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Black Hollow #2
Branded & Broken
They say the truth will set you free.
Mine didn’t. It gutted me.
One day, I’m the Bishop family disappointment. Next, I’m heir to the enemy's dynasty.
Confused and angry I’m thrust into a new life, where I’m expected to become the monster my father spent years crafting. But I don’t even know who I am, or who I want to be, and if I have to hurt, then everyone around me will too.
There’s one person who refuses to break, who refuses to deal with my crap.
Allie Porter.
My enemy. The girl raised by the mother I never had—perfect, untouchable, infuriating.
She meets my fire with her own, and it pisses me off almost as much as it pulls me in.
I want her and despise her in the same breath, which is why I keep my distance.
Until the night I save her life.
Now she’s indebted to me, and if she wants to survive she’ll do what I say.
But taming the little filly is nothing like I expected.
The closer we get, the more her truths tear through my assumptions.
She’s not the pampered princess I tried to hate— she’s a survivor. A fighter. A girl drowning in the same darkness I carry. It's then somewhere between hate and obsession, the truth becomes undeniable: I’ll burn this dynasty to ash before I let someone else claim what’s mine.
Mine didn’t. It gutted me.
One day, I’m the Bishop family disappointment. Next, I’m heir to the enemy's dynasty.
Confused and angry I’m thrust into a new life, where I’m expected to become the monster my father spent years crafting. But I don’t even know who I am, or who I want to be, and if I have to hurt, then everyone around me will too.
There’s one person who refuses to break, who refuses to deal with my crap.
Allie Porter.
My enemy. The girl raised by the mother I never had—perfect, untouchable, infuriating.
She meets my fire with her own, and it pisses me off almost as much as it pulls me in.
I want her and despise her in the same breath, which is why I keep my distance.
Until the night I save her life.
Now she’s indebted to me, and if she wants to survive she’ll do what I say.
But taming the little filly is nothing like I expected.
The closer we get, the more her truths tear through my assumptions.
She’s not the pampered princess I tried to hate— she’s a survivor. A fighter. A girl drowning in the same darkness I carry. It's then somewhere between hate and obsession, the truth becomes undeniable: I’ll burn this dynasty to ash before I let someone else claim what’s mine.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2026
153 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Beck
237 books7,288 followersJ.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
April 10, 2026
Allie Porter and Kade Bishop have a complicated secret situationship. When he learns through the small town’s grapevine that she’s engaged, his mission becomes clear: make her life miserable.
Guilted into an arranged marriage to save her family’s legacy, Allie is too proud to admit the truth about the farce. But when she awakes with memories missing and Kade willing to help her, she knows he’s the only one she can trust.
While their relationship was still mostly superficial, I felt more connection with Allie and Kade than I did with Saint and Calder. There was also a more robust storyline with some good suspense. I’m a whore for the darker elements so I’d prefer to see the grittier elements as opposed to the fade-to-black version of the Bishops. All
In all, still enjoyable and I’m invested in the family enough to read Reckless & Ruined when it releases.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark-ish, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult, Western Vibes
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
Emotions: 😠🥵😳😊😍
Darkness: 🖤
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes: Bad Boy x Good Girl, Billionaire, Blackmail, Enemies-to-Lovers, Family Saga, Forbidden, Heroine in Danger, Mafia/Bratva/Organized Crime, Miscommunication/Lie for Reasons, Rival Families, Second Chance
💫 Microtropes: Curvy Woman, It’s Always Been You, Panty Thief, Pet Name (Filly), Sassy FMC, Secrets & Lies, Virgin FMC
🔆 Character: Illegal Enterprises, Rancher, Student
💋 Kinks: 🍑 Play, 🩸 Play, Bondage/Restraints, Domination, Edging, Finger Licking Good, Inanimate Object, Pearl Necklace/Spunk Art
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Alphahole, Dominant MMC, DubCon (by MMC)
⛔️ Safety Squad: Attempted Assault (Not by MMC), Drugged (Not by MMC), Kidnapping/Captive (Not by MMC), Unaliving, Violence and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: Small Town, Montana 🇺🇸
📣 Type: Branded & Broken is part of the Black Hollow Creek series of interconnected standalones. While no other books need to be read in order to follow the story, reading prior books may enhance the experience.
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties damp and your cheeks flushed.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Guilted into an arranged marriage to save her family’s legacy, Allie is too proud to admit the truth about the farce. But when she awakes with memories missing and Kade willing to help her, she knows he’s the only one she can trust.
While their relationship was still mostly superficial, I felt more connection with Allie and Kade than I did with Saint and Calder. There was also a more robust storyline with some good suspense. I’m a whore for the darker elements so I’d prefer to see the grittier elements as opposed to the fade-to-black version of the Bishops. All
In all, still enjoyable and I’m invested in the family enough to read Reckless & Ruined when it releases.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark-ish, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult, Western Vibes
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
Emotions: 😠🥵😳😊😍
Darkness: 🖤
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes: Bad Boy x Good Girl, Billionaire, Blackmail, Enemies-to-Lovers, Family Saga, Forbidden, Heroine in Danger, Mafia/Bratva/Organized Crime, Miscommunication/Lie for Reasons, Rival Families, Second Chance
💫 Microtropes: Curvy Woman, It’s Always Been You, Panty Thief, Pet Name (Filly), Sassy FMC, Secrets & Lies, Virgin FMC
🔆 Character: Illegal Enterprises, Rancher, Student
💋 Kinks: 🍑 Play, 🩸 Play, Bondage/Restraints, Domination, Edging, Finger Licking Good, Inanimate Object, Pearl Necklace/Spunk Art
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Alphahole, Dominant MMC, DubCon (by MMC)
⛔️ Safety Squad: Attempted Assault (Not by MMC), Drugged (Not by MMC), Kidnapping/Captive (Not by MMC), Unaliving, Violence and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: Small Town, Montana 🇺🇸
📣 Type: Branded & Broken is part of the Black Hollow Creek series of interconnected standalones. While no other books need to be read in order to follow the story, reading prior books may enhance the experience.
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties damp and your cheeks flushed.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
March 21, 2026
This is my first book in the series and I wasn't disappointed! I love me some morally grey cowboys. Allie and Kade continue to lose each other then come back together. Allie is Kade's enemy , he wants her as much as he wants to despise her. Until the night he saves her life, now she owes him. Allies isn't the pampered princess Kade thinks she is, and as they get closer and the truth becomes undeniable that Kade realizes he'd burn the world for her.
March 29, 2026
***4,25 "Little filly!!!" stars***
"When it comes to you, there is no law, boundary, or rule that I won't break."
Allie and Kade had a very complicated relationship and I loooved it!!!
They were also having a secret past who broke them apart...
Kade is still resentful over that fact, and things are getting more difficult when he is learning that there are more things that are connecting them... Things that he missed all of his life, when she was living like a princess!!!
Nope, Kade is not a man without a dangerous status, but he had lost the parents' warmth that a child need to have in its life... He was the fuck up of the family and even though he is finally free, the shackles are still remaining around his heart and mind!!!
Allie might be his salvation or his destruction!!!
"I may not be able to brand her flesh, but I will brand her mind. She will never be free of me."
But there is another one issue, except Allie being forbidden to Kade... She is enganged to another man, a man that is not him and that is making him even angrier than before...
He will make her life a living hell and the opportunity is arising one fateful night where Allie is in a very dangerous situation and he is there... From now on, he has a leverage over her while she is believing that he is the only one who can help her... And the things are getting even more complicating than before... Their minds and hearts are warring between them while their bodies just can't stay away from each other...
"You're mine, and you will always be mine. No matter who you fuck or marry, you'll never be satisfied or happy because it's me you really want."
I really liked and this story in the series!!!
For a reason, I love all the Bishop boys even though they are dangerous creatures!!!
I enjoyed Saint and Calder and I loved Allie and Cade!!! They were perfect for each other, even though the complications that they were carrying with them!!!
Their story was intense and from time to time, suspenseful!!! Honestly, I wasn't expect the turn near the end!!!! I was kind of shocked!!!
And now, I can not wait for the next story into this world!!!
"Yes, I'm a monster, but I'm her monster."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"When it comes to you, there is no law, boundary, or rule that I won't break."
Allie and Kade had a very complicated relationship and I loooved it!!!
They were also having a secret past who broke them apart...
Kade is still resentful over that fact, and things are getting more difficult when he is learning that there are more things that are connecting them... Things that he missed all of his life, when she was living like a princess!!!
Nope, Kade is not a man without a dangerous status, but he had lost the parents' warmth that a child need to have in its life... He was the fuck up of the family and even though he is finally free, the shackles are still remaining around his heart and mind!!!
Allie might be his salvation or his destruction!!!
"I may not be able to brand her flesh, but I will brand her mind. She will never be free of me."
But there is another one issue, except Allie being forbidden to Kade... She is enganged to another man, a man that is not him and that is making him even angrier than before...
He will make her life a living hell and the opportunity is arising one fateful night where Allie is in a very dangerous situation and he is there... From now on, he has a leverage over her while she is believing that he is the only one who can help her... And the things are getting even more complicating than before... Their minds and hearts are warring between them while their bodies just can't stay away from each other...
"You're mine, and you will always be mine. No matter who you fuck or marry, you'll never be satisfied or happy because it's me you really want."
I really liked and this story in the series!!!
For a reason, I love all the Bishop boys even though they are dangerous creatures!!!
I enjoyed Saint and Calder and I loved Allie and Cade!!! They were perfect for each other, even though the complications that they were carrying with them!!!
Their story was intense and from time to time, suspenseful!!! Honestly, I wasn't expect the turn near the end!!!! I was kind of shocked!!!
And now, I can not wait for the next story into this world!!!
"Yes, I'm a monster, but I'm her monster."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
March 24, 2026
I couldn't wait for Kade Bishop. The dark horse. The misunderstood one.
Add in the complete sass of one Allie Porter and you have instant fireworks.
They've always had a connection, mostly a family feud over land and status... but that morphed into secret rendezvous that turn into hating each other. Did they really though.
This story held my attention for the most part. These two were good with the jabs that cut deeper than a knife. Some of them I didn't feel they came back from. I mean, you can only hurt someone so much and call it love.
The twists and mysteries including these two helped build this read and fueled it into a winning story in a very intriguing series
Add in the complete sass of one Allie Porter and you have instant fireworks.
They've always had a connection, mostly a family feud over land and status... but that morphed into secret rendezvous that turn into hating each other. Did they really though.
This story held my attention for the most part. These two were good with the jabs that cut deeper than a knife. Some of them I didn't feel they came back from. I mean, you can only hurt someone so much and call it love.
The twists and mysteries including these two helped build this read and fueled it into a winning story in a very intriguing series
March 18, 2026
ARC review:
What a wild ride! I was drawn to Allie and Kade like a moth to a flame. The tension was already tensioning between them at the end of book one. Loved seeing how their relationship played out. Their chemistry was 🥵. An alpha MMC that is completely down bad for his girl is my fave and Kade Bishop was👌🏻. This book kept me on my toes and the twist towards the end had me screaming “I knew it!!”. This was fun time and I’m really loving this series!
What a wild ride! I was drawn to Allie and Kade like a moth to a flame. The tension was already tensioning between them at the end of book one. Loved seeing how their relationship played out. Their chemistry was 🥵. An alpha MMC that is completely down bad for his girl is my fave and Kade Bishop was👌🏻. This book kept me on my toes and the twist towards the end had me screaming “I knew it!!”. This was fun time and I’m really loving this series!
March 21, 2026
Powerful, Addictive, and Beautifully Executed!
I am wrecked in the best possible way.
This book didn’t just pull me in, it grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go. From the very first line, the intensity is undeniable and it only escalates into something darker, deeper and completely addictive.
Kade is chaos wrapped in power, angry, broken and so dangerously magnetic. Watching him spiral between control and obsession had me glued to every page.
And Allie? She’s my kind of heroine. Strong, resilient and absolutely unyielding. She doesn’t just stand up to him, she matches him. Fire meets fire in the most explosive way and I lived for every second of it.
Their chemistry? OFF. THE. CHARTS.
Every interaction crackles with tension, sharp, biting and laced with something undeniably primal. The push and pull between hate and desire is intoxicating and when that line starts to blur? Pure. Perfection. The slow burn of obsession turning into something deeper had me completely hooked.
What I loved most is how layered this story is. Beneath the heat and darkness, there’s real emotion, pain, identity, belonging. Both Kade and Allie are fighting their own demons, and watching them unravel while being drawn to each other? Absolutely gripping.
And that possessive edge from Kade? Unhinged in the best way. The “touch her and burn” energy was STRONG, and I ate it up.
J.L. Beck absolutely delivered. The writing is sharp, immersive and packed with emotion and intensity. Every scene feels deliberate, every moment hits hard, and the character dynamics are unforgettable.
If you love:
✔️ Enemies to lovers with REAL bite
✔️ Dark, obsessive heroes
✔️ A heroine who refuses to break
✔️ Tension so thick it practically burns
Then this is a MUST read.
This is a standout read for anyone who appreciates darker romance with substance, strong characters and a story that lingers long after the final page.
I am wrecked in the best possible way.
This book didn’t just pull me in, it grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go. From the very first line, the intensity is undeniable and it only escalates into something darker, deeper and completely addictive.
Kade is chaos wrapped in power, angry, broken and so dangerously magnetic. Watching him spiral between control and obsession had me glued to every page.
And Allie? She’s my kind of heroine. Strong, resilient and absolutely unyielding. She doesn’t just stand up to him, she matches him. Fire meets fire in the most explosive way and I lived for every second of it.
Their chemistry? OFF. THE. CHARTS.
Every interaction crackles with tension, sharp, biting and laced with something undeniably primal. The push and pull between hate and desire is intoxicating and when that line starts to blur? Pure. Perfection. The slow burn of obsession turning into something deeper had me completely hooked.
What I loved most is how layered this story is. Beneath the heat and darkness, there’s real emotion, pain, identity, belonging. Both Kade and Allie are fighting their own demons, and watching them unravel while being drawn to each other? Absolutely gripping.
And that possessive edge from Kade? Unhinged in the best way. The “touch her and burn” energy was STRONG, and I ate it up.
J.L. Beck absolutely delivered. The writing is sharp, immersive and packed with emotion and intensity. Every scene feels deliberate, every moment hits hard, and the character dynamics are unforgettable.
If you love:
✔️ Enemies to lovers with REAL bite
✔️ Dark, obsessive heroes
✔️ A heroine who refuses to break
✔️ Tension so thick it practically burns
Then this is a MUST read.
This is a standout read for anyone who appreciates darker romance with substance, strong characters and a story that lingers long after the final page.
March 24, 2026
Captivating cowboy enemies-to-lovers romance with a few awkward scenes
The book had me on page one. It opens with Allie Porter going to the sheriff to tell him off. Her best friend Saint is missing. The sheriff has no time to talk about it, mainly because as Allie suspects, the Bishops have something to do with it. The first book in this series is about Saint and the oldest Bishop brother: Calder. The Bishops kind of run this town.
Kade is a younger brother who researches dirt on their enemies. He finds out that an outsider, Joseph Lowry is buying up land around the Bishop ranch; to what end, the Bishops are not sure yet. To get the prize water rights, Joseph plans a wedding between his son Jackson and Allie Porter. But Kade has found lots of inappropriate behavior toward women done by Jackson and covered up by his father. Kade will not let Allie walk into that situation. Things happen and Allie thinks she has killed Jackson; Kade has his “cleaners” come in and fix it. Kade’s plan is to make Allie beholding to him. Just when I thought this book could not get anymore dark, there is a twist. There are sub-plots of abuse that are gripping. When the patriarch of the Bishops, the one and only Roman is killed, life for the brothers changes dramatically, especially for their mother. Love that the brothers maintain solidarity after Roman’s death during the chaos. Roman had mistreated them all but even more Kade. Why? You will see…
Are Kade and Allie siblings? Will Kade’s indecent behavior toward Allie bring him closer to her or not? Afterall, Allie does seem to enjoy it even with all the “please don’ts.” If you enjoy your bad boy romance with a man who has a tarnished heart of gold getting his HEA, you must read this book! I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Booksprout.
The book had me on page one. It opens with Allie Porter going to the sheriff to tell him off. Her best friend Saint is missing. The sheriff has no time to talk about it, mainly because as Allie suspects, the Bishops have something to do with it. The first book in this series is about Saint and the oldest Bishop brother: Calder. The Bishops kind of run this town.
Kade is a younger brother who researches dirt on their enemies. He finds out that an outsider, Joseph Lowry is buying up land around the Bishop ranch; to what end, the Bishops are not sure yet. To get the prize water rights, Joseph plans a wedding between his son Jackson and Allie Porter. But Kade has found lots of inappropriate behavior toward women done by Jackson and covered up by his father. Kade will not let Allie walk into that situation. Things happen and Allie thinks she has killed Jackson; Kade has his “cleaners” come in and fix it. Kade’s plan is to make Allie beholding to him. Just when I thought this book could not get anymore dark, there is a twist. There are sub-plots of abuse that are gripping. When the patriarch of the Bishops, the one and only Roman is killed, life for the brothers changes dramatically, especially for their mother. Love that the brothers maintain solidarity after Roman’s death during the chaos. Roman had mistreated them all but even more Kade. Why? You will see…
Are Kade and Allie siblings? Will Kade’s indecent behavior toward Allie bring him closer to her or not? Afterall, Allie does seem to enjoy it even with all the “please don’ts.” If you enjoy your bad boy romance with a man who has a tarnished heart of gold getting his HEA, you must read this book! I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Booksprout.
March 27, 2026
“Branded & Broken” is the second book in the Black Hollow Creek and this book was right up my alley! Hell yeah! Kade is horrible! I absolutely love him, the possessiveness he has with Allie, the way he tries to fight his feelings because he knows how lost he is with her and how no other woman will ever compare to her! Kade is really my type of character: dark, but he gets things done and he will burn the world for Allie! Which is great because Allie is his spitfire. She’s really awesome! They’re both loyal and when it comes to each other, total fools. Kade can try to mask his feelings for her, but as soon as Allie is in a bit of trouble, he just comes running to her aid. And that’s not always the case, because Allie is really strong. Their relationship is complex, but they really match each other’s freak. Allie puts up with Kade’s BS attitude, and Kade never stood a chance with Allie. He knew deep in his soul that he belonged to her.
I will never tired of the touch her & die and possessive MMC’s trope. We love an obsessed guy who will stop everything to help the person he loves, and that is what Kade is.
It might took like a contradiction, but I felt “Branded & Broken” was a lot lighter than the first book in the series. [This is not a critic, just an observation], while in the first book we know Calder tries to break free from their father’s grip and we know Kade is a lot darker, I felt this book the shadow of their father, while there, the characters no longer felt the need to behave like their father wanted. Kade is still haunted by his father’s bully attitude towards him, but in a way, he also tries to learn how to step away from the words that hurt him and towards some happiness.
This was a great second book, while not as dark and the first one, it’s much more focused on the minds of Kade and Allie. Kade breaking free from his father’s grip and Allie trying to do the right thing by her family. It was an absolute joy to keep reading the series, and I can’t wait for the next book!
I will never tired of the touch her & die and possessive MMC’s trope. We love an obsessed guy who will stop everything to help the person he loves, and that is what Kade is.
It might took like a contradiction, but I felt “Branded & Broken” was a lot lighter than the first book in the series. [This is not a critic, just an observation], while in the first book we know Calder tries to break free from their father’s grip and we know Kade is a lot darker, I felt this book the shadow of their father, while there, the characters no longer felt the need to behave like their father wanted. Kade is still haunted by his father’s bully attitude towards him, but in a way, he also tries to learn how to step away from the words that hurt him and towards some happiness.
This was a great second book, while not as dark and the first one, it’s much more focused on the minds of Kade and Allie. Kade breaking free from his father’s grip and Allie trying to do the right thing by her family. It was an absolute joy to keep reading the series, and I can’t wait for the next book!
March 21, 2026
I just knew Kade Bishop would ruin me, I swear these Bishop brothers just have that special touch! Kade & Allie used to mess around together but being from families who are supposed to be enemies, someone had to be the bad guy & out an end to it so that was Allie. Kade always held a spot for her even if she ripped his heart out but when she confronted him about her best friend missing that’s when it all set in motion for him & he was going to make sure Allie never forgot him or the way he made her feel. Things got very heated between them whether it was sexually or aggression towards each other do the pain they both had. Now it didn’t bother Kane one bit about this “deal” Allies mother had set up with the Lowery family because he knew deep down he was the only one for Allie & she was his no matter what. When everything started going down I was grasping at straws on who it could be & when it was revealed it was a complete shock, I felt like I had to literally pick up my jaw off the floor on that one! Overall I freaking loved this book & the emotion roller coaster it took me on, definitely loved the HEA for these two because boy do they deserve it after the hell they went through separately. I really hope Sawyer is next but Levi would be great too!
March 20, 2026
This is the second book in this impressive series, and this is Allie and Kade’s story.
Kade is possessive and determined, and 1-day he is the Bishop family’s disappointment, and the next he is the heir to an enemy’s dynasty, and Allie is sassy, and misunderstood, and has been raised by the mother he never had.
This is a well written story which has family dynamics, friendships, emotions, extortion, rivals / lovers, opposites attract, obsession, stalking, revelations, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable, dark romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Kade is possessive and determined, and 1-day he is the Bishop family’s disappointment, and the next he is the heir to an enemy’s dynasty, and Allie is sassy, and misunderstood, and has been raised by the mother he never had.
This is a well written story which has family dynamics, friendships, emotions, extortion, rivals / lovers, opposites attract, obsession, stalking, revelations, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable, dark romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
March 25, 2026
This is book 2 in the Black Hollow series.
I was waiting for Kade's story and I was not disappointed !
Allie and Kade both have a lot of darkness in them. Kade's is more visible than Allie's. That made the characters and their interactions very interesting.
The way the Bishop's family dynamics affected Kade is not the easiest to read and I had to pause my reading a few times to just breathe a bit.
The tension and the chemistry between Kade and Allie were off the charts. Their story will stay with me for quite some time.
I was waiting for Kade's story and I was not disappointed !
Allie and Kade both have a lot of darkness in them. Kade's is more visible than Allie's. That made the characters and their interactions very interesting.
The way the Bishop's family dynamics affected Kade is not the easiest to read and I had to pause my reading a few times to just breathe a bit.
The tension and the chemistry between Kade and Allie were off the charts. Their story will stay with me for quite some time.
Want to Read
March 2, 2026Genre/Tropes: Dark Romance / Morally Grey Cowboy / Cowboy Romance / Curvy FMC / He nicknames her Filly / Rivals to Lovers / Stalking / He’s Obsessed / Rope K*nk / Fire meets Fire / She’s Engaged to Someone Else
March 30, 2026
THAT WAS SOOO GOOD !!!! i knew that they'll still my heart when i first met them in book one !!! the step siblings trope cannot disappoint!!
March 27, 2026
I need a moment. And maybe a therapist. And definitely a re-read because Branded & Broken absolutely dragged me through emotional barbed wire and I THANKED IT 😭🔥
This book is not soft. It doesn’t hold your hand. It grabs you by the collar, throws you into chaos, and says “feel everything or get out.” And I felt. EVERY. SINGLE. THING.
The whole identity-shattering premise?? Obsessed. One minute he’s the disappointment, the next he’s heir to the enemy’s empire and expected to become something dark and ruthless?? The internal spiral??? Delicious. Painful. Addictive. You can literally feel him cracking under the weight of it all, like a fault line ready to split the earth open.
And Kade bishop as a hero?? Whew. He is NOT your warm, cuddly book boyfriend. He’s sharp edges, bad decisions, anger issues, and “I will ruin us both before I admit I care” energy. The kind of man who doesn’t just walk into your life, he storms it and sets the furniture on fire.
Enter Allie Porter.
This girl?? ICON. She does NOT bend. She does NOT break. She meets his chaos with her own brand of steel and I was living for it. The way she refuses to be intimidated, refuses to play into his control?? Every interaction between them felt like a battlefield and I was front row with popcorn.
Enemies-to-lovers but make it volatile. Toxic? Maybe. Addictive? Absolutely.
That push and pull between them?? UNREAL. He wants her, hates that he wants her, tries to control the situation, and she’s just there like “try me.” And the tension??? It’s not just simmering, it’s straight up boiling over.
And then the layers start peeling back.
Because Allie isn’t who he thinks she is. Not even close. She’s carrying her own darkness, her own survival story, and when that starts to come out??? I swear the whole dynamic shifts in the most gut-punch way. Suddenly it’s not just hate and control, it’s understanding, obsession, and that terrifying realization that they might actually see each other.
The “I’ll burn everything down for you” energy in this book??? OFF THE CHARTS. When he hits that point where it’s no longer about power or revenge but about her??? I lost my mind. Fully gone. No recovery.
It’s gritty. It’s messy. It’s morally grey sliding into morally questionable and then just free-falling into chaos. But underneath all that?? There’s this raw, desperate need to belong, to be chosen, to not be alone in the dark.
And it HURTS. In the best way.
This is the kind of book that leaves fingerprints on your brain. You don’t just read it, you survive it.
This book is not soft. It doesn’t hold your hand. It grabs you by the collar, throws you into chaos, and says “feel everything or get out.” And I felt. EVERY. SINGLE. THING.
The whole identity-shattering premise?? Obsessed. One minute he’s the disappointment, the next he’s heir to the enemy’s empire and expected to become something dark and ruthless?? The internal spiral??? Delicious. Painful. Addictive. You can literally feel him cracking under the weight of it all, like a fault line ready to split the earth open.
And Kade bishop as a hero?? Whew. He is NOT your warm, cuddly book boyfriend. He’s sharp edges, bad decisions, anger issues, and “I will ruin us both before I admit I care” energy. The kind of man who doesn’t just walk into your life, he storms it and sets the furniture on fire.
Enter Allie Porter.
This girl?? ICON. She does NOT bend. She does NOT break. She meets his chaos with her own brand of steel and I was living for it. The way she refuses to be intimidated, refuses to play into his control?? Every interaction between them felt like a battlefield and I was front row with popcorn.
Enemies-to-lovers but make it volatile. Toxic? Maybe. Addictive? Absolutely.
That push and pull between them?? UNREAL. He wants her, hates that he wants her, tries to control the situation, and she’s just there like “try me.” And the tension??? It’s not just simmering, it’s straight up boiling over.
And then the layers start peeling back.
Because Allie isn’t who he thinks she is. Not even close. She’s carrying her own darkness, her own survival story, and when that starts to come out??? I swear the whole dynamic shifts in the most gut-punch way. Suddenly it’s not just hate and control, it’s understanding, obsession, and that terrifying realization that they might actually see each other.
The “I’ll burn everything down for you” energy in this book??? OFF THE CHARTS. When he hits that point where it’s no longer about power or revenge but about her??? I lost my mind. Fully gone. No recovery.
It’s gritty. It’s messy. It’s morally grey sliding into morally questionable and then just free-falling into chaos. But underneath all that?? There’s this raw, desperate need to belong, to be chosen, to not be alone in the dark.
And it HURTS. In the best way.
This is the kind of book that leaves fingerprints on your brain. You don’t just read it, you survive it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Branded & Broken dives back into the dark, messy world of Black Hollow with family secrets, enemies-to-lovers tension, and just enough twisted drama to keep the pages turning.
Kade Bishop’s world is completely upended when he learns the truth about his identity. Angry, confused, and carrying years of trauma, Kade lashes out at the world around him… especially at Allie Porter.
Allie is everything he thinks he should hate, raised by the mother he never had, seemingly perfect, and frustratingly strong. But when their lives collide in ways neither of them expected, the line between enemies and something far more complicated begins to blur.
This book delivers:
🖤 Enemies-to-lovers tension
🖤 Small-town dark romance vibes
🖤 Family secrets and power struggles
🖤 Emotional trauma and healing
🖤 A little spice (and some light rope play)
Compared to some of J.L. Beck’s other work, this one wasn’t as dark or depraved, but I still really enjoyed it. It had a slightly different tone from her other books I've read; small-town with a hint of western influence, which gave the story a different vibe.
Kade’s trauma really broke my heart at times. Watching him struggle with his identity and the weight of his past made his character compelling and his eventual HEA feel well-earned. Allie was also a strong counterpart for him; she refuses to bend under his anger and meets him head-on, which makes their dynamic fun to read.
The twist near the end definitely added some drama. I had a sense of where things were headed in the last quarter of the book, but it was still satisfying to see everything unfold.
One thing I would have loved a little more of was additional backstory between Kade and Allie before she left for school. A bit more development there could have added even more emotional weight to their relationship.
I actually read this without having read book one, and I didn’t feel lost at all. While it’s technically part of the series, it worked perfectly fine as a standalone for me. That said, I’ve already gone back and grabbed the first book on KU because now I’m curious to explore more of the Black Hollow world.
Overall, a solid 4-star read that kept me hooked enough to finish in about two days, and definitely left me interested in seeing where the rest of the series goes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kade Bishop’s world is completely upended when he learns the truth about his identity. Angry, confused, and carrying years of trauma, Kade lashes out at the world around him… especially at Allie Porter.
Allie is everything he thinks he should hate, raised by the mother he never had, seemingly perfect, and frustratingly strong. But when their lives collide in ways neither of them expected, the line between enemies and something far more complicated begins to blur.
This book delivers:
🖤 Enemies-to-lovers tension
🖤 Small-town dark romance vibes
🖤 Family secrets and power struggles
🖤 Emotional trauma and healing
🖤 A little spice (and some light rope play)
Compared to some of J.L. Beck’s other work, this one wasn’t as dark or depraved, but I still really enjoyed it. It had a slightly different tone from her other books I've read; small-town with a hint of western influence, which gave the story a different vibe.
Kade’s trauma really broke my heart at times. Watching him struggle with his identity and the weight of his past made his character compelling and his eventual HEA feel well-earned. Allie was also a strong counterpart for him; she refuses to bend under his anger and meets him head-on, which makes their dynamic fun to read.
The twist near the end definitely added some drama. I had a sense of where things were headed in the last quarter of the book, but it was still satisfying to see everything unfold.
One thing I would have loved a little more of was additional backstory between Kade and Allie before she left for school. A bit more development there could have added even more emotional weight to their relationship.
I actually read this without having read book one, and I didn’t feel lost at all. While it’s technically part of the series, it worked perfectly fine as a standalone for me. That said, I’ve already gone back and grabbed the first book on KU because now I’m curious to explore more of the Black Hollow world.
Overall, a solid 4-star read that kept me hooked enough to finish in about two days, and definitely left me interested in seeing where the rest of the series goes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2026
Branded and Broken is the second book in the Black Hallow Creek series. In book one, we left off with Kade bishop finding out that Emma Porter was his real mother. It left him broken and upset and not wanting to deal with anyone. In his book, he is so tired of hurting, he is just so angry. He wants to take it out on everyone. The best person to take it out on is Allie Porter, the woman raised by his own mother. Everyone fears the Bishops except Allie. She will go toe to toe with Kade Bishop and not back down. There’s definitely chemistry there and they want each other but they pretend they don’t. Kade doesn’t want anything to do with her so he tries to stay away. All that changes in one terrifying night. Allie needs help and Kade is there, but he’s not necessarily there to play hero. He blackmails her into doing whatever he wants or he will destroy her.
When we first met Allie, she caused a big scene when she didn’t know where her best friend Saint was and wouldn’t stop until she found her. She isn’t scared of the police or the Bishops. In fact, she threatened both when she could not find her. People see her as this loud, fearless, confident woman. At least Kade sees her like that. He also believes she thinks she’s better than him. There is so much tension between them even when they argue. The night he saves her, she thinks maybe they can get past their hatred. However, when he blackmails her, she hates him even more, but she can’t deny wanting him. The longer they’re together, the more they discover about each other things they didn’t know. Slowly, they start breaking down their walls. It’s only a matter of time before they give into how they really feel.
J.L. Beck had me feeling so bad for both of them. It was sad how Kade would lash out at everyone, including his brothers, even though they had nothing to do with what happened. It was even more sad how he treated Allie. It was also really sad to see what Allie was really going through. She feels she has to keep up a façade in front of people when she’s really just breaking apart inside. The hurtful things they say to each other we’re heartbreaking, but you can tell how much they want to be together. They just refuse to say that. It was definitely emotional seeing when their walls come down and they open up about how they are feeling. This was filled with action, danger, heat, secrets, suspense, and shocking twists.
When we first met Allie, she caused a big scene when she didn’t know where her best friend Saint was and wouldn’t stop until she found her. She isn’t scared of the police or the Bishops. In fact, she threatened both when she could not find her. People see her as this loud, fearless, confident woman. At least Kade sees her like that. He also believes she thinks she’s better than him. There is so much tension between them even when they argue. The night he saves her, she thinks maybe they can get past their hatred. However, when he blackmails her, she hates him even more, but she can’t deny wanting him. The longer they’re together, the more they discover about each other things they didn’t know. Slowly, they start breaking down their walls. It’s only a matter of time before they give into how they really feel.
J.L. Beck had me feeling so bad for both of them. It was sad how Kade would lash out at everyone, including his brothers, even though they had nothing to do with what happened. It was even more sad how he treated Allie. It was also really sad to see what Allie was really going through. She feels she has to keep up a façade in front of people when she’s really just breaking apart inside. The hurtful things they say to each other we’re heartbreaking, but you can tell how much they want to be together. They just refuse to say that. It was definitely emotional seeing when their walls come down and they open up about how they are feeling. This was filled with action, danger, heat, secrets, suspense, and shocking twists.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A dark, enemies to lovers, cowboy romance, oooo it’s so good! Branded And Broken by JL Beck is book two in the Black Hollow series. When JL described this new series as a dark mafia meets the wild west romance, I was all in. And she delivered. I literally DEVOURED this book. Dark, morally grey cowboys, (four brothers to be exact), angst and burn, suspense, secrets, and hot as fire heat. You really just need to read this book and series!
We met Kade and Allie in book one and knew something had happened but we had no idea what. Once close, she was the one perfect thing in Kade’s life until she left for college, these two slowly fell apart and lost everything. Kade, this man had been through hell at the hands of his father. Brought up he thought to lead the family, but it was all a lie. He’s so broken, angry, hurt and truly has no idea who he even is. Allie, the perfect princess girl, was raised to fit into a certain box. But inside is a fierce and independent woman waiting to break free. These two were pure fire. They don't back down from each other. For everything this dark man gives, she gives right back and I loved it! The push and pull, the hate and obsession between these two is so angsty, they fight it but it's inevitable. O and did I mention she’s a vir$in?! To watch his possessiveness and know he will get ALL her firsts. OMG. The pure fire from these two will burn your kindle. It's so hot!
Once again, JL created the perfect story. She builds these worlds that pull you in and don't let go! She weaves her stories so perfectly raw and real. You feel the hurt, the struggle and you feel the healing, the growth and love. This one is DARK, these two have to go through a lot of brutal heartache to get to the deep love these two deserve and it's perfect! Read this book AND this series! We still have two more brothers to go!
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🔥Curvy FMC
🌻He nicknames her Filly
🔥Rivals to lovers
🌻Stalking
🔥He’s obsessed
🌻Rope K*nk
🔥Fire meets fire
🌻She’s engaged to someone else
🎀THANK YOU JL Beck for being a part of your team and to Booksprout!
We met Kade and Allie in book one and knew something had happened but we had no idea what. Once close, she was the one perfect thing in Kade’s life until she left for college, these two slowly fell apart and lost everything. Kade, this man had been through hell at the hands of his father. Brought up he thought to lead the family, but it was all a lie. He’s so broken, angry, hurt and truly has no idea who he even is. Allie, the perfect princess girl, was raised to fit into a certain box. But inside is a fierce and independent woman waiting to break free. These two were pure fire. They don't back down from each other. For everything this dark man gives, she gives right back and I loved it! The push and pull, the hate and obsession between these two is so angsty, they fight it but it's inevitable. O and did I mention she’s a vir$in?! To watch his possessiveness and know he will get ALL her firsts. OMG. The pure fire from these two will burn your kindle. It's so hot!
Once again, JL created the perfect story. She builds these worlds that pull you in and don't let go! She weaves her stories so perfectly raw and real. You feel the hurt, the struggle and you feel the healing, the growth and love. This one is DARK, these two have to go through a lot of brutal heartache to get to the deep love these two deserve and it's perfect! Read this book AND this series! We still have two more brothers to go!
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🔥Curvy FMC
🌻He nicknames her Filly
🔥Rivals to lovers
🌻Stalking
🔥He’s obsessed
🌻Rope K*nk
🔥Fire meets fire
🌻She’s engaged to someone else
🎀THANK YOU JL Beck for being a part of your team and to Booksprout!
March 26, 2026
This book definitely had the kind of emotional intensity that pulls you in at first. The angst, the tension, the whole “everyone is damaged and making questionable decisions” vibe. I was invested, I’m not even going to lie. But somewhere along the way, it started to feel like the book was doing a bit too much… and not always in the best way.
The biggest strength here is the emotional drama. If you like complicated relationships and characters who are deeply flawed (and I mean deeply), this will probably work for you. There’s a lot of push and pull, a lot of charged moments and the kind of tension that keeps you turning pages even when you’re slightly annoyed which, honestly, is a skill in itself. Some reviewers also mention how these kinds of stories can feel addictive despite their flaws and I definitely get that.
But the problem is… it starts to feel repetitive. The angst doesn’t really evolve, it just kind of loops. The characters keep going through the same emotional cycles without enough growth to justify it and after a while, it becomes less “intense and gripping” and more “okay… haven’t we already done this?” The pacing also drags in places especially when the focus leans more on drawn-out interactions rather than actual progression (a complaint that comes up a lot in similar romance reads too) .
Character wise, they’re interesting but also frustrating. Kade has that broody, emotionally unavailable energy that’s clearly meant to be compelling but sometimes it just tips into being tiring. Like… I get it, you’re damaged but can we develop that beyond the bare minimum? Allie on the other hand has potential but her decisions don’t always feel consistent which made it hard to fully connect with her. Together, they have chemistry but it’s chaotic more than it is convincing.
I will say, the writing itself is easy to read and very “consume in one sitting” vibes even when the plot isn’t fully delivering.
(Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for a review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own)
The biggest strength here is the emotional drama. If you like complicated relationships and characters who are deeply flawed (and I mean deeply), this will probably work for you. There’s a lot of push and pull, a lot of charged moments and the kind of tension that keeps you turning pages even when you’re slightly annoyed which, honestly, is a skill in itself. Some reviewers also mention how these kinds of stories can feel addictive despite their flaws and I definitely get that.
But the problem is… it starts to feel repetitive. The angst doesn’t really evolve, it just kind of loops. The characters keep going through the same emotional cycles without enough growth to justify it and after a while, it becomes less “intense and gripping” and more “okay… haven’t we already done this?” The pacing also drags in places especially when the focus leans more on drawn-out interactions rather than actual progression (a complaint that comes up a lot in similar romance reads too) .
Character wise, they’re interesting but also frustrating. Kade has that broody, emotionally unavailable energy that’s clearly meant to be compelling but sometimes it just tips into being tiring. Like… I get it, you’re damaged but can we develop that beyond the bare minimum? Allie on the other hand has potential but her decisions don’t always feel consistent which made it hard to fully connect with her. Together, they have chemistry but it’s chaotic more than it is convincing.
I will say, the writing itself is easy to read and very “consume in one sitting” vibes even when the plot isn’t fully delivering.
(Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for a review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own)
March 27, 2026
Branded and Broken is the gritty, suspense‑filled second instalment in JL Beck’s Black Hollow series, and it delivers an emotionally charged story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. While each book in the series focuses on a different couple, this one strongly builds on the events of book one, with its intricately woven overarching story, making it highly recommended to read the series in order.
This book focuses on Kade Bishop, the hot‑headed and impulsive brother readers were introduced to previously. After the bombshell ending of book one, the anticipation surrounding Kade’s story is intense and JL does not disappoint. Seeing events unfold from both Kade’s and Allie’s points of view adds depth, particularly as we begin to understand how deeply Kade has been shaped, and damaged, by his cruel father. His internal struggle, loyalty to his brothers, and need for redemption make him a compelling and surprisingly sympathetic character.
Allie, Saint’s best friend, is just as strong of a character. She’s determined, headstrong, and desperate for answers, and she is trapped in a life that no longer feels like her own. The push‑and‑pull dynamic between Allie and Kade has been simmering since book one, and when circumstances force Allie to rely on him, their tension ignites. Watching Kade begin to grow, thinking before acting, stepping up when it matters, and facing his demons, adds a satisfying layer of character development for him.
As the story progresses, suspicion, emotional fallout, and rising danger drive the pacing forward. Hurtful words are exchanged, tempers flare, and trust is tested, especially when doubt comes from the one person whose opinion matters most to Kade, Allie. The suspense ramps up dramatically toward the end, with a twist that’s both unexpected and expertly executed.
Overall, Branded and Broken is an addictive dark romance packed with emotion, tension, and intrigue. JL Beck weaves a gripping story of broken characters, fractured family bonds, and hard‑won growth that will leave readers eager for the next book in the Black Hollow series,, I know I am!
This book focuses on Kade Bishop, the hot‑headed and impulsive brother readers were introduced to previously. After the bombshell ending of book one, the anticipation surrounding Kade’s story is intense and JL does not disappoint. Seeing events unfold from both Kade’s and Allie’s points of view adds depth, particularly as we begin to understand how deeply Kade has been shaped, and damaged, by his cruel father. His internal struggle, loyalty to his brothers, and need for redemption make him a compelling and surprisingly sympathetic character.
Allie, Saint’s best friend, is just as strong of a character. She’s determined, headstrong, and desperate for answers, and she is trapped in a life that no longer feels like her own. The push‑and‑pull dynamic between Allie and Kade has been simmering since book one, and when circumstances force Allie to rely on him, their tension ignites. Watching Kade begin to grow, thinking before acting, stepping up when it matters, and facing his demons, adds a satisfying layer of character development for him.
As the story progresses, suspicion, emotional fallout, and rising danger drive the pacing forward. Hurtful words are exchanged, tempers flare, and trust is tested, especially when doubt comes from the one person whose opinion matters most to Kade, Allie. The suspense ramps up dramatically toward the end, with a twist that’s both unexpected and expertly executed.
Overall, Branded and Broken is an addictive dark romance packed with emotion, tension, and intrigue. JL Beck weaves a gripping story of broken characters, fractured family bonds, and hard‑won growth that will leave readers eager for the next book in the Black Hollow series,, I know I am!
March 21, 2026
Kade & Allie ... insane chemistry
WOW, J.L. Beck certainly know how to grab her readers attention. BRANDED & BROKEN, Black Hollows #2, was action packed, tension filled, suspenseful, and extremely hard to put down. I was absolutely captivated and became deeply entrenched in Kade Bishop and Allie Porter's story.
Learning the truth about his parentage and the immediate consequences turned Kade Bishop's world upside down. He became angyr and took his anger out on thise close to him, including Allie Porter. The two had previously been close friends with benefits, an item, until Allie broke it off before leaving to go to Seattle. Allie's now back and she's suddenly engaged!
Not everything is as it appears in this rivals to lovers story though. The chemistry and tension between Kade and Allie are insane, leading to some incredible spicy love/hate scenes, which burn up the sheets. Kadde wants Allie, in fact he's obsessed with her, and is determined that no other man will have her, but will he kill for her? He has always been the black sheep of the Bishop family, and now that the truth is out about his circumstances he's even harder to control. Allie has the reputation of being "the Porter Princess", but she is far from that. She's strong willed, fiesty, independent, yet her shoulders carry a burden she does not want.
After reading books 1 & 2, and I do recommended reading Sinner & Saint , I can assure that life in Hollow Creek is never dull, especially when the Bishop men are involved. Stalking, twists and turns, hot spice, terrific banter, and the occasional murder are all involved somewhere along the way. Next up is Reckless & Ruined and I can't wait.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
WOW, J.L. Beck certainly know how to grab her readers attention. BRANDED & BROKEN, Black Hollows #2, was action packed, tension filled, suspenseful, and extremely hard to put down. I was absolutely captivated and became deeply entrenched in Kade Bishop and Allie Porter's story.
Learning the truth about his parentage and the immediate consequences turned Kade Bishop's world upside down. He became angyr and took his anger out on thise close to him, including Allie Porter. The two had previously been close friends with benefits, an item, until Allie broke it off before leaving to go to Seattle. Allie's now back and she's suddenly engaged!
Not everything is as it appears in this rivals to lovers story though. The chemistry and tension between Kade and Allie are insane, leading to some incredible spicy love/hate scenes, which burn up the sheets. Kadde wants Allie, in fact he's obsessed with her, and is determined that no other man will have her, but will he kill for her? He has always been the black sheep of the Bishop family, and now that the truth is out about his circumstances he's even harder to control. Allie has the reputation of being "the Porter Princess", but she is far from that. She's strong willed, fiesty, independent, yet her shoulders carry a burden she does not want.
After reading books 1 & 2, and I do recommended reading Sinner & Saint , I can assure that life in Hollow Creek is never dull, especially when the Bishop men are involved. Stalking, twists and turns, hot spice, terrific banter, and the occasional murder are all involved somewhere along the way. Next up is Reckless & Ruined and I can't wait.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
March 21, 2026
Dark MF Romance
4.5 ⭐️ Good read. The start of this book coincides with “Sinner & Saint” book 1 of this series. This is a standalone however, in my opinion, you’ll get more out of this book if you read book 1. This series has an ongoing plot line that with each brother it seems we get some questions answered while still leaving questions. So I’m assuming it’ll all tie up by the end of the series.
There was angst, sass, dirty talk, spice and a plot twist I never saw coming. The spice is on the lower end but definitely hot when we get it. There are also some things that may trigger some so be sure to check TWs
There is definitely a fine line between love and hate between Allie and Kade. They did have a previous secret relationship in which Allie broke off and left Kade heart broken…. Not that he’ll ever admit it. Allie feels she always has to do as she’s told, like marring a stranger. While Kade is hiding behind the mask of the man his father tried to make him and never feeling like he measures up.
No cheating, no OWD, more of a fight than actual breakup, with a HEA
* Second Chance
* Small Age Gap 20 / 26
* Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
* Ob$essed MMC
* Broken MMC
* Mortally Grey Cowboy MMC
* Sassy & Curvy FMC
* Virg!n FMC
* She’s Engaged to Another Man
* Fun with Ropes
* St@lker
‘If he’s teaching me anything, it’s how quickly everything can change. I went from hating him to needing him, body and soul. He is the only thing holding me together, and not that long ago, I was sure he was going to tear me apart.’
“You’ve made it possible for me to get past all my sh** and start fresh. You gave me something worth starting fresh for, and that means everything. You’ve given me my life, Allie Porter. And all I want to do is spend the rest of it making it up to you in any way I can.”
4.5 ⭐️ Good read. The start of this book coincides with “Sinner & Saint” book 1 of this series. This is a standalone however, in my opinion, you’ll get more out of this book if you read book 1. This series has an ongoing plot line that with each brother it seems we get some questions answered while still leaving questions. So I’m assuming it’ll all tie up by the end of the series.
There was angst, sass, dirty talk, spice and a plot twist I never saw coming. The spice is on the lower end but definitely hot when we get it. There are also some things that may trigger some so be sure to check TWs
There is definitely a fine line between love and hate between Allie and Kade. They did have a previous secret relationship in which Allie broke off and left Kade heart broken…. Not that he’ll ever admit it. Allie feels she always has to do as she’s told, like marring a stranger. While Kade is hiding behind the mask of the man his father tried to make him and never feeling like he measures up.
No cheating, no OWD, more of a fight than actual breakup, with a HEA
* Second Chance
* Small Age Gap 20 / 26
* Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
* Ob$essed MMC
* Broken MMC
* Mortally Grey Cowboy MMC
* Sassy & Curvy FMC
* Virg!n FMC
* She’s Engaged to Another Man
* Fun with Ropes
* St@lker
‘If he’s teaching me anything, it’s how quickly everything can change. I went from hating him to needing him, body and soul. He is the only thing holding me together, and not that long ago, I was sure he was going to tear me apart.’
“You’ve made it possible for me to get past all my sh** and start fresh. You gave me something worth starting fresh for, and that means everything. You’ve given me my life, Allie Porter. And all I want to do is spend the rest of it making it up to you in any way I can.”
March 21, 2026
The second book in the Black Hollow series and Branded & Broken delivers a strong enemies to lovers' dynamic between Kade Bishop and Allie Porter. Kade’s emotions are already in turmoil when, after years of being ignored and overlooked, he’s suddenly found himself thrust into the role of his father’s chosen heir and as such burdened with brutal expectations he doesn’t want, a situation that fuels much of the ensuing tension in the story.
His feelings toward Allie are equally tangled. He both despises and desires her in equal measure, initially seeing her as little more than a spoiled princess, resenting her for the love she received growing up, something he never had. But his feelings begin to shift after he saves her life and what starts as a game to break her for his own amusement quickly unravels into something far more complex as he realises they have more in common than he ever expected. The chemistry between them is undeniable, the kind that you can almost feel through your kindle. Their push and pull dynamic is intense and engaging, with Allie holding her own against Kade giving as good as she gets, which makes their interactions all the more entertaining. Kade’s growing obsession is clear, but it never crosses into uncomfortable territory, instead it adds to the building tension between them.
Fans of Yellowstone or cowboy romances in general will find plenty to enjoy with this book. From morally grey heroes to strong-willed heroines, complex family relationships, and a steady stream of secrets and revelations, the Black Hollow series continues to deliver compelling, steamy dark romance, and it definitely leaves you wanting to read more from the Bishop brothers.
His feelings toward Allie are equally tangled. He both despises and desires her in equal measure, initially seeing her as little more than a spoiled princess, resenting her for the love she received growing up, something he never had. But his feelings begin to shift after he saves her life and what starts as a game to break her for his own amusement quickly unravels into something far more complex as he realises they have more in common than he ever expected. The chemistry between them is undeniable, the kind that you can almost feel through your kindle. Their push and pull dynamic is intense and engaging, with Allie holding her own against Kade giving as good as she gets, which makes their interactions all the more entertaining. Kade’s growing obsession is clear, but it never crosses into uncomfortable territory, instead it adds to the building tension between them.
Fans of Yellowstone or cowboy romances in general will find plenty to enjoy with this book. From morally grey heroes to strong-willed heroines, complex family relationships, and a steady stream of secrets and revelations, the Black Hollow series continues to deliver compelling, steamy dark romance, and it definitely leaves you wanting to read more from the Bishop brothers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 5✨
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - March 20, 2026
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- dark romance
- ex lovers
- enemies to lovers
- small town secrets
- broken hero
- protective mmc
- action & suspense
- she's engaged to another man
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Branded & Broken is a dark small-town romance full of tension, secrets, and emotional chaos. The story follows Allie and Kade, who were once deeply in love but were forced apart because of their rival families. Years later they meet again, but everything is different now. Allie is already engaged to another man and her life is far from peaceful.
From the beginning the story feels intense. Allie tries to move on with her life, but being around Kade again brings back all the feelings she tried to bury. Their past is messy, their connection is still strong, and the tension between them is impossible to ignore.
What made this book exciting for me was the mix of romance and action. There are dangerous moments, family conflicts, and situations that keep the story moving fast. Kade’s protective side was one of my favorite parts. He has that dark, possessive energy and once he decides to protect Allie, he goes all in.
Allie was also a strong heroine who goes through so much and still keeps fighting for herself. Watching their relationship slowly rebuild after everything that happened between them made the story emotional and addictive.
The small town setting, old family rivalries, and the intense chemistry between the characters made this book such a gripping read. I loved the drama, the action scenes, and the way the story kept pulling me deeper with every chapter.
Thank you candipr & booksprout for the ARC!
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - March 20, 2026
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- dark romance
- ex lovers
- enemies to lovers
- small town secrets
- broken hero
- protective mmc
- action & suspense
- she's engaged to another man
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Branded & Broken is a dark small-town romance full of tension, secrets, and emotional chaos. The story follows Allie and Kade, who were once deeply in love but were forced apart because of their rival families. Years later they meet again, but everything is different now. Allie is already engaged to another man and her life is far from peaceful.
From the beginning the story feels intense. Allie tries to move on with her life, but being around Kade again brings back all the feelings she tried to bury. Their past is messy, their connection is still strong, and the tension between them is impossible to ignore.
What made this book exciting for me was the mix of romance and action. There are dangerous moments, family conflicts, and situations that keep the story moving fast. Kade’s protective side was one of my favorite parts. He has that dark, possessive energy and once he decides to protect Allie, he goes all in.
Allie was also a strong heroine who goes through so much and still keeps fighting for herself. Watching their relationship slowly rebuild after everything that happened between them made the story emotional and addictive.
The small town setting, old family rivalries, and the intense chemistry between the characters made this book such a gripping read. I loved the drama, the action scenes, and the way the story kept pulling me deeper with every chapter.
Thank you candipr & booksprout for the ARC!
March 28, 2026
Do you love an alpha, morally gray, touch-her-and-die cowboy? Then you need to meet Kade Bishop!
Kade has always been the unpredictable, hotheaded Bishop brother. The one who acts first and thinks later. Raised by his father to be an on demand killer. But his own identity starts unraveling in real time and he's forced to question who he is at his core.
And then there’s Allie Porter, his supposed arch enemy. Except, she's also the person who gets under his skin in a way no one else can. Their dynamic is explosive from the start. You feel their history, the tension between them, and something even more dangerous. Because let's be honest, your biggest enemy isn't supposed to be the one who sets your soul (and body) on fire like that.
I will say, while this is labeled as a standalone, I do think reading book one gives you a better understanding of Kade and the Bishop family dynamics. It helps provide context for why these things are happening in book two. That said, you can still absolutely enjoy this on its own. The chemistry and tension will not leave you hanging.
What really kept me hooked was how addictive this felt. The angst, the secrets, the emotional moments. This had it all. I picked it up, let all my responsibilities go by the wayside, and didn’t put it down until I was finished. One day, completely gone.
Definitely check the trigger warnings going in because this one leans into darker elements. But if you love intense, messy, morally gray romance with high tension and even higher stakes, this delivers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kade has always been the unpredictable, hotheaded Bishop brother. The one who acts first and thinks later. Raised by his father to be an on demand killer. But his own identity starts unraveling in real time and he's forced to question who he is at his core.
And then there’s Allie Porter, his supposed arch enemy. Except, she's also the person who gets under his skin in a way no one else can. Their dynamic is explosive from the start. You feel their history, the tension between them, and something even more dangerous. Because let's be honest, your biggest enemy isn't supposed to be the one who sets your soul (and body) on fire like that.
I will say, while this is labeled as a standalone, I do think reading book one gives you a better understanding of Kade and the Bishop family dynamics. It helps provide context for why these things are happening in book two. That said, you can still absolutely enjoy this on its own. The chemistry and tension will not leave you hanging.
What really kept me hooked was how addictive this felt. The angst, the secrets, the emotional moments. This had it all. I picked it up, let all my responsibilities go by the wayside, and didn’t put it down until I was finished. One day, completely gone.
Definitely check the trigger warnings going in because this one leans into darker elements. But if you love intense, messy, morally gray romance with high tension and even higher stakes, this delivers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2026
Thank you to J.L. Beck for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is the second book in the series and follows Kade and Allie, and honestly… this one had so much drama.
You get enemies-to-lovers mixed with second chance, plus a secret relationship between two families that hate each other. Kade and Allie already have history, so when they’re forced back into each other’s lives, the tension is there immediately. There’s a lot of back and forth between them miscommunication, hurt feelings, and that push-pull energy that keeps things interesting.
Allie comes back home dealing with way more than she expected. Her family is struggling, she’s being pushed into an engagement she didn’t ask for, and she’s trying to figure out what’s really going on around her. The situation with her friend is what brings her back, but it doesn’t take long before everything starts to spiral.
Kade definitely has that possessive, protective vibe, but he’s also holding onto a lot from the past. Watching them clash while still clearly not being over each other was honestly one of my favorite parts.
There’s also a bit of suspense in the story, especially with everything surrounding her fiancé and the events that unfold later on. That twist toward the end added another layer to the story.
Overall, this was a really entertaining read with a mix of romance, family drama, and some suspense. If you like messy relationships, ranch/small-town settings, and enemies-to-lovers with history behind it, this one will definitely work for you.
This is the second book in the series and follows Kade and Allie, and honestly… this one had so much drama.
You get enemies-to-lovers mixed with second chance, plus a secret relationship between two families that hate each other. Kade and Allie already have history, so when they’re forced back into each other’s lives, the tension is there immediately. There’s a lot of back and forth between them miscommunication, hurt feelings, and that push-pull energy that keeps things interesting.
Allie comes back home dealing with way more than she expected. Her family is struggling, she’s being pushed into an engagement she didn’t ask for, and she’s trying to figure out what’s really going on around her. The situation with her friend is what brings her back, but it doesn’t take long before everything starts to spiral.
Kade definitely has that possessive, protective vibe, but he’s also holding onto a lot from the past. Watching them clash while still clearly not being over each other was honestly one of my favorite parts.
There’s also a bit of suspense in the story, especially with everything surrounding her fiancé and the events that unfold later on. That twist toward the end added another layer to the story.
Overall, this was a really entertaining read with a mix of romance, family drama, and some suspense. If you like messy relationships, ranch/small-town settings, and enemies-to-lovers with history behind it, this one will definitely work for you.
March 20, 2026
This is the 2nd book in the BLACK HOLLOW CREEK series and it was awsome !!! Sorry Calder, but now my favorite it is KADE BISHOP!
Kade only wanted his father validation, but he is treated like a disappointment. Until this one dies and Kadelearns the truth about his mother and his true identity.
Allie is his enemy now, after she broke his heart and it is now engaged, thing that makes him hate her more. But not everything it is at it seems. She is not really the pampered princess, but only the girl that wants to help her mother save the ranch. Also she didn't want to broke his heart and keep him a secret, but their families were enemies and she wanted what she tought was the best for them.
The story it is a dark cowboy romance with mature themes, where Kade and Allie are brought together when she asks his help when her friend is missing. The hate between them brings the fire and ignites the lust more.
Everything changes when Kade saved Allie from her fiancée, and from here the story gets even intriguing. But you must read it to find out what happens.
Who betrays whom, who gets kidnapped and why. And how everyone will go on after everything happening.
And now I am curious about the next release. I hope it will be Sawyer's book.
Tropes:
enemies to lovers
dark cowboy romance
curvy fmc
stalking
he's obsessed with her
fire x fire
Thank you @booksprout and @authorjlbeck for the opportunity to read the book in advance. This is my honest and only opinion.
Kade only wanted his father validation, but he is treated like a disappointment. Until this one dies and Kadelearns the truth about his mother and his true identity.
Allie is his enemy now, after she broke his heart and it is now engaged, thing that makes him hate her more. But not everything it is at it seems. She is not really the pampered princess, but only the girl that wants to help her mother save the ranch. Also she didn't want to broke his heart and keep him a secret, but their families were enemies and she wanted what she tought was the best for them.
The story it is a dark cowboy romance with mature themes, where Kade and Allie are brought together when she asks his help when her friend is missing. The hate between them brings the fire and ignites the lust more.
Everything changes when Kade saved Allie from her fiancée, and from here the story gets even intriguing. But you must read it to find out what happens.
Who betrays whom, who gets kidnapped and why. And how everyone will go on after everything happening.
And now I am curious about the next release. I hope it will be Sawyer's book.
Tropes:
enemies to lovers
dark cowboy romance
curvy fmc
stalking
he's obsessed with her
fire x fire
Thank you @booksprout and @authorjlbeck for the opportunity to read the book in advance. This is my honest and only opinion.
March 23, 2026
In the first book, Saint and Sinner, we learned the patriarch of the family, Roman Bishop, was a tyrannical and abusive father to his four sons. His wealth and power struck fear in all the residents of Black Hollow Creek as well as the people they did business with. His second son, Kade, was always the one who carried out the dirty work, but Roman ruled by intimidation so nothing any of his sons did ever satisfied him. During the altercation that eventually led to Kade killing their father in order to protect his brother and sister-in-law, he learned his biological mother was from a rival family. In Branded & Broken, Kade spirals as he tries to figure out his role within the Bishop family now that his blood is also tied to the Porters, the family Roman taught them all to hate growing up. To make matters worse, Allie, who shattered his heart when she unceremoniously broke up with him before she left for college is back and suddenly engaged; and more importantly, they share the same mother! He's angry and desperate to regain some control over his life, and the only person who seems to ground him, is also the one keeping him at arm's length. Unbeknownst to Kade, Allie is also spiraling since she's feeling the weight to save their family's legacy by marrying a man she doesn't really know.
Every interaction between Kade and Allie lights up their undeniable chemistry even though they try to deny the pull. The author had me on the edge of my seat on how she was going to get this couple to their happily ever after!
Every interaction between Kade and Allie lights up their undeniable chemistry even though they try to deny the pull. The author had me on the edge of my seat on how she was going to get this couple to their happily ever after!
March 29, 2026
I went into this expecting a gritty, emotional, dark romance with tension and depth… and while it definitely had the darker elements and suspense, the romance itself just didn’t fully land for me.
Allie and Kade have a complicated, high-stakes setup with secrets, forced proximity, and a lot of tension baked in, which on paper is exactly my thing. There’s arranged marriage pressure, missing memories, small town drama, and a storyline that actually kept me curious about what was going to happen next. I also appreciated that the book leaned into heavier themes and added suspense elements that gave the plot more weight.
But where it lost me was the connection between the characters. I love dark romance, but I still need to feel the relationship build, and here it felt more surface level than emotional. The darker aspects didn’t deepen their bond for me, they kind of replaced the development I was looking for. I never fully bought into their connection, which made it hard to stay invested in them as a couple, even when the stakes were high.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, it just wasn’t for me. If you enjoy darker themes with suspense and don’t need a heavy emotional buildup in the romance, you might still have a great time with this.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Vibes: Dark-leaning, suspense, small town, secrets
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, secrets and lies, family drama, heroine in danger, second chance energy
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
Check trigger warnings before diving in.
March 20, 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Though Branded and Broken is described as a standalone, I highly recommend reading Book 1, Sinner and Saint. Book 1 establishes the dynamics of the Bishop Family, their reputation in town, the Bishop Boys, their father, and a pivotal moment for Kade that leads to Branded and Broken. Most importantly, the story puts in place Kade's behaviours and personality, which carry over into Book 2.
I loved how J.L. Beck maintained the integrity of the series. The grit was still there, as were the influences that turned into the aftermath of the Bishop Boys’ father. From what occurred in Book 1, I was quite curious to know what would come of Kade. It was like an evening soap opera all in one book!
The cat was out of the bag at the end of Book 1, and Kade was processing but punishing Allie, who is the rival family in town, and so much more. There were so many ‘should they or shouldn’t they’ moments. And teetering on the edge of forbidden as well—at least the way Allie looked at it.
I would have liked to have seen Kade’s character evolve more. I understand he had a lot of anger and pain to work through, but it would have been nice to see a more noticeable shift and a genuine expression of remorse and forgiveness for his behavior towards Allie. But overall, I did enjoy the story. The spice was great, and so were the twisty moments.
Thank you to Author J.L. Beck for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Though Branded and Broken is described as a standalone, I highly recommend reading Book 1, Sinner and Saint. Book 1 establishes the dynamics of the Bishop Family, their reputation in town, the Bishop Boys, their father, and a pivotal moment for Kade that leads to Branded and Broken. Most importantly, the story puts in place Kade's behaviours and personality, which carry over into Book 2.
I loved how J.L. Beck maintained the integrity of the series. The grit was still there, as were the influences that turned into the aftermath of the Bishop Boys’ father. From what occurred in Book 1, I was quite curious to know what would come of Kade. It was like an evening soap opera all in one book!
The cat was out of the bag at the end of Book 1, and Kade was processing but punishing Allie, who is the rival family in town, and so much more. There were so many ‘should they or shouldn’t they’ moments. And teetering on the edge of forbidden as well—at least the way Allie looked at it.
I would have liked to have seen Kade’s character evolve more. I understand he had a lot of anger and pain to work through, but it would have been nice to see a more noticeable shift and a genuine expression of remorse and forgiveness for his behavior towards Allie. But overall, I did enjoy the story. The spice was great, and so were the twisty moments.
Thank you to Author J.L. Beck for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2026
Wow, did someone turn the heat up in here? 🔥
Kade and Allie’s story was everything I was hoping for and more. From the very beginning, this book pulled me in and refused to let go. Kade, who has always been treated as the family failure and constantly makes reckless decisions, was such a complex and interesting character. You can really feel the weight of how he thinks others see him, and it adds so much depth to his choices and the way he interacts with Allie.
Allie, on the other hand, is the princess of Porter Ranch the girl who seems to have everything perfectly put together on the outsude but is falling apart on the inside. Their chemistry is intense, their banter is sharp, and the push and pull between them kept me hooked the entire time.
This story takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions with death, tension, love, hate, and everything in between. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, the twist completely surprised me. I genuinely didn’t see it coming, which made the ending even more satisfying.
The tension between Kade and Allie kept building in the best possible way. And let’s talk about the spice… wow. The chemistry between them is undeniable and those scenes definitely bring the heat. 🌶️🔥
This book absolutely has that classic J.L. Beck flair, intense, emotional, addictive, and impossible to stop reading.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me, and 🔥🔥🔥🔥 for the spice.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kade and Allie’s story was everything I was hoping for and more. From the very beginning, this book pulled me in and refused to let go. Kade, who has always been treated as the family failure and constantly makes reckless decisions, was such a complex and interesting character. You can really feel the weight of how he thinks others see him, and it adds so much depth to his choices and the way he interacts with Allie.
Allie, on the other hand, is the princess of Porter Ranch the girl who seems to have everything perfectly put together on the outsude but is falling apart on the inside. Their chemistry is intense, their banter is sharp, and the push and pull between them kept me hooked the entire time.
This story takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions with death, tension, love, hate, and everything in between. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, the twist completely surprised me. I genuinely didn’t see it coming, which made the ending even more satisfying.
The tension between Kade and Allie kept building in the best possible way. And let’s talk about the spice… wow. The chemistry between them is undeniable and those scenes definitely bring the heat. 🌶️🔥
This book absolutely has that classic J.L. Beck flair, intense, emotional, addictive, and impossible to stop reading.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me, and 🔥🔥🔥🔥 for the spice.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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