Relentless Hearts

Willow Malone is the indispensable heart of Black Heart Security, the steady force who manages the ranch's veteran program and keeps her protective brothers in line. She pours everything into helping others heal, especially the brooding, devastatingly attractive former SEAL, Decker “Dutch” Jansen.

Dutch has fought for his country, and now he’s fighting his own demons on the ranch—and fighting his raw, intense attraction to Willow. When he steps in front of a threat and takes a hit for her, the thin line they’ve maintained snaps, and their mutual desire ignites.

But the gifts Willow has been ignoring are turning sinister.

As the anonymous threats escalate, Dutch refuses to watch from the sidelines. He vows to protect her, but when he and the Black Heart team return from a mission, they find a devastating silence: Willow is gone, and her truck's tracker is dead.

Now, the entire security team is launching an all-out search and rescue mission. But for Dutch, this is no longer a professional assignment—it's a desperate, personal hunt. He'll tear apart the world to find her, bring her home safe, and finally claim the woman who holds the last piece of his heart.

Dive into the next thrilling, emotionally charged chapter of this beloved romantic suspense series!

Lisa A

1,527 reviews13 followers

I loved the likable characters and witty dialogue…
Willow is the heart of the Malone family. She keeps everything running smoothly on their ranch including the veteran’s therapy program and the family business, Black Heart Security. With six big overprotective brothers, their families, the veterans, and the ranch’s animals she’s got her hands full; too full. Retired Navy SEAL Decker “Dutch” Jansen is one of the veteran programs success stories. He credits Willow in large part for his recovery. His quiet, contemplative nature allows him to see what others may miss and he “sees” Willow. She’s beautiful inside and out. Her genuine, kindhearted, selfless nature draws people to her wherever she goes. Unfortunately, she’s also attracted a stalker… I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

Susan

1,505 reviews13 followers

October 20, 2025

She’s in more danger than she realizes. And the only man who can keep her safe is the one determined to keep his distance.

Willow Malone has spent her life holding the ranch—and her family—together with common sense and pots of coffee. From wrangling her brothers’ security business to running horse therapy for the veterans program, she’s the one everyone counts on. But while she’s keeping everyone else’s world in order, her own heart has been running on empty.

Then the gifts start appearing—small, unsettling tokens that Willow brushes off as nothing. But her brothers see danger in every shadow, digging into the past of every man who’s ever looked her way. What she doesn’t see coming? The one man she thought would keep his distance stepping forward…insisting on becoming her bodyguard.

Retired Navy SEAL Decker “Dutch” Jansen came to Black Heart Ranch’s therapy program to heal from the scars no one else can see. Willow Malone—the fiery woman who’s become more than a friend, more than he dares admit—has a hold on him he can’t shake. He tells himself he’s too broken to deserve her light, but staying away has never been an option. And when the gifts become a bigger problem, Decker makes a vow to protect Willow with everything he has, even if it means facing the ghosts that haunt him.

One wrong move could cost him more than his heart—it could take his soul with it. But the real battle? Resisting the need to finally claim the woman he’s been burning for since the day they met.

This contemporary Western Navy SEAL military romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Wyoming, and characters who are an alpha male haunted Navy SEAL turned bodyguard/protector for the relentless hearts, who is a cowboy/rancher on his family's Wymong ranch, and a female heroine who is a hunted violinist, who are both captivating and realistic. Their journey is entralling with hunted hearts, Black Heart Security, mature, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, trust is their only shot at survival, danger, romantic suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats in a race against time, drama, humor, heartfelt emotions/emotinal depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with hunted hearts and an explicit Western military romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful, dangerous, mysterious, and unforgettable.

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

Lil Ms Reads A LOT

236 reviews

Growing up in a home with an abusive alcoholic father and 6 brothers, from an early age Willow Malone has been the glue that holds her family together. Living on the Black Heart Ranch with her family, she not only runs a horse therapy program for veterans, but also helps run her brothers' security business, is the family event planner, and solves every crisis large or small for her brothers, their women, and her adorable niece Navy. She truly is the heart and soul of the family, keeping everyone in line. Her constant need to provide, organize, and give to others often leaves her feeling completely depleted.

Decker *Dutch" Jansen is a retired Navy SEAL who came to Black Heart Ranch to heal and participate in its therapy program. Despite the fact that for months he didn't speak, he was always closely observing his environment around him. Most particularly was the woman who took his breath away-- Willow. At any given time he was aware of her and where she was on the ranch. He watched her constantly taking care of others and vowed that he would be the one to help take care of her.

When she starts receiving anonymous gifts from an admirer, Decker is left with a bad feeling about the situation. He steps up to be her bodyguard when a threat behind her mysterious gifts materializes. In doing so, it will cause him to have to face his greatest innermost fears-- the real reason that brought him to seek therapy in the veterans program. Can he keep Willow safe without losing his mind and ultimately his heart? He's longed for and has been fascinated by Willow since the first day he met her. Will he be able to stare down his demons to finally claim her? Will Willow finally put her own happiness and desires before others and reach for what she really wants out of life?

Finally!!! Willow & Decker's story is here! I've been patiently / impatiently waiting for its arrival. The reader has been witness to these two tiptoeing around their attraction and growing feelings for each other for some time now. With each previous book in the series, as we saw glimpses of Decker, I was always hoping these two would find their way to each other. Their chemistry is palpable! This book did NOT disappoint and I loved that they received their HEA.

I was happy to see that Felicity will be getting her own story and HEA next. I'm just not ready to say goodbye to the beautiful Malone family and Black Heart Ranch yet. Please keep the books in this series coming, Em!

Suzana

691 reviews26 followers

dark dark-romance favorites

🎖️Contemporary
🎖️Romantic suspense
🎖️Protector
🎖️Bodyguard
🎖️Friends to lovers
🎖️Unpredictable twists and turns
🎖️Gripping / gritty / raw / suspenseful
🎖️Page turner

Relentless Hearts is the seventh book in Black Heart Security series. It can be enjoyed on its own, but reading it as part of the series provides a richer experience. It is a military romantic suspense romance that effectively delivers on its promise, making for an engaging and captivating read. The story combines elements of romance, danger, mystery, intrigue, banter, and tension to create a compelling narrative and with well-developed characters, the book keeps readers hooked. Relentless Hearts effectively delivers on its promise of being romantic and suspenseful, with a gritty and raw tone that makes for an addictive read.

Growing up in a chaotic home, Willow Malone has taken on the role of caretaker for her family. She juggles running a horse therapy program, helping with security, planning events, and solving problems for her brothers and their better halves. However, this constant need to care for others leaves her feeling drained, leaving question who is actually taking care of her. Decker "Dutch" Jansen, a retired Navy SEAL, has moved to the Black Heart Ranch to heal from his past traumas through therapy. He's been watching Willow from afar, drawn to her kind nature and dedication to others. When she starts receiving anonymous gifts, he becomes suspicious and steps up to protect her as a bodyguard. As Decker tries to keep Willow safe, he faces his inner demons and confronts the reason for his therapy program. Meanwhile, Willow must decide whether to prioritize her own happiness or continue sacrificing for others. Decker and Willow develop a strong chemistry that is more than just an intense physical attraction – beneath that surface lies a deeper understanding and mutual respect.

The perfect addition to this series.

Sue

3,170 reviews

Captivating read, great characters and plot that holds you within its plot
This is a simply wonderful addition to the series and I guarantee that other readers will be as captivated by this tale as I was. The Malone brothers are the cement that hold their family together and the people that live on the ranch are all special in their own way.
Decker is a vet that works on the ranch where veterans come for therapy and when he first saw Willow, he was drawn to her and knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his days protecting her. Then strange unaddressed packages begin arriving and Willow fails to tell anyone however; her brothers do not take things so lightly.
Decker is due to leave the ranch and the Black Heart Security team decide they want him to join their team; he has to agree to pass the three tests they set and then if he passes, he will become a valued member of the team.
Carson the head of the team is aware that Decker is interested in Willow and they all consider themselves as her family and look after each other. As the couple start a relationship and they become closer the stalker that has been threatening to harm them is becoming bolder and they know that they are all under threat and this cannot be allowed to continue.
I guarantee that readers will be captivated by this book that has been written wonderfully and I am sure that others will enjoy every moment of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

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

Sharon Grow

2,529 reviews42 followers

Willow Malone is the glue that has helped hold Black Heart Security together. Her brothers own the ranch and began their security business after leaving the military. They have found their business grow as they continue to take in former military who are suffering from their time in the service, offering a place to live and heal. Retired SEAL Decker “Dutch” Jansen, has almost finished the program and has a hard time hiding his attraction to Willow. Willow is aware of him as well, but maintains a cordial and caring relationship with him. When he is injured while protecting her, she cares for him, but believes that he will soon be moving on. He learns that she has been receiving small anonymous gifts and this concerns him, but it doesn’t seem to bother her. When he discusses the issue with her brothers, they begin to investigate the men she knows or has dated. Meanwhile, the heat between them has flared and they find themselves spending more time together. While away on a mission, they return to find that she has left the ranch and not returned. The tracker on her truck has been disabled, where is she? An all-out mission ensues to find her and bring her home safe, for them, for him! Another fascinating story in this well-loved series! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

Marlene Davis

1,282 reviews5 followers

October 20, 2025

Willow was the "go-to if anything needed done" at the ranch. She managed the paperwork for all the ranch purchases, Black Heart Security and the Vet program as well as the horse's day to day needs...she did for everyone else and seldom for herself. When her six brothers all left, she remained at the ranch and was a sweetheart to everyone in town, from the shopkeepers to the neighboring ranch hands...and when those boys got too handsy, an older Malone brother or two to dissuade him. Decker Janson came to ranch as an ex-SEAL, broken from the events in his life and for the first couple of years there, never said a word...but Willow was the one who brought him out of his inner shell, and they developed a closeness that was turning into love. Now he is close to being "done" with the program, but he doesn't want to leave the ranch and especially Willow behind, so he approached the Malone's about becoming a member of Black Heart Security. Meanwhile Willow has started getting suspicious anonymous gifts like a jar of honey, her favorite book in hardcover and single red rose...someone watching her, making her brothers and Decker very suspicious...but you will need to read the delightful tale to see what happens...I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Marie

5,209 reviews52 followers

October 21, 2025

"You saw someone worth saving."

"You saved yourself. I just reminded you of all the reasons to"

Wahoo! Willow finally gets her guy!
She is the heart and soul of the ranch, she keeps everything running smoothly, looks after the little things that make people's day, but that they may not even notice. She is the glue that keeps everything together and whilst others may not notice all these details, Decker does. He sees her heart, her care, the love she puts into everything, but he also sees the woman beneath the smile, sees the exhaustion, the worry, the fears and he knows...she is his to care for, support and provide for. His to love.
She is his motivation to heal, to stop looking into the past and focus on what he actually wants in the future.
They are so good for each other, we have seen Decker improve throughout the series, seeing him with Navy melts my heart every time, but here he finally sets out to win Willow's heart and her love. In all honesty he already has them, they both just need to admit it and embrace it, but just as they take the first tentative steps, she gets a stalker....
I love that Decker doesn't spiral or regress in his healing, he is determined to protect Willow, and like us, Willow knows...if the worst should happen - Decker will always find her, he will never give up, never rest until she is back in his arms.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

Tanya

36 reviews

Relentless Hearts by Em Petrova is book seven in the Black Heart Security series, and it was absolutely worth the wait. I was eagerly anticipating this release, and it quickly became my favorite of the series so far. Decker, a former Navy SEAL who comes to the ranch for its therapy program, and Willow, the lone sister of the Malone clan, have a story that perfectly balances heart, heat, and suspense.

The romantic connection between them felt so genuine, and I loved every moment they shared. The stalker storyline added an extra layer of intrigue—I couldn’t figure out who it was, which made it all the more exciting. But what truly stood out to me was the warmth of the Malone family. Their bond, their teasing, and especially the scenes with little Navy had me laughing out loud.

I highly recommend Relentless Hearts to anyone who enjoys emotional, suspenseful romances wrapped in the love of a close-knit family. And now, I’m counting down the days until book eight—Gabe and Felicity’s turn for their happily ever after!.

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

Ms. Shawn

2,145 reviews7 followers

November 4, 2025

The six Malone Brothers run a security company called Black Heart Security. Their sister Willow is not field trained, so she helps out in the office. Willow also runs the horse therapy program for the veterans on the ranch. Sometimes she feels wore out from juggling everything.

Decker “Dutch” Jansen is a retired Navy SEAL. He came to the Black Heart Ranch’s therapy program to heal from the scars no one can see. Watching Willow calms him. He tries to not be creepy about it. Part of him wants to protect her.

After the ladies have Rhae’s bachelorette party at the Rusty Spur, Willow starts receiving small anonymous gifts. After the third gift, Decker forces Willow to tell her brothers. She downplays the gifts. After she leaves the security office, Decker tells them in detail what he observed. He tells them that he wants on the team since Rhae told him that he could be released from therapy. He wants to be assigned to protect Willow.

I loved that Willow and Decker get their story told. They are both strong people individually, but I knew they’d be better together.

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

Linda Whitacre

885 reviews5 followers

Finally, Willow Malone meets her man. Willow has been the rock in this series. She oversees the ranch and every detail that goes with it, the horses, the veteran’s program, and much of the office work for Black Heart Security. Oh, she cuts loose occasionally at the local bar, but Willow wants and needs to find a love like her brothers have found.
SEAL Decker is in the Veterans program. War trauma has made Decker withdraw and lose his ability to communicate. The ranch, therapy sessions, and a beautiful, vibrant lady have made his life so much better. It seems that Willow has feelings for Decker, too. I love their friendship and blooming love. Both are such wonderful people; you just want them together. I LOVE THE RANCH SETTING. Em’s descriptions put you there. I can almost smell the horse poop. I would love to be surrounded by fresh air, animals, and a big, loving family. This entire series is very special to me. I received a complimentary ARC copy of this story from Booksprout, and these are my thoughts. Linda

Knight Linda

2,464 reviews12 followers

Loved, loved this book finally, Decker and Willow's story after them dancing around each other book after book. The brothers all agree he's the one for her. She starts getting these little gifts that do not mean a lot. Decker recognized then immediately as more, and he made her tell Carson about them. Of course, Carson agreed with Decker getting Willow to promise to tell him of an future gifts, but Decker managed to intercept the next one. The guys have good reason to be worried. Decker asked to join Black Heart Security, so he will be better able to protect Willow. Coming from the Veterans Program he has to pass several test, before they except him on board as a team member, and he passes with flying colors. He worries about Willow, as she is always seeing to the needs and comfort of others never herself. Willow learns that Decker always listen carefully to everything she told him when it come to planning their future.

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

Diana Page

1,045 reviews5 followers

Decker and Willow’s story is one of the best of the Black Heart Security books Ive read , and I’ve read them all ! With her being the only sister of the Malone family and him being a client of the Black Heart Ranch’s therapy program after retiring from the Navy SEAL’s with a history of PTSD and an inability to talk( not just in therapy, but to talk at all ) this was a match made in heaven, until a stalker starts leaving gifts for Willow and it escalates after she’s kidnapped. The writing is awesome, it kept me engaged from the very beginning as they slowly came together, until they went white hot and you could feel the heat via the books pages ! All the characters are here , the brothers, their significant others and of course little Navy as she steals the show during her parents wedding ! I just went “Awww”, it sounded so cute. This book was definitely 5✨’s for me .

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

Maggi

1,161 reviews

October 17, 2025

Willow, the little sister of the Malone brothers, was the glue that held the family together. Her kind heart, beautiful smile and spirit — everybody loved Willow. Decker was one of the vets at the ranch for therapy. The moment he first saw her, he was drawn to her and wanted to protect her. When packages start arriving for Willow with no sender name, she plays it off, but her brothers and Decker don’t take it lightly. Rhae, his therapist knows Decker is ready to be released from the program, but he knows he will have to leave the ranch and he doesn’t want to lose Willow. So, he asks to join the Black Heart Security team and Carson agrees if he passes 3 tests. As Willow and Decker get closer, the stalker gets bolder. Another great addition to this series. A good storyline and wonderful characters.

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

Chris Wolfe

78 reviews2 followers

Two wounded hearts. One relentless love.

Decker is a damaged soldier carrying the weight of his last mission, trapped in silence and haunted by what he’s lost. When he joins a Vet Program on a mountain ranch, he finds more than therapy in the crisp air and open fields—he finds a reason to start living again.

Willow, the heartbeat of the ranch, pours herself into helping everyone else. From managing the Vet Program to juggling her brother’s security business and planning a wedding, her world runs on overdrive. The last thing she needs is a stalker—or a brooding soldier who makes her feel seen for the first time in forever.

As Decker learns to face his pain and Willow learns to slow down, sparks ignite between two people used to giving everything but themselves. Together, they might just find a way to turn survival into healing—and healing into love.

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

Laura R

2,047 reviews8 followers

October 20, 2025

Willow is the youngest of the Malone siblings and the only girl. So it's no surprise she's had to deal with overprotective brothers her whole life. The truth is, they were just looking out for her until the right guy came along.

Decker came to participate in the Black Heart veteran's program. When he arrived, he didn't speak. But as his healing started, and he became more interested in Willow, he be slowly began speaking and participating more. Until it looked like he was starting to slip backwards.

Then when Willow started receiving gifts from a secret source, Decker's radar pinged and he knew he needed to step up to help keep her safe.

I loved how the relationship between Willow and Decker progressed - from their attraction to each other to his taking care of her. There is such a strong tie between all of the Malone siblings and that was front and center for much of this story. There was lots of chemistry between Willow and Decker, and plenty of suspense toward the end.

Jen B

730 reviews3 followers

Finally - Willow Malone's book! How a girl goes through life with six brothers - all military alpha males is mind boggling. Willow is simply amazing, she is so hard working, kind and selfless. Decker arrived at Black Heart Ranch for their veteran program, in the hopes of trying to heal, find some sort of less broken feeling. I absolutely loved reading about these two characters as the series unfolds, seeing their friendship develop and see the healing progress Decker makes. This book, their story was just - chief's kiss. It can be read as a standalone but you will love reading all about the Malone Brothers. The ranch is expanding and so are the characters - queue wicked laugh and finger tips tapping. Enjoy!.

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

Paula

1,965 reviews6 followers

I have been waiting for willow and Decker's story . It has definitely been worth the wait . This story is sensational . Retired Navy SEAL Decker Jansen came to Black Heart Ranch to rehab . His wounds noone can see . His time there has been spent healing and growing close to Willow Malone she's pretty much the heart of the veterans rehabilitation program . Both have kept their attraction and feelings for each other hidden at least they thought so . As Decker gets close to finishing the program they find Willow in danger and they cannot deny their feelings any longer . Decker joins the Black Heart Security team and will do whatever it takes to protect Willow . This story is beautiful and sexy and definitely suspenseful I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

em-petrova

Petra

1,499 reviews

Relentless Hearts is book #7 of the Black Heart Security series.

As one of the Vets living on the Black Heart Ranch, Decker has admired, loved and protected Willow from a distance. Willow is a very strong woman and an invisible force behind the Black Heart Security firm, taking care of every person and every animal on the ranch. She deserved to find a love of her own, because all her brothers already had. And Decker is the perfect match for her, I loved them together!

~~Maybe they’d both saved each other. The woman who’d spent her life caring for everyone but herself, and the man who’d forgotten how to let anyone in.~~

Another great addition to this series! I loved the storyline, the characters, the little suspenseful twist - everything about this book.

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

arc

Mechelle

333 reviews

October 23, 2025

In this series, we have watched Willow Malone be the glue that holds this family together. She and her 6 brothers grew up with an alcoholic, abusive father. But at the ranch they’ve created a home, a place for others to come to heal as well. Between helping run the family security business and running a horse therapy program for Veterans, Willow has her hands full but it’s all also exhausting. One Veteran on the ranch in particular, Decker, has caught Willow’s interest. Although he also is drawn to her, he doesn’t feel he is worthy of her and keeps her at arms length. But when Willow starts receiving strange gifts, Decker steps up to protect her. Can he keep her safe without completely losing his heart? It’s a bit of a wild ride but this story does not disappoint! You don’t want to miss this one!

Rhonda

1,313 reviews

October 25, 2025

Perfect story

Willow and Decker finally get their story. Willow takes care of everyone and makes sure everything runs smoothly on the ranch. Decker is finally in a good place after terrible losses he went through in the line if duty and just couldn't talk. Decker didn't want to admit that he was so much better because he'd have to leave the veterans' program and Willow. But the brothers see that he'd be a good addition to their team and good for Willow. But then Willow starts getting unexplained gifts from a secret admirer. She thinks Decker and her brothers are overreacting. Then the team is gone on an assignment leaving her unprotected. She's kidnapped! Will Decker and her brothers find her before something terrible happens? This is an exciting book. I'm glad that Willow has gotten her book. I'm looking forward to the next book already.

Jill

1,957 reviews19 followers

The story is well written with a storyline that caught my attention because this is Willow’s chance for happiness. These stories also call attention to veterans who suffer from PTSD because of their military service and this introduces Decker. I love the strong woman that Willow has become. One thing that is consistent in all of the stories in this series is the strong family bond between Willow and her brothers. Danger is closer to her than she realizes but the Malone’s will prevail. I have loved the Malone men’s stories but I am so glad that Willow now has her own story and it was worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.

Cathaleen Way

298 reviews3 followers

October 17, 2025

Willow and Decker will melt your heart.

This is book 7 in the Black Heart Security series and finally Willow Malone. She is the backbone of The Malone Family. She is always there to help, pitch in, and support whatever is going while managing the ranch. We have wondered what kind of man could be her HEA. Who is strong enough to see all of her. Decker (Dutch) Jansen has been in the program for awhile. His past brought him here but when something is threatening Willow will he find his future here as well.

Willow and Decker are everything I imagined throughout the series. I love him for her. The protector who doesn’t dampen her light. They are beautiful together and there couldn’t have been a better story for her.

Victoria

4,712 reviews