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He’s a convicted killer.
I’m his nurse.
And he saw my bruises.
Now he keeps getting hurt on purpose,
just to see that I’m safe.
As a prison nurse, I keep my heart locked away tighter than the men I treat.
No gray areas.
No second chances.
Especially not after escaping my abusive ex.
Then Knox Blackwood, the most dangerous man in the prison, winds up in my infirmary.
Whatever he did to get locked up remains the prison’s darkest secret.
He should terrify me.
Instead, he sees what no one else does.
The scars.
The flinch when a door slams.
The fear I can’t bury.
“Who hurt you?” he growls.
When I don’t answer, Knox starts showing up in my infirmary every day.
New wounds.
Suspicious injuries.
Getting hurt on purpose,
just for five minutes with me.
Just to make sure I’m safe.
I tell myself I can’t fall for an inmate.
I won’t.
Especially not one who’s now harboring a violent vendetta against my ex.
But every stolen touch feels like salvation.
And every whispered promise paves the road to our future.
Knox is one parole hearing from freedom.
If we stay careful, maybe he’ll get out.
Reunite with his daughter.
And we’ll have a life beyond these walls.
All I have to do
is keep Knox from killing the man who hurt me.
That’s the plan.
Until my violent ex steps into the prison
as Knox’s new guard…
From an International & Amazon top 25 bestselling author, TRUST is a forbidden romance featuring an obsessive, morally gray prisoner willing to risk his only shot at freedom to protect her.
✔️ Forbidden nurse/inmate romance
✔️ Obsessive, possessive morally gray hero
✔️ “Touch Her and Die” energy
✔️ “Who Hurt You?” protector vibes
✔️ Forced proximity in a prison setting
✔️ Alpha male with everything to lose
Standalone. Unputdownable HEA.
Trigger Warnings: Please visit the author’s website for the full list.
I’m his nurse.
And he saw my bruises.
Now he keeps getting hurt on purpose,
just to see that I’m safe.
As a prison nurse, I keep my heart locked away tighter than the men I treat.
No gray areas.
No second chances.
Especially not after escaping my abusive ex.
Then Knox Blackwood, the most dangerous man in the prison, winds up in my infirmary.
Whatever he did to get locked up remains the prison’s darkest secret.
He should terrify me.
Instead, he sees what no one else does.
The scars.
The flinch when a door slams.
The fear I can’t bury.
“Who hurt you?” he growls.
When I don’t answer, Knox starts showing up in my infirmary every day.
New wounds.
Suspicious injuries.
Getting hurt on purpose,
just for five minutes with me.
Just to make sure I’m safe.
I tell myself I can’t fall for an inmate.
I won’t.
Especially not one who’s now harboring a violent vendetta against my ex.
But every stolen touch feels like salvation.
And every whispered promise paves the road to our future.
Knox is one parole hearing from freedom.
If we stay careful, maybe he’ll get out.
Reunite with his daughter.
And we’ll have a life beyond these walls.
All I have to do
is keep Knox from killing the man who hurt me.
That’s the plan.
Until my violent ex steps into the prison
as Knox’s new guard…
From an International & Amazon top 25 bestselling author, TRUST is a forbidden romance featuring an obsessive, morally gray prisoner willing to risk his only shot at freedom to protect her.
✔️ Forbidden nurse/inmate romance
✔️ Obsessive, possessive morally gray hero
✔️ “Touch Her and Die” energy
✔️ “Who Hurt You?” protector vibes
✔️ Forced proximity in a prison setting
✔️ Alpha male with everything to lose
Standalone. Unputdownable HEA.
Trigger Warnings: Please visit the author’s website for the full list.
528 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2026
1151 people are currently reading
1201 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Lockheart
17 books984 followers★ Amazon Top 25 bestselling author ★
Kathy Lockheart is an Amazon Top 25 bestselling author and Kindle Unlimited All-Star of Suspenseful Romance novels. Her books—which have a unique blend of emotional elements typically found in women’s fiction and the romance and danger elements found in romantic suspense—contain themes that include dark romance antiheroes, enemies to lovers alpha tropes, and forbidden romance angst. When she’s not writing, you can find her silently cursing the person who put fluorescent lights in dressing rooms.
SECRETS AND THE CITY
Deadly Illusion
Fatal Cure
Lethal Justice
Grave Deception
Vendetta Duet
Secret Vendetta
Silent Vendetta
Cross Duet
Crossfire
Crossover
Join Kathy’s VIP Team ➜ https://kathylockheart.com/join-my-vi...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kathy...
Main links ➜https://kathylockheart.com/mainlinks
Facebook➜ http://bit.ly/LockheartFB
Website ➜ www.KathyLockheart.com
Instagram➜ https://www.instagram.com/kathy_lockh...
TikTok ➜ https://www.tiktok.com/@kathylockhear...
Kathy Lockheart is an Amazon Top 25 bestselling author and Kindle Unlimited All-Star of Suspenseful Romance novels. Her books—which have a unique blend of emotional elements typically found in women’s fiction and the romance and danger elements found in romantic suspense—contain themes that include dark romance antiheroes, enemies to lovers alpha tropes, and forbidden romance angst. When she’s not writing, you can find her silently cursing the person who put fluorescent lights in dressing rooms.
SECRETS AND THE CITY
Deadly Illusion
Fatal Cure
Lethal Justice
Grave Deception
Vendetta Duet
Secret Vendetta
Silent Vendetta
Cross Duet
Crossfire
Crossover
Join Kathy’s VIP Team ➜ https://kathylockheart.com/join-my-vi...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kathy...
Main links ➜https://kathylockheart.com/mainlinks
Facebook➜ http://bit.ly/LockheartFB
Website ➜ www.KathyLockheart.com
Instagram➜ https://www.instagram.com/kathy_lockh...
TikTok ➜ https://www.tiktok.com/@kathylockhear...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
May 6, 2026
Fleeing Indiana and her abusive ex, Harper Mitchell, finds herself working in the infirmary of Coldwater Penitentiary, a medium security prison. On her first day, she meets Knox Blackwood, a convicted murderer, requiring treatment following a fight he was at the center of.
Listen… Listen… LISTEN! I went into this book with some preconceived notions. I got something fairly different than what I expected, but it was everything I didn’t know I wanted. Knox is fucking swoony. He’s soft and insightful, the kind of protective you don’t want to be on the wrong side of, and the definition of sex on a stick. There wasn’t as much steam as I typically prefer, but Trust ticked all the emotional boxes. This was my first book by Kathy Lockwood, but absolutely not my last. Generally I won’t go back to the start of a series if I start in the middle, but I actually might with this one. Every single side character has me intrigued!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark-ish, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
Emotions: 😳🫠😊🤯😍
Darkness: 🩶🩶
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes: Forced Proximity, Found Family, Heroine in Danger, Instalove/Insta-Obsession, Opposites Attract, Secret Relationship, Single Parent, Workplace
💫 Microtropes: Boy Obsessed, Caretaker/Protective MMC, Forehead Kisses, “Good Girl”, Panty Thief, Pet Name (Princess), Size Difference, Tattooed MMC, Tragic Past, “Who Hurt You?”
🔆 Character: Nurse, Prisoner
💋 Kinks: Finger Licking Good, Handcuffs, Toys as Teammates
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Dominant MMC, MINE!, Touch-Her-and-💀
⛔️ Safety Squad: Domestic Violence (Not by MMC), Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: Chicago, Illinois USA
📣 Type: Trust is the part of the Sinners & Saints series of interconnected standalones.
⚠️ Warning: This sweet and steamy read will leave your panties damp and your cheeks flushed.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Listen… Listen… LISTEN! I went into this book with some preconceived notions. I got something fairly different than what I expected, but it was everything I didn’t know I wanted. Knox is fucking swoony. He’s soft and insightful, the kind of protective you don’t want to be on the wrong side of, and the definition of sex on a stick. There wasn’t as much steam as I typically prefer, but Trust ticked all the emotional boxes. This was my first book by Kathy Lockwood, but absolutely not my last. Generally I won’t go back to the start of a series if I start in the middle, but I actually might with this one. Every single side character has me intrigued!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark-ish, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
Emotions: 😳🫠😊🤯😍
Darkness: 🩶🩶
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes: Forced Proximity, Found Family, Heroine in Danger, Instalove/Insta-Obsession, Opposites Attract, Secret Relationship, Single Parent, Workplace
💫 Microtropes: Boy Obsessed, Caretaker/Protective MMC, Forehead Kisses, “Good Girl”, Panty Thief, Pet Name (Princess), Size Difference, Tattooed MMC, Tragic Past, “Who Hurt You?”
🔆 Character: Nurse, Prisoner
💋 Kinks: Finger Licking Good, Handcuffs, Toys as Teammates
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Dominant MMC, MINE!, Touch-Her-and-💀
⛔️ Safety Squad: Domestic Violence (Not by MMC), Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: Chicago, Illinois USA
📣 Type: Trust is the part of the Sinners & Saints series of interconnected standalones.
⚠️ Warning: This sweet and steamy read will leave your panties damp and your cheeks flushed.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
May 1, 2026
Sweet ending to the Saints and Sinners series. I adored book 1 and 2. Skipped 3 and disliked 4. Book 5 was also a good one but for some reason I expected more.
More emotion. More angst. More tears. More passion. You get the gist.
Knox had such a beautiful character growth. I love his reasoning, why he decided in a crucial moment to end a man's life. To be honest, many would have done the same. I draw a red line when it comes to pedophiles.
Knox's life was so unfair and heartbreaking.
I wanted to see more interaction with his daughter, Gwen, once he left prison.
I wanted some insecurity from Harper regarding Knox's ex. Yes we know that he didn't really love her but still she's the mother of his child. I wanted drama there.
I wanted more romantic moments between Knox and Harper. I mean yeah they love each other but it was not epic. And also I wish the author addressed the issue of Knox's unconditional love for Harper. Was it because she was pretty and obviously in distress? Was it because she was available? Was it because he felt a connection or because she was convenient? What happens when he leaves jail and he has so many women literally drooling at the sight of him! Will he still vow by Harper? I wanted that addressed as well.
Can I just say how stupidly idiotic Axel is! I had to skip all their group chat conversations because I just couldn't handle his silliness! 🙄
And Ryker, why don't you take a chill pill man! I predict him an aneurism by the age of 36 (he's currently 35!).
A sweet tearjerker moment was the scene where Gwen gives her father the pink album. Be still my heart! My heart broke for them especially for Knox. My favourite part of the book for sure.
Harper was a hot and cold character for me. I felt for her. I wanted to protect her and wished all the best for her. And I do understand her trauma and where she is coming from, I really do. But she was so distant and emotionally detached when it came to Knox. I wanted more small gestures. Endearing moments. More touches and hugs and small kisses and comfort.
Anyway, the book was really good. Great ending to an inconsistent series.
More emotion. More angst. More tears. More passion. You get the gist.
Knox had such a beautiful character growth. I love his reasoning, why he decided in a crucial moment to end a man's life. To be honest, many would have done the same. I draw a red line when it comes to pedophiles.
Knox's life was so unfair and heartbreaking.
I wanted to see more interaction with his daughter, Gwen, once he left prison.
I wanted some insecurity from Harper regarding Knox's ex. Yes we know that he didn't really love her but still she's the mother of his child. I wanted drama there.
I wanted more romantic moments between Knox and Harper. I mean yeah they love each other but it was not epic. And also I wish the author addressed the issue of Knox's unconditional love for Harper. Was it because she was pretty and obviously in distress? Was it because she was available? Was it because he felt a connection or because she was convenient? What happens when he leaves jail and he has so many women literally drooling at the sight of him! Will he still vow by Harper? I wanted that addressed as well.
Can I just say how stupidly idiotic Axel is! I had to skip all their group chat conversations because I just couldn't handle his silliness! 🙄
And Ryker, why don't you take a chill pill man! I predict him an aneurism by the age of 36 (he's currently 35!).
A sweet tearjerker moment was the scene where Gwen gives her father the pink album. Be still my heart! My heart broke for them especially for Knox. My favourite part of the book for sure.
Harper was a hot and cold character for me. I felt for her. I wanted to protect her and wished all the best for her. And I do understand her trauma and where she is coming from, I really do. But she was so distant and emotionally detached when it came to Knox. I wanted more small gestures. Endearing moments. More touches and hugs and small kisses and comfort.
Anyway, the book was really good. Great ending to an inconsistent series.
April 30, 2026
This book is the beautiful and heart wrenching conclusion to the Sinners and Saints series, a series about 5 billionaire best friends who are all their own brand of unhinged. Now I have loved every single book in this series but this one, shocked me and wrecked me in a way so beautiful yet terrifying that I can’t explain. I love a forbidden romance and a prisoner x nurse romance more than anything, but this one was so unbelievably angsty. Knox has so much on the line, one mistake and he may lose his chance at reconnecting with his daughter. Harper is incredibly scarred from her abusive ex, yet can’t help falling for the murder convict who would burn the world for her while whispering sweet nothings in her ear. This plot was just insane, tension at MAX level, and I was crying through at least 50% of it. The plot twists were horrifying yet so incredibly GENIUS. There were so many parts I wanted to kick and scream, and this boom was practically glued to my hand because I could not put it down. After everything they’ve been through, no one deserves a HEA more than them. Let’s talk about Knox because he’s such a contradictory character. On one hands he’s the strong, six-four tattooed prisoner convicted for murder that everyone else is incredibly afraid of. But one look at Harper and he melts like ice cream on a hot summers day. He’s so unhinged, because what do you mean he got himself hurt just to get sent to the infirmary to see her? What do you mean he was willing to risk losing his parole just to save her? He takes Touch her and Die to the best level. And not only is he unhinged, but also incredibly sweet and observant, he notices everything from the slightest hitch of her breath to the furrow of her brow, this man worships her like she’s his religion. But I’m also obsessed with his character development, how Harper gave him hope and encouragement to finally be the father he’s always his daughter to have. Harper is also such a badass character who also goes through a lot of character change, as she heals and starts seeing things in a different way. What I loved most, was how they fit so perfectly together, how they fixed each others souls, and how despite all struggles they came back together. This book is one of the best things I’ve read recently (but watch out because those twists are EVIL and YOU WILL CRY). I give this a 5/5
May 4, 2026
#Review: *Trust* - Kathy Lockheart - ARC [18+]
4.6/5✨
3/5🌶️
Knox Blackwood was an inmate in the prison where Harper started working as a nurse. She was trying to get away from her abusive ex, but that place was definitely not for her, considering the fact that she flinched at each thing that happened in her proximity. But Knox saw that and decided that Harper must be protected by him and that meant getting himself hurt, in order to be near her. Knox shouldn't have any missteps because the freedom he so ardently desired was so close, but can he keep his anger at bay when it came to protecting Harper to not affect his entire future?
I was instantly captivated by this story and by these amazing characters. Both Knox and Harper had a complex past, one which was still consuming them so much in the present. I was so curious about finding out Knox's story, to know why he was present in that prison for so many years. Even though he had many weaknesses when it came to his loved ones, Knox was a good man who would do anything to protect the ones near him. He instantly felt attracted to Harper, even before seeing her, being the cause of their first encounter in the infirmary. All those glances and short secret interactions made them get closer to each other, enhancing that tension which was present between them. The forbidden side of their connection was so good, making everything more dangerous and intense. I also liked that we still had that amazing connection between the other guys from the Sinners and Saints brotherhood, having so many funny moments which included them. There were a couple of suspenseful moments which took my breath away, feeling like I could just jump into the book and help them myself🥹.
I had such a great time reading this book and unraveling Knox's story. It was emotional, tense, raw, dangerous and sweet, making it a true rollercoaster of feelings. I feel sad that this series is ending with this one, but that last part of this story was quite interesting and I'm guessing that we will soon meet some another new and amazing characters, which are going to steal our hearts away 🤭.
Thank you so much Kathy and Valentine Pr for this e-ARC. I loved it so much!🩵
✨Tropes
▫️Forbidden Love
▫️Man Obsessed
▫️Morally Grey Hero
▫️Touch Her And Die
▫️Protective MMC
▫️Forced Proximity
▫️Angst
▫️Band Of Brothers
▫️Opposites Attract
▫️Slow Burn
4.6/5✨
3/5🌶️
Knox Blackwood was an inmate in the prison where Harper started working as a nurse. She was trying to get away from her abusive ex, but that place was definitely not for her, considering the fact that she flinched at each thing that happened in her proximity. But Knox saw that and decided that Harper must be protected by him and that meant getting himself hurt, in order to be near her. Knox shouldn't have any missteps because the freedom he so ardently desired was so close, but can he keep his anger at bay when it came to protecting Harper to not affect his entire future?
I was instantly captivated by this story and by these amazing characters. Both Knox and Harper had a complex past, one which was still consuming them so much in the present. I was so curious about finding out Knox's story, to know why he was present in that prison for so many years. Even though he had many weaknesses when it came to his loved ones, Knox was a good man who would do anything to protect the ones near him. He instantly felt attracted to Harper, even before seeing her, being the cause of their first encounter in the infirmary. All those glances and short secret interactions made them get closer to each other, enhancing that tension which was present between them. The forbidden side of their connection was so good, making everything more dangerous and intense. I also liked that we still had that amazing connection between the other guys from the Sinners and Saints brotherhood, having so many funny moments which included them. There were a couple of suspenseful moments which took my breath away, feeling like I could just jump into the book and help them myself🥹.
I had such a great time reading this book and unraveling Knox's story. It was emotional, tense, raw, dangerous and sweet, making it a true rollercoaster of feelings. I feel sad that this series is ending with this one, but that last part of this story was quite interesting and I'm guessing that we will soon meet some another new and amazing characters, which are going to steal our hearts away 🤭.
Thank you so much Kathy and Valentine Pr for this e-ARC. I loved it so much!🩵
✨Tropes
▫️Forbidden Love
▫️Man Obsessed
▫️Morally Grey Hero
▫️Touch Her And Die
▫️Protective MMC
▫️Forced Proximity
▫️Angst
▫️Band Of Brothers
▫️Opposites Attract
▫️Slow Burn
May 1, 2026
This is hands down my favourite in the Sinners and Saints series. Kathy Lockheart absolutely delivered, this book is intense, emotional, raw, and beautifully written.
Harper is on the run from her abusive ex, Silas, a manipulative, dangerous man who refuses to let her go. After growing up with alcoholic parents, she’s already fought hard to survive, and now she’s just trying to build a life where she finally feels safe.
Knox… wow. Serving a 25-year sentence for murder (14 years already served, with two denied paroles), he’s known as the most dangerous inmate, 6’4, covered in tattoos, and completely shut off from the world. The only thing grounding him is the hope of seeing his daughter again. He writes her letters… but never sends them.
When Knox overhears another inmate threatening to assault the new nurse, he completely loses control, and that moment changes everything.
That nurse is Harper.
What follows is a slow, powerful connection built in the most unlikely place. Knox notices her fear immediately, the bruise on her cheek, and quietly becomes her protector. He finds ways to be near her, eventually working in the infirmary just to see her every day.
Their relationship is everything: intense, emotional, and deeply healing. Harper isn’t afraid of Knox the way others are. She sees beyond the tattoos and reputation to the man underneath, caring, gentle, and fiercely protective. And Knox? He starts to feel again. After years of just existing, Harper brings him back to life, smiles, laughter, hope.
But the tension never lets up.
When Harper finds a note—“Found you – S”—and Silas shows up as a new corrections officer… everything escalates. The stakes skyrocket, and Knox is willing to sacrifice everything to protect her, while Harper fights to stand on her own two feet.
This book took me on a full emotional journey. I cried ugly tears (Chapter 64 absolutely broke me), laughed out loud (the Sinners and Saints group chat—Axel is chaos 😂), and sat on the edge of my seat more times than I can count.
Kathy Lockheart captured every emotion so vividly, you feel everything right alongside these characters.
I’ve been waiting for Knox’s story since meeting him in earlier books, and it was so worth it. She truly saved the best for last.
Loved every second. Every word. Every emotion.
Harper is on the run from her abusive ex, Silas, a manipulative, dangerous man who refuses to let her go. After growing up with alcoholic parents, she’s already fought hard to survive, and now she’s just trying to build a life where she finally feels safe.
Knox… wow. Serving a 25-year sentence for murder (14 years already served, with two denied paroles), he’s known as the most dangerous inmate, 6’4, covered in tattoos, and completely shut off from the world. The only thing grounding him is the hope of seeing his daughter again. He writes her letters… but never sends them.
When Knox overhears another inmate threatening to assault the new nurse, he completely loses control, and that moment changes everything.
That nurse is Harper.
What follows is a slow, powerful connection built in the most unlikely place. Knox notices her fear immediately, the bruise on her cheek, and quietly becomes her protector. He finds ways to be near her, eventually working in the infirmary just to see her every day.
Their relationship is everything: intense, emotional, and deeply healing. Harper isn’t afraid of Knox the way others are. She sees beyond the tattoos and reputation to the man underneath, caring, gentle, and fiercely protective. And Knox? He starts to feel again. After years of just existing, Harper brings him back to life, smiles, laughter, hope.
But the tension never lets up.
When Harper finds a note—“Found you – S”—and Silas shows up as a new corrections officer… everything escalates. The stakes skyrocket, and Knox is willing to sacrifice everything to protect her, while Harper fights to stand on her own two feet.
This book took me on a full emotional journey. I cried ugly tears (Chapter 64 absolutely broke me), laughed out loud (the Sinners and Saints group chat—Axel is chaos 😂), and sat on the edge of my seat more times than I can count.
Kathy Lockheart captured every emotion so vividly, you feel everything right alongside these characters.
I’ve been waiting for Knox’s story since meeting him in earlier books, and it was so worth it. She truly saved the best for last.
Loved every second. Every word. Every emotion.
May 7, 2026
4🌟, 3🌶️
This book honestly surprised me in the best way.
The prison nurse and inmate dynamic brought so much tension right away, but Knox was really the heart of this book for me. Beneath all the possessive, morally gray energy, he was surprisingly soft and caring, especially when it came to Harper and his daughter. Some of his quieter moments genuinely hit me emotionally.
I really liked the mix of angst, suspense, and romance throughout the story. Knox and Harper had great chemistry, and watching Harper slowly let her guard down felt natural and satisfying. The protective “touch her and die” energy, the forced proximity, and all the twists kept me completely hooked. I just found myself wanting a little more emotional depth and a few more softer moments between them to make their connection feel even stronger.
Still, Knox’s character growth was easily my favorite part, and the ending left me feeling emotional in the best way. Even with a few things I wanted more of, this was still such an addictive read that kept me invested the entire time.
This book reminded me why I love messy, emotional romances so much.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Kathy Lockheart & Valentine PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
This book honestly surprised me in the best way.
The prison nurse and inmate dynamic brought so much tension right away, but Knox was really the heart of this book for me. Beneath all the possessive, morally gray energy, he was surprisingly soft and caring, especially when it came to Harper and his daughter. Some of his quieter moments genuinely hit me emotionally.
I really liked the mix of angst, suspense, and romance throughout the story. Knox and Harper had great chemistry, and watching Harper slowly let her guard down felt natural and satisfying. The protective “touch her and die” energy, the forced proximity, and all the twists kept me completely hooked. I just found myself wanting a little more emotional depth and a few more softer moments between them to make their connection feel even stronger.
Still, Knox’s character growth was easily my favorite part, and the ending left me feeling emotional in the best way. Even with a few things I wanted more of, this was still such an addictive read that kept me invested the entire time.
This book reminded me why I love messy, emotional romances so much.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Kathy Lockheart & Valentine PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
April 30, 2026
✨️ARC Read
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶
Happy Ending
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶
Happy Ending
May 7, 2026
OBSESSED. I could not put this book down! I LOVE Knox & Harper 🥹🥹🥹 & that extended epilogue was EVERYTHING.
April 30, 2026
This is full “this is a terrible idea but we’re doing it anyway” energy from page one.
Tropes:
Prison Setting
Forbidden Everything
...and two people who absolutely should not be getting involved… getting very involved
Like the tension isn’t subtle. It’s very much:
eye contact → bad decisions → worse decisions → feelings → panic → repeat
The MMC? Dangerous in that quiet, controlled way where you know he’s holding back… until he’s not. He’s not loud about it, but the second he locks in, it’s over.
The vibe is very much:
“stay away from me”
immediately followed by
“actually don’t go anywhere”...Cause we live for the back and forth sometimes 🤷♀️
The FMC is doing her best to be logical....like she knows this is risky, messy, and probably going to ruin her life… and yet she keeps showing up anyway. Which, honestly, same 😂
Also Tropes:
Sneaking around like no one is watching (spoiler: everyone is watching)
Tension so thick it’s stressful
Choices that make you go “girl PLEASE” but you keep reading
Is it healthy? Absolutely not.
Is it smart? Also no.
Did I eat it up anyway? Yes.
This is peak forbidden romance chaos with high tension and questionable decisions. Kathy always delivers honestly and I have been eating up very single book in this series!
Tropes:
Prison Setting
Forbidden Everything
...and two people who absolutely should not be getting involved… getting very involved
Like the tension isn’t subtle. It’s very much:
eye contact → bad decisions → worse decisions → feelings → panic → repeat
The MMC? Dangerous in that quiet, controlled way where you know he’s holding back… until he’s not. He’s not loud about it, but the second he locks in, it’s over.
The vibe is very much:
“stay away from me”
immediately followed by
“actually don’t go anywhere”...Cause we live for the back and forth sometimes 🤷♀️
The FMC is doing her best to be logical....like she knows this is risky, messy, and probably going to ruin her life… and yet she keeps showing up anyway. Which, honestly, same 😂
Also Tropes:
Sneaking around like no one is watching (spoiler: everyone is watching)
Tension so thick it’s stressful
Choices that make you go “girl PLEASE” but you keep reading
Is it healthy? Absolutely not.
Is it smart? Also no.
Did I eat it up anyway? Yes.
This is peak forbidden romance chaos with high tension and questionable decisions. Kathy always delivers honestly and I have been eating up very single book in this series!
April 29, 2026
Absolutely phenomenal- from start to finish! Once I started reading, I could not put this book down. Knox has taken the title of my favorite despite my love for Ryker. The redemption story mixed in with the pure, raw emotion in this book wrecked me in the best way possible.
Knox may come off as a brute but dear lord, this man loves with all his heart. He’s honestly the biggest teddy bear underneath the tough guy bravado he has to put on. The emotions packed behind the reason why he’s in prison and his strained relationship with his daughter broke my heart in two. I was ugly crying, laughing, and swooning throughout the entire book. Watching him wanting to become a better man for not only Harper but his family as well was packed full of raw, intense emotions. I feel for Harper because I fell in love with this man with my entire heart.
Harper is so down to earth and full of love even those she’s running from her past. She’s swept her off her feet with Knox’s protective, possessive nature. These two had chemistry that was undeniable. Harper becomes an anchor and a safe space for Knox when he needs it most. There was nothing but pure, genuine love between these two.
Knox may come off as a brute but dear lord, this man loves with all his heart. He’s honestly the biggest teddy bear underneath the tough guy bravado he has to put on. The emotions packed behind the reason why he’s in prison and his strained relationship with his daughter broke my heart in two. I was ugly crying, laughing, and swooning throughout the entire book. Watching him wanting to become a better man for not only Harper but his family as well was packed full of raw, intense emotions. I feel for Harper because I fell in love with this man with my entire heart.
Harper is so down to earth and full of love even those she’s running from her past. She’s swept her off her feet with Knox’s protective, possessive nature. These two had chemistry that was undeniable. Harper becomes an anchor and a safe space for Knox when he needs it most. There was nothing but pure, genuine love between these two.
Want to Read
March 26, 2026✔️ Forbidden nurse/inmate romance
✔️ Obsessive, possessive morally gray hero
✔️ “Touch Her and Die” energy
✔️ “Who Hurt You?” protector vibes
✔️ Forced proximity in a prison setting
✔️ Alpha male with everything to lose
✔️ Obsessive, possessive morally gray hero
✔️ “Touch Her and Die” energy
✔️ “Who Hurt You?” protector vibes
✔️ Forced proximity in a prison setting
✔️ Alpha male with everything to lose
May 2, 2026
I couldn’t wait for this book to come & baby it did not disappoint!!
FIIIIIRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 THIS. SERIES. DID. NOT. COME. TO. PLAY 😮🔥😮🔥😮🔥
I’ve been hooked since book ONE but THIS FINAL BOOK?!?!?! BABYYYY it SNAPPED, it CRACKED, it CONSUMED ME WHOLE 😤💥 I’m talking FULL BODY REACTION—heart racing, chest tight, yelling at the pages like I personally knew these people!!!
This wasn’t just a story… this was CHAOS. This was PAIN. This was OBSESSION in its most feral, unhinged, no-rules, burn-the-world-down form 😮🔥💔 Secrets on top of trauma on top of guilt—just layers and layers of emotional DAMAGE and I was EATING IT UP!!!
And the LOVE?!?!?! I was sooo there for Knox & Harper - Oh this wasn’t soft… this was VIOLENT devotion. The kind of love that ruins you, rebuilds you, then dares anybody to try it again 😤 The kind that don’t make sense to nobody else but to THEM it’s EVERYTHING. Impossible?? SHOULD’VE BEEN. But nah… they MADE it possible in the most raw, chaotic, breathtaking way!!!
I CRIEDDDDD 😭 like ugly cried from the pain… then turned around and was crying laughing like WHAT IS WRONG WITH Y’ALL 😂 this book had me emotionally unwell in the BEST way!!!
AND THE SPICE?!?!?! 😮🔥😮🔥😮🔥 not even the main course—just the icing—but BABY it was THICK, RICH, and had me clutching my chest!!!
NOW AXELLLLLLLLL 😤😂 SIRRRRRRRRRRR—YOU MENACE!!! Whole time I wanted to fight you AND fold for you at the same damn time!!! An ASSHOLE??? ABSOLUTELY. But funny?! Loyal?! Ten toes DOWN?! Say less 😮🔥 The banter was lethal between them …the bond was unbreakable, and the way they LOVED?!?! Yeah… that’s that dangerous, no-coming-back type!!!
And RAINBOWWWW 🥺💔 she went THROUGH IT. I mean dragged, broken, tested 😂😂🫣
Everything CLICKED. Everything LANDED. Nothing felt wasted. And the REAL heartbreak??? It ending 😭 because ain’t no way I gotta leave this world behind like that!!!
5/5 ⭐️ ain’t even enough—this was an EXPERIENCE, a SPIRAL, a full-on EMOTIONAL POSSESSION 😮🔥🔥 and I’m STILL not recovered!!! I would read this series again just because it was that good!!!
FIIIIIRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 THIS. SERIES. DID. NOT. COME. TO. PLAY 😮🔥😮🔥😮🔥
I’ve been hooked since book ONE but THIS FINAL BOOK?!?!?! BABYYYY it SNAPPED, it CRACKED, it CONSUMED ME WHOLE 😤💥 I’m talking FULL BODY REACTION—heart racing, chest tight, yelling at the pages like I personally knew these people!!!
This wasn’t just a story… this was CHAOS. This was PAIN. This was OBSESSION in its most feral, unhinged, no-rules, burn-the-world-down form 😮🔥💔 Secrets on top of trauma on top of guilt—just layers and layers of emotional DAMAGE and I was EATING IT UP!!!
And the LOVE?!?!?! I was sooo there for Knox & Harper - Oh this wasn’t soft… this was VIOLENT devotion. The kind of love that ruins you, rebuilds you, then dares anybody to try it again 😤 The kind that don’t make sense to nobody else but to THEM it’s EVERYTHING. Impossible?? SHOULD’VE BEEN. But nah… they MADE it possible in the most raw, chaotic, breathtaking way!!!
I CRIEDDDDD 😭 like ugly cried from the pain… then turned around and was crying laughing like WHAT IS WRONG WITH Y’ALL 😂 this book had me emotionally unwell in the BEST way!!!
AND THE SPICE?!?!?! 😮🔥😮🔥😮🔥 not even the main course—just the icing—but BABY it was THICK, RICH, and had me clutching my chest!!!
NOW AXELLLLLLLLL 😤😂 SIRRRRRRRRRRR—YOU MENACE!!! Whole time I wanted to fight you AND fold for you at the same damn time!!! An ASSHOLE??? ABSOLUTELY. But funny?! Loyal?! Ten toes DOWN?! Say less 😮🔥 The banter was lethal between them …the bond was unbreakable, and the way they LOVED?!?! Yeah… that’s that dangerous, no-coming-back type!!!
And RAINBOWWWW 🥺💔 she went THROUGH IT. I mean dragged, broken, tested 😂😂🫣
Everything CLICKED. Everything LANDED. Nothing felt wasted. And the REAL heartbreak??? It ending 😭 because ain’t no way I gotta leave this world behind like that!!!
5/5 ⭐️ ain’t even enough—this was an EXPERIENCE, a SPIRAL, a full-on EMOTIONAL POSSESSION 😮🔥🔥 and I’m STILL not recovered!!! I would read this series again just because it was that good!!!
May 2, 2026
Trust is the final instalment in the series, and we were all waiting for the dark and mysterious Knox!!!
Harper overthinking everything was annoying.
I stopped counting the number of times the words “convicted murderer” were written.
Her inability to look past the fact that Knox killed someone was also frustrating. It didn’t make her feel worthy of him, and it didn’t make sense given her past. If anyone shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, it should have been her!
The book raised some deep questions, which I absolutely loved, especially the idea of taking a life to defend someone, and the consequences of acting as judge, jury, and executioner.
Now that being said I thank Axel for the light moments as we needed it!!
Did I cry? Yes, I did 😭
Now that the series is over I would say Jace was my fav! Then Ryker.
Harper overthinking everything was annoying.
I stopped counting the number of times the words “convicted murderer” were written.
Her inability to look past the fact that Knox killed someone was also frustrating. It didn’t make her feel worthy of him, and it didn’t make sense given her past. If anyone shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, it should have been her!
The book raised some deep questions, which I absolutely loved, especially the idea of taking a life to defend someone, and the consequences of acting as judge, jury, and executioner.
Now that being said I thank Axel for the light moments as we needed it!!
Did I cry? Yes, I did 😭
Now that the series is over I would say Jace was my fav! Then Ryker.
April 29, 2026
Another night shift read. I could never be a prison nurse but I already knew that.
April 29, 2026
Trust by Kathy Lockheart is the fifth and final book in the Sinners and Saints series and oh my. This. Book. I really don't know where to start. There are times when I'm lucky enough to review a book for an author, that I worry about my ability to eloquently praise the book. I fear that, not being a writer myself, I'm not equipped to adequately describe in my review the brilliance that is the author's work. That's where I'm at with this book. Trust was one of my most anticipated reads this year and it did not disappoint; in fact, it exceeded any and all of my expectations and is one of my absolute favorite books of the year. Every book in the Sinners and Saints series was a five star read for me and this one was no exception. This book was such an incredible way to close out the series. I'm going to miss these guys and gals so much, but this book was such a brilliant conclusion to everyone's stories (make sure you read the extended epilogue which you can find on the author's website).
Trust follows Knox and Harper. We've seen glimpses of Knox throughout all four of the previous books, and I've been eagerly awaiting his story. What happened to him? Why is he in prison? Who did he murder and why? Why hasn't he spoken to his daughter in so many years? All of these questions and more will be answered. As we know, Knox is in prison serving a 25 year prison sentence for murder. He's already served 14 of those years. He's been denied parole twice, but is up again before the review board soon and is trying to keep out of trouble so that he may have a chance at parole. Ryker (our hero from Doubt, book 4 in the series) is his attorney and continuously reminds him to keep his nose clean as he prepares for the upcoming parole hearing. Meanwhile, Knox overhears another inmate in the prison bragging that he's going to sexually assault the new prison nurse who was just hired (this inmate is bad news, he's been convicted of sexual crimes towards women but somehow earned himself a work detail spot in the infirmary so he had seen the new nurse when she came for her interview). Knox knows if he causes a fight with this inmate, he'll jeopardize his chance at parole, but he knows he can't just ignore the credible threats the inmate is making. He confronts the inmate, a fight ensues, and the inmate is hurt badly enough to lose his spot in the medical ward. Knox is also injured enough to need to see the prison doctor. Once he gets there, he meets Harper, the new prison nurse, who is starting her first day working at the prison.
Harper is running from an abusive ex and thought working in a prison might keep her under the radar and safe. Her ex was incredibly violent and she's wary of all men, particularly those incarcerated for violent offenses in the prison. But when she meets Knox on her first day, she finds that she's not afraid of him. Knox goes out of his way to make himself less intimidating despite his large size and intense tattoos. He talks to Harper and he can tell immediately from a bruise on her cheek that someone has hurt her. After their first meeting, Knox finds ways to warrant visits to the infirmary to see Harper. Eventually, he shifts his work detail to the infirmary as well so he can be there to keep her safe should other inmates try to hurt her. Their connection grows. It's an intense, emotional connection that builds slowly over time, from looks to quiet conversations to small hand touches, they are two broken souls, unwilling to trust others, who somehow, miraculously, starting to trust each other.
As the story progresses, we learn who Knox killed and why. I don't want to spoil the details, I'll just say he killed to protect someone he loved. He believed he was justified and that in doing so, he saved others from potential harm. He feels no remorse and has refused to offer any sort of apology at his parole hearing, despite Ryker's pleading that he do so. Knox has trouble trusting the justice system to do its job. He felt he had to take matters into his own hands that night and that if he hadn't killed, others would be in danger. Harper has her own issues with trust. She has trouble trusting the idea of relationships or love because her ex so thoroughly beat her down and destroyed her self esteem. Once Knox confesses his crime to Harper, part of her understands, but another part of her asks why he couldn't have made other choices that would still have resulted in punishment for the man who tried to hurt Knox's loved one. As Knox and Harper continue to steal moments together, they begin to fall in love. They have such an emotional connection with each other and it's so beautifully written. I feel like it's really a soulmate type of connection these two have. However, danger strikes when Harper's abusive ex ends up tracking her down and gets a job as a correctional officer at the prison. Knox vows to get justice for her no matter what it takes or what he has to do. Harper tries to convince him that is not the right way, that vengeance is just going to lead to more prison time for Knox and will destroy what they have built together. Harper tries to get through to Knox and hopes that their love will be enough to make him rethink his stance. Knox has to do some soul searching as he contemplates what justice truly means and if there might be another way after all.
This book explores so many emotional themes. Knox and Harper's love and devotion to each other is breathtaking. The struggle is their differing opinions on what warrants justice. For Knox, he lacked trust in the justice system to stop a predator and felt he had to do it himself for his loved ones and others to be safe. He had a choice. He could have stopped the criminal assailant and waited for the police. He chose to kill instead. And he paid for it with a 25 year prison sentence. He simply accepted the prison sentence. He accepted when his ex stopped bringing his daughter to see him and cut off all contact. He felt he did what he had to do and he'd pay the consequences. He also never felt remorse for his decision because he truly felt he was doing the right thing. He initially thinks he has to act in a similar way when Harper's abusive ex shows up at the prison as a prison guard. But Harper shows him another way. Through her love and her belief in him and the goodness in him, and hope for the life they may be able to build together outside the prison walls, she shows him that no matter what happens, if they trust each other, they can get through anything. Knox begins to realize that while he isn't remorseful that the predator he killed is dead, he is sorry for that person's family. And of course, the person Knox punished more was himself, as he lost his freedom, his ability to see his own family outside prison walls, and his daughter. The way this couple faces adversity and comes out the other side is just beautiful. Knox's reconnection with his daughter is another important part of his story and was so beautiful to read. I cried several times while reading this book. It's just truly beautiful. Kathy is, in my opinion, one of the best writers out there. Her prose is almost lyrical and I can get lost in her writing. Her stories make me feel like I'm there, like I'm living it with the characters, and that's magical. The suspense elements in this book were phenomenal and I found I couldn't stop reading to find out what happened next. Finally, we can't forget about the other guys in the Sinners and Saints group. The group chats continued to make me laugh out loud. And the found family elements continued in this book. Kathy writes found family so well and this book was no exception. In short, I cannot recommend this book, this entire series, enough. Thank you so much, Kathy, for an ARC of this book, it was truly my honor to read it.
Trust follows Knox and Harper. We've seen glimpses of Knox throughout all four of the previous books, and I've been eagerly awaiting his story. What happened to him? Why is he in prison? Who did he murder and why? Why hasn't he spoken to his daughter in so many years? All of these questions and more will be answered. As we know, Knox is in prison serving a 25 year prison sentence for murder. He's already served 14 of those years. He's been denied parole twice, but is up again before the review board soon and is trying to keep out of trouble so that he may have a chance at parole. Ryker (our hero from Doubt, book 4 in the series) is his attorney and continuously reminds him to keep his nose clean as he prepares for the upcoming parole hearing. Meanwhile, Knox overhears another inmate in the prison bragging that he's going to sexually assault the new prison nurse who was just hired (this inmate is bad news, he's been convicted of sexual crimes towards women but somehow earned himself a work detail spot in the infirmary so he had seen the new nurse when she came for her interview). Knox knows if he causes a fight with this inmate, he'll jeopardize his chance at parole, but he knows he can't just ignore the credible threats the inmate is making. He confronts the inmate, a fight ensues, and the inmate is hurt badly enough to lose his spot in the medical ward. Knox is also injured enough to need to see the prison doctor. Once he gets there, he meets Harper, the new prison nurse, who is starting her first day working at the prison.
Harper is running from an abusive ex and thought working in a prison might keep her under the radar and safe. Her ex was incredibly violent and she's wary of all men, particularly those incarcerated for violent offenses in the prison. But when she meets Knox on her first day, she finds that she's not afraid of him. Knox goes out of his way to make himself less intimidating despite his large size and intense tattoos. He talks to Harper and he can tell immediately from a bruise on her cheek that someone has hurt her. After their first meeting, Knox finds ways to warrant visits to the infirmary to see Harper. Eventually, he shifts his work detail to the infirmary as well so he can be there to keep her safe should other inmates try to hurt her. Their connection grows. It's an intense, emotional connection that builds slowly over time, from looks to quiet conversations to small hand touches, they are two broken souls, unwilling to trust others, who somehow, miraculously, starting to trust each other.
As the story progresses, we learn who Knox killed and why. I don't want to spoil the details, I'll just say he killed to protect someone he loved. He believed he was justified and that in doing so, he saved others from potential harm. He feels no remorse and has refused to offer any sort of apology at his parole hearing, despite Ryker's pleading that he do so. Knox has trouble trusting the justice system to do its job. He felt he had to take matters into his own hands that night and that if he hadn't killed, others would be in danger. Harper has her own issues with trust. She has trouble trusting the idea of relationships or love because her ex so thoroughly beat her down and destroyed her self esteem. Once Knox confesses his crime to Harper, part of her understands, but another part of her asks why he couldn't have made other choices that would still have resulted in punishment for the man who tried to hurt Knox's loved one. As Knox and Harper continue to steal moments together, they begin to fall in love. They have such an emotional connection with each other and it's so beautifully written. I feel like it's really a soulmate type of connection these two have. However, danger strikes when Harper's abusive ex ends up tracking her down and gets a job as a correctional officer at the prison. Knox vows to get justice for her no matter what it takes or what he has to do. Harper tries to convince him that is not the right way, that vengeance is just going to lead to more prison time for Knox and will destroy what they have built together. Harper tries to get through to Knox and hopes that their love will be enough to make him rethink his stance. Knox has to do some soul searching as he contemplates what justice truly means and if there might be another way after all.
This book explores so many emotional themes. Knox and Harper's love and devotion to each other is breathtaking. The struggle is their differing opinions on what warrants justice. For Knox, he lacked trust in the justice system to stop a predator and felt he had to do it himself for his loved ones and others to be safe. He had a choice. He could have stopped the criminal assailant and waited for the police. He chose to kill instead. And he paid for it with a 25 year prison sentence. He simply accepted the prison sentence. He accepted when his ex stopped bringing his daughter to see him and cut off all contact. He felt he did what he had to do and he'd pay the consequences. He also never felt remorse for his decision because he truly felt he was doing the right thing. He initially thinks he has to act in a similar way when Harper's abusive ex shows up at the prison as a prison guard. But Harper shows him another way. Through her love and her belief in him and the goodness in him, and hope for the life they may be able to build together outside the prison walls, she shows him that no matter what happens, if they trust each other, they can get through anything. Knox begins to realize that while he isn't remorseful that the predator he killed is dead, he is sorry for that person's family. And of course, the person Knox punished more was himself, as he lost his freedom, his ability to see his own family outside prison walls, and his daughter. The way this couple faces adversity and comes out the other side is just beautiful. Knox's reconnection with his daughter is another important part of his story and was so beautiful to read. I cried several times while reading this book. It's just truly beautiful. Kathy is, in my opinion, one of the best writers out there. Her prose is almost lyrical and I can get lost in her writing. Her stories make me feel like I'm there, like I'm living it with the characters, and that's magical. The suspense elements in this book were phenomenal and I found I couldn't stop reading to find out what happened next. Finally, we can't forget about the other guys in the Sinners and Saints group. The group chats continued to make me laugh out loud. And the found family elements continued in this book. Kathy writes found family so well and this book was no exception. In short, I cannot recommend this book, this entire series, enough. Thank you so much, Kathy, for an ARC of this book, it was truly my honor to read it.
Review of advance copy
Amazon
Knox has been just surviving in prison, his heart has been shut off, and he's known as the most dangerous inmate inside. Then he meets the newest nurse in the infirmary, and her obvious fear and the signs of abuse, get to him, raise his protective instincts. Now he's suddenly feeling again, and his heart has come alive. But when her ex shows up at the prison, it all comes to a head, and Knox and Harper are fighting for their lives and their love.
Like any smart woman, Harper takes one look at Knox, all his tattoos and muscles, and instantly thinks he's as dangerous as his reputation suggests. But when he starts coming to the infirmary, looking more and more hurt, just so he can spend time with her and protect her, she sees the beautiful person inside him. Now they're developing real feelings, and wondering how they can possibly make a relationship work between a prisoner and a prison nurse. But that's not their biggest obstacle, because when her horrible ex shows up at the prison as a guard, everything starts looking a whole lot worse.
I love this series, all of this found family falling in love, but Knox and Harper are my favorite couple, by far. I knew from the first time Knox was mentioned that his story was going to be a heartbreaker, and damn is it. His backstory, why he was in prison, and his current life as an inmate, got me right in the heart. I'm not even ashamed to admit I shed more than a few tears as Knox and his daughter healed and reunited, and Harper and Knox finally got out from under her ex's thumb. Then I cheered as they fell in love, and Knox's life went full circle and he was reunited with his found family and looked forward to spending the rest of his life with them, with Harper and his daughter by his side.
ARC provided by Valentine PR for an honest review.
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May 8, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed the final book in the “Sinners and Saints” series. Kathy Lockheart has once again delivered a beautifully crafted, touching love story that had me hooked from the very beginning. The plot is fast-paced, action-packed, and full of emotion—heartbreaking moments that teared me up, funny scenes that made me laugh (especially the group chats and Axel), angst, drama, violence, suspense, danger, and steamy love scenes. The tropes are:
- Forbidden prison romance
- Workplace romance
- Prison Nurse-Inmate
- Forced/close proximity
- Who hurt you?
- Touch her and die
- Found family
Readers of the series are already familiar with Knox and parts of his backstory from the very beginning, and Harper was also introduced in the previous book as Faith’s new neighbor and friend. Now we learn more about their backgrounds. On the surface, Knox is tough and brutal—a convicted murderer—but deep down, he’s protective and caring. Harper is strong and independent: she faces her challenges despite her fear. Both characters grapple with their own inner conflicts, which also engage readers and demonstrate that the world isn’t just black and white: that a convicted murderer can be a good person at heart. That the need to protect someone from trauma and pain can inflict other deep wounds to the same people. The chemistry between Knox and Harper was off charts from the start, and their inner conflicts, their longing for one another, were palpable throughout; their protective instincts and their ability to see and protect each other despite their masks were heartwarming. The two have undergone significant character development over the course of the story and are a wonderful match. I also found Knox’s love for his daughter beautiful, and the way they found their way back to each other really moved me. I loved the “Bands of Brothers” dynamic—the mutual feelings, interactions, and banter—throughout the entire series, and I’m definitely going to miss them.
Although the book can be read as a standalone, I still recommend reading the series in order.
Knox has been in prison for 14 years for the murder of the man while protecting his little daughter, and he is one parole hearing away from freedom. That’s why he stays out of trouble, hides behind a carefully constructed apathy and works on his image. When he overhears another inmate bragging about raping the new prison nurse, Knox beats him so badly he ends up in the infirmary—and Knox ends up under her care. Day after day, he injures himself to protect her and be near her, and ultimately gets assigned as her orderly.
Harper has fled her abusive ex, Silas, and wants to start over in a new state and a new job as a prison nurse at Coldwater Penitentiary. On her very first day, she meets Knox, the most feared inmate at Coldwater, whom she finds both attractive and repulsive as a convicted murderer, yet surprisingly, she also feels safe around him. Knox, too, is taken with this strong woman, who has clearly endured much suffering and violence yet is starting over in one of the most hostile environments imaginable. The two grow closer, even though it is forbidden, but then Silas suddenly shows up—he has landed a job as a correctional officer at Coldwater. He is not only a danger to Harper, but also to Knox’s chance at freedom…
If you like dark romantic suspense novels with morally gray protagonists, heroines in trouble, bands of brothers, heartfelt emotion, action, danger, humor and heat, this book is for you.
Thank you Kathy Lockheart and Valentine Press for the ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
#SinnersandSaints #KathyLockheart #RomanticSuspense #KindleUnlimitedRomance #Valentineprlm @valentine_pr_
- Forbidden prison romance
- Workplace romance
- Prison Nurse-Inmate
- Forced/close proximity
- Who hurt you?
- Touch her and die
- Found family
Readers of the series are already familiar with Knox and parts of his backstory from the very beginning, and Harper was also introduced in the previous book as Faith’s new neighbor and friend. Now we learn more about their backgrounds. On the surface, Knox is tough and brutal—a convicted murderer—but deep down, he’s protective and caring. Harper is strong and independent: she faces her challenges despite her fear. Both characters grapple with their own inner conflicts, which also engage readers and demonstrate that the world isn’t just black and white: that a convicted murderer can be a good person at heart. That the need to protect someone from trauma and pain can inflict other deep wounds to the same people. The chemistry between Knox and Harper was off charts from the start, and their inner conflicts, their longing for one another, were palpable throughout; their protective instincts and their ability to see and protect each other despite their masks were heartwarming. The two have undergone significant character development over the course of the story and are a wonderful match. I also found Knox’s love for his daughter beautiful, and the way they found their way back to each other really moved me. I loved the “Bands of Brothers” dynamic—the mutual feelings, interactions, and banter—throughout the entire series, and I’m definitely going to miss them.
Although the book can be read as a standalone, I still recommend reading the series in order.
Knox has been in prison for 14 years for the murder of the man while protecting his little daughter, and he is one parole hearing away from freedom. That’s why he stays out of trouble, hides behind a carefully constructed apathy and works on his image. When he overhears another inmate bragging about raping the new prison nurse, Knox beats him so badly he ends up in the infirmary—and Knox ends up under her care. Day after day, he injures himself to protect her and be near her, and ultimately gets assigned as her orderly.
Harper has fled her abusive ex, Silas, and wants to start over in a new state and a new job as a prison nurse at Coldwater Penitentiary. On her very first day, she meets Knox, the most feared inmate at Coldwater, whom she finds both attractive and repulsive as a convicted murderer, yet surprisingly, she also feels safe around him. Knox, too, is taken with this strong woman, who has clearly endured much suffering and violence yet is starting over in one of the most hostile environments imaginable. The two grow closer, even though it is forbidden, but then Silas suddenly shows up—he has landed a job as a correctional officer at Coldwater. He is not only a danger to Harper, but also to Knox’s chance at freedom…
If you like dark romantic suspense novels with morally gray protagonists, heroines in trouble, bands of brothers, heartfelt emotion, action, danger, humor and heat, this book is for you.
Thank you Kathy Lockheart and Valentine Press for the ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
#SinnersandSaints #KathyLockheart #RomanticSuspense #KindleUnlimitedRomance #Valentineprlm @valentine_pr_
April 29, 2026
4.25stasr-TRUST is the fifth instalment in Kathy Lockheart’s contemporary, adult SINNERS AND SAINTS erotic, romantic suspense series . This is inmate Knox Blackwood, and RN Harper Mitchell’s story line. TRUST can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as Knox’s story has been building throughout. Harper was introduced in book four DOUBT.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.
SOME BACKGROUND: The SINNERS AND SAINTS is a tight-knit group formed b childhood and college friends, each with a specialty and darkness that is required to save and protect the people they love: Ryker, Blake, Axel, Jace and Knox.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Knox and Harper) TRUST follows the forbidden relationship between inmate Knox Blackwood, and RN Harper Mitchell. Fourteen years earlier, Knox Blackwood was convicted of murder, and has spent the ensuing time keeping to himself but refusing to tell anyone what happened and why. Fast forward to present day, Knox overhears one of the inmates preparing to attack the new infirmary nurse, and our hero ensures she remains untouched. Harper never expected to find love in prison but Knox Blackwood is a man who is determined to protect Harper at all costs but Harper’s past has followed her to her new job, and Knox is about to become the target of madness and vengeance.
The world building follows several pathways including the revelation of the truth about what happened fourteen years earlier; the missing years for family and friendships; the betrayal for one woman who is desperately seeking peace; and a young woman whose lost out of fourteen years of memories unaware of the reasons and why.
The relationship between Knox and Harper is a forbidden romance that escalates when Knox is granted parole. Harper struggles knowing Knox is a target of her past but Knox is determined to prove they are both worthy of love and second chances. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of charismatic and determined secondary and supporting characters including Knox’s friends who are diligently working to free their friend: Blake, Axel, Jace and their significant others. We are introduced to Knox’s cellmate Ronan; Knox’s daughter Gwen, as well as Dr. Mercer, Harper’s ex Silas Whitmore, and several security guards and inmates .
TRUST is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, protection and redemption, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, gritty and heart breaking with some reflection and contemplation by our story line hero.; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are desperate, determined and animated.
copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.
SOME BACKGROUND: The SINNERS AND SAINTS is a tight-knit group formed b childhood and college friends, each with a specialty and darkness that is required to save and protect the people they love: Ryker, Blake, Axel, Jace and Knox.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Knox and Harper) TRUST follows the forbidden relationship between inmate Knox Blackwood, and RN Harper Mitchell. Fourteen years earlier, Knox Blackwood was convicted of murder, and has spent the ensuing time keeping to himself but refusing to tell anyone what happened and why. Fast forward to present day, Knox overhears one of the inmates preparing to attack the new infirmary nurse, and our hero ensures she remains untouched. Harper never expected to find love in prison but Knox Blackwood is a man who is determined to protect Harper at all costs but Harper’s past has followed her to her new job, and Knox is about to become the target of madness and vengeance.
The world building follows several pathways including the revelation of the truth about what happened fourteen years earlier; the missing years for family and friendships; the betrayal for one woman who is desperately seeking peace; and a young woman whose lost out of fourteen years of memories unaware of the reasons and why.
The relationship between Knox and Harper is a forbidden romance that escalates when Knox is granted parole. Harper struggles knowing Knox is a target of her past but Knox is determined to prove they are both worthy of love and second chances. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of charismatic and determined secondary and supporting characters including Knox’s friends who are diligently working to free their friend: Blake, Axel, Jace and their significant others. We are introduced to Knox’s cellmate Ronan; Knox’s daughter Gwen, as well as Dr. Mercer, Harper’s ex Silas Whitmore, and several security guards and inmates .
TRUST is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, protection and redemption, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, gritty and heart breaking with some reflection and contemplation by our story line hero.; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are desperate, determined and animated.
copy supplied for review
April 30, 2026
HOLY HOTNESS! Kathy Lockheart has done it again with Trust, and I honestly couldn’t put it down. Knox Blackwood finally gets his story, and let me tell you, it’s everything I was hoping for and more. After spending the last 11 years behind bars, Knox has become hardened and guarded, seemingly resigned to his fate. He’s lost so much—most heartbreakingly, his daughter—and now he’s stuck in prison with little hope of ever getting out. But beneath that tough exterior is a man with a lot of pain and secrets, waiting to be uncovered.
Harper is starting over, miles away from her family and her past. She’s the new nurse at the penitentiary, and from her very first day, she’s thrown into a world full of danger and surprises. The moment she crosses paths with Knox, sparks fly immediately—yet there’s so much more beneath the surface. Knox notices things others miss, and he’s drawn to her in a way that’s both protective and tender. Their chemistry is scorching, and Lockheart writes their interactions with such raw emotion and heat that you’ll be rooting for them from the first page.
What I loved most about Trust is how layered the story is. Knox isn’t just a stereotypical bad-boy inmate; he’s complex, flawed, and driven by a past that’s slowly revealed throughout the book. The tension isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and psychological, which makes every moment between Knox and Harper even more intense. Knox’s instincts and perceptions add an exciting layer of suspense, and I loved trying to figure out what was real and what was a lie. The stakes are high, and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.
Lockheart’s writing is as captivating as ever, blending steamy romance with suspense and heartfelt emotion. The way she develops her characters makes you feel invested in their journey, and I found myself rooting for Knox and Harper to find happiness against all odds. This story explores themes of trust, redemption, and second chances—delivered with a fiery passion that will leave you breathless.
This book was absolutely phenomenal—I loved every second of it. If you enjoy stories with intense chemistry, strong characters, and a compelling plot that keeps you guessing, you need to read Trust. Kathy Lockheart has once again proven why she’s one of my favorite authors. Five stars without a doubt—I can’t wait for what she writes next!
Harper is starting over, miles away from her family and her past. She’s the new nurse at the penitentiary, and from her very first day, she’s thrown into a world full of danger and surprises. The moment she crosses paths with Knox, sparks fly immediately—yet there’s so much more beneath the surface. Knox notices things others miss, and he’s drawn to her in a way that’s both protective and tender. Their chemistry is scorching, and Lockheart writes their interactions with such raw emotion and heat that you’ll be rooting for them from the first page.
What I loved most about Trust is how layered the story is. Knox isn’t just a stereotypical bad-boy inmate; he’s complex, flawed, and driven by a past that’s slowly revealed throughout the book. The tension isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and psychological, which makes every moment between Knox and Harper even more intense. Knox’s instincts and perceptions add an exciting layer of suspense, and I loved trying to figure out what was real and what was a lie. The stakes are high, and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.
Lockheart’s writing is as captivating as ever, blending steamy romance with suspense and heartfelt emotion. The way she develops her characters makes you feel invested in their journey, and I found myself rooting for Knox and Harper to find happiness against all odds. This story explores themes of trust, redemption, and second chances—delivered with a fiery passion that will leave you breathless.
This book was absolutely phenomenal—I loved every second of it. If you enjoy stories with intense chemistry, strong characters, and a compelling plot that keeps you guessing, you need to read Trust. Kathy Lockheart has once again proven why she’s one of my favorite authors. Five stars without a doubt—I can’t wait for what she writes next!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
After hearing about Knox throughout the previous four books, I could not wait for his story, and Kathy absolutely delivered. I loved the other books, don’t get me wrong, but there was something about this one that hit differently. It felt deeper, more emotional, and somehow even more satisfying after waiting so long for him.
Harper begins the story being very critical of Knox, and honestly, it made complete sense. She doesn’t know the man behind the reputation. As readers, we already knew pieces of him from the earlier books, so we had seen his good side. But Harper only sees the convicted killer everyone talks about, and fear shapes how she views him at first.
Getting Knox’s point of view was one of the best parts of the book. You see this tough, intimidating man completely unravel over a woman. He worries about her constantly, wondering if she’s okay, what she’s doing, and whether she needs him. It adds so much depth to his character. He isn’t just hard and dangerous, he feels deeply and loves hard. There are several moments where he doesn’t hold back his thoughts or feelings, and I was fully here for every one of them.
Watching Harper slowly realize she may have judged him wrong was so satisfying. She doesn’t stay stuck in her first impression. Instead, she allows his actions and words to change her opinion over time, which made that growth feel real. At the same time, Harper is carrying struggles of her own that she isn’t sharing with anyone, yet Knox knows something is wrong. That awareness between them adds another emotional layer to their connection.
This book also gives you everything you want from the series. All the Sinners and Saints guys are here, along with their women, hilarious group texts between the men, and moments that swing from laugh-out-loud funny to incredibly emotional. Some things happened exactly the way I hoped they would, while other moments completely blindsided me. And the tears... I’ve gotten emotional while reading before, but this book had me ugly crying in a way no book ever has. I received this book as an ARC and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
One touch. That's all it took to wreck fourteen years of carefully constructed apathy.
Harper begins the story being very critical of Knox, and honestly, it made complete sense. She doesn’t know the man behind the reputation. As readers, we already knew pieces of him from the earlier books, so we had seen his good side. But Harper only sees the convicted killer everyone talks about, and fear shapes how she views him at first.
Getting Knox’s point of view was one of the best parts of the book. You see this tough, intimidating man completely unravel over a woman. He worries about her constantly, wondering if she’s okay, what she’s doing, and whether she needs him. It adds so much depth to his character. He isn’t just hard and dangerous, he feels deeply and loves hard. There are several moments where he doesn’t hold back his thoughts or feelings, and I was fully here for every one of them.
Watching Harper slowly realize she may have judged him wrong was so satisfying. She doesn’t stay stuck in her first impression. Instead, she allows his actions and words to change her opinion over time, which made that growth feel real. At the same time, Harper is carrying struggles of her own that she isn’t sharing with anyone, yet Knox knows something is wrong. That awareness between them adds another emotional layer to their connection.
This book also gives you everything you want from the series. All the Sinners and Saints guys are here, along with their women, hilarious group texts between the men, and moments that swing from laugh-out-loud funny to incredibly emotional. Some things happened exactly the way I hoped they would, while other moments completely blindsided me. And the tears... I’ve gotten emotional while reading before, but this book had me ugly crying in a way no book ever has. I received this book as an ARC and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
One touch. That's all it took to wreck fourteen years of carefully constructed apathy.
April 30, 2026
Trust by Kathy Lockheart delivers a powerful and satisfying conclusion to the Sinners and Saints, ending the series on a high with Knox’s long-awaited story. As the group’s imprisoned member, serving twenty-five years for murder, Knox has been a constant presence in the background of the series with his friends never giving up hope of gaining his freedom. Here, just as parole finally seems within reach, the stakes feel higher than ever, especially when he’s prepared to risk everything to protect Harper, the new prison nurse who’s hiding clear signs of abuse.
Harper is, above all, a survivor. She has been shaped by a past marked by neglect and violence, enduring alcoholic parents, and an abusive ex, and as a result, she’s guarded to the point of isolation. She’s done trusting people after hearing every promise before only to be let down and refuses to let anyone close enough to hurt her again, especially not a tattooed, dangerous inmate. At first, that’s exactly how she sees Knox – as a violent criminal, and everything she hears about his reputation only reinforces that view. But as she witnesses how far he’s willing to go to keep her safe, even at great personal risk to himself, her opinion begins to shift. Knox notices the tiny details others have missed, her flinches, her reactions to sudden noise, her fear. At his core, he is a protector, and he takes it upon himself to ensure her safety leading to a slow burn, forbidden romance with a close-proximity dynamic, set against a backdrop of danger and uncertainty. But just as freedom and the possibility of future with Harper comes within his reach, a new threat emerges when her abuser arrives at the prison, not as an inmate, but as someone in a position of authority and this twist brings with it an added edge of suspense that adds to the building tension. Balancing out the drama are well-placed moments of humour, especially the banter-filled group chats between Knox’s close knit friend group, who are more like his brothers than anything else and who have been there for him through good times and bad. Their presence reinforces the heart of the series – that of found family and unwavering loyalty, helping to make Trust a strong finale to what has been an outstanding series.
Harper is, above all, a survivor. She has been shaped by a past marked by neglect and violence, enduring alcoholic parents, and an abusive ex, and as a result, she’s guarded to the point of isolation. She’s done trusting people after hearing every promise before only to be let down and refuses to let anyone close enough to hurt her again, especially not a tattooed, dangerous inmate. At first, that’s exactly how she sees Knox – as a violent criminal, and everything she hears about his reputation only reinforces that view. But as she witnesses how far he’s willing to go to keep her safe, even at great personal risk to himself, her opinion begins to shift. Knox notices the tiny details others have missed, her flinches, her reactions to sudden noise, her fear. At his core, he is a protector, and he takes it upon himself to ensure her safety leading to a slow burn, forbidden romance with a close-proximity dynamic, set against a backdrop of danger and uncertainty. But just as freedom and the possibility of future with Harper comes within his reach, a new threat emerges when her abuser arrives at the prison, not as an inmate, but as someone in a position of authority and this twist brings with it an added edge of suspense that adds to the building tension. Balancing out the drama are well-placed moments of humour, especially the banter-filled group chats between Knox’s close knit friend group, who are more like his brothers than anything else and who have been there for him through good times and bad. Their presence reinforces the heart of the series – that of found family and unwavering loyalty, helping to make Trust a strong finale to what has been an outstanding series.
April 20, 2026
Arc review✨✨✨✨
What an absolutely amazing read!
I’ll admit this was my first book in the series since I had no idea it was part of one, but now I have the opportunity to go back and read about the other characters knowing they all get their happily ever afters, and I couldn’t be more excited!
Since this was my first time reading a nurse and inmate trope, I had no idea I would fall this hard for Knox and Harper. I just can’t get over them it was such a quick read and I genuinely didn’t want it to end.
Knox, oh baby Knox 🥺 The depth of his character is simply fascinating. It was a complete rollercoaster of emotions reading about everything he’s been through the way he thinks, analyzes, and just exists was truly remarkable.
And Harper having such a traumatic past yet being this strong, fighting for her life the way she did? Genuinely inspiring.
At first, I found myself thinking like Knox struggling to understand how someone could face such a horrific situation and treat it as if it were normal. Part of me knew it was wrong, but I also couldn’t deny that there’s no way I’d think straight if I were in the same position.
Then I found myself thinking like Harper “you’re either a good person or a monster, there’s nothing in between, it’s black or white.” I couldn’t pick a side.
But after finishing the book and experiencing both of their POVs, I came to my own conclusion: I would do anything for my family and the people I love but I’d also stop and think about the sacrifices, the consequences, and what the wrong choice could cost me.
This book carries such a powerful message, and Kathy delivered it in the most beautiful way possible. It wasn’t just a great romance it had something real and meaningful to say, and I truly hope every reader gets to see that
Incredible romance ✔️ fantastic spice ✔️ wonderful banter ✔️ and SO much more packed into one book. (The group chat scenes had me absolutely losing it 😭😂)
Tropes:
✔️ Forbidden nurse/inmate romance
✔️ Obsessive, possessive morally gray hero
✔️ “Touch Her and Die” energy
✔️ “Who Hurt You?” protector vibes
✔️ Forced proximity in a prison setting
What an absolutely amazing read!
I’ll admit this was my first book in the series since I had no idea it was part of one, but now I have the opportunity to go back and read about the other characters knowing they all get their happily ever afters, and I couldn’t be more excited!
Since this was my first time reading a nurse and inmate trope, I had no idea I would fall this hard for Knox and Harper. I just can’t get over them it was such a quick read and I genuinely didn’t want it to end.
Knox, oh baby Knox 🥺 The depth of his character is simply fascinating. It was a complete rollercoaster of emotions reading about everything he’s been through the way he thinks, analyzes, and just exists was truly remarkable.
And Harper having such a traumatic past yet being this strong, fighting for her life the way she did? Genuinely inspiring.
At first, I found myself thinking like Knox struggling to understand how someone could face such a horrific situation and treat it as if it were normal. Part of me knew it was wrong, but I also couldn’t deny that there’s no way I’d think straight if I were in the same position.
Then I found myself thinking like Harper “you’re either a good person or a monster, there’s nothing in between, it’s black or white.” I couldn’t pick a side.
But after finishing the book and experiencing both of their POVs, I came to my own conclusion: I would do anything for my family and the people I love but I’d also stop and think about the sacrifices, the consequences, and what the wrong choice could cost me.
This book carries such a powerful message, and Kathy delivered it in the most beautiful way possible. It wasn’t just a great romance it had something real and meaningful to say, and I truly hope every reader gets to see that
Incredible romance ✔️ fantastic spice ✔️ wonderful banter ✔️ and SO much more packed into one book. (The group chat scenes had me absolutely losing it 😭😂)
Tropes:
✔️ Forbidden nurse/inmate romance
✔️ Obsessive, possessive morally gray hero
✔️ “Touch Her and Die” energy
✔️ “Who Hurt You?” protector vibes
✔️ Forced proximity in a prison setting
April 29, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, 25
First off, how the hell had I never read anything by this author until now? Seriously, no clue , but trust me, every single page was worth it.
Huge thanks to Valentine PR for the ARC, and of course to the author for this amazing opportunity.
Even though I jumped into a later book in the series, I honestly didn’t feel lost or like I was missing major context. That said, I definitely think reading the previous books first would’ve made the experience even better.
This story was absolutely incredible, so well written, perfectly built, and the character development? Chef’s kiss. Basically, he’s a prisoner who’s been separated from his daughter for 14 years. The moment he notices the prison nurse has signs of abuse on her body, his protective instincts kick in immediately. And honestly… who doesn’t love a man who’d burn the world down to protect the woman he wants? Especially us dark romance girlies. 🥰
The tension? Insane. The chemistry? Off the charts. The storytelling, the secrets, the quiet little moments Harper and Knox shared behind closed doors — everything kept building until the most explosive ending to the series I could’ve imagined. We finally find out why Knox spent the last 14 years in prison, and damn… that hit me right in the feels. I was literally tearing up. And the reunion with his daughter? Absolutely beautiful. It felt so real, like I was standing there watching it happen.
Watching this huge, terrifying inmate , the guy everyone fears , turn into a soft mess around tiny little Harper was EVERYTHING. The way he notices the smallest details about her, the way he literally gets himself hurt just to see her for a few extra minutes? Nah. I’m done. I can’t handle it.
I also loved the way Kathy showed his struggle adapting to life outside prison again. Even simple things, like dealing with noise or going grocery shopping, felt overwhelming for him, and it was written so beautifully and realistically.
And as always, the group chats between the guys were iconic.
Even though I started this series with the very last book, I’m honestly so happy I still have all the others left to read!
First off, how the hell had I never read anything by this author until now? Seriously, no clue , but trust me, every single page was worth it.
Huge thanks to Valentine PR for the ARC, and of course to the author for this amazing opportunity.
Even though I jumped into a later book in the series, I honestly didn’t feel lost or like I was missing major context. That said, I definitely think reading the previous books first would’ve made the experience even better.
This story was absolutely incredible, so well written, perfectly built, and the character development? Chef’s kiss. Basically, he’s a prisoner who’s been separated from his daughter for 14 years. The moment he notices the prison nurse has signs of abuse on her body, his protective instincts kick in immediately. And honestly… who doesn’t love a man who’d burn the world down to protect the woman he wants? Especially us dark romance girlies. 🥰
The tension? Insane. The chemistry? Off the charts. The storytelling, the secrets, the quiet little moments Harper and Knox shared behind closed doors — everything kept building until the most explosive ending to the series I could’ve imagined. We finally find out why Knox spent the last 14 years in prison, and damn… that hit me right in the feels. I was literally tearing up. And the reunion with his daughter? Absolutely beautiful. It felt so real, like I was standing there watching it happen.
Watching this huge, terrifying inmate , the guy everyone fears , turn into a soft mess around tiny little Harper was EVERYTHING. The way he notices the smallest details about her, the way he literally gets himself hurt just to see her for a few extra minutes? Nah. I’m done. I can’t handle it.
I also loved the way Kathy showed his struggle adapting to life outside prison again. Even simple things, like dealing with noise or going grocery shopping, felt overwhelming for him, and it was written so beautifully and realistically.
And as always, the group chats between the guys were iconic.
Even though I started this series with the very last book, I’m honestly so happy I still have all the others left to read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Trust by Kathy Lockheart
What its About: He’s a convicted killer.
I’m his nurse. And he saw my bruises. Now he keeps getting hurt on purpose,
just to see that I’m safe. As a prison nurse, I keep my heart locked away tighter than the men I treat. No gray areas. No second chances. Especially not after escaping my abusive ex. Then Knox Blackwood, the most dangerous man in the prison, winds up in my infirmary. Whatever he did to get locked up remains the prison’s darkest secret. He should terrify me. Instead, he sees what no one else does. The scars. The flinch when a door slams. The fear I can’t bury. “Who hurt you?” he growls. When I don’t answer, Knox starts showing up in my infirmary every day. New wounds. Suspicious injuries. Getting hurt on purpose,
just for five minutes with me. Just to make sure I’m safe. I tell myself I can’t fall for an inmate.
I won’t. Especially not one who’s now harboring a violent vendetta against my ex. But every stolen touch feels like salvation. And every whispered promise paves the road to our future. Knox is one parole hearing from freedom. If we stay careful, maybe he’ll get out. Reunite with his daughter. And we’ll have a life beyond these walls. All I have to do is keep Knox from killing the man who hurt me.
That’s the plan. Until my violent ex steps into the prison as Knox’s new guard…
My Thoughts: 5/5 stars. The absolute best conclusion to this series! Knox Blackwood played kind of a background role in all the other books but she still developed his character in a way that had me highly anticipating his book! It did not disappoint at all. Knox's life was not easy but Harper helped him so much with his character development. They truly saved each other. The last several chapters had me biting my nails in nerves because I was not sure how things would play out. I truly loved each and every book in this series and cant stop recommending these books!
The Sinners and Saints group chat!! Top tier and absolutely hilarious.
Spice rating: 🌶🌶🌶. Knox is pure sex appeal with his 6'4" frame and tattoos. Prison has not affected his knowledge of sex at all.
Thank you for this Arc opportunity. All of these thoughts & opinions are mine
What its About: He’s a convicted killer.
I’m his nurse. And he saw my bruises. Now he keeps getting hurt on purpose,
just to see that I’m safe. As a prison nurse, I keep my heart locked away tighter than the men I treat. No gray areas. No second chances. Especially not after escaping my abusive ex. Then Knox Blackwood, the most dangerous man in the prison, winds up in my infirmary. Whatever he did to get locked up remains the prison’s darkest secret. He should terrify me. Instead, he sees what no one else does. The scars. The flinch when a door slams. The fear I can’t bury. “Who hurt you?” he growls. When I don’t answer, Knox starts showing up in my infirmary every day. New wounds. Suspicious injuries. Getting hurt on purpose,
just for five minutes with me. Just to make sure I’m safe. I tell myself I can’t fall for an inmate.
I won’t. Especially not one who’s now harboring a violent vendetta against my ex. But every stolen touch feels like salvation. And every whispered promise paves the road to our future. Knox is one parole hearing from freedom. If we stay careful, maybe he’ll get out. Reunite with his daughter. And we’ll have a life beyond these walls. All I have to do is keep Knox from killing the man who hurt me.
That’s the plan. Until my violent ex steps into the prison as Knox’s new guard…
My Thoughts: 5/5 stars. The absolute best conclusion to this series! Knox Blackwood played kind of a background role in all the other books but she still developed his character in a way that had me highly anticipating his book! It did not disappoint at all. Knox's life was not easy but Harper helped him so much with his character development. They truly saved each other. The last several chapters had me biting my nails in nerves because I was not sure how things would play out. I truly loved each and every book in this series and cant stop recommending these books!
The Sinners and Saints group chat!! Top tier and absolutely hilarious.
Spice rating: 🌶🌶🌶. Knox is pure sex appeal with his 6'4" frame and tattoos. Prison has not affected his knowledge of sex at all.
Thank you for this Arc opportunity. All of these thoughts & opinions are mine
May 1, 2026
Oh my goodness this cover gives me goosebumps especially after reading the blurb ! The dedication hits hard as well …
I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into this read ! 🥰📚
Knox Blackwood may be notorious but he has an Achilles , he sees what others haven’t and he sees HER , she should be terrified of him but she feels safe …..
Harper was dating Silas who’s a waste of space and she finds the strength to leave him and make a fresh start but he’s left his scars, I must say going into a place where’s she surrounded by dangerous criminals did take me by surprise given her history with Silas but she’s a Phoenix 😉
Knox recognizes the scars and the flinching and he’s even more protective of her now , he even gets himself to be her aid in the infirmary and slowly but surely they open up to each other and it’s exhilarating, my heart misses beats ,it’s like forbidden fruit ….
Harper’s past comes to haunt her with a simple note and before I think she would’ve crumpled but now she has Knox and he’s not going to let anyone or anything touch his princess , Knox has a lot at stake but he’s willing to give it all up to keep her safe ….
Knox carries the weight of taking a life and everything else that came along with it and Chapter 25 &26 had me sobbing 💔����but I’m grateful he opened a little to Harper 🤗and we also get to see his inner heart 🤗 my heart couldn’t handle it , this man has so much love in his heart …. It also gives harper the courage to let go a little …
End of chapter 31 ?!?! 🫣🤷♀️🤯I could feel my heart skip a beat ! Here comes trouble …. These chapters are getting more intense and I don’t think I’m going to walk way unscathed from this read ….
I must admit I love the group chats between Knox , Jace , Axel , Ryker and Blake , he’s got a tight friendship group even if they’re on the outside 😉 oh and Rainbow is such a sweetheart despite her chemical warfare of rectal activities 😵💫🫣🤢🐾
The reunion between Knox and Gwynn had me howling , again 🙈 while there were tense moments , hot hot moments , funny moments , scary moments this book hit me hard ….
I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into this read ! 🥰📚
Knox Blackwood may be notorious but he has an Achilles , he sees what others haven’t and he sees HER , she should be terrified of him but she feels safe …..
Harper was dating Silas who’s a waste of space and she finds the strength to leave him and make a fresh start but he’s left his scars, I must say going into a place where’s she surrounded by dangerous criminals did take me by surprise given her history with Silas but she’s a Phoenix 😉
Knox recognizes the scars and the flinching and he’s even more protective of her now , he even gets himself to be her aid in the infirmary and slowly but surely they open up to each other and it’s exhilarating, my heart misses beats ,it’s like forbidden fruit ….
Harper’s past comes to haunt her with a simple note and before I think she would’ve crumpled but now she has Knox and he’s not going to let anyone or anything touch his princess , Knox has a lot at stake but he’s willing to give it all up to keep her safe ….
Knox carries the weight of taking a life and everything else that came along with it and Chapter 25 &26 had me sobbing 💔����but I’m grateful he opened a little to Harper 🤗and we also get to see his inner heart 🤗 my heart couldn’t handle it , this man has so much love in his heart …. It also gives harper the courage to let go a little …
End of chapter 31 ?!?! 🫣🤷♀️🤯I could feel my heart skip a beat ! Here comes trouble …. These chapters are getting more intense and I don’t think I’m going to walk way unscathed from this read ….
I must admit I love the group chats between Knox , Jace , Axel , Ryker and Blake , he’s got a tight friendship group even if they’re on the outside 😉 oh and Rainbow is such a sweetheart despite her chemical warfare of rectal activities 😵💫🫣🤢🐾
The reunion between Knox and Gwynn had me howling , again 🙈 while there were tense moments , hot hot moments , funny moments , scary moments this book hit me hard ….
April 20, 2026
✨ Trust by Kathy Lockheart ✨
📚 What it’s about: He's a convicted killer. I'm his nurse. And he saw my bruises. Now he keeps getting hurt on purpose, just to see that I'm safe. As a prison nurse, I keep my heart locked away tighter than the men I treat. No grey areas. No second chances. Especially not after escaping my abusive ex. Then Knox Blackwood. The most dangerous man in the prison, winds up in my infirmary. He should terrify me. Instead, he sees what no else does. The scars, the flinch when a door slams, the fear I can't bury. Knox is one parole hearing away from freedom, where he could be reunited with his daughter, and we could have a life beyond these walls. All I need to do is keep Knox from killing the man who hurt me. That's the plan, and it should be easy, until my violent ex steps into the prison as Knox's new guard...
💭 My thoughts: I've known for a while that this would be my favourite in the series, and that Knox would wholeheartedly have my heart, and as always, Kathy DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I couldn't put this book down. The tension, the chemistry, the story telling, the secrets, the little moments Harper and Knox shared in private all built up to the most explosive series ending I could have ever dreamt up. We finally learn the reason Knox has spent the last 14 years in prison, and boy did that bring tears to my eyes. Seeing him reunite with his daughter was so beautiful, like I actually felt like I was there witnessing it. Seeing this big bad, feared by all inmates man, soft and weak at the knees for tiny little Harper, noticing tiny little details about her and then getting himself injured just so he could see her for a few minutes? Stop. It. I cannot cope. I love how Kathy portrayed his struggles reacclimatising to the outside world, little things like the noise to a mundane task like grocery shopping. So beautifully done. As always, I adored the group chats between the guys. Axel will forever be a favourite in my mind, he just lights up every situation. I'm so sad this series is over, but honestly? What a way to go out. Hats off to you Kathy, you outdid yourself.
🌟 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ℹ️ Tropes: Nurse x inmate, forced proximity, touch her and die, who hurt you, everything to lose, obsessive/possessive alpha MMC
📚 What it’s about: He's a convicted killer. I'm his nurse. And he saw my bruises. Now he keeps getting hurt on purpose, just to see that I'm safe. As a prison nurse, I keep my heart locked away tighter than the men I treat. No grey areas. No second chances. Especially not after escaping my abusive ex. Then Knox Blackwood. The most dangerous man in the prison, winds up in my infirmary. He should terrify me. Instead, he sees what no else does. The scars, the flinch when a door slams, the fear I can't bury. Knox is one parole hearing away from freedom, where he could be reunited with his daughter, and we could have a life beyond these walls. All I need to do is keep Knox from killing the man who hurt me. That's the plan, and it should be easy, until my violent ex steps into the prison as Knox's new guard...
💭 My thoughts: I've known for a while that this would be my favourite in the series, and that Knox would wholeheartedly have my heart, and as always, Kathy DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I couldn't put this book down. The tension, the chemistry, the story telling, the secrets, the little moments Harper and Knox shared in private all built up to the most explosive series ending I could have ever dreamt up. We finally learn the reason Knox has spent the last 14 years in prison, and boy did that bring tears to my eyes. Seeing him reunite with his daughter was so beautiful, like I actually felt like I was there witnessing it. Seeing this big bad, feared by all inmates man, soft and weak at the knees for tiny little Harper, noticing tiny little details about her and then getting himself injured just so he could see her for a few minutes? Stop. It. I cannot cope. I love how Kathy portrayed his struggles reacclimatising to the outside world, little things like the noise to a mundane task like grocery shopping. So beautifully done. As always, I adored the group chats between the guys. Axel will forever be a favourite in my mind, he just lights up every situation. I'm so sad this series is over, but honestly? What a way to go out. Hats off to you Kathy, you outdid yourself.
🌟 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ℹ️ Tropes: Nurse x inmate, forced proximity, touch her and die, who hurt you, everything to lose, obsessive/possessive alpha MMC
May 1, 2026
Trust by Kathy Lockheart is the finale to the Sinners and Saints series and you do not want to miss this, I devoured it! I highly suggest reading this series in order as you get a lot of the background and the carrots that are dangling, leading into this finale I can promise you is well worth it.
Harper takes a job as a prison nurse to disappear from her violent ex. She thinks she’s safe behind the prison walls. She’s wrong. Knox is a convicted murderer, but the details of his crime are sealed the prison’s “darkest secret.” He’s huge, intimidating, and feared by everyone. On Harper’s first day, Knox is brought in injured. He sees everything she tries to hide the bruises, the flinch when a door slams, the fear she can’t bury.
Right from that first meeting Harper and Knox have a real connection. His first words that matter: “Who hurt you?” Harper refuses to answer. Knox decides to find out anyway. Knox begins showing up in Harper’s infirmary with new wounds, suspicious injuries, excuses that make no sense. Harper knows she should keep her distance. She can’t. Knox is dangerous but never to her.
Their chemistry becomes impossible to ignore. Harper starts seeing the man beneath the reputation loyal, protective, quietly gentle with her, violent only toward threats. Knox sees Harper as the first good thing he’s had in years. He becomes obsessed with keeping her safe. When Knox learns the truth, Harper’s ex is the one who hurt her, he vows to destroy him.
Harper and Knox’s journey has twists you won’t see coming (and I’m not going to ruin them). Their connection becomes a lifeline, a danger, and ultimately the only thing that can save them. This is a forbidden, high angst, inmate x nurse romance where a morally gray prisoner risks his freedom and his life to protect the woman who becomes his entire world. It’s two broken people choosing each other and ultimately building a life beyond the prison walls.
Harper takes a job as a prison nurse to disappear from her violent ex. She thinks she’s safe behind the prison walls. She’s wrong. Knox is a convicted murderer, but the details of his crime are sealed the prison’s “darkest secret.” He’s huge, intimidating, and feared by everyone. On Harper’s first day, Knox is brought in injured. He sees everything she tries to hide the bruises, the flinch when a door slams, the fear she can’t bury.
Right from that first meeting Harper and Knox have a real connection. His first words that matter: “Who hurt you?” Harper refuses to answer. Knox decides to find out anyway. Knox begins showing up in Harper’s infirmary with new wounds, suspicious injuries, excuses that make no sense. Harper knows she should keep her distance. She can’t. Knox is dangerous but never to her.
Their chemistry becomes impossible to ignore. Harper starts seeing the man beneath the reputation loyal, protective, quietly gentle with her, violent only toward threats. Knox sees Harper as the first good thing he’s had in years. He becomes obsessed with keeping her safe. When Knox learns the truth, Harper’s ex is the one who hurt her, he vows to destroy him.
Harper and Knox’s journey has twists you won’t see coming (and I’m not going to ruin them). Their connection becomes a lifeline, a danger, and ultimately the only thing that can save them. This is a forbidden, high angst, inmate x nurse romance where a morally gray prisoner risks his freedom and his life to protect the woman who becomes his entire world. It’s two broken people choosing each other and ultimately building a life beyond the prison walls.
May 4, 2026
I don’t say this lightly, but this book owned me from start to finish. Easily my favorite in the series—and honestly, one of those stories that just sits with you long after you’re done.
Harper’s life has never really given her a break. She’s finally trying to build something safe for herself after escaping a toxic, controlling past… but peace doesn’t come easy when the person you’re running from refuses to disappear. And then there’s Knox—locked away, feared by everyone, and completely cut off from the world except for the pieces of himself he quietly holds onto.
What makes this story hit so hard is the way their connection unfolds. It’s not instant, it’s not easy—it’s slow, fragile, and built in stolen moments. Knox doesn’t come across as soft at first, but the way he notices Harper, the way he chooses to protect without overstepping—it says everything. And Harper? She doesn’t see him the way the world does. She looks past the reputation, past the walls, and finds something real underneath.
But don’t get comfortable—because the tension in this book is relentless. Just when you think they might find a moment of peace, everything spirals. The danger feels close, the stakes feel real, and the choices they make? Questionable at best… but you get it. You understand why they can’t walk away.
And that’s the thing—this isn’t a clean, perfect romance. It’s messy, intense, and sometimes makes you want to scream at the characters… but in the best way. The push and pull, the restraint, the moments where everything almost falls apart—it’s addictive.
There were parts that genuinely hurt to read (you’ll know when you get there), mixed with moments that made me laugh or just feel everything all at once. The emotional range in this book is insane.
If you love forbidden romance that leans into chaos, tension that never lets up, and characters who make terrible decisions for reasons that make perfect sense… this is absolutely it.
Harper’s life has never really given her a break. She’s finally trying to build something safe for herself after escaping a toxic, controlling past… but peace doesn’t come easy when the person you’re running from refuses to disappear. And then there’s Knox—locked away, feared by everyone, and completely cut off from the world except for the pieces of himself he quietly holds onto.
What makes this story hit so hard is the way their connection unfolds. It’s not instant, it’s not easy—it’s slow, fragile, and built in stolen moments. Knox doesn’t come across as soft at first, but the way he notices Harper, the way he chooses to protect without overstepping—it says everything. And Harper? She doesn’t see him the way the world does. She looks past the reputation, past the walls, and finds something real underneath.
But don’t get comfortable—because the tension in this book is relentless. Just when you think they might find a moment of peace, everything spirals. The danger feels close, the stakes feel real, and the choices they make? Questionable at best… but you get it. You understand why they can’t walk away.
And that’s the thing—this isn’t a clean, perfect romance. It’s messy, intense, and sometimes makes you want to scream at the characters… but in the best way. The push and pull, the restraint, the moments where everything almost falls apart—it’s addictive.
There were parts that genuinely hurt to read (you’ll know when you get there), mixed with moments that made me laugh or just feel everything all at once. The emotional range in this book is insane.
If you love forbidden romance that leans into chaos, tension that never lets up, and characters who make terrible decisions for reasons that make perfect sense… this is absolutely it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨Summary✨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️. 5
HEA: Yes, no 3rd act breakup
POV: Dual
Tropes: Inmate x Nurse, Forced Proximity, Protective MMC, Forbidden, “who hurt you?”, Slow Burn, Found Family
Harper is a nurse, running from an abusive ex, who takes a job as a prison nurse. On her very first day, she has to patch up Knox, a convicted murderer. She knows he’s dangerous, but she can’t ignore the pull she feels toward him. The more she learns about Knox, the more she realizes he’s not as simple as his conviction suggests. As her feelings grow, so does the tension between what she knows she should do and what she wants. Especially once she sees the lengths he will go to to keep her safe. But what kind of future can they have when he’s behind bars? Knox is up for parole, but he’s been denied before. This time, everything rides on whether luck and the parole board are finally on his side.
I was so excited when I was chosen to receive this ARC because the premise felt fresh and different, and it absolutely delivered.
I loved Knox so much. He is the definition of a protective MMC. Even before he really knew Harper, he was standing up for her, and once he did, there was nothing he wouldn’t do to keep her safe. Watching such a hard man be soft and gentle with his woman will always get me. I also really liked Harper. She had solid character growth throughout the book. She starts out seeing the world in very black and white terms, but as she gets to know Knox, she begins to understand that life is full of gray areas, and that two seemingly opposite things can be true at once. She also helps Knox process his emotions and start thinking beyond his current reality toward a future he never thought possible.
I loved the found family aspect of this book. While Knox is a father and it’s talked about a lot, what really stood out was his relationship with his best friends. The text thread snippets had me laughing out loud, and you could really feel that brotherhood between them. The moment Knox claimed Harper, they showed up for her too, no questions asked, and I loved that.
I honestly don’t think I would change anything about this book. Everything, even the harder moments, felt necessary and added to the story. This was one of those rare reads where nothing felt wasted and was an easy 5⭐️ for me.
Thank you Kathy Lockheart and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️. 5
HEA: Yes, no 3rd act breakup
POV: Dual
Tropes: Inmate x Nurse, Forced Proximity, Protective MMC, Forbidden, “who hurt you?”, Slow Burn, Found Family
Harper is a nurse, running from an abusive ex, who takes a job as a prison nurse. On her very first day, she has to patch up Knox, a convicted murderer. She knows he’s dangerous, but she can’t ignore the pull she feels toward him. The more she learns about Knox, the more she realizes he’s not as simple as his conviction suggests. As her feelings grow, so does the tension between what she knows she should do and what she wants. Especially once she sees the lengths he will go to to keep her safe. But what kind of future can they have when he’s behind bars? Knox is up for parole, but he’s been denied before. This time, everything rides on whether luck and the parole board are finally on his side.
I was so excited when I was chosen to receive this ARC because the premise felt fresh and different, and it absolutely delivered.
I loved Knox so much. He is the definition of a protective MMC. Even before he really knew Harper, he was standing up for her, and once he did, there was nothing he wouldn’t do to keep her safe. Watching such a hard man be soft and gentle with his woman will always get me. I also really liked Harper. She had solid character growth throughout the book. She starts out seeing the world in very black and white terms, but as she gets to know Knox, she begins to understand that life is full of gray areas, and that two seemingly opposite things can be true at once. She also helps Knox process his emotions and start thinking beyond his current reality toward a future he never thought possible.
I loved the found family aspect of this book. While Knox is a father and it’s talked about a lot, what really stood out was his relationship with his best friends. The text thread snippets had me laughing out loud, and you could really feel that brotherhood between them. The moment Knox claimed Harper, they showed up for her too, no questions asked, and I loved that.
I honestly don’t think I would change anything about this book. Everything, even the harder moments, felt necessary and added to the story. This was one of those rare reads where nothing felt wasted and was an easy 5⭐️ for me.
Thank you Kathy Lockheart and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read and review this book!
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