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Black Gold Valley: Sampson

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Is finding love worth the price of losing your honor?

For Sampson Chisholm-Love, his name is everything to him. It’s a bond, a legacy and a promise to govern himself to the highest standards. When you are descended from Black Texas cowboy and ranching royalty, sullying the family name isn’t something that you can do.

And then love walks in making you rethink everything you’ve ever believed.

Sampson has been tortured for years longing after the girl of his dreams while being loyal to his word. But love is no longer willing to wait. Will Sampson find a way to claim the love that has been in front of him all along? Or will his sense of honor keep him bound in an unfulfilling relationship while true love slips away?

Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2025

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Dandridge Monroe

46 books188 followers

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5 stars
227 (68%)
4 stars
77 (23%)
3 stars
25 (7%)
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2 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Melise.
516 reviews56 followers
March 21, 2025
Per usual, I really enjoyed this novel—Dandridge never disappoints. This was a “slow burn,” but to me, it just felt like a naturally paced evolution of love and romance.

The only reason it wasn’t a five-star read is that it felt absolutely insane that this big Black billionaire was solely moving based on the words of a misguided colonizer. Like, sorry, but once Ysabel became an interest of his, he should have started doing the work to get out from under that lady’s thumb.

And the haircut? That really soured me—huh?? I’m not cutting a thing without seeing at least one chemo treatment, without a single strand falling, especially when it’s been two years. While I get that he didn’t see love in his future, he also didn’t seem to see due diligence or sensible decision-making.

I think the biggest issue is that he was introduced and described as this astute business mogul and intelligent boss, yet it took him forever to realize he was being taken for a ride.

I can’t wait to get into the rest of the family’s love lives—I just *know* Reece and Runt are gonna be a TIMEEEEE!
Profile Image for V. Rena.
1,662 reviews17 followers
April 15, 2025
Not a 40 year old virgin anymore

Yzabel brought Sampson outta his shell, helping him to fully live and not just exist. I love that Sampson loved every part of her and despite the years of loving her from afar, he takes pleasure in wooing her the right way. I love how things were in reverse and that Yz opened him up and turned him out, going from asexual to very sexual in a heartbeat. He wasn't a 40 year old virgin anymore. I'm so glad that she was able to lay hands on that wannabe and that karma -and big Xerses- teaches Ana a real lesson. It's good to learn more about the Chisholm-Love family and can't wait to see more from them as well as getting updates on other familiar characters that I love. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Profile Image for Readin'_Rainbeau.
37 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2025
Dandridge’s pen never runs out of ink

So I knew Samp and Yzzy were getting their story, but didn’t realize it would be in a separate series. But lemme tell you, I’m ready! Sampson is a man’s man, but the amount of patience and tenderness he offers to Yzzy is beautiful. I don’t typically do a slow burn, but this one was so good. Yzzy is my favorite type of FMC: smart, loyal, funny, and yet still vulnerable. She kept me laughing and I was rooting for her since the first chapter. She reminds me of Regan from Beverly Jenkins’ book: Tempest. A classic, and Yzzy is a beautiful tribute. Can’t wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Shanita Grayson.
42 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2025
Emotional Ride

Baby you got us with this one. Sampson was moving too slow for me. I’m glad he finally got it together. Great read
Profile Image for TheReaderVert .
817 reviews31 followers
June 17, 2025
Destiny Full filled

The Author's Note at the beginning tells readers, "hey, hey, sit back and enjoy this 1990s Johnny Gill version of seduction and romance in book form". I was glad for listening. She wasn't lying when she said this was a slow burn. But it's not as slow as one would think. Sampson is just true to his name. He is honirable to a fault, measured, slow because he's forumulating a plan. And I minded nontall! Sampson was so fine I didn't care to slow down with him. Go on ahead and just let the romance breathe a little, and that's what we got.

American Requiem
This is a true Black Cowboy Romance in the spirit of cattle rancher knowledge, Black American Western History, the empowerment & affirmation of Black love, generational Black wealth, good food, top shelf Spirits & most of all Beyoncé Cowboy Carter references 😄.

Question! Tell me..
🙋🏾‍♀️Is there OW drama? Yes, but that ain't-quite-white white lady is a fascinating obstacle. Just read the story. Trust the author, and you'll see.

🙋🏾‍♀️Is it a slow burn? Well, yeah, but also no. We get the long looks, hurt/comfort, inside jokes & small laughs along the way. While doing so, Dandridge layers the story perfectly with the character inner conflicts so we can see an evolution in the characters.

🙋🏾‍♀️But is there smut, tho? Hell to the yeah! When they get going, Yz will turn that sucker out.

Blackbird Bodyguard!
I appreciate that Dandridge trusts her readers to handle intelligent moving and acting characters. Yz was again a perfect balance, Little Miss Snow Black enamored Sampson immediately, and for good reason. I appreciated that she was steadfast too in her quiet longing for Sampson. She understood her man before he was her man.

Texas Hold Em!
We also get some good surprise twists & fun updates from series favs along the way. Characters have pop-up moments. It's always refreshing because Dandridge is building a universe, and it shows.

Amen, like a mechanical bull!
All go down in the gorgeous backdrop of a large, beautiful ranch with ancestral ties; we see Sampson, the stoic Cowboy, finally accept love from Yz, the smart sexy Vet. Of course, this was a 5 star read 😉
Profile Image for Charmy Reads.
445 reviews15 followers
March 20, 2025
One of my favorite tropes is a good Black cowboy romance. Cowboy romances in general are decent but there's nothing like a Black cowboy romance (for me). Usually when I come across them, they are all novellas. I was pleasantly surprised that this was a full length book.

The story starts off with Sampson Chisholm-Love whose family is very influential in Texas. Especially when it comes to ranching and property. Sampson interviews Yzabel in the beginning of the book for a live in veterinary position on his ranch. Immediately Sampson is drawn to Yzabel and vice versa. The only problem is that Sampson, a man of immense character, he's already promised himself to Ana Maria, a woman he thought was a friend. Ana Maria has come to Sampson with a secret and a dilemma that only he can help her with.

There is longing, friendship, betrayal, and a sprinkling of spice. If you are someone that likes heavy spice this may not be the book for you. It's very much a slow burn with a small amount of spice. It fits well with the story and Sampson's character.

I did learn that this is a spin off of another series. I didn't feel like I was missing anything by not having read the other series but knowing that some of the side characters were from the other series made me want to read those books, too. They have been added to my TBR.

I really enjoyed this read and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin .
1,679 reviews10 followers
April 16, 2025
I ain't in no gang, but I got shooters and I bang, bang!

Y'all I'm done all the way in by Sampson and Yzzy! I could literally write a book as to why you should read this one. This was a slow burn for the soul, steeped in history, mystery, familial bonds, black history, and unbridled desire! Some may think that things were too slow with this one, but Ms. Monroe kept giving and giving and I just kept on taking. This was a love story that expanded years, through lots of longing. Plus, it will make sense once a discovery is made by our MMC. I found a lot of the deep parts of this book so accurate. The misrepresentation or should I saw the perception of women of color. Ana, she was dirty work for sure and she got everything she deserved. I loved how deep the cultural aspects and heritage were displayed on subtle occasions and out loud. This is definitely in contention for top read of the year because it was so well rounded and touched so many subjects. As a coastal Texan, I know the intricacies of black ranchers and cowboy life. I seriously can't believe this is my first book by this author and I can see I'm about to fall down a rabbit hole. The only thing that made me a little aggravated by this book was that lying @$$ woman had that man cut all that beautiful hair, I'm still rubbing my chest. Definitely don't sleep on this book. Happy Reading Y'all!💋
Profile Image for Lisareadsromance.
654 reviews16 followers
March 28, 2025
Yes...

First off let me get this off my chest f*** that b**** f*** that hoe a** arabian n***** they can both rot in the s***. You mean to tell me for 2 years for 2 m************ years It would have been on sight immediately. And she was so self hating I could but it reminded me of some people in real life I hate living just like that. I swear I was waiting and it didn't disappoint. Now that I got that off my chest I freaking love this book look I am not a slow burn girlie but this slow verb was breaking perfect. Sampson is like my second favorite man next to priest I swear, and that's something cause with NY other man up next...I'm just in man hevean. Like verything about him screamed good guy a level-headed gentleman. Illiterally has such a bleeding heart of gold... And I freakin loved him for Yzzy. I was sitting up here blowing deep sighs waiting for him to get his woman but you know what patience patience is what he taught me. There's a time for everything. Now with Yzzy... She is so much like her Sister even I'll be it on a softer scale with how she is with animals but she definitely can wildly if necessary. While wellput is that good Lawyer brain to work easy up here route AF ready to throw hands at any moment and I love that. I like hi everybody on the farm we're really rooting for these 22 be together and I love how they were with yzzy aka snow black. Everything about this book was just perfect. And wait a minute when my other man popped up you girl screamed so loud I was so excited because I was like Ah who we getting next it's my Black Arab boo.... This book even let me in on some stuff about Jacoby.... My baby is murda alright. This book is a definite 10 out of 10....
Profile Image for Kyeatta H.
292 reviews21 followers
April 15, 2025
While I loved the Chisolm-Love story, it what meh for me. While I loved the beginning towards the middle and the end it started to drag out to me. I started to lose interest. Yz, showed and proved and so did Samp, so I couldn't figure out for the life of me why it didn't end somewhere in the middle. How the hell did Sampson not know that lady won't sick? How the hell did he let that lady talk him into cutting his hair. WE ALL KNOW THAT STORY AND YOUR DAMN NAME IS FREAKING SAMPSPON!!!! That right there confused the hell out of me. There aint that much compassion for somebody you don't like or love. The 40 year old virgin thing threw me atw off. He was a quick study though lol. He jumped right in like he had been waiting for it. I love me a good book about black cowboy and country living. Nothing like a black strong county man. I Love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
103 reviews
September 3, 2025
I am in love with Sampson!

OMG I am so happy someone recommended this book! Sampson is that dude…empathetic, intelligent, family oriented, but will cut you if you wrong him or the ppl he loves. And don’t even get me started on the hair. He was secure in who he was but not afraid to be open and vulnerable with Yzzy. He has a deep connection to land and legacy and helping others. I mean who is this man!

Yzzy definitely held her own. Beauty and brains. I love that she was a vet and that’s what brought her into Sampson’s world. As well as being Wilhelmina ‘s sister. This is an interconnected series with Wilhelmina’s book happening first (which I didn’t read).

Ana Maria I wanted to drag all up and down this book. Count your days girl.

Nate was the loose cannon little brother that you let loose when it was time to pop off and he was absolutely hilarious!
141 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2025
Not what I was expecting

In the preface of the book the author warns that the book is a slow read, but that is not what I got. What I got was a man who knew who his mate was the minute he met her, but due to previous obligations he couldn’t have her. This book was everything, ok!!! Even finding out Sampson secret made perfect sense!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it to fans of this author. I love how she brings characters from other books to complete the book.
Profile Image for Sonya Smith.
75 reviews
June 8, 2025
Snow Black and the Old Man!

This is a insta-love, slow burn love story. It takes years for Yzabel and Sampson to actually get together but the journey is worth the wait. Their road to happiness is filled with love, laughter found family, and it is frustrating at times, but that’s because Samson is such a great guy. If you’re a fan of Ms. Monroe, this is connected to the U.N.O.N (iykyk) as well as the Desperado universes as Yzzy is Wilhelmina’s sister, You will have a great time reading this and you definitely fall in love with the main characters. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Kia.
1,159 reviews
April 1, 2025
Whoa

Definitely a slow burn and at first I thought I would get bored but I am glad I toughed it out. Sampson was all about his family legacy so unfortunately he got taken advantage of because of his kindness. Yzzy was in limbo because she loves this man but wasn’t going to put herself in a situation that went against her boundaries. Overall this story was a sweet romance and I can’t wait to see what else happens in Black Gold Valley.
Profile Image for MJ.
29 reviews
April 2, 2025
I loved this story. The characters, the history and the interactions really gave me so much enjoyment. Dandrige can write a slow burn that will have you melting. I actually love them because of her books. I liked how Sampson was so loyal and kind. He is not a selfish man and he was perfect for Yzzy. Just two caring souls who deserve the best and I love it for them. The drama was entertaining. That family dinner 😂😂 loved it 5 stars!!!!
Profile Image for Miranda Watkins.
452 reviews4 followers
April 11, 2025
It was good overall. It was super slow as in they didn’t hunch until like 80 something percent through I bout died because hunch already the tension was very much so present but it was good. It gave good ole southern gentleman with manners, loyalty, & a man of his word…Yzabel is definitely Willa’s sister frfr. This book is currently a standalone but I definitely gotta go back & read the books of the orphan series & Desparados series that I haven’t read yet.
Profile Image for Selena Nicole.
246 reviews12 followers
January 22, 2026
3.5 stars ✨

Sampson had me feeling like the I was steadfast one by the time I finished his & Yzzys story. Dandridge truly took us for a slow ride around the ranch— and at a point I found myself becoming frustrated with how drawn out the “situation” lasted. It was so satisfying when we could finally experience our MCs showcasing their love for one another.

There are many insightful and hilarious moments that I was constantly highlighting on my kindle
125 reviews
March 17, 2025
superseded expectations

I knew I would love Sampson and Yzzy’s book but damn!!! While I was frustrated with that Ana chick, I appreciate the way he moved to get what he wanted. The nuggets and guests appearances were EVERYTHING!!! The placement, character development, and storyline took me through all the emotions. I absolutely loved this.
Profile Image for Lauretta Beckett.
12 reviews
March 17, 2025
Black Cowboys

This book was phenomenal. I loved Sampson. How often do we get to see man with a level of innocence . He was charming, vulnerable and kind. I loved it. Yzabel, a woman who respected another woman’s position. She was a breath of fresh air. I loved them together.
And I can’t wait for Xeres book!
Profile Image for Kam.
31 reviews
March 18, 2025
wow, wow

When I tell you, I smiled the entire time I read this book. I’m not kidding. I loved Sampson and Yzabel story. And spoil alert if you have read sidelined love you get an update. It’s small, but it made my day when I tell you feet giggling happy to hear about my girl. Carine and Dr. Richard was every freaking thing that I needed.
Profile Image for The Author Cadence James.
49 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2025
Another Best Seller by Dandridge Monroe 😍😍😍

There are so many things I love about this book: the humor and witty banter, the musical references, the character connections, the maneuvering of “traditional” gender roles, the ancestral homage and connections, I could go on and on.

Ms. Monroe’s writing style is one of my favorites and once again she did not disappoint.
33 reviews
April 5, 2025
Thank you Queen Dandridge

Thank you for blessing us with Yzzy's and Sampson's story. I hoped it wouldn't be just a crush on Yzzy's end. This was such a beautifully well written book. The love of black cowboy culture was enlightening. I learned a lot in this book. As I usually do with all Dandridge Monroe's books. Now I'm about to read all of my Mina and Coby's books again 💜.
Profile Image for Danielle Vaughan.
678 reviews4 followers
April 5, 2025
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Omg. I love the sexy black cowboy. Makes me wanna move to Texas. Sampson was such a sweetheart. I hate how Anna Marie took advantage of his kindness.

Then came Yzabel aka Black. She shook things up for the betterment of Sampson’s heart. Yz said she was what he needed 😂😂😂. Girl get your man❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Morgan Frances.
50 reviews
September 23, 2025
Sampson—the ultimate yearner! He was a loyal man of duty, even to his own detriment. Steadfast and anything but morally gray, he wrestled with a self-imposed martyrdom while (not so secretly) yearning for Yzabel. I'm glad they got their HEA because of the constant struggle of tension between what was "right" and what his heart truly wanted.
Profile Image for Natoi.
219 reviews
March 16, 2025
I didn't see that coming!!

Patience is definitely a virtue!! Samp & his Black were gorgeous together and the love and patience he put into her and the love and care she put into him! The laughs and the love were top tier!!
210 reviews
March 18, 2025
🤎

I loved Sampson & Yz so much! Sampson had that lowkey powerful energy about him. Just humble but so amazing. Yz was perfect. Her love for animals was so beautiful but she wasn’t shy or weak. They were perfect. Looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Celeste .
582 reviews6 followers
April 29, 2025
Slow burn was right

Read the authors notes. It truly helped set expectations. Sampson top tier, honest, loyal, devoted man. Black, top tier, hard working, lovable woman. Together they made sense. You appreciate how they arrive to their HEA.
Profile Image for B. Sunflower.
50 reviews
June 18, 2025
wow

The book honestly started out slow for me but then it picked up and i fully enjoyed it. The banter the drama and the action. Representation matters and it was definitely in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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