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Deviant: A dark MM cowboy romance
Not yet published
Expected 19 May 26Blurb coming soon.
Deviant is a MM dark cowboy romance featured in an innerconnected standalone series with an HEA
Deviant is a MM dark cowboy romance featured in an innerconnected standalone series with an HEA
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 19, 2026
20 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
K.T. Maddan
16 books341 followersKatie has always possessed a talent for crafting captivating stories. She loves crafting characters with profound depth and is passionate about narrating their stories. When she's not busy creating your next literary delight, she enjoys indulging in PC gaming sessions with her partner or showering affection on her beloved fur babies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from the authors, for which I am grateful
I admit, this is my first time dabbling in the genre. While it wasn't for me, none of my review is based off that fact.
It was fine. I thought the ending was sweet, and it was honestly not as dark as I would have expected (which I did not mind at all).
As I was reading, I admit I rolled my eyes a few times because the dialogue just wasn't great, which is rather unfortunate for a dialogue heavy novel. It felt like the characters were reading a bland script for a generic story in the same setting rather than natural conversation between characters, which led to everyone feeling rather stiff. I also didn't understand Colton's eagerness at all - they had no history and no specific interactions that would make him so obsessed? It felt like he was that way because Rhett just happened to be there. The speed at which their relationship moved was also rather unconvincing considering the fact that they barely had any emotional development with each other.
As for the plot outside of the romance... it somewhat had potential, but it was mostly ignored for the entirety of the story, and the conclusion was very neat and easy once it finally did have a focus. I understand the romance is by far the main purpose of the novel, but it almost feels like it would have been better to remove any of the half-cooked drama to focus more on the development of their relationship or the characters themselves.
All that being said, I couldn't rate this too low since I did have enough fun with this to be able to finish this within a day. Besides that, I know that realistically, readers would be here for the romance and the more smutty aspects anyway (which I would then say that this book is for you).
If you're looking for strongly developed characters and plot, this might not be for you, but if you just want to have fun with a romance and witness hot cowboys get at it then you'll have a fun time.
I admit, this is my first time dabbling in the genre. While it wasn't for me, none of my review is based off that fact.
It was fine. I thought the ending was sweet, and it was honestly not as dark as I would have expected (which I did not mind at all).
As I was reading, I admit I rolled my eyes a few times because the dialogue just wasn't great, which is rather unfortunate for a dialogue heavy novel. It felt like the characters were reading a bland script for a generic story in the same setting rather than natural conversation between characters, which led to everyone feeling rather stiff. I also didn't understand Colton's eagerness at all - they had no history and no specific interactions that would make him so obsessed? It felt like he was that way because Rhett just happened to be there. The speed at which their relationship moved was also rather unconvincing considering the fact that they barely had any emotional development with each other.
As for the plot outside of the romance... it somewhat had potential, but it was mostly ignored for the entirety of the story, and the conclusion was very neat and easy once it finally did have a focus. I understand the romance is by far the main purpose of the novel, but it almost feels like it would have been better to remove any of the half-cooked drama to focus more on the development of their relationship or the characters themselves.
All that being said, I couldn't rate this too low since I did have enough fun with this to be able to finish this within a day. Besides that, I know that realistically, readers would be here for the romance and the more smutty aspects anyway (which I would then say that this book is for you).
If you're looking for strongly developed characters and plot, this might not be for you, but if you just want to have fun with a romance and witness hot cowboys get at it then you'll have a fun time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review to come 🖤
May 5, 2026
✨вєтα / αя¢ яєνιєω✨
This book absolutely tugged at my heart strings in so many different directions. Coming from a young queer person, coming out is hard. And KT and Ainsley depicted the struggles of coming out and accepting yourself, coming from a small town.
Rhett and Colt's connection is raw, intense, and hot! And don't even get me started on Cash and Halle, who we will get the pleasure of having more of in the next book 👀
This book absolutely tugged at my heart strings in so many different directions. Coming from a young queer person, coming out is hard. And KT and Ainsley depicted the struggles of coming out and accepting yourself, coming from a small town.
Rhett and Colt's connection is raw, intense, and hot! And don't even get me started on Cash and Halle, who we will get the pleasure of having more of in the next book 👀
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐ - 5/5
*𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰*
⊹ | 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙩 by K.T. Madden and Ainsley Vale is a dark M/M cowboy romance. It is book one in the 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 series and follows Colton Dawson and Rhett Thornwood. This story does contain themes that readers may find triggering, so be sure to check out the trigger warnings.
Before we dive into my review, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to both of the amazing authors of this book for the opportunity to be an ARC reader. I'm truly so grateful and I can't wait to read future works by y'all 🩷!
Now it's review time, so grip your cowboy hats tight, saddle up, and enjoy the ride. Not only does this book have one sexy cowboy, but it has TWO, and the tension between them is insanely hot. I don't know about the rest of y'all, but personally, I devoured this book in one sitting, and let's just say y'all should definitely expect more M/M cowboy romance reads from me in the near future 🤭.
Rhett is known as the town's golden boy. He follows the rules, does what he thinks people expect of him, and knows what he wants. But it all feels like an act. A part in a performance that seems to be never-ending. Little does the small town of Cedarbrook know, their golden boy is hiding a huge secret, one he hasn't even let himself accept. When the one person who gets under his skin the most shows up to work on his family ranch for the summer, the lines between love and hate start to blur, and things get messy.
Colton hates small towns, especially the one that has made him feel unwelcome since he was fourteen. When he finds himself back in Cedarbrook and working on the Thornwood Ranch for the summer, it's the last thing he wants, but he's determined to keep his head down and move on from the past. Upon arriving back in town, all the old feelings for Rhett he thought he had pushed down come rushing to the surface with a powerful force. Rhett has secrets, and Colton has always been the best at noticing them, so when things heat up, the two find it hard to walk away from one another.
I LOVED this book so freaking much. The story was one I found myself struggling to put down once I started. I was literally eating up the constant digs at each other and the constant banter between Rhett and Colton like I was starved. While Rhett may seem all sweet and innocent, don't let that man fool you. He's got his own particular dark side, just like Colton. Even though he doesn't show that side until towards the end of the book, I swear it's definitely worth the wait.
The struggle Rhett had with his sexuality was intense, but I absolutely loved the little moments where he gave into his desires, just a little bit, before pulling back or running away. Although Colton pushed Rhett about his sexuality, he never forced him to come out, but wanted him to stop lying to himself. That was a tough pill for Rhett to swallow at first, but that was the push he needed in order to stop hiding an important part of himself.
Overall, if you're looking for a quick, spicy M/M cowboy romance with two possessive MCs and some slight emotional damage, then I definitely recommend you check this book out once released!
— 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒚 𝑷.𝑹.
*𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰*
⊹ | 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙩 by K.T. Madden and Ainsley Vale is a dark M/M cowboy romance. It is book one in the 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 series and follows Colton Dawson and Rhett Thornwood. This story does contain themes that readers may find triggering, so be sure to check out the trigger warnings.
Before we dive into my review, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to both of the amazing authors of this book for the opportunity to be an ARC reader. I'm truly so grateful and I can't wait to read future works by y'all 🩷!
Now it's review time, so grip your cowboy hats tight, saddle up, and enjoy the ride. Not only does this book have one sexy cowboy, but it has TWO, and the tension between them is insanely hot. I don't know about the rest of y'all, but personally, I devoured this book in one sitting, and let's just say y'all should definitely expect more M/M cowboy romance reads from me in the near future 🤭.
Rhett is known as the town's golden boy. He follows the rules, does what he thinks people expect of him, and knows what he wants. But it all feels like an act. A part in a performance that seems to be never-ending. Little does the small town of Cedarbrook know, their golden boy is hiding a huge secret, one he hasn't even let himself accept. When the one person who gets under his skin the most shows up to work on his family ranch for the summer, the lines between love and hate start to blur, and things get messy.
Colton hates small towns, especially the one that has made him feel unwelcome since he was fourteen. When he finds himself back in Cedarbrook and working on the Thornwood Ranch for the summer, it's the last thing he wants, but he's determined to keep his head down and move on from the past. Upon arriving back in town, all the old feelings for Rhett he thought he had pushed down come rushing to the surface with a powerful force. Rhett has secrets, and Colton has always been the best at noticing them, so when things heat up, the two find it hard to walk away from one another.
I LOVED this book so freaking much. The story was one I found myself struggling to put down once I started. I was literally eating up the constant digs at each other and the constant banter between Rhett and Colton like I was starved. While Rhett may seem all sweet and innocent, don't let that man fool you. He's got his own particular dark side, just like Colton. Even though he doesn't show that side until towards the end of the book, I swear it's definitely worth the wait.
The struggle Rhett had with his sexuality was intense, but I absolutely loved the little moments where he gave into his desires, just a little bit, before pulling back or running away. Although Colton pushed Rhett about his sexuality, he never forced him to come out, but wanted him to stop lying to himself. That was a tough pill for Rhett to swallow at first, but that was the push he needed in order to stop hiding an important part of himself.
Overall, if you're looking for a quick, spicy M/M cowboy romance with two possessive MCs and some slight emotional damage, then I definitely recommend you check this book out once released!
— 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒚 𝑷.𝑹.
Review of advance copy received from Author
THIS IS A DARK MM ROMANCE, READ THE CONTENT WARNING AND THE BLURB FIRST!!
Maddan and Vale have written a dynamite piece of erotic fiction with this book and I thank them both for letting me read it as an ARC.
The way these boys are written had me feeling all the feels. This book was beautiful from start to finish. The whole dynamic, forced proximity, gay awakening and then the mysterious messages from someone trying to break them apart was the best mix of emotion, love, lust and drama.
Rhett is the golden boy, he has a plan for his life and nothing will make him stray from that... or will it? It is clear from the beginning that he's a square peg trying to fit in a round hole and doesn't want to hurt or disappoint anyone but at what cost? I loved the way he tries to fight against his own thoughts and the scene with his mom had me in tears because my heart broke for him.
I also thought the dynamic with his brothers was well written, they are all very different but have that brotherly bond that goes beyond blood.
Colt is the perfect mix of bad boy and reformed bad boy. He wants to just do his job and leave before trouble follows him. However, Rhett is the kind of trouble he craves and when his feelings turn deeper, he just wants the secrets and lies to stop. Who could blame him after what happened in High School but he is not his past and I loved every minute of him pushing Rhett's buttons. Colt's family dynamic isn't perfect with his parents but his Aunt and Uncle seem more like mom and dad and that support he gets from them is priceless. Also, his connection with the Thornwood family is really well done too, I love it when families spread into each other and sometimes the one you weren't born into is the one that gets you the most.
The spice in this book is tremendous and definitely had me all hot and bothered. These men are absolutely obsessed with each other, even if one struggles to admit it more than the other and I am living for it. Oh and a pierced and tattooed cowboy... what is not to love about that?!
I laughed, cried, got angry and even screamed at my kindle a few times with this one. I want more from these boys and the entire supporting cast of this book and I cant wait to get it :)
Maddan and Vale have written a dynamite piece of erotic fiction with this book and I thank them both for letting me read it as an ARC.
The way these boys are written had me feeling all the feels. This book was beautiful from start to finish. The whole dynamic, forced proximity, gay awakening and then the mysterious messages from someone trying to break them apart was the best mix of emotion, love, lust and drama.
Rhett is the golden boy, he has a plan for his life and nothing will make him stray from that... or will it? It is clear from the beginning that he's a square peg trying to fit in a round hole and doesn't want to hurt or disappoint anyone but at what cost? I loved the way he tries to fight against his own thoughts and the scene with his mom had me in tears because my heart broke for him.
I also thought the dynamic with his brothers was well written, they are all very different but have that brotherly bond that goes beyond blood.
Colt is the perfect mix of bad boy and reformed bad boy. He wants to just do his job and leave before trouble follows him. However, Rhett is the kind of trouble he craves and when his feelings turn deeper, he just wants the secrets and lies to stop. Who could blame him after what happened in High School but he is not his past and I loved every minute of him pushing Rhett's buttons. Colt's family dynamic isn't perfect with his parents but his Aunt and Uncle seem more like mom and dad and that support he gets from them is priceless. Also, his connection with the Thornwood family is really well done too, I love it when families spread into each other and sometimes the one you weren't born into is the one that gets you the most.
The spice in this book is tremendous and definitely had me all hot and bothered. These men are absolutely obsessed with each other, even if one struggles to admit it more than the other and I am living for it. Oh and a pierced and tattooed cowboy... what is not to love about that?!
I laughed, cried, got angry and even screamed at my kindle a few times with this one. I want more from these boys and the entire supporting cast of this book and I cant wait to get it :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, a huge thank you to K.T. Maddan and Ainsley Vale for the opportunity to read this e-ARC.
God, how I love cowboy romances especially when they are both cowboys!
I mean, can it get any better?
Deviant is the first book in a new interconnected series that delivers on it all: spicy, angst and the raw honesty of being queer in a small town.
This book delivered on the promise of a dark MM romance but it was the emotional journey that the two characters took that made me fall in love with this story and the two main characters.
Rhett and Colt couldn’t be more different; the golden boy with his future seemingly set in stone, and the boy who always feels like he is on the outside of a close-knit community. Watching their story play out from two completely different views and levels of acceptance was interesting and engaging to the point that I devoured this book. I also loved the supportiveness of their family and friends, with Colt’s sister, Halle, being his number one ally and Miranda having his back no matter what, to Rhett’s entire family being his own village of love and support.
The connection between the two characters is undeniable and gripping from page one. Colton knows what he wants and Rhett is learning to accept who he is.
If you are looking for a quick steamy MM read that you will devour in one sitting with main and side characters that you will fall in love with, this book is for you.
Up next, we have Cash and Halle who I just know are going to bring their own brand of mischief to Cedarbrook!
God, how I love cowboy romances especially when they are both cowboys!
I mean, can it get any better?
Deviant is the first book in a new interconnected series that delivers on it all: spicy, angst and the raw honesty of being queer in a small town.
This book delivered on the promise of a dark MM romance but it was the emotional journey that the two characters took that made me fall in love with this story and the two main characters.
Rhett and Colt couldn’t be more different; the golden boy with his future seemingly set in stone, and the boy who always feels like he is on the outside of a close-knit community. Watching their story play out from two completely different views and levels of acceptance was interesting and engaging to the point that I devoured this book. I also loved the supportiveness of their family and friends, with Colt’s sister, Halle, being his number one ally and Miranda having his back no matter what, to Rhett’s entire family being his own village of love and support.
The connection between the two characters is undeniable and gripping from page one. Colton knows what he wants and Rhett is learning to accept who he is.
If you are looking for a quick steamy MM read that you will devour in one sitting with main and side characters that you will fall in love with, this book is for you.
Up next, we have Cash and Halle who I just know are going to bring their own brand of mischief to Cedarbrook!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Deviant by K.T. Maddan & Ainsley Vale, Book 1 of the Thornwood Brothers Series. This is a Dark MM Cowboy Romance following Rhett Thornwood and Colton Dawson. 🚩This is for adult readers only (18+) as it has mature content and not suitable for underage readers. There are dark themes that can be triggering so please check out the content warning before you dive in 🚩
My thoughts 💭
I need to start this review by saying, I read this in a few hours. Does that mean it’s a novella? No. It does not. It simply means that IT WAS JUST THAT GOOD!!! I could not put it down, I put my kids to bed and thought to myself…. “Self, just a few chapters then bed…” I in fact did not go to bed until the last page. I don’t want to reveal too much because I don’t want to spoil anything but Colt…my guy 🔥🔥 He set his sights on Rhett the first night back in town and he was relentless in getting under Rhett’s skin. He is unapologetically himself and I can appreciate and respect that. Rhett, my heart broke for him. He has stepped up being the next in line for taking over the Thornwood Ranch but in stepping up he lost the ability to just be himself. The fact that it took Colt to come back and bring the walls down just made the whole HEA so much more beautiful. But once Rhett accepted himself for who he is…my guy 🔥🔥🫣 they made me blush quite a few times haha. This is such a great start to the 2nd generation series of the Thornwood Ranch.
✨I would like to thank Author’s K.T. Maddan & Ainsley Vale for the opportunity to read and review Deviant.
My thoughts 💭
I need to start this review by saying, I read this in a few hours. Does that mean it’s a novella? No. It does not. It simply means that IT WAS JUST THAT GOOD!!! I could not put it down, I put my kids to bed and thought to myself…. “Self, just a few chapters then bed…” I in fact did not go to bed until the last page. I don’t want to reveal too much because I don’t want to spoil anything but Colt…my guy 🔥🔥 He set his sights on Rhett the first night back in town and he was relentless in getting under Rhett’s skin. He is unapologetically himself and I can appreciate and respect that. Rhett, my heart broke for him. He has stepped up being the next in line for taking over the Thornwood Ranch but in stepping up he lost the ability to just be himself. The fact that it took Colt to come back and bring the walls down just made the whole HEA so much more beautiful. But once Rhett accepted himself for who he is…my guy 🔥🔥🫣 they made me blush quite a few times haha. This is such a great start to the 2nd generation series of the Thornwood Ranch.
✨I would like to thank Author’s K.T. Maddan & Ainsley Vale for the opportunity to read and review Deviant.
Review of advance copy received from Author
𐚁⊹₊ ⋆ ARC Review 𐚁⊹₊ ⋆
5 ⭐ 4.5 🌶️
✨Tropes
🤎 Small Town
🧡 Gay Awakening
🤎 Touch Him & Die
🧡 Hate-To-Want-You
🤎 Forced Proximity
🧡 Opposites Attract
I recvieved this ARC just today, and read it within hours. I ate this up, and left no crumbs. Did I like it? Yes, yes I did.
Rhett and Colt made me sad, happy, giggle, and wanna fight someone. I loved their dynamic and how they each grew as people through the book. Despite this only being a little over 200 pages, I felt like it had so much to give.
I couldn't stop reading it. The Unknown Messages kept me on the edge of my seat, and wondering what our MMCs will do. It hurt and was satisfying all in a nice package.
I won't say too much, because I rather others read the book themselves to come to their own conclusions. But my personal opinion -- I love this and enjoyed being given the honor to read it. Thank you K. T Maddan for this opportunity. I hope to read more of your MM romances!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀���⡾⠋⢩⣿⣶⣶⣶⣦⣤⣀⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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5 ⭐ 4.5 🌶️
✨Tropes
🤎 Small Town
🧡 Gay Awakening
🤎 Touch Him & Die
🧡 Hate-To-Want-You
🤎 Forced Proximity
🧡 Opposites Attract
I recvieved this ARC just today, and read it within hours. I ate this up, and left no crumbs. Did I like it? Yes, yes I did.
Rhett and Colt made me sad, happy, giggle, and wanna fight someone. I loved their dynamic and how they each grew as people through the book. Despite this only being a little over 200 pages, I felt like it had so much to give.
I couldn't stop reading it. The Unknown Messages kept me on the edge of my seat, and wondering what our MMCs will do. It hurt and was satisfying all in a nice package.
I won't say too much, because I rather others read the book themselves to come to their own conclusions. But my personal opinion -- I love this and enjoyed being given the honor to read it. Thank you K. T Maddan for this opportunity. I hope to read more of your MM romances!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀���⡾⠋⢩⣿⣶⣶⣶⣦⣤⣀⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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⠿⣿⣿⣿⣯⡛⠻⣿⣿⠇⠀⠘⣿⣿⣄⠀⠀⢸⣿⣿⣿⡌⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠈⠛⢿⣿⡟⠳⢮⡁⠀⠀⠀⠈⠙⣿⣷⡀⣾⣿⣿⣿⢳⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⠙⢶⣤⣈⠓⢥⡒⠤⣀⡈⣿⣿⣼⣿⣿⣿⢰⣯⣶⣄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⡷⡋⢹⠲⣬⣒⠢⣬⣙⡛⠛⠿⠿⠑⣾⣿⣿⣿⡝⣄⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣯⠖⢸⠀⠬⣿⣿⣾⡿⣿⣿⣿⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡜⡆⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣧⠄⠘⠀⣔⣾⣿⣿⢬⣿⣿⣿⣽⣻⠿⢿⣿⣿⡿⣡⠃⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣿⡆⠀⠠⢛⣿⣿⡻⣷⡿⡟⢟⡇⠈⠉⠐⠒⠒⠚⠁⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣿⣧⡇⢰⠟⠙⣨⣾⡏⣠⣶⣿⣿⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣿⣿⣷⣀⣤⣾⡿⠹⣿⡿⠟⠁⠙⣧⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣿⣿⡏⠙⠛⠋⠁⠀⠘⣷⣄⠀⠀⠘⣿⣦⣄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢿⣿⣇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠸⢟⣿⣦⣄⡁⠚⠿⣿⣷⣦⣴⣶⣤
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⢦⠀⠙⣶⣦⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠉⠛⠻⠿⣿⣿⣿⣆⣩⣭⡿⠟
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠉⠛⠻⠈⠙⠶⢤⣤⣄⣀⣤⣤⣀⡲⠾⠛⠉⠉⠁⠀⠀
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tropes:
Small Town Romance
Gay Awakening
Switch dynamic
Rancher/Veterinary Student
Dub-Cxn
Mystery Stalker
Golden Boy vs Black Sheep
Forced Proximity
Rhett Thornewood and Colton Dawson have quite the relationship, and not in a nice, sweet way at first. When their story begins, they’re enemies more than anything else, as we find out there is history there. The tension between the two of them can be cut with a knife.
Rhett is the town’s “Golden Boy,” coming from a picture-perfect family whose farm has been an important part of the Cedarbrook Community for generations. With that comes pressure; he’s expected to be the one who takes over and keeps the legacy alive.
Then Colton shows up on his motorcycle.
Working on the Thornewood farm for the summer, Colton completely turns Rhett’s world upside down. As the story unfolds, we get a glimpse into their past and see just how much history sits between them. Colton knows exactly how to push Rhett’s buttons, and honestly… he does it well.
However, beneath all the tension are some difficult truths that both of them have to face before they can reach their HEA. Rhett, especially, carries a lot of secrets, and it takes him a long time to realize how much damage those secrets cause. We find that his secrets don't just impact him but also others around him.
I won't spoil it because I could say so much more. I love anything with Cowboys, and this had me starting and not stopping until I hit the end of it.
Small Town Romance
Gay Awakening
Switch dynamic
Rancher/Veterinary Student
Dub-Cxn
Mystery Stalker
Golden Boy vs Black Sheep
Forced Proximity
Rhett Thornewood and Colton Dawson have quite the relationship, and not in a nice, sweet way at first. When their story begins, they’re enemies more than anything else, as we find out there is history there. The tension between the two of them can be cut with a knife.
Rhett is the town’s “Golden Boy,” coming from a picture-perfect family whose farm has been an important part of the Cedarbrook Community for generations. With that comes pressure; he’s expected to be the one who takes over and keeps the legacy alive.
Then Colton shows up on his motorcycle.
Working on the Thornewood farm for the summer, Colton completely turns Rhett’s world upside down. As the story unfolds, we get a glimpse into their past and see just how much history sits between them. Colton knows exactly how to push Rhett’s buttons, and honestly… he does it well.
However, beneath all the tension are some difficult truths that both of them have to face before they can reach their HEA. Rhett, especially, carries a lot of secrets, and it takes him a long time to realize how much damage those secrets cause. We find that his secrets don't just impact him but also others around him.
I won't spoil it because I could say so much more. I love anything with Cowboys, and this had me starting and not stopping until I hit the end of it.
Review of advance copy received from Autore
★★★★☆ (4.25/5)
First of all, I’m so grateful for the ARC opportunity and for getting to read this book early! Deviant honestly surprised me in the best way. Going in, I expected a fun cowboy romance, but it ended up having so much more emotional depth than I anticipated.
I really felt for Rhett throughout the story. The pressure he carried and the fears he kept buried made him such a compelling character, and watching him slowly learn to let go and allow himself happiness was incredibly satisfying. His emotional journey was one of my favorite parts of the book.
And of course… the cowboys were absolutely cowboying. The ranch atmosphere, the tension, the charm — all of it delivered exactly what I wanted from a cowboy romance. The spice was definitely spicing too, which made the chemistry between the characters even more enjoyable.
One thing I especially loved was the family dynamics. The families felt warm, supportive, and genuinely interesting. I honestly just wished they had been explored a little more deeply because they added so much heart to the story.
As for the stalker plotline, I thought the reveal was a nice plot twist overall, but I do wish the climax had been a bit more fleshed out. It wrapped up a little faster than I expected considering the buildup.
Still, overall I enjoyed this book very much. It balanced emotional depth, romance, suspense, and spice really well, and it definitely kept me invested from start to finish.
First of all, I’m so grateful for the ARC opportunity and for getting to read this book early! Deviant honestly surprised me in the best way. Going in, I expected a fun cowboy romance, but it ended up having so much more emotional depth than I anticipated.
I really felt for Rhett throughout the story. The pressure he carried and the fears he kept buried made him such a compelling character, and watching him slowly learn to let go and allow himself happiness was incredibly satisfying. His emotional journey was one of my favorite parts of the book.
And of course… the cowboys were absolutely cowboying. The ranch atmosphere, the tension, the charm — all of it delivered exactly what I wanted from a cowboy romance. The spice was definitely spicing too, which made the chemistry between the characters even more enjoyable.
One thing I especially loved was the family dynamics. The families felt warm, supportive, and genuinely interesting. I honestly just wished they had been explored a little more deeply because they added so much heart to the story.
As for the stalker plotline, I thought the reveal was a nice plot twist overall, but I do wish the climax had been a bit more fleshed out. It wrapped up a little faster than I expected considering the buildup.
Still, overall I enjoyed this book very much. It balanced emotional depth, romance, suspense, and spice really well, and it definitely kept me invested from start to finish.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read Deviant ❤️! So this was my first ever MM cowboy romance and I absolutely loved it. The push and pull in Rhett and Colton’s relationship was so steamy. This was a short read that I couldn’t put down. The two main characters navigate coming out in a small town. Rhett is hesitant and still figuring himself out, whereas Colt knows exactly what he wants. The chemistry between them is undeniable, raw and emotional.
Rhett Thornwood is the golden boy in this small town, he is the hardworking son whose family owns a ranch and he does whats expected of him. Colton Dawson is unapologetically himself. He returns to his small town during college break to find a summer job and needs to stay out of trouble. These two have some history and are forced to work together for the summer 😏.
One of my favorite parts of this book is how the dub-cxn trope was written and the switching dynamic. The pacing of the story was excellent and the spice was so hot. I had to read chapter 18 twice not only because it was one of the best spicy scenes I’ve read in a while but also because it took my by surprise. 🥵
“Stop thinking,” he says. Not asking, telling. “Just take it.”
TROPES
🤠Rancher/Vet Student
🖤Small Town Romance
🤠Gay Awakeing
🖤Role Switching
🤠Dub-Cxn
🖤Mystery stalker
🤠Hate-to-want-you
🖤Golden Boy vs. Black Sheep
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read Deviant ❤️! So this was my first ever MM cowboy romance and I absolutely loved it. The push and pull in Rhett and Colton’s relationship was so steamy. This was a short read that I couldn’t put down. The two main characters navigate coming out in a small town. Rhett is hesitant and still figuring himself out, whereas Colt knows exactly what he wants. The chemistry between them is undeniable, raw and emotional.
Rhett Thornwood is the golden boy in this small town, he is the hardworking son whose family owns a ranch and he does whats expected of him. Colton Dawson is unapologetically himself. He returns to his small town during college break to find a summer job and needs to stay out of trouble. These two have some history and are forced to work together for the summer 😏.
One of my favorite parts of this book is how the dub-cxn trope was written and the switching dynamic. The pacing of the story was excellent and the spice was so hot. I had to read chapter 18 twice not only because it was one of the best spicy scenes I’ve read in a while but also because it took my by surprise. 🥵
“Stop thinking,” he says. Not asking, telling. “Just take it.”
TROPES
🤠Rancher/Vet Student
🖤Small Town Romance
🤠Gay Awakeing
🖤Role Switching
🤠Dub-Cxn
🖤Mystery stalker
🤠Hate-to-want-you
🖤Golden Boy vs. Black Sheep
Review of advance copy received from Author
A super sweet read about a grumpy cowboy and a trainee vet who are forced to work together which leads to a certain cowboy coming to terms with his identity.
Low angst and a quick read with a sweet HEA.
I already love Rhett and Colt's family, their dynamic is tight knit and its clear there are some things going on with other characters that we will see in the future.
I also really want to live on the ranch!
📚
Rhett is set to take over his family ranch. He knows what is expected of him and he knows what the town expects his life to be. But when Colt turns back up in his life and is set to work on the family farm as part of his course, it throws everything Rhett thought he should be out of the window.
Colt sees right through Rhett, is flirty as hell and makes sure Rhett knows exactly what he feels about his Grumpy cowboy boss.
Rhett is all up in is head about things, especially when he starts getting anonymous messages that could 'out' him before he's ready.
Not only does he have to find out who is behind these messages but he also has to find out who he really wants to me in life.
Low angst and a quick read with a sweet HEA.
I already love Rhett and Colt's family, their dynamic is tight knit and its clear there are some things going on with other characters that we will see in the future.
I also really want to live on the ranch!
📚
Rhett is set to take over his family ranch. He knows what is expected of him and he knows what the town expects his life to be. But when Colt turns back up in his life and is set to work on the family farm as part of his course, it throws everything Rhett thought he should be out of the window.
Colt sees right through Rhett, is flirty as hell and makes sure Rhett knows exactly what he feels about his Grumpy cowboy boss.
Rhett is all up in is head about things, especially when he starts getting anonymous messages that could 'out' him before he's ready.
Not only does he have to find out who is behind these messages but he also has to find out who he really wants to me in life.
May 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥
This is a MM Dark Cowboy Romance
Well ok I want more of Rhett and Colton please.
Rhett Thornwood is meant to be mine, and I can’t wait to break down his walls. - Colton
I really enjoyed this book, the slow tension and build up. I would have personally enjoyed a bit more spice but that's just me, I love a dirty filthy MM romance.
Rhett is your small home town cowboy who has everything planned out, the wife the family the house on the ranch. It's what everyone expects of him, or that's how he feels. But the girl on his arm just isn't doing it for him, none of them ever have.
Colton is your bad boy from the small town but doesn't feel like he belongs there. He is different, he doesn't fit in with the normal everyone talks about him. But he is back for the summer.
With both of them having bad history and now working together on the Ranch this summer what ever could happen. The tension is tight and ready to snap!
Can't wait to see what's next in the series, but I do hope we get some more of this duo.
Recommend to anyone who loves a MM cowboy romance 💋
This does contain Triggers so make sure to read them, your Mental Health Matters!
🔥🔥
This is a MM Dark Cowboy Romance
Well ok I want more of Rhett and Colton please.
Rhett Thornwood is meant to be mine, and I can’t wait to break down his walls. - Colton
I really enjoyed this book, the slow tension and build up. I would have personally enjoyed a bit more spice but that's just me, I love a dirty filthy MM romance.
Rhett is your small home town cowboy who has everything planned out, the wife the family the house on the ranch. It's what everyone expects of him, or that's how he feels. But the girl on his arm just isn't doing it for him, none of them ever have.
Colton is your bad boy from the small town but doesn't feel like he belongs there. He is different, he doesn't fit in with the normal everyone talks about him. But he is back for the summer.
With both of them having bad history and now working together on the Ranch this summer what ever could happen. The tension is tight and ready to snap!
Can't wait to see what's next in the series, but I do hope we get some more of this duo.
Recommend to anyone who loves a MM cowboy romance 💋
This does contain Triggers so make sure to read them, your Mental Health Matters!
May 6, 2026
Secrets, Tension, and Slow-Burn Cowboys
This book hooks you right from the dedication—equal parts heartfelt and cheeky—and sets the tone perfectly for what’s to come.
Rhett, the town’s golden boy, is used to playing a role, but beneath that image is a truth he’s not ready to face. Colton, who’s never felt welcome in Cedarbrook, returns for the summer and stirs up everything Rhett has been trying to ignore. Their dynamic is messy, emotional, and filled with tension that keeps building as their past and unresolved feelings collide.
I was convinced Colton was behind the mysterious texts at first, but now I’m genuinely curious about who actually is. And Rhett breaking up with his girlfriend? That whole moment was frustrating in the best way—it really shows how deep his internal conflict runs.
This is definitely a slower burn when it comes to the romance—you don’t get to the more intense moments until about halfway through—but the buildup makes it worth it. The banter, the push-and-pull, and the emotional struggle between these two carry the story.
Overall, if you like small-town tension, complicated feelings, and a slow-build M/M cowboy romance, this one delivers.
This book hooks you right from the dedication—equal parts heartfelt and cheeky—and sets the tone perfectly for what’s to come.
Rhett, the town’s golden boy, is used to playing a role, but beneath that image is a truth he’s not ready to face. Colton, who’s never felt welcome in Cedarbrook, returns for the summer and stirs up everything Rhett has been trying to ignore. Their dynamic is messy, emotional, and filled with tension that keeps building as their past and unresolved feelings collide.
I was convinced Colton was behind the mysterious texts at first, but now I’m genuinely curious about who actually is. And Rhett breaking up with his girlfriend? That whole moment was frustrating in the best way—it really shows how deep his internal conflict runs.
This is definitely a slower burn when it comes to the romance—you don’t get to the more intense moments until about halfway through—but the buildup makes it worth it. The banter, the push-and-pull, and the emotional struggle between these two carry the story.
Overall, if you like small-town tension, complicated feelings, and a slow-build M/M cowboy romance, this one delivers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Or better yet, put that pretty mouth on me, cowboy, and make us both stop talking."
😏😏🤠🤠
Aye, this was pretty good, and just what my mood wanted. This is not really that dark, it's rather, a light greyish type of dark, but that didn't really bother me, because I did enjoy their relationship. If anything I just wish it wasn't so short, the authors did develop them nicely but wrapped them up pretty fast for my taste.
Colton is going back to the small town of Cedarbrook to work on a ranch to add experience for his vet tech degree and there he has to put up with Rhett, this is also where their story unfolds. There is some mystery, some cute cows and some nice steamy moments in this book which I really enjoyed. They also have some unresolved past issues. I haven't read much of this genre, the whole cowboys thing, but it did make me interested to further dabble into more of these.
Overall, it was a very fast paced, fun read, thank you to the authors for the arc opportunity.❤️
😏😏🤠🤠
Aye, this was pretty good, and just what my mood wanted. This is not really that dark, it's rather, a light greyish type of dark, but that didn't really bother me, because I did enjoy their relationship. If anything I just wish it wasn't so short, the authors did develop them nicely but wrapped them up pretty fast for my taste.
Colton is going back to the small town of Cedarbrook to work on a ranch to add experience for his vet tech degree and there he has to put up with Rhett, this is also where their story unfolds. There is some mystery, some cute cows and some nice steamy moments in this book which I really enjoyed. They also have some unresolved past issues. I haven't read much of this genre, the whole cowboys thing, but it did make me interested to further dabble into more of these.
Overall, it was a very fast paced, fun read, thank you to the authors for the arc opportunity.❤️
May 9, 2026
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to both of the amazing authors K.T. Maddan and Ainsley Vale for the opportunity to read this. I devoured this book.
This is book one in the a new series following the Thornwood Brothers. This one is about Colton Dawson and Rhett Thornwood. This story does contain themes that readers may find triggering, so be sure to check out the trigger warnings.
Rhett is known as the town's golden boy. He does what he thinks people expect of him, and thinks he knows what he wants. Then you have Colton, a man who always feels like he is on the outside and doesn’t fit in.
The tension between these two is intense and hot. As you read more, you get more into their past and see just how much history sits between them. I couldn’t put this book down. I loved the constant banter between Rhett and Colton. I don't want to reveal too much because I don't want to spoil anything for you all!
Overall, if you like small-town romance, gay awakening, slow burn, forced proximity, then you’ll love this book. It’s a 4/5
This is book one in the a new series following the Thornwood Brothers. This one is about Colton Dawson and Rhett Thornwood. This story does contain themes that readers may find triggering, so be sure to check out the trigger warnings.
Rhett is known as the town's golden boy. He does what he thinks people expect of him, and thinks he knows what he wants. Then you have Colton, a man who always feels like he is on the outside and doesn’t fit in.
The tension between these two is intense and hot. As you read more, you get more into their past and see just how much history sits between them. I couldn’t put this book down. I loved the constant banter between Rhett and Colton. I don't want to reveal too much because I don't want to spoil anything for you all!
Overall, if you like small-town romance, gay awakening, slow burn, forced proximity, then you’ll love this book. It’s a 4/5
Review of advance copy
Thank you to the authors.
I enjoyed the book - it was fast paced and low angst with enjoyable characters. I liked the relationship between the two mmcs and how it developed, the history they shared gave enough for me to accept that they had established foundation for where they are now (in life) to be believable.
The family dynamics were well established and a good background to the main characters. Darkness is a personal choice, as I would ultimately call this mildly grey, it's got some light domination and degradation, but nothing too deep into the darker side of the scale - but full context I read a lot of dark and twisty books...
The subplot was interesting and a nice way to build some extra tension.
I did enjoy the spice, it was contextual and well timed in terms of the story progression.
Overall, it's a fast read with an equally paced story - perfect for an afternoon tucked up on the couch.
I enjoyed the book - it was fast paced and low angst with enjoyable characters. I liked the relationship between the two mmcs and how it developed, the history they shared gave enough for me to accept that they had established foundation for where they are now (in life) to be believable.
The family dynamics were well established and a good background to the main characters. Darkness is a personal choice, as I would ultimately call this mildly grey, it's got some light domination and degradation, but nothing too deep into the darker side of the scale - but full context I read a lot of dark and twisty books...
The subplot was interesting and a nice way to build some extra tension.
I did enjoy the spice, it was contextual and well timed in terms of the story progression.
Overall, it's a fast read with an equally paced story - perfect for an afternoon tucked up on the couch.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Colt and Rhett's story in Deviant is one that you wont be able to put down. Ate it up in one sitting. From the start there's a weight to their connection that makes every interaction feel charged, like something unfinished has been waiting years to resurface.
What stood out to me was how the book handled internal conflict. Rhett's struggle felt so genuine and had me feeling for him (and at the same time wanting to scream-because poor Colt). It definitely creates a push and pull that keeps the tension high. Colt knows what he wants, is hella confident, and isn't afraid to call others out on their BS. The dialogue and spice between the two of them?? * sharp, charged, and sooo hott *
Overall, Deviant delivers a heartfelt, angsty romance with strong chemistry, emotional growth and just enough tension to keep you hooked form start to finish. The side characters add so much personality to the story, leaving you wanting more and I'm excited to see where their stories go next.
What stood out to me was how the book handled internal conflict. Rhett's struggle felt so genuine and had me feeling for him (and at the same time wanting to scream-because poor Colt). It definitely creates a push and pull that keeps the tension high. Colt knows what he wants, is hella confident, and isn't afraid to call others out on their BS. The dialogue and spice between the two of them?? * sharp, charged, and sooo hott *
Overall, Deviant delivers a heartfelt, angsty romance with strong chemistry, emotional growth and just enough tension to keep you hooked form start to finish. The side characters add so much personality to the story, leaving you wanting more and I'm excited to see where their stories go next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
Deviant By K.T Maddan & Ainsley Vale 👢
Release Date: 19th May 2026
Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶
🅃🅁🄾🄿🄴🅂
👢Dark MM Cowboy Romance
✨️ Small Town
👢Forced Proximity
✨️ Gay Awakening
👢Stalker
ℝ𝕙𝕖𝕥𝕥 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕣𝕟𝕨𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕖𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕖, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕀 𝕔𝕒𝕟’𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕚𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕜 𝕕𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕤.
Book 1 in a new interconnected series that is such a quick and steamy read, your going to want to read this one for the cowboys alone!! Because there's not one but two extremely hot cowboys, with some lines that will definitely leave you wanting.
“𝔹𝕖𝕘 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕞𝕪 𝕔𝕠𝕔𝕜, 𝕔𝕠𝕨𝕓𝕠𝕪. 𝔹𝕖𝕘, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕀’𝕝𝕝 𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕚𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦—𝕥𝕖𝕒𝕔𝕙 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕞𝕖 𝕕𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕒𝕥.”
It was hard not to devour this book in one sitting, from the beginning your left wanting more and its all due to the MMCs. Colten and Rhett couldn't be more different from each other but yet it's an instant attraction that brings out the darker side in both males and definitely has you sitting there leaving you speechless.
Deviant By K.T Maddan & Ainsley Vale 👢
Release Date: 19th May 2026
Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶
🅃🅁🄾🄿🄴🅂
👢Dark MM Cowboy Romance
✨️ Small Town
👢Forced Proximity
✨️ Gay Awakening
👢Stalker
ℝ𝕙𝕖𝕥𝕥 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕣𝕟𝕨𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕖𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕖, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕀 𝕔𝕒𝕟’𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕚𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕜 𝕕𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕤.
Book 1 in a new interconnected series that is such a quick and steamy read, your going to want to read this one for the cowboys alone!! Because there's not one but two extremely hot cowboys, with some lines that will definitely leave you wanting.
“𝔹𝕖𝕘 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕞𝕪 𝕔𝕠𝕔𝕜, 𝕔𝕠𝕨𝕓𝕠𝕪. 𝔹𝕖𝕘, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕀’𝕝𝕝 𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕚𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦—𝕥𝕖𝕒𝕔𝕙 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕞𝕖 𝕕𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕒𝕥.”
It was hard not to devour this book in one sitting, from the beginning your left wanting more and its all due to the MMCs. Colten and Rhett couldn't be more different from each other but yet it's an instant attraction that brings out the darker side in both males and definitely has you sitting there leaving you speechless.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Read. Honestly I had to force myself to continue this and finish it. Towards the end i just started skimming because this book did not hold my interest at all. First off, idk why it’s marketed as a “dark” cowboy romance. There was nothing dark about it. If the only reason they called it “dark” is because they kind of had a “stalker”. More like an unknown number texting them about how they knew exactly what they were doing together, Idk it was stupid. You have Rhett that says “I’m not gay” LITERALLY right after Colt f*cks him… 🙄 I felt nothing for the characters and there wasn’t enough tension for me, it was more so just 2 whiney MMC’s - Rhett crying about I’m not gay, but I hate my girlfriend and I get hard for another guy” and then Colt “hes mine and why won’t he love me blah blah blah” idk, I was just more annoyed than anything really. I really wanted to love his and had high hopes for it. But I was left disappointed.
May 5, 2026
Deviant is one of those books that you can easily devour, and that’s exactly what I did.
Colton knows exactly who is he is, and what he wants, and won’t stop until he gets it. Rhett is the towns Golden Boy, and carries the weight of expectation heavy in his shoulders. But when he finally starts to let his carefully crafted walls down and let Colt in, that’s where the true magic begins.
I loved the dynamic between these two. Whether fighting or flirting, the tension was thick right from the start. And the growth Rhett shows is something truly remarkable once he allows himself to accept who he is, and what he wants.
No spoilers, but let’s just see I loved to see the flip in his personality by the end and would have loved to see more of that man.
Deviant is the first book in a series of interconnected standalones, and I can’t wait to see which Thornwood brother is up next.
Colton knows exactly who is he is, and what he wants, and won’t stop until he gets it. Rhett is the towns Golden Boy, and carries the weight of expectation heavy in his shoulders. But when he finally starts to let his carefully crafted walls down and let Colt in, that’s where the true magic begins.
I loved the dynamic between these two. Whether fighting or flirting, the tension was thick right from the start. And the growth Rhett shows is something truly remarkable once he allows himself to accept who he is, and what he wants.
No spoilers, but let’s just see I loved to see the flip in his personality by the end and would have loved to see more of that man.
Deviant is the first book in a series of interconnected standalones, and I can’t wait to see which Thornwood brother is up next.
May 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Deviant by KT Madsson & Ainsley Vale completely pulled me in and didn’t let go.
Colton and Rhett are such a genuinely sweet and compelling couple. What really stood out to me was Rhett’s internal struggle—watching him fight against himself, trying to come to terms with who he is, added so much depth and emotion to the story. It wasn’t just about romance; it was about self-acceptance, and that made every moment hit harder.
Colton’s presence balanced everything beautifully, offering the kind of support and connection that made their relationship feel real and earned. Loved how Colton went after what he wanted. Together, they had this quiet intensity that made their journey so satisfying to watch unfold.
This was emotional, heartfelt, and completely worth the read. Definitely a 5-star for me. 💙
Deviant by KT Madsson & Ainsley Vale completely pulled me in and didn’t let go.
Colton and Rhett are such a genuinely sweet and compelling couple. What really stood out to me was Rhett’s internal struggle—watching him fight against himself, trying to come to terms with who he is, added so much depth and emotion to the story. It wasn’t just about romance; it was about self-acceptance, and that made every moment hit harder.
Colton’s presence balanced everything beautifully, offering the kind of support and connection that made their relationship feel real and earned. Loved how Colton went after what he wanted. Together, they had this quiet intensity that made their journey so satisfying to watch unfold.
This was emotional, heartfelt, and completely worth the read. Definitely a 5-star for me. 💙
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to KT Maddan and Ainsley Vale for the ARC.
This story follows Rhett, a devoted son and real-life cowboy working on his family's farm, and Colton, a confident outsider. Colton and Rhett have a tumultuous past but things cool off when Colton leaves their small town for school. When he returns to town to get internship hours at Rhett's family farm, Rhett is tasked with showing him the ropes over the summer.
This was like 4/10 angst, low tension, and spicy. At 200 pages, it's a great taste of a dark cowboy romance. I read it and found myself wanting more of their story, though they did get a sweet HEA at the end. The tensions explored felt realistic and I appreciated the emotional gravity coming out was handled with.
The primal play element was good, I wish there was more because I'm greedy...
Pick this one up if you want the perfect spicy beach read!
This story follows Rhett, a devoted son and real-life cowboy working on his family's farm, and Colton, a confident outsider. Colton and Rhett have a tumultuous past but things cool off when Colton leaves their small town for school. When he returns to town to get internship hours at Rhett's family farm, Rhett is tasked with showing him the ropes over the summer.
This was like 4/10 angst, low tension, and spicy. At 200 pages, it's a great taste of a dark cowboy romance. I read it and found myself wanting more of their story, though they did get a sweet HEA at the end. The tensions explored felt realistic and I appreciated the emotional gravity coming out was handled with.
The primal play element was good, I wish there was more because I'm greedy...
Pick this one up if you want the perfect spicy beach read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved Rhett and Colton!!! I sat down and read this in one sitting. I could not put it down. Cowboy and vet in training, plus a bit of internalized angst, and these two are fire. They have some history because they both grew up in a small town and went to school together.
The push and pull between them is absolutely on point and had me fully enraptured with their story. I won’t say much other than I was amazing to see Rhett come into his own. Colton was a bit of an ass, but for me, that’s part of his charm. There isn’t a lot of spice but there there is is spicy. 🌶️🌶️
If you like cowboys and you like a bit of push and pull between your MCs, then you need to meet Rhett and Colton. 4.5 stars
I was given an advanced copy by the author and am free giving an honest review.
The push and pull between them is absolutely on point and had me fully enraptured with their story. I won’t say much other than I was amazing to see Rhett come into his own. Colton was a bit of an ass, but for me, that’s part of his charm. There isn’t a lot of spice but there there is is spicy. 🌶️🌶️
If you like cowboys and you like a bit of push and pull between your MCs, then you need to meet Rhett and Colton. 4.5 stars
I was given an advanced copy by the author and am free giving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Did I constantly check my email for this book? Yes, yes I did.
Did I stay up the entire night reading it? Also yes.
Did I devour every second of it? HECK YEAH I DID.
THIS DUO, IS EVERYTHING! I’m so excited that both KT and Ainsley will be writing more together because honestly, they complement each other so well and know how create a cowboy romance like you’ve never experienced before.
It was dramatic, spicy, intense, witty, comedic, and down right SWOON WORTHY.
Colt is a man with a plan and isn’t afraid to go for what he wants.
Rhett’s character development was beautifully executed.
And Cash, while he wasn’t technically one of the MMCs, he made this wild ride so much fun!
I cannot wait to read his book!
Did I stay up the entire night reading it? Also yes.
Did I devour every second of it? HECK YEAH I DID.
THIS DUO, IS EVERYTHING! I’m so excited that both KT and Ainsley will be writing more together because honestly, they complement each other so well and know how create a cowboy romance like you’ve never experienced before.
It was dramatic, spicy, intense, witty, comedic, and down right SWOON WORTHY.
Colt is a man with a plan and isn’t afraid to go for what he wants.
Rhett’s character development was beautifully executed.
And Cash, while he wasn’t technically one of the MMCs, he made this wild ride so much fun!
I cannot wait to read his book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I mostly enjoyed this small town, dark (not really) cowboy romance! Rhett & Colton are 23, enemies and forced to work together. Colton is out and proud while Rhett is so deep in the closet, he can’t find his way out on his own. I will say Rhett made me angry throughout most of this book and I think Colt forgave him way too easily for everything. I’m not sure if I ever forgave Rhett but I was happy that Colt got his HEA.
Overall, I did enjoy the plot and anonymous threatening text mystery. It got wrapped up a little too neatly for my liking but wasn’t that big of an issue. I also felt like the authors kinda threw in every trope they could think of, especially towards the end. I really enjoyed the first half of the book though which is why I gave it 4 stars.
Overall, I did enjoy the plot and anonymous threatening text mystery. It got wrapped up a little too neatly for my liking but wasn’t that big of an issue. I also felt like the authors kinda threw in every trope they could think of, especially towards the end. I really enjoyed the first half of the book though which is why I gave it 4 stars.
May 6, 2026
This is an ARC I received and I was very excited because I am a sucker for a good cowboy romance, doesn’t matter what it is.
When I first started reading the book and Molly was introduced, I did let out a groan and was like “Please tell me that she doesn’t stick around very long” ONLY because when Rhett’s mom was a bit to pushy for it and I didn’t like that whatsoever.
And then rolls on Mr. Colton and I knew then she wouldn’t be sticking around for very long. (But what Molly did pissed me off very much and she should’ve experienced some kinda consequences for her actions)
BUT! I loved the book and I’m so glad Colton and Rhett were about to eventually communicate properly and work things out.
5/5 Star Read!
When I first started reading the book and Molly was introduced, I did let out a groan and was like “Please tell me that she doesn’t stick around very long” ONLY because when Rhett’s mom was a bit to pushy for it and I didn’t like that whatsoever.
And then rolls on Mr. Colton and I knew then she wouldn’t be sticking around for very long. (But what Molly did pissed me off very much and she should’ve experienced some kinda consequences for her actions)
BUT! I loved the book and I’m so glad Colton and Rhett were about to eventually communicate properly and work things out.
5/5 Star Read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you for this amazing opportunity to read your eARC, and I am happy to provide my honest review in return.
Ugh!! I absolutely adore these characters! I’m completely hooked and now addicted to this series.
I believe the Hate to Love trope deserves a spot here. While it’s not a full-on dark romance, it has a subtle darkness to it. The mystery stalker really frustrated me, using his secrets as weapons because of his unhappiness. Ugh!
This book may be short, but it certainly captured my attention. Plus, it's the first installment of the series. I’m eagerly trying to guess who the next main characters will be in the upcoming book.
Ugh!! I absolutely adore these characters! I’m completely hooked and now addicted to this series.
I believe the Hate to Love trope deserves a spot here. While it’s not a full-on dark romance, it has a subtle darkness to it. The mystery stalker really frustrated me, using his secrets as weapons because of his unhappiness. Ugh!
This book may be short, but it certainly captured my attention. Plus, it's the first installment of the series. I’m eagerly trying to guess who the next main characters will be in the upcoming book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this book but for me it fell a little flat. This wasn't dark as I had expected it to be, and the relationship was a little off. I did enjoy both guys, but this needed more development for me to find it believable. Even with the chapter of backstory, it didn't seem like a realistic leap for me. I liked the mystery subplot, but it wrapped too quickly and kind of boring in the end. Honestly, I think the biggest issue with this is that it needed more to really cook. The story was good, but it needed to be longer to really be great. I did really enjoy the side characters, though, especially Rhetts Mom. We all wanna be accepted just like that.
May 8, 2026
4 stars! This book was exactly what I was hoping for in a short, fast-paced MM cowboy romance. In just around 200 pages, this book somehow managed to make me swoon, go absolutely feral, and completely fall for these men. It’s dark, dirty, addictive, and impossible to put down once it gets going.
And honestly? The dedication alone sold me:
“…and for the ones who are just here for the gay cowboy shit, you have excellent taste.”
Say less.
If you love possessive tension, “good boy” praise, and “get on your knees” moments that make you stare at a wall afterward, this one is absolutely for you. Fast-paced, filthy, and ridiculously fun from start to finish. Save a horse, ride a cowboy. 🤠
And honestly? The dedication alone sold me:
“…and for the ones who are just here for the gay cowboy shit, you have excellent taste.”
Say less.
If you love possessive tension, “good boy” praise, and “get on your knees” moments that make you stare at a wall afterward, this one is absolutely for you. Fast-paced, filthy, and ridiculously fun from start to finish. Save a horse, ride a cowboy. 🤠
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