Country, Crimes & Second Chances: A Spicy Dark Romantic Comedy

by I.M. Wraith

Country star Tally Creed lost her spark and became a murderer. Accidentally.One minute, she’s wrestling with songwriter’s block, but suddenly her biggest problem isn’t her abusive manager or those nosy paparazzi. It’s how to stay out of prison.

Panicked, she can only think of one person she trusts enough to help her estranged ex-husband and former singing partner, Rustin McAllister.

Rust never got over Tally.

More than a decade ago, sinister circumstances forced him to walk away from her and his music career. But when his ex-wife turns up at his doorstep with a body in the trunk, he doesn't hesitate.

Sparks fly during corpse disposal and lead to a spicy reunion that breaks through Tally's creative block. She realizes the perfect recipe for her new album is simple. All it takes is a shared felony–and a shared bed with her ex.

Tally asks Rust for one more favor. She wants to spend a week on the road, performing in disguise in dive bars like they used to before she became famous. Plus a little crime. For inspiration.

She sets a single Don’t catch feelings.

But somebody from their past is watching their criminally sizzling chemistry and is set on breaking them up again. Fatally.

Rust and Tally must decide if they’re going to be more than just partners in crime… or if their final encore ends six feet under.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Dark Romance, Spicy

456 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2026

About the author

I.M. Wraith writes Southern dark romance with heat & humor.

Wraith is fueled by strong coffee, kinky smut, and dog cuddles. She loves nothing more than a cozy night in with her hubby to watch a movie together.

Reviews

[Wendy Marie (myrisingphoenixera.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
4🌶️
🔥Spicy Dark RomCom
🔥Small Town
🔥Second Chance
🔥Plus Size FMC
🔥Blue Collar MMC w/Slutty Mustache
🔥Inappropriate Use of Corn Cobb
🔥They Do It In His Truck
🔥He Burries a Body for Her
🔥Dual First Person POV

I.M. Wraith knows how to blend the best and sometimes darkest parts of the genre with comedy that will have you cackling. I love getting lost in her world with fun and twisted characters that still somehow feel relatable (not the crime spree parts). Tally and Rust find themselves as an accidental southern Bonnie and Clyde on a cross country road trip. They were childhood friends turned lovers. At 18 they left their hometown to purse a career as a country music duo. Rust impulsively asks Tally to marry him while in Las Vegas, except it doesn’t last and they get it annulled the next day. Tally has never understood what happened that night. Now 12 years later, Rust is the only person she feels she can trust with the body in her trunk. You see, she was on a country road and after a sharp bend a drifter jumped out of the tree line and she hit him. Tally is toping the country music charts and doesn’t trust anyone to help her without it getting out. He doesn’t even blink when Tally tells him she needs his help to dispose of a body. Just being around Rust again and having a mind blowing org@sm, she found her spark to write music again. When her manager demands she get to LA next week for the start of her tour, she asks Rust to go on a roadtrip with her, like they used to. Writing music, playing in small town honky tonks, and no feelings smex. Tally believes the thrill of breaking the law and Rust breaking her back will help her write a new album. Tally is a fierce fmc, dealing with the negatives of fame and trying to protect her heart from her ex-husband and first love. It’s a losing battle. Rust is the reddest green flag, he’s all southern charm and willing to do anything to protect Tally and make her happy. He literally sets the world on fire for her. Their roadtrip turns into a comedic romantic action movie. The writing is funny, witty, with poetic and beautiful lyrics that could easily be on the radio. This is a second chance romance done right. The spice is next level and I.M. Wraith never fails to surprise me in her creativity, depravity, and k!nky f_ € kery. It’s hot, its original, and will have you questioning your choices. Don’t sleep on this dark romcom with honky tonk vibes and characters you’ll fall in love with.

🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.

Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5

Thank you I.M. Wraith for the gifted advanced copy.

📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦‍🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦‍🔥

A Few Favorite Quotes:
“My obsession with Tally is unhealthy, but I like it that way. I call it undying devotion. Loyalty.”

“Was that a threat or are you flirtin’ with me?”

“He’s the blue-collar boyfriend every woman dreams of. Dependable, tall, rugged, and so strong, he carries de@d bodies like a sack of feathers.”

“Are you daring me to commit crimes to get your pu$y wet?”
“What if I am?”

“New hook-up standard unlocked: If he won’t bury my skeletons, I don’t want him.”

“I know she’ll always be my harmony in the chaos. Until my heart stops, she’ll always be the missing notes in my song and the rhythm of my pulse.”

“That’s it, Trouble. Use me. Ride my mustache like a good girl.”

“Only you could make first-degree murd£r look $exy, Big Guy.”

“Love without you always felt like a melody written in the wrong key.” She cups my cheek.

“Because this is just the beginning of the rest of our lives, together. A life fueled by our love, our music—and the occasional crime for inspiration.”

[Jenny Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

GIRL. This was so cute! It gave me all the feels of the fun, witty rom-com energy this author always delivers. And some scenes… will now hold very specific meaning for me. If I ever see corn again, I will never forget. IYKYK.

Tally, Tally… you sweet Southern girl who only ever wanted to write songs, play her guitar, and be with the boy who stole her heart when they were young. Watching her realize that what really matters is her music, her authenticity, and a certain partner in crime was such a joy. I loved her wit, her fire, and the way she finally decided to fight for what she truly wanted.

Rust… whew. What a man. The literal definition of “burn the world down for the one you love” — or you know… commit a few crimes along the way. He’s steady, protective, and absolutely determined to find his way back to his one true love, no matter who or what stands in his way.

The banter, the snark, the chemistry between these two is high-octane. It’s undeniable they were always meant to orbit each other. I also loved the addition of the side characters — they brought such a fun found-family dynamic to the story.

Overall, this was a fun, spicy, laugh-out-loud read. And honestly, who doesn’t love a revenge tour with a side of danger? I can’t wait to see what the author writes next.

Because truly… nothing says romance like a man willing to go full outlaw with you. 🤠

[Lovelettelore · Rating 5 out of 5]

She showed up at her ex-husband’s door with a dead body in the trunk, and his only response was: Where do we go from here? 🚗💨

📖 Country, Crimes and Second Chances by I.M. Wraith
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Dark Rom-Com

Tropes
🥀 Second chances
🖤 Morally Grey MMC
⛓️ Obsessive MMC
🎤 Country singer FMC
🛠 Blue collar MMC
🗣 Banter
🤠 Country boy MMC

Tally Creed, a country music star, finds herself in the ultimate predicament: she has a dead body in her trunk and nowhere to go but her ex-husband’s doorstep. Rust has never truly let her go, and he doesn’t hesitate to jump into action. With Tally’s abusive talent manager hounding her to get back to LA in a week, and her writer's block finally breaking around Rust, the two embark on a chaotic road trip. Their mission? Get to LA while committing a series of crimes to one-up each other along the way.

I FELL TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH RUST RIGHT OFF THE BAT!
Their love feels so encompassing; I felt high just reading about them. Rust is the definition of all in and ride or die. Whatever the situation, whatever the stakes, he is there for her. Dead body in the trunk? No problem. He is a total simp for her, but in the best way possible - he gives her space when she needs it, supports her (shoutout to the Bubblegum Outlaw!), and is just obsessed enough to make him the perfect book boyfriend. Plus, he has a serious dirty mouth and a "fucks her like he hates her" energy that is just... chef's kiss.

Tally is such a strong-willed, free-spirited character. Even with the verbal abuse from her manager, her light never dims. She knows what she deserves and has the courage to reach for it. She and Rust are simply perfect for each other.

The plot is incredibly engaging, focusing on their liberating road trip and the wild adventures they have while chasing their freedom. The banter is top-tier! I caught myself laughing out loud multiple times, kicking my feet and giggling like a 30yo schoolgirl.

This is hands down one of the best dark rom-coms I’ve ever read. I truly urge everyone to pick this up! If this gets an audiobook, I am definitely grabbing it.

Thank you so much I.M. Wraith for this ARC!

[Next Chapter Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, spicy, and a little unhinged cowboy/country star romance with morally grey main characters. What fun!

I absolutely devoured this book. The author has a way of pulling you in so quickly and creating a feeling of attachment to the MCs. The FMC is a famous country singer who is aptly nicknamed Trouble. She’s the kind of girl you want to be best friends with, who finds herself in a tough spot and needs someone who has her best interest at heart. Enter, the MMC, a good ol country boy (but really what a man!) who has been yearning for the FMC for over a decade. There’s so much history between these two and the author gives you little peaks into it which were so enjoyable. The second chance trope in this book is so heartwarming.

Rightly described as a rom com (amongst other things), this book had me laughing out loud more times than I can remember. Some of the scenes were absolutely feral and freaky (wink wink) in ways that are so delicious to read. This author truly knows how to tap into the dark, wild fantasies of many dark-ish romance readers. While there are dark elements to the plot, the spice is 100% consensual and enjoyed by both parties always which is a refreshing change from the current trend in the genre.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book. The character arcs were exactly what I wanted them to be and despite the road there being morally grey, these characters deserved their HEA. If you love witty banter, second chance romance, unhinged morally grey characters and kinky spice, you definitely need to read this book! I’ll never look at corn the same way again…

I received an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Simplymetaramarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ☆ This was a relatively quick read about a country music star who isn't entirely happy with her career. During a break, she goes to her ex-husband for help. Rustin will literally do anything for Tally.

This dark romcom has plenty of spice, a man willing to be morally gray for the love of his life, and humor wrapped up in this journey of love, self discovery, and second chances.

[LivingLifeBetweenPages · Rating 4 out of 5]

This spicy second-chance rom-com was a refreshing change of pace that I really enjoyed. Early on we get a little Weekend at Bernie’s moment and I will never be able to look at corn on the cob without thinking of this book. I am a sucker for humorous banter between main characters and Rust and Tally delivered. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments, like the guy in the country bar wearing Crocs in sports mode saying “I’m a boomerang, Whoosh”. Too funny.

My favorite quote: “He’s the type of man who can take care of a woman in the ‘flowers and candlelight dinner’ kinda way - and the ‘bury the body and help hide the evidence’ kinda way.”

[KayBeReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tally and Rust go way, they used to be married. Something happened that tore them apart. Now Tally(a famous country singer) needs Rust help. And Rust will do anything for her. Rust is still hung up on Tally and vice versa but she’s upset with him about how it ended. We get to find out what tore them apart very quickly in the book and I love that. Y’all these two ain’t even been in the same place for that long and they have already fell back in the bed. They still love each other and fall into affection quickly. Now they’re about to go on a road trip and make no strings attached love all over the country to help with her writers block. This is about to be messy. While reading I can hear their country accent and it’s probably because I’m a southern girl myself and it makes me laugh so hard. Now I will say some of the sayings I’ve heard before but I don’t use them. I’m country adjacent. 🤭Rust is just the sweetest cowboy with a dirty mouth and Tally is a sassy woman who knows what she wants. These two are on a road trip just f*****g and acting up( kind of illegally), it’s their foreplay. There was one scene in here that had me giggling and clutching my pearls. All I will tell you is a balaclava was involved, do with that as you want. And I will never look at a piece of corn the same way. Tally and Rustin never stopped loving each other and their roadtrip was exactly what they needed. The ending was perfect, the entire story was adorable. If you’re looking for second chance love story that has mischief, revenge, hot smut, love and laughs a much more this is the book for you. And friends your crocs should never be in sport mode.

[Natalie nataliescraftedcreations · Rating 3 out of 5]

Country, Crimes and Second Chances
Southern Sinners book 2
A Spicy Dark Romantic Comedy
Releasing March 15th 2026

This can be read as a standalone and is intended for Adults only. Not suitable for under 18 years of Age!

Country star Tally Creed lost her spark and became a murderer. Accidentally.

My Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice 🌶️🌶️���️

What to expect

🎶 Singer/Songwriter Curvy FMC
🎶 Blue Collar MMC
🎶 No 3rd act break up
🎶 Second chance
🎶 Dark themes
🎶 Romcom
🎶 Crimes
🎶 Corn cob used in what way
🎶 They do want on a Ferris wheel
🎶 He’ll do anything for her , litterly anything


🎤🎶 My thoughts 🎶🎤

I was gifted an early e-book of Country, Crimes and Second Chances, from the Author. This exchange is for nothing more than my Honest Review. This review is my own and is therefore…. Honest!

This Book is as the title states Country, Crimes and Second Chances… it follows Tally, a Curvy Country FMC Singer/songwriter And Rustin, A blue collared MMC, who would do anything for her.. I mean anything! Nothing is off limits…..They get their Second chance but not without some spicy and slightly unhinged Country Crimes along the way to inspire her song writing. This is a story that touches base on sweetness, spice and a little unhinged, while also making you slightly giggle….

I do suggest you check content warnings, though these may contain spoilers for the read. There maybe some things that could trigger some readers so I suggest to check them out.


I did like parts of this, with rememberable moments such as, the diner, Ferris wheel, the bathroom and there is a very questionable scene that involves a corn cob! IYKYK! There was a lot of sweet moments between the couple, though it was a little to much of it, for me, I lost a little interest, would of loved more comedy in this, However, this Defiantly is fitting the whole sweet and cute swoon worthy vibe of the book. This ,for me, was more of a semi comedy that has dark elements and shows a softer side with a loven touch…. if you’re looking for a pitch-black read, then this is not it.

This is the Authors third book, and it is different to the first two and is great to see how this author can change and show versatility.

I.M Wraith has a lovely writing style. Why not check out Other books by this author ,which I enjoyed a lot!

Cry, Little Dove (Debut)
Standalone
A Captor/Captive Dark Stalker Romance

Right Number, Wrong Man
(Southern Sinners Series book 1)
Standalone
A Masked Man, Hate-To-Love Dark Romantic Comedy

…….

[RosieRitesReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:

🌶️ Spicy Dark Rom-Com x Small Town
💞 Second Chance
🩷 Plus Size FMC
🛠️ Blue Collar MMC
🌽 IYKYK

Tally is a country star who is struggling to write. While on a retreat, she becomes a murderer by accident, and the only person she trusts to help her is her ex-husband, Rust. Showing up to Rust’s doorstep 12 years later, these two dig up old feelings, and Tally finds a cure for her writer's block- one week of unhinged mayhem. This book is spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, DARK, and addictive. I couldn't put it down.

This book is S-P-I-C-Y! I was not prepared to see the level of spice these two brought out in each other. It gets pretty unhinged and I loved every bit of it. The way I.M. Wraith builds the tension between Tally and Rust is perfect. I also loved how Rust is a man’s man and will do anything for Tally BUT knows how to take the lead and be dominant 😮‍💨

I can’t wait to read more from I.M. Wraith, this book was so good!

Thank you so much I.M. Wraith for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Siempre_sera2.0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating:✨✨✨✨✨
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

I’ve read every single book I.M. Wraith has published and have loved each one a little more than the last!

These southern men are everything, they will burn the world down for their woman. Tally our country super star is left heartbroken by Rust the day after their wedding, when he leaves without reason. Childhood best friends turned lovers, get their second chance when Tally comes to Rust for help when she’s in a predicament. She takes him along for the ride where they commit crimes and get her musical spark flowing.

Rust is our blue collar MMC, he’s loved Tally for years let her go so she could achieve her dreams of becoming a country singer. Told he was never good enough, and he’d drag her down he put his heart aside to make her happy. He chases her again, to fight for her. This man commits Murder (miscommunication)🤭for her.

I need me a Rustin McAllister in my life🖤

[elle_lovesbooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Review of ARC copy gifted to me by the author

It’s not often that I DNF a book - especially an ARC but I just couldn’t get through this one

I could not like the FMC. She was very brash and I didn’t appreciate her forcefulness towards him considering how long they’d been apart.
Advancing on him and poking him in the chest for no reason
Having her hands out to pinch his a$$ because she instantly got obsessed seeing it in his pants

She was very forward (instantly) for being part from him and hating him for 12 years

Other things that didn’t work for me:
She’s so reckless:
•sitting in the edge of the car window while he drives fast - at her age?
•stealing from the gas station

The bathroom masturbation scene was just so cringey and awkward

The sex scenes?
•mewl
•slit
•murder that pu$$y

the corn scene? Gross and not even hot. It didn’t ruin corn for me. It just screamed of trying too hard and trying to be line Brynne Weaver. Just not even well written in that part.

The chase scene
It’s like all the cliches in one - like the author took everything they saw in all the dark romance books and tried to put it into one

I wanted to love this. I love thriller romances. Second chance. Dark romance. Etc
But I could not get past chapter 22 and DNF at 38%

[Lissereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, or fan myself, so I just did it all. Tally and Rust have the kind of history that hurts, but watching them reconnect over—of all things—disposing of a body was strangely perfect. Rust is the ultimate 'morally grey green flag'. He is obsessed with Tally and has a mouth that should probably be illegal. If you like your romance with a side of felony-level chaos and a lot of heart, you need this one.

I devoured this in a single day! It hits all the best tropes: second chances, forced proximity, and a 'criminally' sizzling road trip. Tally’s journey to finding her voice again (literally) while disguised in dive bars was such a fun backdrop. And the spice? Let’s just say I’ll never look at corn on the cob or a Ferris wheel the same way again 👀👀.

4.5 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️

Thank you for letting me read this in advance 🫶🏼🫶🏼

[thedirtychapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ 4.5🌶
I so loved this book. Its a spicy dark romcom and the banter between Trouble & Big Guy is fire. Then there's the laughs, the mall run should be in a movie someday and the spice in the dinner scene made me blush. This book had a little bit of everything, is a little unhinged and is going to be one I reread multiple times. I even learned a new vocabulary word, manlet. Make sure you check your triggers and beware, this will change the way you see corn for the rest of your life.
Tropes: romcom, dirty mouth, confidence kink, open door, BDSM, curry FMC, friends to lovers
Triggers: blood play, violence, torture, drugs, abuse

[Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and I’m so glad signed up!! This book is funny, spicy, and dark at times. Tally needs help so she goes to the only person she knows will help her no matter what, her ex-husband. Rust will do anything for the woman he still calls his wife.
“I’d do anything for her. Theft, arson or murder? No problem so long as it makes her smile. I’d burn this whole town if she asked me to. Or if she wanted to do it herself, I’d gift her a can of gasoline and a lighter.”
The two go on a wild adventure from Kentucky to LA getting into all kinds of trouble (good and bad) along the way. I really can’t recommend this enough, their story is so sweet (and dark) but I melted when Rust wrote Tally a song!

[Gianna Corradino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me feeling all sorts of ups and downs. It was crazy, funny, comforting, spicy, and more. I was scared to finish it but these two for once get the happy ever after they deserve without a threat at each turn.

[Brandi Privett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tally & Rust are meant to be. Following their journey was so much fun and the spice was definitely spicing! 10/10 recommend

[Christina Harward-Willmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this as an ARC from the author.

I loved this so much!!

The banter was bantering. 😍
He was OBSESSED with her. 🤤
The Spice was 🔥

She accidentally unalived someone didn't know who to turn to? BOOM ex husband. lets see how it goes. 😍😍😍

10/10 recommend
Thank you for your Brain I.M. Wraith. 🥰😍

[tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

first of all, thank you for choosing me as an ARC reader ❤️

OH MY GOSH! This book had me hooked from the dedication. It kept the steam throughout the entire book not knowing what to expect next. super easy to read and follow the story without too much or too little spice. Cannot recommend it enough.

"ride my mustache like a good girl"

[Hayley Peckham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was 11% into this book and already fully in love with Rust. Like… that’s it, I’m done for. I was sitting there ugly crying, clutching my heart like it just got run over by a truck… and then the author basically popped out of nowhere and said, SIKE. Thought this was that kind of book? Think again…..

What followed was absolute comedic gold. I genuinely don’t even know where to start because from the moment these two reunite it’s just pure, unfiltered chaos. When we learn about UNCLE BARRY… oh. my. GOD. I’m not exaggerating when I say I was wheezing. Like full on lost oxygen, tears streaming, can’t breathe laughter. And that was just their reunion after years apart.

From there it turns into this completely unhinged rollercoaster of events that I obviously cannot explain without dropping spoilers. Just know this man is the definition of ride or die energy. If you think it… he’ll definitely do it for her. No hesitation. And she’s just as wild.

And the spice?? Listen. It was absolutely spicy… but it was also hilarious because these two are just ridiculous together. I’m going to leave this quote here for you to understand….”Your dick is so good it makes me wanna sing. Bet your little swimmers are music notes.”She’s a famous singer, he’s her ex (also a musician) Reading back my annotations had me cracking up all over again.

A spicy dark romance comedy that I can’t wait for you to read. Think Bonnie and Clyde with a side of southern drawl. 🤠

I needed this book in my life. Thank you I.M. Wrath for the advanced copy to read 🫶

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE 👏🏻 VIBES 👏🏻 WERE 👏🏻 IMMACULATE!!!

This was my first book of I.M. Wraith’s and it will certainly not be my last! Everything about this book was exceptional from the dark comedy to the southern boy who would do anything for his childhood sweetheart turned ex wife to the spicy scenes.

I absolutely loved their banter. You could tell these two had chemistry from the moment she showed up on his porch with a dead body and he didn’t turn her away. At no point did Rust try to hide his feelings from Tally, and at no point did she chalk it up to anything other than him liking her (i.e. no ulterior motive). I enjoyed this bone deep knowing and honesty between the two of them from the get go, as it made the ride that much sweeter.

Men like Rust make me want a southern man real bad, I a Cali girl say. What is it about southern men in books where they are just so COMPETENT?!?! Do men like that exist?? Do they also have mustaches and backwards hats?? There are very limited situations where I am ok with just a mustache, and Rust is one of them. My gawd 🔥🔥🔥

I loved watching both of our MCs find their sparks again, through music no less, the thing that connected them so long ago. He was convinced he was no good and she had the bright lights of celebrity crush her soul, so watching them work together to find themselves and their connection to music again was so precious.

Road trips are always a good time, especially when each location brings something new and fun to the equation. At no point did I think any of their stops were redundant or unnecessary. Each one was just another step in the path of Rust and Tally becoming a unit again.

I loved the side romance between Erin and Caleb. I definitely would have read a full book of them!!

Thank you to I.M. Wraith for the eARC! The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.

[Adeselna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to I.M. Wraith for the ARC! <3

“Country, Crimes & Second Chances” meets Tally and Rust, two people who were meant for each other, but fate had other ideas. Rust broke Tally's heart as soon as they got married by disappearing from her life. Rust believes he’s doing what’s best for Tally by letting her go to make sure she follows her dreams and everything she ever wanted in life: to be a country singer. Years later, Tally has earned all of that. She’s a huge celebrity, but the universe has a dry sense of humour, so when she accidentally runs over a guy, she panics and meets Rust to help her. Rust is still obsessed with her and Tally finds out she was never over him. What then ensues is chaos, spice, and a lot of great and really bad decisions!

Rust is a really great character! My God, he’s such a huge, soft teddy bear of a man who will hide a body for you! I really liked that he didn’t start unaliving everyone for Tally just because. He really was afraid for her that he’d screw up everything and then her career would fail. Tally really is his weakness, because elsewhere he’s just probably terrifying, but with Tally he just loses all reason.

Tally, I liked her! She was wild, a little psychotic and bad a lot of bad decisions, but I get it. Her agent is awful. For years, he has manipulated her and cut her off from every meaningful person in her life. I mean, years of verbal abuse would also mess up my head. Nevertheless, Tally’s heart knows Rust is the one for her. He’s always in her crazy antics, he protects her and makes her feel safe.

They’re both fiercely protective of each other, and it’s really cute in a very deranged kind of way.

“Country, Crimes & Second Chances” is wild, and the deranged love is typical of I.M. Wraith. It’s a second chance romance between two people who have suffered enough time away from each other, but in the end, life only makes sense with them side by side.

[Danielle Nielson, Book Therapist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Book Therapist Reviews

I had no idea what to expect on this journey. What I did not expect was this extremely funny, momentarily dark, sweet and spicy, "I never got over you" novel. Life for these two has not been easy without each other, but that doesn’t mean either one moved on. And from the second first kiss on the flames just keep rising. The therapist in me knows $1,000 tip was not enough for the therapy needed in chapters 36-38, let alone the repairs, but the dark romance reader in me devoured every bit of it. Plus, who doesn't love a great revenge side plot... especially when it comes with a HEA x2.
I had no idea what to expect on this journey. What I did not expect was this extremely funny, momentarily dark, sweet and spicy, "I never got over you" novel. Life for these two has not been easy without each other, but that doesn’t mean either one moved on. And from the second first kiss on the flames just keep rising. The therapist in me knows $1,000 tip was not enough for the therapy needed in chapters 36-38, let alone the repairs, but the dark romance reader in me devoured every bit of it. Plus, who doesn't love a great revenge side plot... especially when it comes with a HEA x2.

[Kelsey Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just gonna start off by saying I’m eternally swooning over Rustin McAllister and then get into it. This was so amazing from the very first sentence and it only got better from there. Tally showing up at Rust’s house after over ten years with no contact and asking for his assistance with disposal of a b0dy was honestly kind of iconic. His immediate agreement to help her was even better. This book honestly had me cackling during certain parts (Uncle Barry) but it also had me absolutely sobbing during other parts. The whole second chance romance aspect of this was so beautiful and I loved how utterly devoted Rust was to Tally after all their time apart. The lengths this man was willing to go to in order to protect Tally and defend her and woo her were beyond any sense of rational thought and I loved it so much. The spice in this was CUH-RAZY hot. Rust is not the mild mannered gentleman you would expect and it was 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 Caleb and Erin were really amazing side characters and I loved how good of friends they both were to Rust and Tally. The ending was absolutely perfect and it wrapped everything up so perfectly. This was an absolutely phenomenal read.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Country, Crimes & Second Chances
by I. M. Wraith

This was chaotic in the best way.
Country star with writer’s block accidentally commits murder? Calls her estranged ex-husband to help dispose of the body? Say less.
Tally and Rust have history, unresolved feelings, and chemistry that clearly never died. I loved the second chance element here.

The balance of dark humor and spice really worked for me. It’s messy, dramatic, a little unhinged, and somehow still sweet underneath it all. Very entertaining.

“New hook-up standard unlocked: If he won’t bury my skeletons, I don’t want him. Great. Now I’m basically cursed to stay single forever.”

“You’re always the main character in my life, Trouble.”

If you like:

• Second chance romance

• Small town chaos

• Spicy dark romcom energy

• Plus size FMC

• Blue collar MMC
• Secret tattoo
• Nicknames
• Inappropriate use of corn


You’ll eat this up.

This is definitely a spicy dark romcom with bite, but at its core it’s about two people who never really got over each other.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️


Thank you I. M. Wraith for the review copy, all opinions are my own.

[Gaia · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

This was the first book I read from I. M. Wraith, but it’s definitely not going to be the last!

Small town romance, strong chemistry and a MMC who would burn the world for her? Say no more.

Her writing style is addictive. She really knows how to grab your attention and keep you glued to the page. And on top of that… she wrote THE MAN OF MY DREAMS.

Rust is the perfect sweet, caring, protective country man, but he’s also ready to do anything and be anything for the woman he loves. He has a super dirty mouth and he’s not afraid to show how he feels…
STOOOPPP where do I sign?!

Tally is… wow. She’s this feisty and confident redhead and she’s so funny. I honestly understand Rust, because I was obsessed with her too!

The energy and the chemistry between Tally and Rust are amazing. And the vibes??? Perfection. You get comedy, you get romance, you get spice, with just a little bit of a dark twist all in one book!

If you love small town vibes, strong chemistry and a man who isn’t afraid to love out loud… you definitely need this on your TBR.

[Mandy White · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!!

Out today!! Country, Crimes & Second Chances by I. M. Wraith

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🫑

First of all, thank you so much for the opportunity to be an ARC reader!! I absolutely loved this book!! This is the perfect example or dark rom com! This was funny, full of love and green flag MMC doing red flag stuff 🤣 if you liked Lights out but wanted it Country… this is absolutely for you!! This was

* Small Town
* Second chance
* Touch her and 💀
* Country Lights Out feels comedy
* Golden retriever green flag MMC
* Plus size FMC
* Red rum
* 🔥 ar$on
* Inappropriate use of corn 🌽 on the cob

I loved everything about this story guys. Tally has lost her spark and had an accident. Who can she trust in this Hollywood life of being a country singer… no one! So she turns to her ex husband / childhood sweetheart. And he would do ANYTHING for her. And as we start to unravel why they aren’t together anymore and learn more, they decide to have a roadtrip back to LA and have a little “friends with benefits” action. Of course they are both still in love with each other so that doesn’t last long until their feelings start muddying the waters. I laughed out loud, I felt with my whole heart. This writer has an amazing ability to make my fall for her MMCs so hard. They are just the best guys and I end up thinking about these guys long after the book is over. Everyone should run and read this one!! Soooo good!! Highly recommend!!

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆☆☆☆☆ wow this book had me laughing and crying and clutching my pearls.

how do I explain this.
1. I loved that it mentions trigger warnings in the back to let you know you can look but I was able to go in blind. for the most part. I was curious about 🌽 but honestly had NO IDEA what it was going to be about. and let me just say. wow. 🥵 I will never look at corn the same.

Rust is the greenest red flag and im for it! how I can explain him he is Josh from lights out but country af and not tech savvy in any way! so basically NOT JOSH in every way but the humor and love of Josh in a completely new light.
I giggled and swooned i blushed. and I just love rust! he is book boyfriend material!

some parts of the story were predictable in the way any book reader can suspect where the story is going. but the journey to get there. *chef*kiss* it was unpredictably unpredictable. I was gasping when I suspected things were going to happen and they did... but in a way I was surprised. I will be going into more of this author's work because holy guacamole did I ENJOY this ride! strap me in for another!!!!

basically if you like a little rom-com in your dark romance. this book checked all my boxes for a happy read!

[Nicole Falcon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I know she’ll always be my harmony in the chaos. Until my heart stops, she’ll always be the missing notes in my song and the rhythm of my pulse."

In a matter of hours Rustin and Tally go from getting married in Vegas in the midst of chasing a dream to become the next big country singers to Rust being gone without a trace. Tally is forced to pick herself up and become the big star all alone. 12 years later, an accident brings her back home to the man who broke her heart. Struggling with a creative block, she finds her muse again in Rust. Convincing him to take a road trip to LA was easy but convincing him that he is extremely talented, not so much. Rust will do anything to keep Tally happy... even if that means committing crimes that could end the both of them.

Rustin and Tally had me swooning in the first 10%. I'm not sure what I loved more: Tally trying to tell herself that she is over Rust OR Rust being dedicated to winning Tally's heart back! The way Tally carries herself, after so much happening to her, is commendable. She is doing everything she can to stand on her 2 feet without the help. Rustin?! Guys, this man is Dirty Talk fluent! There is no question or hesitation when Tally asks him for ANYTHING. And the way he "my wife" her?! He is absolutely a huge heart throb and loves Tally more than his words can describe. I loved the dark rom-com; 10/10 would recommend it.

Country music romance, Second chance romance, Curvy FMC, Blue collar MMC, 1st person, dual

[Jes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review CC&SC before release date!

Add to your TBR immediately if you love:
• small town
• spicy dark rom-com
• second chance romance
• touch him/her and 💀
• country singer FMC x blue collar MMC
• witty banter

One night Tally needs help disposing a body, from an accident of course. She decides to go back to her hometown, surprisingly shows up to her ex-husband’s house because she knows he would do anything for her. Mind you, this is the same man who left her high and dry after their Vegas wedding. Meet Rust: said ex-husband and half of the country duo they used to be apart of. Tally and Rust have a past, to put it simply.

Rust is the kind of man you would want on your good side, for many reasons. He’s got a filthy mouth AND a heart of gold. I’m telling you, fictional men do it better. I loved Tally’s character: she’s feisty, self-assured, and funny as hell! Their banter is hysterical and spicy and swoony. I had a great time reading this book!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying I started this book at 10pm and it’s currently 630 in the morning!! Yeah I stayed up all NIGHT!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is my first ever book from this author and let me say I will 1000% be reading more of her books.

I was hooked from the beginning.. like dead body in my trunk on my way to my ex husbands house??? Like what more could I ask for..

The banter between Tally and Rust was hilarious but also just so good. The chemistry felt real and not forced, the story and the plot was so good and literally haven’t read anything like this! It was refreshing.

It was dark but hilarious, it was spicy AF but also sweet! It was just the perfect mix or dark, spice and romcom!!

Tally is a country star and Rust is a mechanic, tally is hilarious, relatable, sweet and loves danger (who doesn’t?)

Rust, omg I think he might be my fave MMC of 2026, he was morally gray, he is the greenest red flag ever, he was FILTHY but also so authentic, supportive and sweet! Ugh I fell completely in love with him!


10/10 recommend