What do you think?
Rate this book
Blackwood Cowboys #1
Dark Horse
Blackwood has a serial killer problem. Lucky for her, one of them is obsessed with her.
After her messy divorce, Sienna Blake is done with men. She’s trading her wreckage for a sun-drenched future in California until a violent Montana storm sends her car skidding off the road and straight into Blackwood. A town with more cows than people, a thriving fascination with its serial-killer history, and one dangerously attractive rancher who looks at her like she’s already his.
Sterling Hayes didn’t build his empire by letting go of what he wants. And the moment Sienna steps into his town, something inside him wakes up. He knows she doesn’t belong there. He also knows he’s not letting her leave. So he does what any reasonable, wildly unhinged man would do. He steals a few critical car parts and buys himself time. One month to convince her that Blackwood is exactly where she belongs―preferably wrapped up in his sheets, wearing nothing but his flannel.
Sienna refuses to be easy prey. She’s stubborn, sharp-tongued, and far too smart for his dirty cowboy games. Between an accidently flashing incident, an embarrassing accident involving pie, and a series of ranch disasters that leave her bruised and furious, she’s determined to prove she won’t fall for him or this town.
But Blackwood has secrets that run deeper than flirtation and far darker than small-town charm. Women have been disappearing in the Montana wilderness, and everyone knows the land remembers blood. When the killer’s attention turns toward Sienna, Sterling’s careful restraint fractures. Because monsters recognize monsters. And the man watching her isn’t just a rancher willing to steal car parts.
He’s the kind of man who knows how to hunt.
Will Sienna escape Blackwood, or will she realize some traps are worth staying caught in―especially when the most dangerous thing in town is already obsessed with keeping her alive?
After her messy divorce, Sienna Blake is done with men. She’s trading her wreckage for a sun-drenched future in California until a violent Montana storm sends her car skidding off the road and straight into Blackwood. A town with more cows than people, a thriving fascination with its serial-killer history, and one dangerously attractive rancher who looks at her like she’s already his.
Sterling Hayes didn’t build his empire by letting go of what he wants. And the moment Sienna steps into his town, something inside him wakes up. He knows she doesn’t belong there. He also knows he’s not letting her leave. So he does what any reasonable, wildly unhinged man would do. He steals a few critical car parts and buys himself time. One month to convince her that Blackwood is exactly where she belongs―preferably wrapped up in his sheets, wearing nothing but his flannel.
Sienna refuses to be easy prey. She’s stubborn, sharp-tongued, and far too smart for his dirty cowboy games. Between an accidently flashing incident, an embarrassing accident involving pie, and a series of ranch disasters that leave her bruised and furious, she’s determined to prove she won’t fall for him or this town.
But Blackwood has secrets that run deeper than flirtation and far darker than small-town charm. Women have been disappearing in the Montana wilderness, and everyone knows the land remembers blood. When the killer’s attention turns toward Sienna, Sterling’s careful restraint fractures. Because monsters recognize monsters. And the man watching her isn’t just a rancher willing to steal car parts.
He’s the kind of man who knows how to hunt.
Will Sienna escape Blackwood, or will she realize some traps are worth staying caught in―especially when the most dangerous thing in town is already obsessed with keeping her alive?
498 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2026
About the author
C.R. Jane
103 books6,548 followersI'm a wife, mother, and author! Writing has always been a passion for me, and publishing my first series is a dream come true. I drink too much caffeine, never sleep, and my imagination is always churning out ideas. Eva and her men have been in my head for awhile, and I'm so glad to finally take you with me on this journey!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews
October 17, 2026
So I’ve done pretty much every kind of dark romance at this point: stalkers, mafia, dark hockey (yeah, wasn’t for me 😂), MC romance, unhinged/psychopath MMCs… you name it, I have a history. So naturally, dark cowboy romance was the next logical step. 🤠
And WHOA. I went in expecting good old cowboy Sterling meeting Sienna, a girl running from her past, in a small-town romance. You know, cowboys, maybe some drama, a little spice…
AND THEN WE GOT SERIAL KILLERS, TORTURE ROOMS IN THE BASEMENT AND SIENNA RIDING A SADDLE HORN. No, like… LITERALLY riding it. 😉😂😂
In her defense, our boy Sterling did make her do it, but I’m afraid my imagination has officially unlocked a new level. There’s no going back from this. 💀🤣
Did I expect any of this? Absolutely not. Did I have a ridiculously good time? YOU BET YOUR ASS I DID. 👍😂
Dark cowboys, you have my attention. 🤠🔥 Needless to say, I’ll be continuing this series. Sterling, you absolute menace.
And WHOA. I went in expecting good old cowboy Sterling meeting Sienna, a girl running from her past, in a small-town romance. You know, cowboys, maybe some drama, a little spice…
AND THEN WE GOT SERIAL KILLERS, TORTURE ROOMS IN THE BASEMENT AND SIENNA RIDING A SADDLE HORN. No, like… LITERALLY riding it. 😉😂😂
In her defense, our boy Sterling did make her do it, but I’m afraid my imagination has officially unlocked a new level. There’s no going back from this. 💀🤣
Did I expect any of this? Absolutely not. Did I have a ridiculously good time? YOU BET YOUR ASS I DID. 👍😂
Dark cowboys, you have my attention. 🤠🔥 Needless to say, I’ll be continuing this series. Sterling, you absolute menace.
February 4, 2026
I'd had my eye on this as soon as this author started dropping sneaky teasers all over social media, throw in dark and cowboys in the same sentence and those spidy anticipation levels skyrocketed. So release day on my ipad it went.
What does a cowboy, a bounty hunter and a sheriff have in common? Other than being ridiculously hot!! They take out the scum of the earth. These three best friends had us book girlies begging for more and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
After fleeing her abusive ex husband in Boston she was headed towards sunny California but a thunderstorm derailed those plans and she landed in Blackwood literally with a bang as she crashes her car into the towns oldest monument.
This pulled me in right away, she was as clumsy as they come which was utterly entertaining when it came to job hunting prospects. But she was so easy to relate to with her quick witted comebacks.
Tropes:
* Dark Cowboy × Serial Killer
* Obsessive & Possessive MMC
* Stalking & Forced Proximity
* Feisty FMC
* Small Town Romantic Suspense
* Found Family
Sterling was a force to be reckoned with, once he'd clapped eyes on Sienna he had to claim her, and once a stalker started taking an interest in her it fast tracked his plans for her as he quickly brings her into his home.
Then holy cow that scene on the saddle my ipad near on combusted with the hotness scorching the pages.
Both had secrets, both had a dark side, together they were perfection.
Blackwood was like a town I've never encountered before, it's creepy, isolated, shops that double up on space and become another shop altogether, they even have a serial killer museum. Add in an electric pulse that burrows deep under the skin of certain people this defnitely kept me invested in this unique storyline.
What does a cowboy, a bounty hunter and a sheriff have in common? Other than being ridiculously hot!! They take out the scum of the earth. These three best friends had us book girlies begging for more and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
After fleeing her abusive ex husband in Boston she was headed towards sunny California but a thunderstorm derailed those plans and she landed in Blackwood literally with a bang as she crashes her car into the towns oldest monument.
This pulled me in right away, she was as clumsy as they come which was utterly entertaining when it came to job hunting prospects. But she was so easy to relate to with her quick witted comebacks.
Tropes:
* Dark Cowboy × Serial Killer
* Obsessive & Possessive MMC
* Stalking & Forced Proximity
* Feisty FMC
* Small Town Romantic Suspense
* Found Family
Sterling was a force to be reckoned with, once he'd clapped eyes on Sienna he had to claim her, and once a stalker started taking an interest in her it fast tracked his plans for her as he quickly brings her into his home.
Then holy cow that scene on the saddle my ipad near on combusted with the hotness scorching the pages.
Both had secrets, both had a dark side, together they were perfection.
Blackwood was like a town I've never encountered before, it's creepy, isolated, shops that double up on space and become another shop altogether, they even have a serial killer museum. Add in an electric pulse that burrows deep under the skin of certain people this defnitely kept me invested in this unique storyline.
Want to Read
February 8, 2026Dark romance AND cowboys??????
December 12, 2025
Mysterious gas. Dark cowboy. And a fuckable saddle. Suspenseful romance with rancher smut & small KILLER town vibes 🤠🔪🤎
Sienna literally CRASHES into town and immediately snatches up the town cowboy/serial killer Sterling McHottie 👁️🔪 the town is a *checks notes* geological mystery with KILLER GAS drugging residents into violent killers!? Okay sure belief suspended. She’s trying to outrun her past but picks up another stalker & who better to protect her than a DARK rancher with abs & killing basement.
Main complaint: we never seen him to ranch stuff…I want him dirtier! literally less clean!
Smut was LICKABLE but romance lacked a little tension. First off, this man took his shirt off in every other scene 👀 I get it he has ABS! Theses two were definitely matched in attraction but the courting phase felt…lukewarm. On paper Sterling was THE hero but for me it somehow just felt a little performative (I’m overanalyzing!). He just doesn’t stand out!
🤠 who ishaunting hunting her?
🤎 terrible bloodlust that only she can calm
🤠 he cuff’s himself to bed
🤎 she RIDES RIDES the saddle *horse sideeye*
The SUSPENSE though! Epically written and truly palpable bloodlust that had me scared. Shouldn’t have read in the dark! The mysterious murder town is very attention grabbing and I really enjoyed the side characters. Prep for LOTS OF MURDER! I did find the ending slightly predictable but I can’t wait for more of the boy murder group!
morally grey cowboy
stalking/protecting
strong fmc
insta love
one horse
killer group
small town
found family!
HEA
Sienna literally CRASHES into town and immediately snatches up the town cowboy/serial killer Sterling McHottie 👁️🔪 the town is a *checks notes* geological mystery with KILLER GAS drugging residents into violent killers!? Okay sure belief suspended. She’s trying to outrun her past but picks up another stalker & who better to protect her than a DARK rancher with abs & killing basement.
Main complaint: we never seen him to ranch stuff…I want him dirtier! literally less clean!
Smut was LICKABLE but romance lacked a little tension. First off, this man took his shirt off in every other scene 👀 I get it he has ABS! Theses two were definitely matched in attraction but the courting phase felt…lukewarm. On paper Sterling was THE hero but for me it somehow just felt a little performative (I’m overanalyzing!). He just doesn’t stand out!
🤠 who is
🤎 terrible bloodlust that only she can calm
🤠 he cuff’s himself to bed
🤎 she RIDES RIDES the saddle *horse sideeye*
The SUSPENSE though! Epically written and truly palpable bloodlust that had me scared. Shouldn’t have read in the dark! The mysterious murder town is very attention grabbing and I really enjoyed the side characters. Prep for LOTS OF MURDER! I did find the ending slightly predictable but I can’t wait for more of the boy murder group!
morally grey cowboy
stalking/protecting
strong fmc
insta love
one horse
killer group
small town
found family!
HEA
October 14, 2026
Fleeing Boston for California after a messy divorce from an abusive ex, Big Hank and an epic rainstorm have other plans, leading Sienna Blake straight to Blackwood, Montana.
When Sterling Hayes lays eyes on her, he feels an immediate connection unlike anything he’s experienced before. The problem? She’s sworn off men, and he has a dark side that could send her running before he gets the chance to convince her to trade California dreaming for small-town charm.
And Blackwood? This town runs on Dot’s pies, gossip, and a legacy of serial killers. What could possibly go wrong?
First things first… THE SADDLE SCENE. JFC. I will never look at a horseback ride the same way again. 🥵
Now, let’s talk about our MCs. Sterling was all-in from the moment he laid eyes on Sienna, and I’m here for it. This man literally steals parts from her car while it’s in the shop to keep her in town longer. Is it unhinged? Absolutely. Do I care? Not even a little. And his extracurricular activities only make him that much hotter. Let the red flags rain down like confetti!!
As for Sienna, she strikes that perfect balance between worn down and badass. Her story takes some twists I genuinely didn’t see coming, and I loved her all the more for them.
Blackwood itself is just as intriguing as its residents. There’s clearly something going on in the surrounding woods and abandoned mines, and I’m eager to see how that mystery unfolds as we move into Ryder’s story in Devil’s Knot.
C.R. has further solidified her status as the Red Flag Queen with this opening installment of the Blackwood Cowboys series. And if this is the kind of trouble we’re getting into in Blackwood, I’m absolutely sticking around!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult, Small Town, Psychological Thriller, Western
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
Length: 📚📚📚📚📚
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
Emotions: 🫣🥵😳🫠😍
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Pacing: 🏃♀️ {Moderate}
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Vibe: Gritty, Intense, Swoony, Unhinged
✨ Tropes: Billionaire, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Heroine in Danger, Hidden Identity, Instalove/Insta-Obsession, One Night Stand-ish
💫 Microtropes: Black Cat FMC, Boy Obsessed, Buckles Her Seatbelt, Caretaker/Protective MMC, Caveman/Bridal Carry, “Good Girl”, Hand Necklace, He Falls First, He Falls Harder, “Make Me Forget”, “Ruin You for Anyone Else”, Sassy FMC, Secrets & Lies, She’s a Runner, Skinny Dipping, Tattooed MMC, Tragic Past, “Who Hurt You?”
🔆 Character: Lawyer, Rancher, Serial Unaliver, Vigilante
💋 Kinks: 🍑, Angel Wings, Biting/Marking, Bondage/Restraints, Cum Jammer, Inanimate Object, Pearl Necklace/Spunk Art, Rimming
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Alphahole, Dominant MMC, Jealous/Possessive/Obsessive, Manipulation, MINE!, OTT Hero, Touch-Her-and-💀, Tracking/Spying, Unhinged MMC
⛔️ Safety Squad: Cannibalism (Not by MMC), Domestic Violence (Not by MMC), Drugged (Not by MMC), Kidnapping/Captive (Not by MMC), Stalking (Not by MMC), Torture, Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page, in the past and/or present, and to main and/or side characters. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: Small Town, Montana 🇺🇸
📣 Type: Dark Horse is the first book in the Blackwood Cowboys series of interconnected standalones. The couple gets their HEA/HFN, but the overarching storyline will continue in future books.
⚠️ Warning: Dark romance, moderate spice, and just enough questionable behavior to keep your moral compass spinning.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
When Sterling Hayes lays eyes on her, he feels an immediate connection unlike anything he’s experienced before. The problem? She’s sworn off men, and he has a dark side that could send her running before he gets the chance to convince her to trade California dreaming for small-town charm.
And Blackwood? This town runs on Dot’s pies, gossip, and a legacy of serial killers. What could possibly go wrong?
First things first… THE SADDLE SCENE. JFC. I will never look at a horseback ride the same way again. 🥵
Now, let’s talk about our MCs. Sterling was all-in from the moment he laid eyes on Sienna, and I’m here for it. This man literally steals parts from her car while it’s in the shop to keep her in town longer. Is it unhinged? Absolutely. Do I care? Not even a little. And his extracurricular activities only make him that much hotter. Let the red flags rain down like confetti!!
As for Sienna, she strikes that perfect balance between worn down and badass. Her story takes some twists I genuinely didn’t see coming, and I loved her all the more for them.
Blackwood itself is just as intriguing as its residents. There’s clearly something going on in the surrounding woods and abandoned mines, and I’m eager to see how that mystery unfolds as we move into Ryder’s story in Devil’s Knot.
C.R. has further solidified her status as the Red Flag Queen with this opening installment of the Blackwood Cowboys series. And if this is the kind of trouble we’re getting into in Blackwood, I’m absolutely sticking around!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult, Small Town, Psychological Thriller, Western
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
Length: 📚📚📚📚📚
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
Emotions: 🫣🥵😳🫠😍
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Pacing: 🏃♀️ {Moderate}
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Vibe: Gritty, Intense, Swoony, Unhinged
✨ Tropes: Billionaire, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Heroine in Danger, Hidden Identity, Instalove/Insta-Obsession, One Night Stand-ish
💫 Microtropes: Black Cat FMC, Boy Obsessed, Buckles Her Seatbelt, Caretaker/Protective MMC, Caveman/Bridal Carry, “Good Girl”, Hand Necklace, He Falls First, He Falls Harder, “Make Me Forget”, “Ruin You for Anyone Else”, Sassy FMC, Secrets & Lies, She’s a Runner, Skinny Dipping, Tattooed MMC, Tragic Past, “Who Hurt You?”
🔆 Character: Lawyer, Rancher, Serial Unaliver, Vigilante
💋 Kinks: 🍑, Angel Wings, Biting/Marking, Bondage/Restraints, Cum Jammer, Inanimate Object, Pearl Necklace/Spunk Art, Rimming
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Alphahole, Dominant MMC, Jealous/Possessive/Obsessive, Manipulation, MINE!, OTT Hero, Touch-Her-and-💀, Tracking/Spying, Unhinged MMC
⛔️ Safety Squad: Cannibalism (Not by MMC), Domestic Violence (Not by MMC), Drugged (Not by MMC), Kidnapping/Captive (Not by MMC), Stalking (Not by MMC), Torture, Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page, in the past and/or present, and to main and/or side characters. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: Small Town, Montana 🇺🇸
📣 Type: Dark Horse is the first book in the Blackwood Cowboys series of interconnected standalones. The couple gets their HEA/HFN, but the overarching storyline will continue in future books.
⚠️ Warning: Dark romance, moderate spice, and just enough questionable behavior to keep your moral compass spinning.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
October 15, 2026
Safety
•no vs
•No others after meeting
•h: not much on past besides her abusive ex husband.
•H: not much on past either just that he did have ONS
•owd:bartender tries to hit on him like twice he’s not interested.
•omd:no, flashbacks of ex but he doesn’t show up
•no vs
•No others after meeting
•h: not much on past besides her abusive ex husband.
•H: not much on past either just that he did have ONS
•owd:bartender tries to hit on him like twice he’s not interested.
•omd:no, flashbacks of ex but he doesn’t show up
October 19, 2026
We have Sienna who is running from her past and she has a destination in mind but weather and a town statue caused her to crash into. Lol this lil town is kinda crazy but it has a fun vibe. She meets Sterling a cowboy who's already sprung for her. He has his own secrets such as he's a serial killer with his buddies and I cant wait for his friends stories!!
He like all red-flag men are he makes sure Sienna stays in town, no men flirt with her and hide that hes a serial killer all easy task to do.
The banter between them is so good, he's so patient with her when she pulls away few times because of her past, alot of Truama she's dealing with. And when you find out I was pretty shocked.
No ow/om drama, no cheating, secondary characters, Drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Prologue
30fmc/30mmc
Murder
Praise kink
Violence
Stalking
Minupulation
Flashback of parental suicide
Pyshical and emotional abuse
Torture
Gore
Ptsd
Panic attacks
Anxiety
Knife play
No condom
Hea
Epilogue
He like all red-flag men are he makes sure Sienna stays in town, no men flirt with her and hide that hes a serial killer all easy task to do.
The banter between them is so good, he's so patient with her when she pulls away few times because of her past, alot of Truama she's dealing with. And when you find out I was pretty shocked.
No ow/om drama, no cheating, secondary characters, Drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Prologue
30fmc/30mmc
Murder
Praise kink
Violence
Stalking
Minupulation
Flashback of parental suicide
Pyshical and emotional abuse
Torture
Gore
Ptsd
Panic attacks
Anxiety
Knife play
No condom
Hea
Epilogue
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Cowboys, serial unalivers yes please! We are now entering CR Janes Dark cowboys era and you better grab your boots and saddle up because if you love her other books and the obsession of her other MCs you will also love this. To say I drovured this would be an understment. We have a FMC on the run. Crashing into town, a serial killer museum in the small town. A cult. All set in Blackwood, Montana. The side characters are fantastic as always, just as you expect and i am so ready for the second book. It's ridiculous.
August 27, 2026
Title: Dark Horse
Author: C. R. Jane
Format: Edelweiss ebook
Genre: Contemporary, dark romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Sienna (FMC) & Sterling (MMC)
What to expect:
*Dark cowboy romance
*FMC on the run
*Town with a serial killer problem
Safety:
No OW/OM drama in the relationship. Physical violence against FMC and other side characters, on page and through flashbacks.
Review:
Another fabulous book by C. R. Jane! I love over the top male characters and this author is the best at writing MMC’s that will do anything and everything for the women they love!
Sienna literally crashes into Sterling’s small town and it is obsession at first site for him. Sienna just needed someone to love her wholeheartedly and she found everything she needed in her small town cowboy. Both main characters have dark pasts, both love that the violence brings them closer together. You have to love a couple that can bond over murder!!
This book does get a little darker than the sports series we know and love from this author. There is a lot of on page torture. No worries though, they only torture the ones who are hurting innocent women and young girls.
This book does have one of my personal icks in books. As a mother of a teenage child that suffered from extreme acne, to the point of needing medication, I hate when authors describe teenagers as pimply faced. It’s a me thing, it just bothers me that we are using that medical condition as a description of teenagers when they cannot help what is happening to their bodies. Again, this is just a me thing, and nothing to do with the quality of the book.
Other than that one ick, the book was fantastic and I can’t wait to read the other books in the series!!
Thank you to the author, Entangled: Amara, Macmillan, and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review this title!
Author: C. R. Jane
Format: Edelweiss ebook
Genre: Contemporary, dark romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Sienna (FMC) & Sterling (MMC)
What to expect:
*Dark cowboy romance
*FMC on the run
*Town with a serial killer problem
Safety:
No OW/OM drama in the relationship. Physical violence against FMC and other side characters, on page and through flashbacks.
Review:
Another fabulous book by C. R. Jane! I love over the top male characters and this author is the best at writing MMC’s that will do anything and everything for the women they love!
Sienna literally crashes into Sterling’s small town and it is obsession at first site for him. Sienna just needed someone to love her wholeheartedly and she found everything she needed in her small town cowboy. Both main characters have dark pasts, both love that the violence brings them closer together. You have to love a couple that can bond over murder!!
This book does get a little darker than the sports series we know and love from this author. There is a lot of on page torture. No worries though, they only torture the ones who are hurting innocent women and young girls.
This book does have one of my personal icks in books. As a mother of a teenage child that suffered from extreme acne, to the point of needing medication, I hate when authors describe teenagers as pimply faced. It’s a me thing, it just bothers me that we are using that medical condition as a description of teenagers when they cannot help what is happening to their bodies. Again, this is just a me thing, and nothing to do with the quality of the book.
Other than that one ick, the book was fantastic and I can’t wait to read the other books in the series!!
Thank you to the author, Entangled: Amara, Macmillan, and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review this title!
October 17, 2026
I have decided to DNF … for now… wrong vibes and all!
Let me explain:
Audio is in duet style and it sounds great - no complaints here!
Unfortunately I am not on the same wavelength with the whole setup, but what annoyed me most was the way the FMC was thirsting and almost “simping”over MMC - it gave me second hand embarrassment! Yes she had a concussion but that wasn’t causing her these lusty thoughts! 😬
Not to mention the stereotypical double standard in portrayal of the FMC -running away from a bad, abusive relationship, while in contrast the MMC and his brother are described as having great and vast sexual experiences 😑😵💫
Not to mention it is all lust from the get go- there’s no build up, no emotional tension, nada! It feels flimsy and unearned… And right now, I just cannot with such dynamic! 🙄😑
Let me explain:
Audio is in duet style and it sounds great - no complaints here!
Unfortunately I am not on the same wavelength with the whole setup, but what annoyed me most was the way the FMC was thirsting and almost “simping”over MMC - it gave me second hand embarrassment! Yes she had a concussion but that wasn’t causing her these lusty thoughts! 😬
Not to mention the stereotypical double standard in portrayal of the FMC -running away from a bad, abusive relationship, while in contrast the MMC and his brother are described as having great and vast sexual experiences 😑😵💫
Not to mention it is all lust from the get go- there’s no build up, no emotional tension, nada! It feels flimsy and unearned… And right now, I just cannot with such dynamic! 🙄😑
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2026
Stepping out of your reading comfort zone is always a fun gamble when you are reading with friends, but unfortunately, Dark Horse by C.R. Jane just didn't pay off for me.
Going in, I knew it wasn't my usual genre, but I am always game for a group read and trying something new. Sadly, the heavy reliance on the insta love and insta lust tropes immediately put me off. On top of that, the book’s length felt entirely too long. A substantial amount of trimming could have been done without losing any narrative impact, which would have kept the pacing much tighter. While the spice was mostly fine for what it was, certain scenes, particularly chapter 28, missed the mark for me. Ultimately, there were just too many cringy moments that accidentally pulled me out of the story and made it difficult to take seriously.
If you loved this one, that is fantastic and I am glad you enjoyed the ride, but unfortunately, this just wasn't the book for me.
Going in, I knew it wasn't my usual genre, but I am always game for a group read and trying something new. Sadly, the heavy reliance on the insta love and insta lust tropes immediately put me off. On top of that, the book’s length felt entirely too long. A substantial amount of trimming could have been done without losing any narrative impact, which would have kept the pacing much tighter. While the spice was mostly fine for what it was, certain scenes, particularly chapter 28, missed the mark for me. Ultimately, there were just too many cringy moments that accidentally pulled me out of the story and made it difficult to take seriously.
If you loved this one, that is fantastic and I am glad you enjoyed the ride, but unfortunately, this just wasn't the book for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I will officially NEVER look at a saddle the same way again… 🤠🔥👀
If your dark romance heart needs an obsessive, slightly unhinged hero who takes "protective" to terrifyingly gorgeous levels, drop everything and pick up Dark Horse by C.R. Jane.
Tropes:
🖤 Dark Cowboy × Serial Killer
🖤 Obsessive & Possessive MMC
🖤 Stalking & Forced Proximity
🖤 Feisty FMC
🖤 Small Town Romantic Suspense
🖤 Found Family
Blackwood has a serious serial killer problem. Lucky for Sienna? One of them happens to be completely obsessed with her.
Sterling is the ultimate dark cowboy MMC. He is possessive, intense, deeply unconventional, and the exact kind of morally black character C.R. Jane writes so brilliantly. And Sienna? She is an absolute feisty icon—naturally hilarious without even trying, which made their dynamic pure gold.
The chemistry between them? Oh. My. Lord. Burn the pages, call a priest to cleanse your soul, steam coming off the screen level of hot! Combine that with small-town romantic suspense, an incredible found-family cast, and relentless tension, and this book completely stole my week.
If your dark romance heart needs an obsessive, slightly unhinged hero who takes "protective" to terrifyingly gorgeous levels, drop everything and pick up Dark Horse by C.R. Jane.
Tropes:
🖤 Dark Cowboy × Serial Killer
🖤 Obsessive & Possessive MMC
🖤 Stalking & Forced Proximity
🖤 Feisty FMC
🖤 Small Town Romantic Suspense
🖤 Found Family
Blackwood has a serious serial killer problem. Lucky for Sienna? One of them happens to be completely obsessed with her.
Sterling is the ultimate dark cowboy MMC. He is possessive, intense, deeply unconventional, and the exact kind of morally black character C.R. Jane writes so brilliantly. And Sienna? She is an absolute feisty icon—naturally hilarious without even trying, which made their dynamic pure gold.
The chemistry between them? Oh. My. Lord. Burn the pages, call a priest to cleanse your soul, steam coming off the screen level of hot! Combine that with small-town romantic suspense, an incredible found-family cast, and relentless tension, and this book completely stole my week.
October 13, 2026
Dark Cowboy who also just might be a serial killer living in the serial killer capital of the world? Yes, Please!!! Sienna is on the run when she crashes into Blackwood, Montana. Devastated to learn she will be stuck there for a month, she tries to make the best of it. Sterling is awestruck the second he lays eyes on Sienna and will stop at nothing to get his girl! Did I mention he is a hot cowboy with an extracurricular hobby? C.R. Jane knows how to write unhinged and dark heroes that you can't help but root for.
October 14, 2026
Format: 📱& 🎧
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series: Standalone (but set in her writing universe, little Easter egg for us at the end)
Feminine rage, serial unalivers, a quirky (emphasis on the QUIRK) small town full of charmingly unlikable old ladies, a serial unaliver museum, and a hottie Sheriff with 8-pack abs - theres a lot to love in this book.
Overall I enjoyed the story, but I think this was a combination of me overhyping this book in my head (no really, I aggressively checked the mail every day in the hopes of being blessed by Entangled - but alas) and having some difficulty connecting to the FMC. I didn’t understand a lot of the choices she made (the mundane choices, not the feminine rage ones) and got frustrated a few times in some of the ways she forced things to happen because she wouldn’t just…do the thing.
Again, still enjoyed the book! The spice be spicing 100% 😮💨
The audio: I genuinely…don’t understand what Anthony Palmini was doing with that accent. It definitely wasn’t a Wyoming accent, but some strange combination of Texas and Oklahoma that he kept fading in and out of (and apparently couldn’t match it later on when he went back in to do splice edits??). I kind of wish James Cassidy had done this one. Not to 💩 on AP, I usually really enjoy his voice work - but this one just didn’t do it for me.
[If you have any triggers regarding DV, I really suggest you assess yourself before reading this one]
I received this eARC from C.R. Jane as an opportunity to read and give my honest review.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series: Standalone (but set in her writing universe, little Easter egg for us at the end)
Feminine rage, serial unalivers, a quirky (emphasis on the QUIRK) small town full of charmingly unlikable old ladies, a serial unaliver museum, and a hottie Sheriff with 8-pack abs - theres a lot to love in this book.
Overall I enjoyed the story, but I think this was a combination of me overhyping this book in my head (no really, I aggressively checked the mail every day in the hopes of being blessed by Entangled - but alas) and having some difficulty connecting to the FMC. I didn’t understand a lot of the choices she made (the mundane choices, not the feminine rage ones) and got frustrated a few times in some of the ways she forced things to happen because she wouldn’t just…do the thing.
Again, still enjoyed the book! The spice be spicing 100% 😮💨
The audio: I genuinely…don’t understand what Anthony Palmini was doing with that accent. It definitely wasn’t a Wyoming accent, but some strange combination of Texas and Oklahoma that he kept fading in and out of (and apparently couldn’t match it later on when he went back in to do splice edits??). I kind of wish James Cassidy had done this one. Not to 💩 on AP, I usually really enjoy his voice work - but this one just didn’t do it for me.
[If you have any triggers regarding DV, I really suggest you assess yourself before reading this one]
I received this eARC from C.R. Jane as an opportunity to read and give my honest review.
October 13, 2026
“Mine. Every broken, perfect piece of her.”
I was so unprepared for how much I LOVED this book! I’m convinced C.R. Jane’s writing talent cannot be locked down to any one niche. She has flawlessly delivered on sports romance, Greek mythology, mafia and now a dark cowboy romance!
“Yeah.
I was ruined.
And I’d never felt more whole.”
Blackwood, Montana is a town that owns its dark past. It plays off of the many, MANY murders and even has a museum dedicated to the dark history. I am an avid paranormal romance reader, and while I don’t think you could classify this story as paranormal, there is a spooky undercurrent that flows throughout the book.
“You don’t have to apologize for bleeding, Sienna,”
Our band of morally grey men were everything. I am so curious to know more about Sterling, Jett & Ryder. They are all so mysterious.
“I’m never going to let you go,” he said fervently. “There isn’t a place you could run that I wouldn’t follow. You could disappear off the face of the earth, and I’d still find a way to you.”
Sterling Hayes is the MC for Dark Horse and I couldn’t have loved him more. He is a literal SK but he was wholly obsessed and possessed by Sienna. He’s completely unhinged yet treats her like a goddess!
“You’re safe with me, You are loved. Wanted. Every scar, every breath, all of you. Let go for me, baby; let me feel you shatter.”
Sienna is a survivor. She is on a quest to make a different life for herself and a literally bull has her plans turned upside down! I loved her and how much she comes into herself and finds acceptance for who she is, in Sterling.
“She was mine. My girl. My everything. Only the person meant for me could tame the darkness inside me, and I’d give her everything…burn the world down if it ever tried to take her from me.”
Now listen, y’all. The spice in this book is WILD. C.R. Jane really TREATED her readers with Sterling Hayes! The riding ‘lesson’?! OMG! 😂🫠❤️🔥
“Your body was never worshipped like it deserved…but I’m here now. And I’m going to show you exactly what that feels like. Over and over and over.”
Without any spoilers, the plot twist in this book SHOOK me! 😅
I seriously cannot wait for the next book in this little murder-y town! If you love romantic suspense paired with a spooky town and unhinged MC’s, add this to your TBR!
Tropes:
☠️ Small Town w/ Dark History
🩶 Obsessed/Morally Grey MMC
👊🏼 Band of Brothers
👀 Woman w/ a Past
💖 Found Family
🤭 Spicy Saddle Scene
💦 He Pushes It Back In
🫶🏼 He Kisses Her Scars
I was so unprepared for how much I LOVED this book! I’m convinced C.R. Jane’s writing talent cannot be locked down to any one niche. She has flawlessly delivered on sports romance, Greek mythology, mafia and now a dark cowboy romance!
“Yeah.
I was ruined.
And I’d never felt more whole.”
Blackwood, Montana is a town that owns its dark past. It plays off of the many, MANY murders and even has a museum dedicated to the dark history. I am an avid paranormal romance reader, and while I don’t think you could classify this story as paranormal, there is a spooky undercurrent that flows throughout the book.
“You don’t have to apologize for bleeding, Sienna,”
Our band of morally grey men were everything. I am so curious to know more about Sterling, Jett & Ryder. They are all so mysterious.
“I’m never going to let you go,” he said fervently. “There isn’t a place you could run that I wouldn’t follow. You could disappear off the face of the earth, and I’d still find a way to you.”
Sterling Hayes is the MC for Dark Horse and I couldn’t have loved him more. He is a literal SK but he was wholly obsessed and possessed by Sienna. He’s completely unhinged yet treats her like a goddess!
“You’re safe with me, You are loved. Wanted. Every scar, every breath, all of you. Let go for me, baby; let me feel you shatter.”
Sienna is a survivor. She is on a quest to make a different life for herself and a literally bull has her plans turned upside down! I loved her and how much she comes into herself and finds acceptance for who she is, in Sterling.
“She was mine. My girl. My everything. Only the person meant for me could tame the darkness inside me, and I’d give her everything…burn the world down if it ever tried to take her from me.”
Now listen, y’all. The spice in this book is WILD. C.R. Jane really TREATED her readers with Sterling Hayes! The riding ‘lesson’?! OMG! 😂🫠❤️🔥
“Your body was never worshipped like it deserved…but I’m here now. And I’m going to show you exactly what that feels like. Over and over and over.”
Without any spoilers, the plot twist in this book SHOOK me! 😅
I seriously cannot wait for the next book in this little murder-y town! If you love romantic suspense paired with a spooky town and unhinged MC’s, add this to your TBR!
Tropes:
☠️ Small Town w/ Dark History
🩶 Obsessed/Morally Grey MMC
👊🏼 Band of Brothers
👀 Woman w/ a Past
💖 Found Family
🤭 Spicy Saddle Scene
💦 He Pushes It Back In
🫶🏼 He Kisses Her Scars
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Book Described in Emojis:
🤠🔪🖤🔥🐄🩸
Reading Mood || Read This When You’re Craving...:
A dark cowboy romance with an obsessed MMC, forced proximity, small-town secrets, and a serial killer problem. Yes, you read that right. 🤠🔪
Quick Summary:
Our FMC Sienna is heading to California for a fresh start after her divorce when a storm sends her crashing into Blackwood, Montana. There she meets Sterling Hayes, a rancher who decides almost immediately that she should stay. This town has a dark history, women are disappearing, and Sterling has secrets of his own. 🩸
Worldbuilding, Characters, Plot & Pacing:
Excuse me… did I just read a cowboy serial killer romance?! I think I took a wrong turn somewhere because this book was NOTHING like I expected it to be. 🤠🔪The setup sounds like a small town cowboy romance: a woman starting over, an attractive rancher, and a broken down car keeping her in town. Except the rancher is deliberately keeping that car out of commission, the town has a fascination with serial killers, and things get much darker than that initial setup suggests. Sterling’s interest in Sienna is immediate, and he isn’t exactly subtle about wanting her to stay. Meanwhile, Sienna is stubborn, sharp-tongued, and determined not to fall for him. There is plenty of tension before you even get to the danger surrounding Blackwood. Also, this absolutely earns its dark romance title. It’s a cowboy romance with violence, disturbing secrets, and a much more sinister story underneath. You'll want to read the content warnings before picking it up, but I loved every moment... and I'm not sure what that says about me.
Tropes / What to Expect:
🤠 Dark cowboy romance
🏘️ Small town romance
🚗 Forced proximity
🖤 Obsessed, possessive MMC
🔥 Instant attraction from him
🔪 Serial killers and romantic suspense
🩸 Secrets and graphic violence
Final Thoughts:
I went in expecting a cowboy romance and came out wondering how I ended up in a town with a serial killer problem. This was so much darker than I anticipated, but I loved every moment. If an obsessed rancher and a town full of dangerous secrets sound like your kind of read, welcome to Blackwood. 🖤
Perfect For Readers Who Love:
Dark romance, obsessive heroes, cowboy settings, and romantic suspense that gets bloody. 🔪📚
Thank you, Entangled Publishing for the ARC. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
🤠🔪🖤🔥🐄🩸
Reading Mood || Read This When You’re Craving...:
A dark cowboy romance with an obsessed MMC, forced proximity, small-town secrets, and a serial killer problem. Yes, you read that right. 🤠🔪
Quick Summary:
Our FMC Sienna is heading to California for a fresh start after her divorce when a storm sends her crashing into Blackwood, Montana. There she meets Sterling Hayes, a rancher who decides almost immediately that she should stay. This town has a dark history, women are disappearing, and Sterling has secrets of his own. 🩸
Worldbuilding, Characters, Plot & Pacing:
Excuse me… did I just read a cowboy serial killer romance?! I think I took a wrong turn somewhere because this book was NOTHING like I expected it to be. 🤠🔪The setup sounds like a small town cowboy romance: a woman starting over, an attractive rancher, and a broken down car keeping her in town. Except the rancher is deliberately keeping that car out of commission, the town has a fascination with serial killers, and things get much darker than that initial setup suggests. Sterling’s interest in Sienna is immediate, and he isn’t exactly subtle about wanting her to stay. Meanwhile, Sienna is stubborn, sharp-tongued, and determined not to fall for him. There is plenty of tension before you even get to the danger surrounding Blackwood. Also, this absolutely earns its dark romance title. It’s a cowboy romance with violence, disturbing secrets, and a much more sinister story underneath. You'll want to read the content warnings before picking it up, but I loved every moment... and I'm not sure what that says about me.
Tropes / What to Expect:
🤠 Dark cowboy romance
🏘️ Small town romance
🚗 Forced proximity
🖤 Obsessed, possessive MMC
🔥 Instant attraction from him
🔪 Serial killers and romantic suspense
🩸 Secrets and graphic violence
Final Thoughts:
I went in expecting a cowboy romance and came out wondering how I ended up in a town with a serial killer problem. This was so much darker than I anticipated, but I loved every moment. If an obsessed rancher and a town full of dangerous secrets sound like your kind of read, welcome to Blackwood. 🖤
Perfect For Readers Who Love:
Dark romance, obsessive heroes, cowboy settings, and romantic suspense that gets bloody. 🔪📚
Thank you, Entangled Publishing for the ARC. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
October 14, 2026
🎧Audiobook🎧
“Sienna,” he said quietly.
“I’m going to convince you to stay.” His voice brushed over me.
“You just don’t know it yet.”
Bundan önce yazarın 10 kitabını daha okudum yani bu konuda yetkili biri olduğumu düşünüyorum ve bu yetkiye istinaden şunu söyleyebilirim ki kitap çok underwhelming idi... 😅
Böyle tam birşeyler olucak dedim ama bi türlü olmadı. Gayet akıcı bir kitaptı o konudan şikayetim yok ama yani bu kadın acayip manipülatif ve obsesif adamlar yazar aslında.
Sterling çok düz bi adamdı diğerlerini yanında. Hatta baya sıkıcı bi tipti bile diyebilirim 😅
Seri katil olması dışında iliginç hiçbir yanı yok ve o kısmı da çok görmedik. Bir iki kötü adamı baya kanlı ve işkenceli bi şekilde öldürdü o kadar... (Bu seri katilden ziyade anti hero vibe ı veriyor bence)
Zaten ilk 120 sayfada adamla kadının doğru düzgün bi iletişimi/ilişkisi yoktu.
Ve ilişkileri başladıktan sonrada 70% e kadar kadın adama güvenmedi, sırlar sakladı falan.
Bilen bilir pucking wrong number daki adam olsaydı kadının aldığı nefesi bile biliyor olurdu ilişkilerinin o noktasında, bırak sır saklamayı adamın haberi olmadan rüya bile göremezdi artık hadsfgajhg
Yani bunun bi red flag olduğunu tabiki farkındayım ama zaten bu yazarı da belli bi beklenti ile okuyoruz dimi? Ve maalesef bu kitapta beklentimi hiç karşılayamadı..
Bu seriye devam eder miyim bilemiyorum, seri katillerle dolu bi kasaba fazla ilgimi çekmedi
Not: Sesli kitap güzel değildi
“Sienna,” he said quietly.
“I’m going to convince you to stay.” His voice brushed over me.
“You just don’t know it yet.”
Bundan önce yazarın 10 kitabını daha okudum yani bu konuda yetkili biri olduğumu düşünüyorum ve bu yetkiye istinaden şunu söyleyebilirim ki kitap çok underwhelming idi... 😅
Böyle tam birşeyler olucak dedim ama bi türlü olmadı. Gayet akıcı bir kitaptı o konudan şikayetim yok ama yani bu kadın acayip manipülatif ve obsesif adamlar yazar aslında.
Sterling çok düz bi adamdı diğerlerini yanında. Hatta baya sıkıcı bi tipti bile diyebilirim 😅
Seri katil olması dışında iliginç hiçbir yanı yok ve o kısmı da çok görmedik. Bir iki kötü adamı baya kanlı ve işkenceli bi şekilde öldürdü o kadar... (Bu seri katilden ziyade anti hero vibe ı veriyor bence)
Zaten ilk 120 sayfada adamla kadının doğru düzgün bi iletişimi/ilişkisi yoktu.
Ve ilişkileri başladıktan sonrada 70% e kadar kadın adama güvenmedi, sırlar sakladı falan.
Bilen bilir pucking wrong number daki adam olsaydı kadının aldığı nefesi bile biliyor olurdu ilişkilerinin o noktasında, bırak sır saklamayı adamın haberi olmadan rüya bile göremezdi artık hadsfgajhg
Yani bunun bi red flag olduğunu tabiki farkındayım ama zaten bu yazarı da belli bi beklenti ile okuyoruz dimi? Ve maalesef bu kitapta beklentimi hiç karşılayamadı..
Bu seriye devam eder miyim bilemiyorum, seri katillerle dolu bi kasaba fazla ilgimi çekmedi
Not: Sesli kitap güzel değildi
October 18, 2026
Wow. What a major disappointment.
The more of C.R. Jane’s newer books I read, the more frustrated I’m becoming. I love The Pucking Wrong and Wrong Player series because they’re fun, unhinged, hilarious and ridiculous without taking themselves too seriously. Her newer releases just aren’t hitting the same.
1. Too damn long.
I had the same issue with Don’t Say Mafia. Why did Dark Horse need to be 500 pages? I was 60% in and felt like barely anything had happened. Her shorter books packed in far more character and story without feeling dragged out.
2. Where is the character development?
Sterling was just there. I barely felt like I knew him. Sienna was frustrating, and I really disliked information being deliberately hidden from the reader despite being in her POV.
3. Where did the fun go?
Her darker romances worked because they still had that chaotic, funny energy. This was darker, slower and mostly just boring. Then a strange supernatural element appeared and felt completely out of place.
I hate writing this because I’ve genuinely loved so many of her books, but something feels missing lately. The editing needs to be tighter, the stories need more direction, and the characters need more depth.
Dark Horse just didn’t work for me. I won’t be continuing this series, and I’m probably done with Don’t Say Mafia too.
The more of C.R. Jane’s newer books I read, the more frustrated I’m becoming. I love The Pucking Wrong and Wrong Player series because they’re fun, unhinged, hilarious and ridiculous without taking themselves too seriously. Her newer releases just aren’t hitting the same.
1. Too damn long.
I had the same issue with Don’t Say Mafia. Why did Dark Horse need to be 500 pages? I was 60% in and felt like barely anything had happened. Her shorter books packed in far more character and story without feeling dragged out.
2. Where is the character development?
Sterling was just there. I barely felt like I knew him. Sienna was frustrating, and I really disliked information being deliberately hidden from the reader despite being in her POV.
3. Where did the fun go?
Her darker romances worked because they still had that chaotic, funny energy. This was darker, slower and mostly just boring. Then a strange supernatural element appeared and felt completely out of place.
I hate writing this because I’ve genuinely loved so many of her books, but something feels missing lately. The editing needs to be tighter, the stories need more direction, and the characters need more depth.
Dark Horse just didn’t work for me. I won’t be continuing this series, and I’m probably done with Don’t Say Mafia too.
October 16, 2026
Beautiful, Protective, and Full of Surprises
Dark Horse is such a beautiful read, and the characters were written so well.
Sienna is running from her life in Boston and her abusive husband when she stumbles into Blackwood, and from there, everything changes.
The moment Sterling sets his eyes on Sienna, he knows she is his, and he has no intention of letting her leave Blackwood. He is determined to convince her to stay, and I loved how he gave her the kind of love she wanted and needed.
And oh boy, that twist? I definitely did not see it coming.
One thing I really loved was how the Blackwood community welcomed Sienna into their fold and made her feel like she belonged. The found-family aspect added so much warmth to the story.
Sterling’s relationship with his friends was also beautiful, and I honestly can’t wait to read their stories too.
This is a 4.5-star read, and I recommend it.
Dark Horse is such a beautiful read, and the characters were written so well.
Sienna is running from her life in Boston and her abusive husband when she stumbles into Blackwood, and from there, everything changes.
The moment Sterling sets his eyes on Sienna, he knows she is his, and he has no intention of letting her leave Blackwood. He is determined to convince her to stay, and I loved how he gave her the kind of love she wanted and needed.
And oh boy, that twist? I definitely did not see it coming.
One thing I really loved was how the Blackwood community welcomed Sienna into their fold and made her feel like she belonged. The found-family aspect added so much warmth to the story.
Sterling’s relationship with his friends was also beautiful, and I honestly can’t wait to read their stories too.
This is a 4.5-star read, and I recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Not gonna lie, I thought this was going in a Safe Haven route - but in the end all bets were off. That being said, I really like Dexter... I mean Sterling. He was quite the specimen and well, I wanna find a Yellowstone rich rancher with a heart of gold - for Sienna alone. Anyway, there's something in the air in Blackstone, Montana. Literally and figuratively. The people there embrace the crazy and are somewhat accustomed to the amount of death that is constantly occurring. Really, there should be more documentaries about this place. It's wild.
Sienna appeared in town with a bang. The poor town steer was a casualty of her poor Prius - and the entire town was witness to her shame, including Sterling. Anyone who has read C.R. Jane, knows that this interaction was the beginning of the end for Sienna - and that Prius was never going to take her out to California after he set his sights on her. She was obviously fleeing something but we don't find out the what until almost the end of the book. Anyway, this is very on brand for any of C.R. Jane's books. He is obsessive and would burn the world down for her. She's dealing with some sort of trauma and is a good target for his obsession.
This quirky backwoods Stars Hollow town is full of characters that are not exactly what they seem. I loved what she did here with her take on #SmallTownRomance and can't wait for more. We got a taste of what's to come with Devil's Knot and I can't wait for that ride - hopefully there are more saddles.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I received an ebook as an ARC from the author. My opinions about this book are my own
Sienna appeared in town with a bang. The poor town steer was a casualty of her poor Prius - and the entire town was witness to her shame, including Sterling. Anyone who has read C.R. Jane, knows that this interaction was the beginning of the end for Sienna - and that Prius was never going to take her out to California after he set his sights on her. She was obviously fleeing something but we don't find out the what until almost the end of the book. Anyway, this is very on brand for any of C.R. Jane's books. He is obsessive and would burn the world down for her. She's dealing with some sort of trauma and is a good target for his obsession.
This quirky backwoods Stars Hollow town is full of characters that are not exactly what they seem. I loved what she did here with her take on #SmallTownRomance and can't wait for more. We got a taste of what's to come with Devil's Knot and I can't wait for that ride - hopefully there are more saddles.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I received an ebook as an ARC from the author. My opinions about this book are my own
October 5, 2026
Holy shit! This book is dark AF! Sterling is the most unhinged of all of the books hands down, without question.
I loved the spins on this and I am so proud of Sienna. She is so funny and witty, I love her spark, I love her fight.
I love how protective and possessive Sterling is without trying to be controlling.
This one is dark and gory, nothing like some of CR Jane’s other books but I ate. It. Up!
I think Sterling is equal with Ari and I cannot wait for Ryder’s story…
Thank you CR Jane for sending me this incredible book and allowing me to read it early. This series is destined to be one of my favorites. I needed a good dark cowboy romance and it absolutely delivered.
I loved the spins on this and I am so proud of Sienna. She is so funny and witty, I love her spark, I love her fight.
I love how protective and possessive Sterling is without trying to be controlling.
This one is dark and gory, nothing like some of CR Jane’s other books but I ate. It. Up!
I think Sterling is equal with Ari and I cannot wait for Ryder’s story…
Thank you CR Jane for sending me this incredible book and allowing me to read it early. This series is destined to be one of my favorites. I needed a good dark cowboy romance and it absolutely delivered.
October 15, 2026
Thank you to the author and Entangled for the gifted copy.
When I tell you that this book was so F’ing good I absolutely mean it. Dark cowboys are my new favorite bad boys. And Sienna is just so darn lovable that you want her to have the best overprotective most attentive stalker.
“It was a smile that belonged to men who ruined things, like lives…or panties.”
Tropes:
he stalks her
So morally grey
All the Red flags
Obsessed MMC
Serial Killer Cowboy
Past Trauma
Found family
Small town
When I tell you that this book was so F’ing good I absolutely mean it. Dark cowboys are my new favorite bad boys. And Sienna is just so darn lovable that you want her to have the best overprotective most attentive stalker.
“It was a smile that belonged to men who ruined things, like lives…or panties.”
Tropes:
he stalks her
So morally grey
All the Red flags
Obsessed MMC
Serial Killer Cowboy
Past Trauma
Found family
Small town
October 16, 2026
Cowboys meet dark romance meets rom com meets romantic suspense.
All the things.
Queasy stomachs beware 😅
C R Jane and her absolutely obsessed possessive men.
Unhinged
Sterling: billionaire rancher with a dark side
Serena. Girl on the run.
Serial killer galore situation in Blackwood, Montana.
A giant group of interesting town folk to go with.
This was something else. I mean a one of a kind vibe.
All the things.
Queasy stomachs beware 😅
C R Jane and her absolutely obsessed possessive men.
Unhinged
Sterling: billionaire rancher with a dark side
Serena. Girl on the run.
Serial killer galore situation in Blackwood, Montana.
A giant group of interesting town folk to go with.
This was something else. I mean a one of a kind vibe.
October 10, 2026
Dark romance and cowboy romance have to be two of my favourite genres to read and when you mix them together you are in for a great time and that is exactly what CR Jane has done.
This book follows Sienna who is escaping an ex-husband and on that journey she actually crash lands into the town of Blackwood. When I say crash land I do in fact mean it as her car hits a giant bull statue, and our MMC Sterling witnesses the entire thing. Sterling jumps right into action by getting Sienna help and ensuring she is safe because one look at this woman had his heart pounding and him feeling a way he has never felt for a woman before. Honestly I just love CR Janes men because once they lay eyes on their woman that’s it, there is no one else in existence for them.
Sienna’s car was quite damaged in the crash and while Sterling may have taken it to the local mechanic he ensured that the car would not be up and running very soon. Of course all a part of his plan to convince this woman to stop and fall in love with him. Completely logical. If you haven’t guessed by now this is only the tip of the darkness that is Sterling.
The town of Blackwood itself is a unique place and is quite famous for serial deleters that like to pass through the town every few years. Yes I’m serious they have an entire museum of the fact and even have a section for future incidents. The locals claim it is something that is in the air of the town and they’d be right as this also contributes to Sterling’s activities but rather than suppress the darkness Sterling embraces it by removing unsavoury individuals alongside his friend Ryder and Jett. He is quite nervous in this book of revealing this side of himself to Sienna but our FMC also has a darkness buried beneath the surface.
Now that Sienna is in this town for the foreseeable she tries to make it work but her past comes creeping in. Have no fear because our man Sterling would burn the world before anyone dares touch his woman.
I absolutely loved the slow burn between these two. Understandable due to the previous relationship with her ex, Sienna has sworn off men but this is just a technicality in Sterlings eyes because this man will not stop until she is his and only his. Sienna carries a lot of baggage and my heart broke for her at times but she has a lot of support not just from Sterling but the town itself. It’s a found family trope through and through as she didn’t expect to find a sense of community within Blackwood but that’s exactly what she found.
I loved the dark/light aspects of this town as it definitely has a lot buried beneath the surface and that’s what made it such an interesting story and I was so engaged about where the plot was going to take us next. Also the unique side characters such as Hattie who was amazing and looked after Sienna and even grumpy Babs who is a woman not to be messed with. I am very curious where the author will take us when it comes to Ryder and Jett because after finishing this book I know our journey in Blackwood is only beginning that’s for sure.
Overall I absolutely loved Sienna and Sterlings story and I cannot wait to return to the town of Blackwood in the near future. Thank you to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
This book follows Sienna who is escaping an ex-husband and on that journey she actually crash lands into the town of Blackwood. When I say crash land I do in fact mean it as her car hits a giant bull statue, and our MMC Sterling witnesses the entire thing. Sterling jumps right into action by getting Sienna help and ensuring she is safe because one look at this woman had his heart pounding and him feeling a way he has never felt for a woman before. Honestly I just love CR Janes men because once they lay eyes on their woman that’s it, there is no one else in existence for them.
Sienna’s car was quite damaged in the crash and while Sterling may have taken it to the local mechanic he ensured that the car would not be up and running very soon. Of course all a part of his plan to convince this woman to stop and fall in love with him. Completely logical. If you haven’t guessed by now this is only the tip of the darkness that is Sterling.
The town of Blackwood itself is a unique place and is quite famous for serial deleters that like to pass through the town every few years. Yes I’m serious they have an entire museum of the fact and even have a section for future incidents. The locals claim it is something that is in the air of the town and they’d be right as this also contributes to Sterling’s activities but rather than suppress the darkness Sterling embraces it by removing unsavoury individuals alongside his friend Ryder and Jett. He is quite nervous in this book of revealing this side of himself to Sienna but our FMC also has a darkness buried beneath the surface.
Now that Sienna is in this town for the foreseeable she tries to make it work but her past comes creeping in. Have no fear because our man Sterling would burn the world before anyone dares touch his woman.
I absolutely loved the slow burn between these two. Understandable due to the previous relationship with her ex, Sienna has sworn off men but this is just a technicality in Sterlings eyes because this man will not stop until she is his and only his. Sienna carries a lot of baggage and my heart broke for her at times but she has a lot of support not just from Sterling but the town itself. It’s a found family trope through and through as she didn’t expect to find a sense of community within Blackwood but that’s exactly what she found.
I loved the dark/light aspects of this town as it definitely has a lot buried beneath the surface and that’s what made it such an interesting story and I was so engaged about where the plot was going to take us next. Also the unique side characters such as Hattie who was amazing and looked after Sienna and even grumpy Babs who is a woman not to be messed with. I am very curious where the author will take us when it comes to Ryder and Jett because after finishing this book I know our journey in Blackwood is only beginning that’s for sure.
Overall I absolutely loved Sienna and Sterlings story and I cannot wait to return to the town of Blackwood in the near future. Thank you to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars✨
3 Spice🌶️
CR Jane is my auto-read when it comes to insanely obsessed MMCs, and this book was no exception. Dark Horse is a twisted, dark cowboy romance that will take you on a wild ride. It's chilling yet gripping, addictive, thought-provoking, and will leave you in awe.
Dark Horse is the first novel in the Blackwood Cowboy Series that delves into the themes of obsession, a sense of belonging, and justice.
Sterling Hayes is a complicated character who reminds me of Dexter (the television show). He definitely has a tremendous deal of respect, regard, and, on some level, love for his close friends and the rest of the Blackwood community members, even though he is motivated by instinctive reactions to fulfill what he wants. He's a likable serial murderer, as insane as it may sound.
In contrast, Sienna Blake is a woman who has endured abuse in her marriage and struggles to move on from her past. Despite her longing for love, safety, and a place to call home, she makes an effort to interact with the community after ending up in Blackwood as a result of car trouble.
They both provide the emotional anchor for each other. Sienna is the pillar of his sanity, while Sterling, the overly protective and obsessed one, tells her of the strength she cultivated from surviving her ordeal.
I adored the way C.R. Jane wrote this novel because it explores how society's neglect, abuse, and lack of compassion contributed to Sienna's decline into violence while humanizing her despite the severity of her actions. Sterling? He simply wants to use an unconventional strategy to bring about justice as a means to better the world.
With its intriguing and imaginative plot, some unpredictable twists, and chilling moments, Dark Horse is a novel that compels us to glance into people's fractured souls and ask what makes someone cross the line and comprehend the social isolation, mental illness, and violence that shape someone's life.
Oh boy, the way this series has caught me in a chokehold; I cannot wait to read Ryder's book!
What to Expect:
🐎 Dark cowboy
🔪 Serial killer
🔥 Obsession
🚩 Morally grey
🖤 Stalking
🌑 Small-town
💕 Found Family
🩸Romantic Suspense
Receiving a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was an honour, and I'm presenting my candid opinion based on my own experience. I am eternally grateful to C.R. Jane and Team for entrusting me with the opportunity to read this book beforehand.
3 Spice🌶️
CR Jane is my auto-read when it comes to insanely obsessed MMCs, and this book was no exception. Dark Horse is a twisted, dark cowboy romance that will take you on a wild ride. It's chilling yet gripping, addictive, thought-provoking, and will leave you in awe.
Dark Horse is the first novel in the Blackwood Cowboy Series that delves into the themes of obsession, a sense of belonging, and justice.
Sterling Hayes is a complicated character who reminds me of Dexter (the television show). He definitely has a tremendous deal of respect, regard, and, on some level, love for his close friends and the rest of the Blackwood community members, even though he is motivated by instinctive reactions to fulfill what he wants. He's a likable serial murderer, as insane as it may sound.
In contrast, Sienna Blake is a woman who has endured abuse in her marriage and struggles to move on from her past. Despite her longing for love, safety, and a place to call home, she makes an effort to interact with the community after ending up in Blackwood as a result of car trouble.
They both provide the emotional anchor for each other. Sienna is the pillar of his sanity, while Sterling, the overly protective and obsessed one, tells her of the strength she cultivated from surviving her ordeal.
I adored the way C.R. Jane wrote this novel because it explores how society's neglect, abuse, and lack of compassion contributed to Sienna's decline into violence while humanizing her despite the severity of her actions. Sterling? He simply wants to use an unconventional strategy to bring about justice as a means to better the world.
With its intriguing and imaginative plot, some unpredictable twists, and chilling moments, Dark Horse is a novel that compels us to glance into people's fractured souls and ask what makes someone cross the line and comprehend the social isolation, mental illness, and violence that shape someone's life.
Oh boy, the way this series has caught me in a chokehold; I cannot wait to read Ryder's book!
What to Expect:
🐎 Dark cowboy
🔪 Serial killer
🔥 Obsession
🚩 Morally grey
🖤 Stalking
🌑 Small-town
💕 Found Family
🩸Romantic Suspense
Receiving a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was an honour, and I'm presenting my candid opinion based on my own experience. I am eternally grateful to C.R. Jane and Team for entrusting me with the opportunity to read this book beforehand.
October 8, 2026
This book was so different than what were used to with CR Jane but no less entertaining. It has the usual obsessed MMC. Side characters that were so entertaining and you wanted to know more about. The FMC is funny and gives the MMC a run for his money. But this one was much darker but was more contemporary romance at the same time. Bottom line, I was entertained and cannot wait for more of this series.
Sienna is my favorite FMC from CR Jane as of now. She made me laugh so much in this. I feel like she really caught Sterling off guard with something of the stuff that came out of it. Her friendship with Hattie was a big highlight in this book to me. I just loved that Hattie was like we’re going to be friends and that’s that. Sienna was also so very obsessed with Sterling and was a thirsty girl in this. I will never be over Sienna saying, "did you forget your hooch was closed?". Just one example of what her inner monologue was like.
Sterling was our obsessed man and this man was OBSESSED from first sight. He was really like her watch dog and I’m here for that. Sterling Hayes is the most subtle / unsubtle MMC in CR Jane’s worlds. One minute he’s like let’s be cute in the Ferris wheel and barely kiss and then the next thing you know you’re being thrown over his shoulder, forced to stay in his home and he’s calling you his. And we love a man who doesn’t feel the need to say hi to other women.
The town of Blackwood as a whole really drew me in though. I loved all the side characters and how they were described. It made you really invested in this town and its people.
I would definitely check your trigger warnings with this one. This one can go from suspense to horror with its descriptions of certain things in a flash.
Thank you to CR Jane for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
✨Dark cowboy x serial k!ller
✨Romantic suspense
✨Obsessed + morally grey hero
✨Small town romance
✨Stalking + found family
Sienna is my favorite FMC from CR Jane as of now. She made me laugh so much in this. I feel like she really caught Sterling off guard with something of the stuff that came out of it. Her friendship with Hattie was a big highlight in this book to me. I just loved that Hattie was like we’re going to be friends and that’s that. Sienna was also so very obsessed with Sterling and was a thirsty girl in this. I will never be over Sienna saying, "did you forget your hooch was closed?". Just one example of what her inner monologue was like.
Sterling was our obsessed man and this man was OBSESSED from first sight. He was really like her watch dog and I’m here for that. Sterling Hayes is the most subtle / unsubtle MMC in CR Jane’s worlds. One minute he’s like let’s be cute in the Ferris wheel and barely kiss and then the next thing you know you’re being thrown over his shoulder, forced to stay in his home and he’s calling you his. And we love a man who doesn’t feel the need to say hi to other women.
The town of Blackwood as a whole really drew me in though. I loved all the side characters and how they were described. It made you really invested in this town and its people.
I would definitely check your trigger warnings with this one. This one can go from suspense to horror with its descriptions of certain things in a flash.
Thank you to CR Jane for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
✨Dark cowboy x serial k!ller
✨Romantic suspense
✨Obsessed + morally grey hero
✨Small town romance
✨Stalking + found family
October 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
🌶️🌶️2/5 pepper
I just finished Dark Horse by C.R. Jane, a dark cowboy romance, and I loved every single second of it. C.R. has become one of my go-to authors when I need an MMC who is unhinged, morally gray, and absolutely feral for his woman… and she delivered with Sterling. He is everything I love in an MMC and everything I love in a C.R. Jane MMC: intense, obsessive, dangerous, and impossible not to root for.
And then there’s Sienna, on the run, desperate to start over, who just so happens to cross paths with one of the town’s serial unalivers. In true C.R. fashion, Sienna is everything I adore in an FMC. She’s strong, smart, protective, and refuses to break even when the world tries to shatter her. She and Sterling together? A chaotic, magnetic, dark little storm I couldn’t look away from.
The side characters were such a standout for me. C.R. Jane is one of those authors who builds a world so rich with personality that you fall in love with everyone. I genuinely couldn’t pick a favorite; I want books for all of them. To me, that’s the mark of a phenomenal author: someone who not only pulls you into the main romance but leaves you craving more from every single supporting character.
While this book isn’t particularly spicy, which made me a little sad because C.R. writes some of the hottest scenes out there, the moments we do get are classic C.R. Jane. They’re hungry, intense, charged with craving, and the slow burn is absolutely wild. I was aching for it from chapter one.
I loved everything about this book. The storyline? Phenomenal. The characters? Phenomenal. The writing? Exactly what I expect from C.R., sharp, emotional, addictive. I’m already counting down the days until book two because it cannot get here fast enough.
🌶️🌶️2/5 pepper
I just finished Dark Horse by C.R. Jane, a dark cowboy romance, and I loved every single second of it. C.R. has become one of my go-to authors when I need an MMC who is unhinged, morally gray, and absolutely feral for his woman… and she delivered with Sterling. He is everything I love in an MMC and everything I love in a C.R. Jane MMC: intense, obsessive, dangerous, and impossible not to root for.
And then there’s Sienna, on the run, desperate to start over, who just so happens to cross paths with one of the town’s serial unalivers. In true C.R. fashion, Sienna is everything I adore in an FMC. She’s strong, smart, protective, and refuses to break even when the world tries to shatter her. She and Sterling together? A chaotic, magnetic, dark little storm I couldn’t look away from.
The side characters were such a standout for me. C.R. Jane is one of those authors who builds a world so rich with personality that you fall in love with everyone. I genuinely couldn’t pick a favorite; I want books for all of them. To me, that’s the mark of a phenomenal author: someone who not only pulls you into the main romance but leaves you craving more from every single supporting character.
While this book isn’t particularly spicy, which made me a little sad because C.R. writes some of the hottest scenes out there, the moments we do get are classic C.R. Jane. They’re hungry, intense, charged with craving, and the slow burn is absolutely wild. I was aching for it from chapter one.
I loved everything about this book. The storyline? Phenomenal. The characters? Phenomenal. The writing? Exactly what I expect from C.R., sharp, emotional, addictive. I’m already counting down the days until book two because it cannot get here fast enough.
October 17, 2026
C.R. Jane publishes a new book, and I'm on it on release day; I mean, priorities, right?
Blackwood is a brand-new small-town universe where the cowboys are not only hot as hell but have a quiet, unfazed, confident vibe that screams secret serial killer - for a reason.
Sienna has fled Boston after a messy, bloody divorce. Her goal is to reach California to get as far from her past life as possible. When she finds herself in the middle of a storm in Montana, she reaches Blackwood with a bang, quite literally.
Sterling is basically a Yellowstone type of rancher whose favorite hobby is torturing and murdering bad guys with his best friends.
When he sets his eyes on Sienna, there's a pull he's never felt before, simply her presence quiets the dark urges inside him, and he knows that he'll do anything to make her stay.
Sienna has sworn off men, so Sterling has his work cut out for him, but he's confident that she's the one and he can convince her to give him a chance. Now there's the problem of how to tell her he's a serial killer, but Sienna has a dark secret of her own that just proves that they are meant to be.
I already love Blackwood with all its quirks and can't wait for Ryder's and Jett's stories.
Blackwood is a brand-new small-town universe where the cowboys are not only hot as hell but have a quiet, unfazed, confident vibe that screams secret serial killer - for a reason.
Sienna has fled Boston after a messy, bloody divorce. Her goal is to reach California to get as far from her past life as possible. When she finds herself in the middle of a storm in Montana, she reaches Blackwood with a bang, quite literally.
Sterling is basically a Yellowstone type of rancher whose favorite hobby is torturing and murdering bad guys with his best friends.
When he sets his eyes on Sienna, there's a pull he's never felt before, simply her presence quiets the dark urges inside him, and he knows that he'll do anything to make her stay.
Sienna has sworn off men, so Sterling has his work cut out for him, but he's confident that she's the one and he can convince her to give him a chance. Now there's the problem of how to tell her he's a serial killer, but Sienna has a dark secret of her own that just proves that they are meant to be.
I already love Blackwood with all its quirks and can't wait for Ryder's and Jett's stories.
October 14, 2026
☘️ Dark cowboy x serial killer
🖤 Stalking
☘️ Found family
🖤 Romantic suspense
☘️ Obsessed morally grey MMC
🖤 Small town romance
Sienna has one goal: get back on the run. Sterling has other plans to make sure she doesn’t leave Blackwood, Montana. And when the cowboy standing in her way also happens to be a morally grey serial killer who’s completely obsessed with her? Good luck, girl.
Blackwood was the perfect setting for a spooky season read, and the serial killer museum was such a fun touch! The quirky, hilarious side characters brought so much personality to the small town, and I loved the found family. Seeing Sienna find a place where she could finally feel safe and start to feel at home after everything she’d been through was a highlight for me.
Both Sienna and Sterling carry their own trauma, and I loved seeing what developed between them. There’s something about two people with so much darkness finding comfort in each other that gets me every time. 🖤
The spice was next level, and I wasn't prepared for the things this man could do with a saddle. 😂
🖤 Stalking
☘️ Found family
🖤 Romantic suspense
☘️ Obsessed morally grey MMC
🖤 Small town romance
Sienna has one goal: get back on the run. Sterling has other plans to make sure she doesn’t leave Blackwood, Montana. And when the cowboy standing in her way also happens to be a morally grey serial killer who’s completely obsessed with her? Good luck, girl.
Blackwood was the perfect setting for a spooky season read, and the serial killer museum was such a fun touch! The quirky, hilarious side characters brought so much personality to the small town, and I loved the found family. Seeing Sienna find a place where she could finally feel safe and start to feel at home after everything she’d been through was a highlight for me.
Both Sienna and Sterling carry their own trauma, and I loved seeing what developed between them. There’s something about two people with so much darkness finding comfort in each other that gets me every time. 🖤
The spice was next level, and I wasn't prepared for the things this man could do with a saddle. 😂
October 12, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
This was an interesting premise and I thought some elements were done really well but overall this book did not hit its mark with me.
The romance was insta lusty/lovey on both sides. Yes, the FMC has hesitance when it comes to the MMC but that is overshadowed by her thoughts on how attractive he is. He’s obsessed with her the moment he sees her which is fine if he spent more time getting to know her instead of just lusting for her.
The town’s mines creating killers was a bit of a stretch for me. I would have like to know more behind the mines to understand the murderous “pulses” that inhabit some of the citizens but also makes it a hubspot for serial killers.
The plot hole regarding Kelsey’s character threw me for a loop. It had me questioning if I missed something.
The ending was the bright spot in this too long book. I think the tension and the psychotic actions of the culprit was done really well. Though it was hard to read in some places because of the graphic nature of the scenes.
Overall, I think this book had potential to be great but the approach was lackluster.
Thank you Entangled for the ARC
This was an interesting premise and I thought some elements were done really well but overall this book did not hit its mark with me.
The romance was insta lusty/lovey on both sides. Yes, the FMC has hesitance when it comes to the MMC but that is overshadowed by her thoughts on how attractive he is. He’s obsessed with her the moment he sees her which is fine if he spent more time getting to know her instead of just lusting for her.
The town’s mines creating killers was a bit of a stretch for me. I would have like to know more behind the mines to understand the murderous “pulses” that inhabit some of the citizens but also makes it a hubspot for serial killers.
The plot hole regarding Kelsey’s character threw me for a loop. It had me questioning if I missed something.
The ending was the bright spot in this too long book. I think the tension and the psychotic actions of the culprit was done really well. Though it was hard to read in some places because of the graphic nature of the scenes.
Overall, I think this book had potential to be great but the approach was lackluster.
Thank you Entangled for the ARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews