even touch each other. But that FUCK IT moment was so worth it.

Maggie! Thank you for a BANGER! I can't wait for Levi!

You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Dark Western Romance
- Small Town Romance
- Deal with the Devil/Arrangement of Inconvenience
- Cowboy Turned Crime Boss
- He's Her Former Guardian
- Hate to Love
- Age Gap
- Ms. Independent x Mr. Sit Down
- Morally Grey MMC
- Touch Her and Die

* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Maggie Rawdon and Wordsmith Publicity for allowing me the absolutely pleasure to read Dark Horse as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
Profile Image for Chiara^•^.
438 reviews121 followers
March 27, 2025
Dark Horse by Maggie Rawdon
4,5/5⭐
3/5🌶️

"She's fucking stunning. I understand why all these men were paying for an ounce of her attention. I'd sell my soul for her if I had one left."

I've been meaning to dive into this author's books for a while, and I'm so glad that this one was my first because now I'm hooked! The chemistry between the main characters is incredible, the friendships are fantastic, and the mystery/suspense plot kept me on the edge of my seat. After Dakota loses her older brother and is left without family, Grant becomes her guardian. Fast forward a few years, and Dakota owns a bar in one of Grant's buildings. When Grant discovers her secret, he offers her a deal she can't resist. As they navigate this new arrangement, their dynamic shifts, and feelings begin to blossom.

I adore Dakota! She's a strong, independent, and fierce woman who stands her ground. Her fiery attitude and sassy personality shine through, and I love how she knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. The banter between her and Grant is so much fun, especially since she’s unafraid to challenge him. Speaking of Grant, he’s the leader of The Quiet Horsemen and is feared by others, but underneath that tough exterior, he has a heart of gold. He’s all about protecting the people he loves, and as the oldest, he carries a lot on his shoulders.

"You're the most gorgeous woman I've ever seen, Hellfire. When I close my eyes and dream of all the perfect things I could ask for...it's you."

The relationship between Dakota and Grant is something special. Both have strong personalities and love to push each other’s buttons, which creates some seriously sizzling tension. I enjoyed watching them start to open up to one another. Even though Dakota is confident, she still has her insecurities, and Grant’s typically grumpy and bossy nature softens when he’s with her. Their bond is strong, and they make a perfect match!

All in all, this book is so addictive, and I’m officially a fan of this author now. The mix of mystery, lovable characters, and beautiful writing drew me right into this world. I'm excited about the next book and can’t wait to see where the story goes!

"We've both needed this way too long. The touch of someone who sees us for who we really are, all the ugly flaws and doubts and worries, and loves us for exactly those reasons."
Profile Image for Brittany Ferraro.
253 reviews1,411 followers
March 26, 2025
When I say this has been one of my most anticipated releases, I’m not even kidding. After finishing Bull Rush(my first book by Maggie, by the way)I just knew she was going to be an author whose work I’d love no matter what. And let me tell you, this book lived up to every single expectation!

This baby starts out with a bang. While it is a slow burn these two find themselves in a very interesting arrangement pretty early on in this book and the way it plays out is sooooo fucking hot. If you’re a fan of texting in books (like me) you’re going to absolutely EAT this up.

I fell in love with Dakota’s fierce, fiery, take-no-shit personality in book one, and I was so excited to get her full story. She’s just the kind of FMC I gravitate towards. The way that girl does a sinners shower?! MY IDOL.

AND GRANT?!? This man had me absolutely salivating. I found myself rereading his lines over and over, giggling in bed. Dare I say, he's the perfect MMC? A little grumpy and very over protective, but without being a douche. The sense of responsibility he feels for everyone really got to me. He turned out to be way deeper than I expected. Not to mention, the mouth on him 🤭🙂‍↕️🥵 YES DADDY

Put them together, and you've got an unstoppable force, they just click. The constant back-and-forth, the way they push each other’s buttons. But deep down, they’ve been feeling these emotions for each other far longer than either of them was willing to admit. It was the perfect amount of push and pull, not full-fledged enemies to lovers but definitely an annoyance/ maybe a little rivals??

The story was absolutely captivating. I loved the Horsemen plotline, it adds such a unique twist to the classic small-town cowboy romance. Dark Horse is packed with some of the best tension and spice an incredible story, all while introducing characters you’ll instantly fall in love with.
♾️stars for this one
Profile Image for Anna.
911 reviews642 followers
January 2, 2026
I had a good time with this one! My first by the author & I can’t freaking wait to read more in this series!


It was HOT. It was dark!!! It was intriguing & I had the best time listening to the audio! Thanks MLA for the ALC!!
Profile Image for Britt; footnotes+whimsy.
240 reviews29 followers
April 4, 2025
BETA/ARC REVIEW: ♾️ STARS!!! The Quiet Horseman series in “Maggie After Dark” is something special! Grant + Dakota were everything I wanted and more!

Tropes:
Dark western/small town
Arrangement of inconvenience
Brother’s best friend
Former guardian
Hate to love
Age-gap (10 years)
Morally grey MMC
Touch her and torture
Profile Image for Christina.
597 reviews19 followers
March 19, 2025
I would gladly make a deal with the Devil if his name is Grant Stockton.

Dakota is definitely a fierce FMC, and the banter between her and Grant was so fun. I loved that, despite the 10 year age gap, she showed no hesitation in telling Grant exactly what she wanted from him.

Grant, bless his heart, tries so hard not to completely give in to his best friend’s little sister but between the texts and the pictures and the toys, there is only so much one man can take lol. In all seriousness, the way he loves Dakota and wants to protect her is the ultimate swoon. The way he makes her fantasies come to life is a bonus.

Now, the way Maggie is weaving this story is brilliant. The connections between characters and storylines and hints as to where she’ll take us in the future blew my mind. I loved seeing Duchess and her men. You can also tell that Maggie knows her stuff when it comes to weaving in the mysterious artifacts that catapult much of the suspense of the story. Absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next with Levi!
Profile Image for ReadWithPeaches.
261 reviews18 followers
March 26, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dark Horse is book two of The Quiet Horseman series.

Okay, just where has Maggie Rawdon been all my life?! This was my first book from her, and I’m officially obsessed! Now all I want to do is backtrack and read Bull Rush. And every other book that she has written.

Let’s talk about Grant, oh Grant. He is the man, the myth, the ZADDY I need right now. If you love a rugged, protective, dirty-talking MMC (think Riley Green vibes 🤠🔥), then you’re in for such a fun treat. He had me completely losing my mind in the best way. And then there’s Miss Dakota. She is a total badass with a fearless attitude and a heart that loves just as fiercely for her family and friends. She’s the kind of FMC who will not back down, especially when it comes to challenging Grant. I’m here for it every single time.

The tension in this book - YES! - is executed flawlessly, keeping readers completely engaged. The banter between the characters is sharp, witty, and perfectly undeniably entertaining. Their chemistry is electric, captivating, and irresistible.

Thank you Maggie Rawdon and Wordsmith for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honestly review.
Profile Image for Halya.
156 reviews
May 21, 2025
Краще ніж перша однозначно
Гранд відкрився з боку не буркотуна, Дакота просто 💅🏻
Бабці- Галі забагато сексуальних сцен з однотипними фразами, тому вже наприкінці читала по діагоналі. Цікава взагалі історія з реліквіями, ну і Леві та його любовна лінія прям ухух що то буде
Ще бісило прізвисько Татусь, ну йомайо, щось такоє
Гарно показано, що сімʼя на першому місці, але дядько - тупе мудачило🙄😅
Кароче, читати можна не переживаючи за чоло))
Profile Image for Courtenay (ceelovesbooks).
320 reviews135 followers
March 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Ahhh the Stockton brothers. Is there anything quite like them? No there isn’t. They’re morally grey. They’re delicious. They have filthy tastes. They fall HARD and FAST for their women. And they deliver on almost every single trope a romance reading girlie could ask for!

If you’ve read Bull Rush, you know how it ends right? Well this time we’re back with Grant and his “ex-ward” Dakota. Grant was best friends with Dakotas brother who passed away, and made him a promise to always protect her. So protect her, he has.

Dakota is a spitfire. She’s sassy, she’s strong, she’s fun, and she doesn’t let ANY man tell her what she can and cannot do. I LOVED her. Dakota owns the local dive bar, and when Grant finds out about what she’s been doing as her side hustle? He’s not happy. So he proposes a deal of his own. And Dakota not only delivers, but Grant finds himself sucked into her web, unable to stay away.

These two find themselves in some SPICY predicaments. You would never expect less from Maggie, honestly. She’s the queen of memorable spice. I will die on this hill. There’s some whiskey, there’s some 💦👖, lots of toys. LOTS of toys as teammates. And you want to talk about a man who can EAT?! 😮‍💨 Grant might be the KING.

There’s a lot to unpack here, plot wise. But I don’t want to spoil anything for you. So just go in knowing what you already know from Bull Rush, and enjoy! It’s a wild ride.

Their ending was so sweet 🥹 and just what I needed to tie this whole story up. I can’t wait for Levi! I have a feeling he might be my favourite Stockton brother yet!
Profile Image for Romancing the Reader.
1,272 reviews530 followers
May 27, 2025
Months later, I’m still thinking about Bull Rush. So when the ARC for Dark Horse landed in my inbox, I was excited to revisit this dark, suspenseful small town.

📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Dark Horse by Maggie Rawdon

📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: The Quiet Horseman character series. Book 2.

📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book ARC on Kindle. 🆓 on KU.

📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Dark romance

📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Enemies-to-lovers, blackmail, banter, sex worker rep, billionaire.

📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Dakota is working hard to keep her bar afloat - even making some extra money selling pictures of herself online. But when her long-time enemy and reluctant sentinel Grant finds out, he makes her a deal she cant refuse.

🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I’m a sucker for this little town and it’s big bad MMCs that Maggie Rawdon has created. And even though I have so many questions, I love where this series is heading.

If you liked Ramsey in Bull Rush, you’re going to looooooove Grant. He’s even more growly and manipulative. But I kind of lived for it.

Listen, everything here is checked perfectly. The spice, absolutely there. The tension, award winning. The pining? Yep, I was begging them both to be happy. I loved Dakota and Grant’s banter, and I loved that Grant fell so reluctantly.

Small side note that this has an underlying plot that’s continuous. So if you’re going to read, start at book 1 in Bull Rush and continue from there.

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 4/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶

𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
Profile Image for Julie Dreamland.
233 reviews8 followers
May 8, 2025
4,5 ⭐
Ну що я можу сказати - продовження про Ґранта і Дакоту на щабель вище за першу книгу.
Я справді отримала насолоду від читання, від самої історії й від героїв. Це було пекельно гостро і чуттєво. Де записатися на угоду з таким дияволом? Я буду волонтером 😈

Хімія між головними героями зашкалювала, і мені сподобалось, що авторка поступово підводила їх до моменту, коли вони вже просто не могли опиратися своїм бажанням. Мені неймовірно зайшло, як Дакота зухвало кидала виклик грізному Ґранту, штовхала його через край, попри різницю у віці. О, так, це достоту один з тих тропів, що змушують битися серце швидше і мріяти про такого "татка". Ну а Ґрант, він явно бажав, щоб маленький вогник зловила його у свої тенета. Те, як він втілює її фантазії в життя, як піклується, підтримує й оберігає - просто в саме серце.

В цій книжці мені сподобалося, як авторка продовжила детективну лінію, що почалася в Bull Rush. Як на мене, то вписано органічніше і логічніше. Частину таємниць розкрито, але вони відкривають новий пласт інтриг й загадок. Дуже цікаво дізнатися, до чого ж це приведе.
Profile Image for KB Reads.
200 reviews
March 29, 2025
6/5⭐️ 3.5/5🌶️

“It’s gonna make it real hard for you to show me how wet you’re getting while you beg for my c*ck later, Cowgirl.”

“The man might not be the best with words or with saying all the things I’d like to hear. But he does all the right things to show that he cares and always shows up when I need him the most.”

“I want every part of you. Your mind. Your heart. I’m gonna earn them all. It’s gonna take time, though, and you’re gonna have to be patient with me while I learn to trust myself with them. I have to figure out how I can balance how much I don’t deserve you with how much I need you. That’s probably gonna take a lifetime and then some, and I don’t know if either of us is ready for it.”

“If I ever needed a reason to live, her happy, sated smile as she stumbles out of bed and into my arms would be it.”

“Every bit of pleasure you get starts and ends with me. Always has. Figured this way we make it official.”

“And Grant Stockton eats up praise the same way he eats p*ssy—like he’s starved and I’m his only hope of salvation.”

Loved this freaking book!!! I was hooked from the first page. I even liked it more than Bull Rush and that’s saying something! I couldn’t put it down once I started and I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!!!!😍😍 Oh and read the bonus epilogue 😍🤍🥺

Tropes:
Dark Romance
Age Gap
Touch Her & Die
Praise kink
Profile Image for Tia.
211 reviews561 followers
January 21, 2026
4.5⭐️ extra 0.5 for Sean Masters 🎧

Grant and Dakota were absolutely age gap goals 🫶 I would have preferred a little more spice considering their kinks but all in all loved it!
Profile Image for Haily Volk.
425 reviews117 followers
March 31, 2025
5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

OH.MY.GAWD. Maggie Rawdon with another MASTERPIECE! Her writing is like crack to me. I am addicted and never want to put her books down. I love Dakota and Grant so much! Grant is Daddy. Dakota is one of my favorite FMC. Her nickname Hellfire is the perfect definition of her. She won’t back down. If I was her, I would gladly take that deal with the devil.

Everything about this book was EVERYTHING. The banter between these two!! I was loving it! The way Grant makes her fantasies come to life! He will do everything for that girl and SWOONING my heart.

This series really has me in a chokehold. The plot had me soo invested and I am a Maggie Rawdon Stan, I love her and her writing! I can’t wait for the rest of this series. Plus, these covers are such a bonus for my bookshelves 😍 I can’t stop staring at them.

Tropes:
🖤Dark Western Romance
🖤Age Gap
🖤Hate to Love
🖤Arrangement of Convenience
🖤Former Guardian
🖤Brother’s Best Friend
Profile Image for Courtney | romancereadswithcourt.
252 reviews130 followers
March 27, 2025
Oh. My. Damn. 5 stars is NOT enough for Grant and Dakota!!! Ahhhh this was perfection, in book form. No notes. 😮‍💨🤭🫶🏼✨🫠🖤

FULL RTC!!!!
Profile Image for Anja.
360 reviews69 followers
March 22, 2025
♾️⭐️|3🌶️

GRANT MOTHERFUCKIN STOCKTON
That’s it. That’s the review.

👏🤣 jkjk but seriously, this man took the throne from Ramsey so fast & I didn’t think that was possible. I absolutely loved him! He’s so grumpy but carries so much on his shoulders to protect the people he loves. He also has a filthy mouth that I’ll be dreaming about in the foreseeable future 😮‍💨

My girl Dakota sliding in to take the top FMC spotlight! I knew she would the moment I met her in Bull Rush. She’s so sassy with an idgaf attitude & I absolutely LOVED her.

The banter between these two was top tier. Both would dish it out and throw it right back to each other. Their chemistry was so palpable from page one.

I love the suspense in this book. You never know where it’s really heading and once it gets there, it’s always surprising. I really enjoy seeing glimpses of Charlotte & her men in this series as well and I’m anticipating their full length book even more now.

I can’t WAIT for Levi’s story. I’m so intrigued.

Thank you so much Maggie Rawdon for this ARC 🤍
Profile Image for Clairsreads.
450 reviews61 followers
March 22, 2025
4.5 ⭐️

After the masterpiece that was Bull Rush, book two in the series was a highly anticipated read for me and I could not wait to dive back into this fictional world that I know and love 🖤

Grant Stockton’s best friend dies before his eyes and leaves him responsible for his younger sister, Dakota. As the two have navigated life without the glue that kept them together they have always had this pull to each other that they’ve tried to deny. When Dakota finds herself in more debt that she can manage, Grant makes her an offer that she literally can’t refuse. As tensions rise and the relationship seems to escalate to a place neither of them ever expected it would go- outside forces intent on destruction try to tear apart not only their lives, but the lives of everyone they love.

Both Dakota and Grant are such strong, resilient characters you just can’t help but love them. The banter and text conversations between these two started off with a bang and just kept on going. I absolutely loved their dynamic and connection and seeing burly Grant open up and care for Dakota while seeing Dakota accept Grant for who he is and at the level he was at really warmed my heart.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

My gears are turning at all of the easter eggs that I side eyed throughout this book and I cannot WAIT to see what Maggie has up her sleeve next!!!
Profile Image for Lauren.
107 reviews122 followers
April 7, 2025
5⭐️3🌶️
I know Dakota was reluctant to make a deal with the devil, AKA Grant Stockton, but I gladly would have no questions asked. These Stockton men are just built different. I am always a sucker for a grumpy MMC and Grant was just that. He carries so much from his past and will do whatever it takes to protect the ones who are most important to him, including Dakota. My girl Dakota was such a strong, badass FMC and I truly loved her.

The banter between these two?! I mean come on. Chefs kiss. The chemistry between them? Off the charts. Can always count on Maggie for some unforgettable spice and she always delivers. Also has you feeling all of the feels. I also loved seeing Charlotte and her men in this book and makes me even more excited for Thick as Thieves. The ending of the book had me on the edge of my seat and I cannot wait for Levi's story next!

Tropes
- dark western romance
- deal with the devil/arrangement of inconvenience
- cowboy turned crime boss
- morally grey MMC
- Ms. Independent meets Mr. Sit Down
- touch her and die
- hate to love
- age gap
- he's her former guardian

Thank you so much Maggie Rawdon for the ARC.
Profile Image for Sienasummerrreads.
635 reviews354 followers
January 16, 2026
This follows Dakota and Grant, the oldest Stockton brother a cowboy turned casino crime boss. For the past ten years, Dakota has been tied to Grant because of a promise he made to his best friend. She loves pushing his buttons as they’re business rivals, all while secretly juggling a side hustle no one knows about. But with a brewing war on the horizon, the real question is can he keep her safe?

I highly recommend picking up the audiobook Sean and Emma are brilliant, and the duet format elevates the whole story. I really enjoyed this one; it had twists, turns, and suspenseful moments that kept me hooked.

Starting with Dakota, I devoured her sassy attitude toward Grant in the beginning. I was screaming over her side hustle because I needed to know when Grant would find out and how he’d react. Then things got serious pushing boundaries, exploring desires, and dealing with the tension of an underlying threat.

Grant Stockton is a different breed. He’s a powerful man trying to understand his feelings and struggling with the responsibility of protecting someone he cares about especially when he can’t bear to lose anyone else after what’s happened in his past. The way he takes care of Dakota? It melts me. The chemistry is amazing, and I won’t lie the spice is the perfect amount. Absolutely delicious. And yes I’m a sucker for the daddy kink.

I do want to mention it’s advertised at hate to love or some may interpret enemies to lovers. I don’t see hate to love to be honest as the MMC is doing what he can to protect and keep her safe. So I have put down rivals to lovers as I think it’s more suited as they have rival businesses.

I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.

Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 10hrs 20mins
Narrators: Sean Masters and Emma Wilder - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
POV: First Person Dual
Series or Standalone: Book Two In The Quiet Horsemen Series
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Rivals To Love, Brothers Best Friend, Cowboy Western, Age Gap (10yrs), Forced Proximity, My Girl, Cursing, Death Of Sibling, Touch Her And Die, Medical Content, Fire, Explosion, Alcohol, Sexual Content, Praise, Daddy Kink, Edge Play, Begging, Squirting, Restrictive Play, Phone Scene, Public Scene, WHCIHP, Toys, Toys As Teammates, Taken Bare, Pierced (FMC), Phone Scene, Office Scene and Mirror Scene.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
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Profile Image for Cons Arroyuelo.
Author 2 books2,632 followers
November 30, 2025
Porque estan teniendo conversaciones completas a medio 💥
La de callarse tantito el oziko no se la saben???
Profile Image for Maureen.
794 reviews4 followers
December 10, 2025
AUDIO RE-READ

Narrated by Emma Wilder and Sean Masters as Dakota and Grant and yall, I truly didn’t think I could love these two more until now. This was SO. DAMN. GOOD.

Grant is LITERALLY DADDY. To have him in my earholes was a religious experience 😂 you thought READING the tension between these two was good!? Emma and Sean absolutely DROWNED me in it and I couldn’t find it in me to be upset about it. In the least.

If you haven’t read this yet, first of all what are you doing?
Second of all, do yourself a MASSIVE favor and do it in audio. Sometimes you just need to experience a daddy k!nk in real time. Just sayin 🤷🏻‍♀️

So it took me approximately 7-10 business days to process and stop sweating from Grant’s filthy mouth. I’d sell my soul to “The devil” himself to read it again for the first time. 😮‍💨😮‍💨 Ramsey being dethroned as the ultimate book husband was NOT on my bingo card alas here we are. My entire personality since "Bull Rush" has been Ramsey Stockton, apparently now and for the foreseeable future it will be big brother Grant and "Dark Horse". OHMYGOODGOD this man has genuinely consumed every inch of my brain since I finished reading. BUT! Here's the kicker......(not that Hazel wasn't a rad FMC, because she absolutely was) Dakota Hartfield was also an ABSOLUTE GODDESS. Total and true queen and I very well may ask Santa to put her under my tree next year because she was every bit of delishhhh as he was. The combo of these two characters was DYNAMITE. Give me an indecent arrangement where their hidden desires and feelings are allowed to leak through any day and twice on Sunday's. Throw in some suspense, the appearance of previous beloved characters and you have truly hit the trifecta. The tension between these two, I can't even put into words other than it left me ACTUALLY panting. And the SPICE? MAGGIE. GIRL. Chapter 13? Unforgettable. Chapter 24!? On a constant loop in my mind. Every chapter got better and better, left me in a puddle for more. The Stockton brothers are built different and I would have them no other way. I'd need at least a dozen “Sinner's Showers” to get these men and these books out of my head. I am already so ready for Lev's book because THAT SET UP?! I am a goner. I CANNOT WAIT.

Infinite stars. So ridiculously good. Favorite Maggie Rawdon book to date. Unquestionably. No notes.

WHAT TO EXPECT
🖤 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘭: 𝘈𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘐𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦
🐎 𝘊𝘰𝘸𝘣𝘰𝘺 𝘛𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘴𝘴
🖤 𝘖𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥
🐎 𝘏𝘦’𝘴 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘎𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯
🖤 𝘏𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦
🐎 𝘈𝘨𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘱: 𝘏𝘦’𝘴 𝘖𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳 (10 𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴)
🖤 𝘔𝘴. 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘹 𝘔𝘳. 𝘚𝘪𝘵 𝘋𝘰𝘸𝘯
🐎 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘔𝘔𝘊
🖤 𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦
🐎 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘞𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯/𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯
Profile Image for madmanreads.
454 reviews115 followers
December 17, 2025
4 ⭐️ | 3.5 🌶️

🎧 Audio update : I didn't think I could love Grant and Dakota more, then enter Emma Wilder and Sean Masters to completely blow my mind with such a compelling and stunning performance of this book and I fell even harder! Emma Wilder and Sean Masters played so well off of each other in those sassy. bantering moments, and made the heartfelt, tough moments even more so. There are so many moments that will be living rent free from this audio experience!

♟️ Age gap
🤍 Brother’s best friend
♟️ Dark western romance
🤍 Arrangement of convenience
♟️ Spicy content creator
🤍 Former guardian

There must be something in the water in Purgatory Falls because how are these men so perfectly grumpy, protective, sexy and down bad for their women??

Maggie Rawdon is creating a blueprint for my perfect main characters with each new book she writes and I am so in love with these fictional men and women.

❤️‍🔥I fell in love with Dakota as soon as she spit whiskey into a man’s mouth and I just continued to fall for her as the book went on. The perfectly feisty FMC of my dreams right here!

🖤Grant Stockton… there’s so much I could say about my love for him but a man that breaks another man’s knees because he touched his woman but also WHIMPERS for her?! 10/10 man right there.

🌶️ Can we talk about that 🥃 scene in the office? 🥵 Maggie writes some of my all time favorite spice because not only is it hot and furthers the couple’s connection, each scene is so unique and memorable. That 💦 👖 moment was iconic.

Thank you so much to Maggie Rawdon for the arc of Dark Horse in exchange for my honest opinion 🖤.
Profile Image for Ashley.
314 reviews90 followers
December 10, 2025
ALC review

Dual narration by Sean Masters & Emma Wilder

Tropes:
Dark Western Romance
Small Town
Hate to Love
Arrangement of Inconvenience
Former Guardian
Age Gap
Forced Proximity

Getting to re-read this book again in audio form makes me love Grant & Dakota that much more. The narration was absolute perfection, no notes. Add this to your listening list.

Original Review:
Did I think I needed a new trope, Arrangement of Inconvenience? Did I even know what it was? Nope & Nope, but Maggie has a way of making these new tropes intriguing one minute, then my entire personality the next.

I also have a new girl crush and that is our FMC Dakota. She has so much spice & snark that it makes the banter in this story top tier. If you are looking for a book where she ends up in an arrangement of sorts (smexy pics & all) with not only her landlord, but he's also her older brother's Best friend & former guardian (age gap, 10yrs). Grant is our cowboy turned crime boss & he definitely does things the morally grey way including this arrangement between him & Dakota. Problem is he didn't anticipate her giving him so much push back.

This book is a beautiful balance of banter, plot & spice. I really did find myself laughing out loud, to gasping in shock to...🥵🥵 Maggie's spice needs no notes. It's always perfect & this read was no exception.

What I personally love about this story is you get the mix of characters from Bull Rush & you get to meet a lot of new characters opening the world of possibilities for more in the future.

All I can say is there is something in the water in Purgatory Falls & I want it. Every single character she writes is just absolutely perfect.
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