For Saints and Outlaws: An Enemies to Lovers, Dark Cowboy Romance

The Trauma Bonded #3

by Landyn Hill

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Westerns, Cowboy Romance, He Falls First, Suspense, Found Family

427 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2026

Reviews

[Marlen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the series so far. I was not excited to get Valentinas story if I’m being honest but I should have know she would be my favorite.

Trigger warnings for the book: Rape, Depression, Suicide, degradation kink

“It’s easy to write off a villain; it’s harder to take the time to understand one”

Spoilerssssssss starting—————————-

I cried multiple times in this book. Being in the mind of someone who has had to deal with years of manipulation, feeling like they’re worthless, and that they are alone is such a hard place to be. When the book started, you get glimpses of why Valentina is the way that she is but you don’t start to find out until further into the book. What you did get glimpses of is her relation with McCrae and how deep her depression really is. Seeing McCrae protect her but not sure her intimacy or softness, seeing her brother Mateo come around but not give her the benefit of the doubt or the support she needs, or having every gross man that has been in her life constantly disappoint her or use her was just a constant kick to my heart. I loved the way Landyn turns the relationships that needed to be redeemed space to be redeemed at the end. It gave the trauma space to heal in a realistic way.

On the love side, I really didn’t know who I was rooting for to be with V. At first, I’m not going to lie, I really thought she would end up with McCrea. I loved how protective they were of each other, how they showed up for each other, and their friendship but one thing Landyn does well in this series is give you a storyline that isn’t basic. She turned the possible will they won’t they to the realization that they are actually more like siblings perfectly.

Rafael/Santos, the man who was supposed to be a villain was such a light spot in this book. He brought commitment, sex, jokes, action, and just showed up at every turn. He never turned away from the darkness but found the light in it which is crazy based off of his history and the reason that he was at Valentinas ranch.

I will say that book 1 and 2 in this series scared me a little but I’m so glad I kept reading. The world Landyn created is dark but filled with love, friendship, color in the black and white.


Also, the last line of this book has me gagged. I cannot wait to read book 4. Faith is still such a mystery.

[Brie | bookedbybrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ғᴏʀ sᴀɪɴᴛs ᴀɴᴅ ᴏᴜᴛʟᴀᴡs
LANYDN HILL


ғᴏʀ sᴀɪɴᴛs ᴀɴᴅ ᴏᴜᴛʟᴀᴡs is a dark cowboy romance with very heavy themes of flawed characters, but I thoroughly enjoy it. With this series being called the Trauma Bond series, there is truly something wrong with me for enjoying it so much. 😝 It's like a big muahhhha in the face 🤣

𝘐 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘏𝘌𝘈. 𝘗𝘭𝘶𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘸𝘰.

This story is very much the villain story we've been waiting for since book two, which makes this a redemption arc and boy is it so damn good. Valentina finds herself balancing her mental health struggles, finding where she belongs, if she even belongs, to finding herself in a place where she can be loved, truly loved and being chosen.

Rafael Santos, is out to get her for revenge. He looks every bit of your wet dream, and he uses it to his advantage in getting close to Valentina, to help perfect his revenge plan.

As the story goes on, you see the character growth in Valentina, from such heavy trauma to healing, which is beautiful, because it comes from help from the least person you would expect. How he was able to help understand her and become the one person she could count on.


𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
▪️Morally grey MCs
▪️Hidden identity
▪️Enemies-to-lovers
▪️Dark cowboy romance
▪️Small town
▪️City girl goes country
▪️Healing from trauma
▪️Found family
▪️Redemption ARC

Thanks to Luna and Landyn Hill for allowing me to be an early reader, sharing my honest thoughts.

[Gaby | gabblesreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another crazy ending for a book in the Trauma Bonded Series 💀

I really enjoyed this, just as much as the first two. I definitely recommend reading them in order, since there is an overarching plot that connects all the characters together.

I wasn't sure Landyn could convince me to like Valentina, since she was a rough character in the last book, but getting her backstory changed everything. The trauma she went through as a teenager is devastating, I really felt for her. Also very relatable to feel like the odd one out, by the end of this, I just wanted to protect her and so happy that she's healing 🫶🏻

Rafael was an interesting mmc. He hates Valentina in the beginning, trying his hardest to sabotage her, only to end up being head over heels and protective of her. I loved their dynamic development.

Overall, Landyn Hill really knows how to write traumatic, flawed characters and I love how different this series is. I cannot wait for book four.

Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Management for providing me with an eArc in exchange for review 🫶🏻

[Shere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab yourself a box of Kleenex a comfort blanket and your favourite snacks. You’re going to need it. Landyn puts you through it. I could tell from the dedication,the first chapter. This one was going to stick with me and it was going to hurt. I’m still thinking about it days later.


Valentina was the villain we loved to hate. She just needed one person in her life to show up. Just one, to show her how amazing and strong she truly was. Santos starts off super suspicious but in the end well…you’ll have to read it and find out 😏 I loved seeing Valentina blossom and start to heal and Santos accept his feelings.

Landyn had me hooked from start to finish. Can’t wait to see what book four brings!!! I might have screamed at the end of this book with excitement.

[Kara Bowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

Another book by Landyn full of twists and turns!

After book two I was so curious about Valentina and what secrets she held. There were so many times I wished I could just hug her once we found out about her past. She has held onto so much over the years, harboring guilt and resentment for the things she experienced. She is seen as a villain by those around her because she would rather be the villain than a victim. I was happy to see her walls crumble little by little, letting not only Santos in, but Faith as well.

Rafael was an interesting character and from the beginning you could tell he was only chasing revenge because that’s what he thought he needed to do for his family. For a while I wasn’t sure how to feel about him, but as he learned more about Valentina and understood her better, he started to grow on me. His protectiveness over her and his empathy for her and what she has gone through was 👌

Their relationship was rough at first, but the tension was palpable from the beginning. Even with Rafael despising Valentina, his desire for her was 🔥 When the tension finally snapped, the spice was spicyyyy. I enjoyed their growth both individually and together and was happy they got their HEA with a nice little glimpse into what we’ll get in book four 👀

Can’t wait to see where the series goes next and what rollercoaster we’ll be brought on next time.

Thank you Landyn and Luna for the ARC! 🖤

[Teri Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts out really heavy and sad. The FMC wants nothing more than to lead her family, to prove to her father that she can, but he has different ideas as to how she can serve the family. The MMC holds her responsible for the tragedy that is his past. There’s a lot of drama, turmoil and also a little suspense. I couldn’t wait to read what happened next, what secrets would be revealed. And, there were plenty. I liked this story. There was found family, love, and some bittersweet truths. Parts were heartwarming and parts were heartbreaking. PTSD and other stresses were well-represented in this book. Loved the ending and what an exciting epilogue. I would definitely recommend this novel.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Villains story. Landyn, you completely ripped my heart out, broke it, then put it all back together. Thank you! Oh and let’s not talk about all the edging you did for book 4…

[Kristin 🩵 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god. These books have me in a chokehold. I love how flawed everyone is. My heart absolutely ached for Valentina and Rafael. Both of their stories were absolutely devastating. They deserve every single ounce of happiness that they got. The set up for book 4 was so insane, truly just edged us to oblivion. And now we wait.

• dark romance • small town • cowboy romance • enemies to lovers • found family • trauma & healing • hidden identity •

[Katelynn | booksareadoorway · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Welcome to the Damaged Darlins, the self-proclaimed fucked up crew of misfits of Moztecha, Texas."

As a lover of dark romance, I know that sometimes we can view the trigger warnings as a menu. They can entice you to read a story rather than dissuade you. But I would strongly encourage you to read them for this series & especially this book. Landyn does not shy away from shining light on the dark parts of life, but sometimes the dark may overtake you if you don't see it coming. Protect your mental health. With that being said, if you choose to proceed, welcome to the Damaged Darlins. We're glad to have you & your broken pieces.

"Show me how much you hate me and make. Me. Choke."

Landyn has had my heart in her hands since I was lucky enough to read her debut, For Fillies and Monsters. Anyone that likes their romances with a side of emotional trauma needs to read this series. Landyn Hill tackles exploring and healing from emotional trauma in such a beautiful way. Her books are dark, spicy, and emotional. She does not shy away from highlighting the worst parts of someone and their life. She crafts found families that are made up of people with broken pieces whose pieces don't seem to fit together, but that will burn the world for one another. Her books just keep getting better and better.

"I'm not afraid of you, Valentina. I'm not afraid of what you might do. I'm afraid for you - I'm afraid you won't see how strong you really are before it's too late. I'm not afraid of the blood on your hands, V. I'm not afraid of you or anything you've done. I'm in awe of you."

I think Rafael Santos just clinched his position as my favorite Trauma Bonded MMC. He came in hot & heavy with vengeance fueling his every move & grief holding him together. He was ready to burn the entire world down, but then life throws him a curve ball that makes him rethink everything. Valentina is not a easily likeable FMC; she's all sharp edges, icy exterior, and anger. Until you start to see behind the front that she displays, then you realize that she is one thread away from being completely obliterated. Seeing her have to confront everything that has kept buried in order to survive was absolutely brutal yet beautiful. Her story had me in tears of both the sad and angry varieties. These two were made for each other. The way that Rafael sees Valentina, stands up for her, and pushes her to believe in herself. Not to mention the heat that scorches you after they begin to give into each other.

While this story is a romance, it's also a story about friendship and family. Blood isn't always thicker than friendship. Sometimes it's the friends that you never expected, and maybe never wanted, that help you to save yourself. That's what this book is. The friends in this book see every broken piece, but are willing to cut themselves on the shards to keep their loved ones close. Faith is a prime example of this. And I can't wait to explore her story in book 4.

"Every villain has a story - mine was written in flesh, his was written in blood. It's easy to write off a villain; it's harder to take the time to understand one - it's why I accept him, forgive him in a way no one else could. I am him and he is me."

As a side note, Landyn, that ending!?!?! You gave us just enough hints at what's to come that we are chomping at the bit for book 4. You truly took us to the edge. I both love and hate you for it ;)

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
4🌟
4.5🌶
⚠️Check your triggers⚠️

Thank you to Landy Hill and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read this healing story. 

If you love characters that are misunderstood and are more than what they portray to the world, come meet Valentina Reyes.

Our story picks up moments after book 2's ending. We find Valentina at her lowest point, she's lost everything. In this moment she tries to do what she's always done, eliminate what she sees as a threat to her family. Only this time, she'll lose the precious little she had left. Valentina, the villain in everyone's story, has to learn to deal with her demons or risk losing her family for good.

Rafael Santos is the last living member of his family, and that's all because of Valentina. The moment he waited for, the thing he wanted most: revenge, is staring him in the face, but when he pulls the trigger, he misses the mark. Now, he must get close to her to avenge his brothers. Only, once he does, he discovers things may not be what he thought he knew. 

The punches kept coming with this story. In Book 2, I could not stand Valentina. The way she treated her brother and Dale, I just couldn't. But Landy took everything I thought I knew and turned it on its head. As the depth of hurt, betrayal, and trauma that Valentina experienced is revealed, the more my heart just broke. Landy took Valentina from a simple one dimensional villain to someone so complex that my head spun. I loved how Landy brought Rafael in with his determination to live up to his brother's expectations at first. His thoughts that “this is what they'd do” but depicting how conflicted he is with every step he takes to exact his revenge. The way these two dance around each other and how they heal not only each other, but themselves was so perfect. I love that Landy didn't end the story when Valentina has her bug “ah-ha” moment and we get to go along the journey she takes in healing. The very real emotions, worries, and setbacks Valentina experiences are what make this story. 

Tropes:
🥀Enemies to Lovers
🥃Hidden Identity
🥀Found Family
🥃Trauma Rep x Healing
🥀City Girl Goes Country
🥃Dark Cowboy Romance
🥀Small Town
🥃Fem Rage

Favorite Quotes:
"She’s not losing herself within me— she’s finding herself, and giving herself to me with open arms.”

“Mine. I’ll destroy her, now and always, because she’s mine. Mine to mold and bend and f💥ing break if I damn well please. Mine.”

“I’m not afraid of you, Valentina. I’m not afraid of what you might do. I’m afraid for you— I’m afraid you won’t see how strong you really are before it’s too late.”

“Rafael could be the devil incarnate, and I’d still seek comfort in his embrace.”

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Saints and Outlaws continues the Trauma Bonded series as book three written by Landyn Hill.  Thank you to Luna Literary for the opportunity to read this ARC.  I have followed this series from the start and I am completely invested in these characters.  All of the books can be read separately, but some context and details would be lost if the series is not read in order.  Landyn delivered on everything she promised in the notes in the opening of the book.  Even if the reader can't relate to these specific types of trauma, they will be able to experience a range of emotions nonetheless.  This series may not be for everyone, but I hitched my wagon and am along for the ride.

Valentina  never really lived her life for herself.  She ultimately sacrificed a lot of herself for the circumstances she is raised in and for the people she loves the most.  The turmoil and self loathing is real.  You can almost taste it in the air while reading.  At times it was hard to hear her talk about herself the way she did, but everyone has to heal in their own way.  Rafael has led a trauma-filled life as well.  Their paths cross in a very unconventional way.  Rafael is fueled by grief, regret, and revenge.  He never expected Valentina to change his course in life the way she did.  This love story doesn't come easy to either one of them.  There will be a lot of fighting and denial of what is truly inevitable.  Rafael and Valentina are at war with their minds and hearts.  Two broken but healing individuals unexpectedly finding safety and love in one another.

Rafael and Valentina deserved the redemption and healing in For Saints and Outlaws.  Valentina went from villain to cherished by Rafael.  The healing and growth these two experience together is beautiful to see unfold in between the pages.  It may be messy and is by far a fairytale, but it is exactly what they need and deserve.  There were so many twists and turns in this plot, but at this point I expect nothing less from this writer.

This book cracked something open in me and healed a tiny piece of me all at the same time.  I did not expect it but I am grateful.  Healing looks different for everyone.  I hope you will take something meaningful away from this series the way I have.  The cliffhanger element is expected at the end, but the last page of the book surprised me.  The audible gasp coming from me was heard all over my house.  It absolutely makes me feral for the next book.  I am devoted and I will be impatiently awaiting Faith's story.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not read this book. I inhaled it. I devoured it like it owed me money and my sanity was collateral.

For Saints and Outlaws by Landyn Hill??? I’m actually unwell.

This book feels like standing in the middle of a thunderstorm with your heart in your hands, just waiting to see if lightning strikes. And spoiler: it does. Repeatedly.

Valentina Reyes is not your soft, easy heroine. She is carved from survival. Every decision she’s made, every cold wall she’s built, you feel the weight of it. She’s sharp, controlled, untouchable… until she isn’t. Watching those cracks form? Watching her be forced to confront everything she buried just to keep breathing?? It’s brutal and beautiful and I could not look away.

And then there’s Rafael.

Rafael “I will burn your world to the ground” Santos.

This man came in with vengeance in his veins and grief stitched into his bones, fully ready to destroy her… and I was like YES give me the chaos. But the way this story unfolds?? The tension?? The slow, agonizing realization that nothing is as simple as hate?? I was screaming internally the entire time.

The proximity. The deception. The fact that he’s RIGHT THERE, hiding in plain sight, while she’s unknowingly letting him in??? I was STRESSED. In the best way. Every interaction felt like a ticking bomb wrapped in chemistry and unresolved trauma.

And can we talk about the emotional intensity for a second because WHAT WAS THAT. This isn’t just romance. This is two completely shattered people circling each other like wounded wolves, trying to decide if the other is a threat or a home. It’s messy. It’s raw. It hurts.

The trauma in this book isn’t just there for drama, it lives in every page. It shapes them, breaks them, binds them together in ways that feel almost dangerous… but also inevitable. You don’t just root for them, you ache for them.

And when everything starts colliding?? The past, the secrets, the truth behind who they are to each other?? I genuinely could not read fast enough. My heart was racing, my brain was yelling “THIS IS A BAD IDEA” and I was like “I DON’T CARE KEEP GOING.”

Saints and Outlaws?? More like sinners and survivors clawing their way toward something that might look like redemption… if they don’t destroy each other first.

5 stars isn’t enough. This book left teeth marks on my soul. I’m still thinking about them. I will probably always be thinking about them.

[Mikayla Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩵BETA REVIEW🩵

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Okay, first off, this book is amazing. I love how you can see the growth of the characters and that they just continue to grow. They have two steps forward and one step back, and it makes them feel so real, and I love that so much. The flow of the story is very realistic in the way you see in Val’s character development. She never seems like she’s moving too fast, her mental progress, and the way she opens up with people. Then you see how she pushes people away, and it shows how people do that in real life. The plot of this book was amazing, being in Santos’ mind, and how he slowly finds himself falling in love and realizing not everything is as it seems, was adorable. I loved him!! Santos’ growth is amazing as well because he’s quick to judge, but throughout the book, you can see that he slowly puts things together and realizes that nothing is as it seems. Santos, this man is everything he’s wanting to get revenge for what happened to his brothers, and he’s ready to burn the world to the ground, but when he gets all the information of what truly happened, he puts Val first, and that’s amazing. I LOVE HIM! The other characters have grown so much. They are so judgmental of Val, but once they truly see her, they accept her and try to help her in their own way. This book never felt unrealistic; you could feel all the emotion that every character was going through. You cheered when Val opened up and you cried when she pushed people away. You just wanted her to be loved and accepted. This book was so relatable, and in the end, a lot of people will relate to this story because we are all human, and you just want someone to love you for you and not your past, and they don’t try to change you but accept you. This book is amazing. And I can’t wait for y’all to read it. I love this series so much, and seeing all of these couples heal their trauma is amazing, and the found family in these books is beautiful!! Also, I can’t wait to read the next book, especially with that cliffhanger that Landyn left us with!! You can go read this series on Kindle Unlimited!!! I love all these characters with my whole heart!!

🖤 I can’t thank you enough, Landyn, for letting me beta read this beautiful book. 🖤

[Morgan Crump · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to expect:
Dark romance
Trauma & healing
Enemies to Lovers
Found family

This book is very heavy, please check your trigger warnings prior to reading.

This story is of Valentina, the misunderstood “villain” and Rafael (Santos), the MMC who is out for revenge for his family.

I would recommend reading the first two books as you will be introduced to these characters from an outside perspective. This helps when learning who they truly are from their standpoint and how the relationships with other characters in the series are started.

Valentina was used from an early age to help further her father’s business interests. This creates a lot of trauma that contributes heavily to who she is as a person. All she wanted to do was prove herself, so that her father saw her as the type of person who could take over and run the family business one day. Little did she know, that was never an option and he just used her to get ahead in his business. This created a strain on the relationship with her brother, Mateo. She did everything she could to hide the truth of how she was treated as she didn’t want him to suffer further. This contributed to the resentment between the siblings. Valentina had enough and believed that her brother was unable to stand his ground and set out to make a show of how the business should be run. This action lead to an accidental death of an 18 year old boy.

The story proceeds on to Rafael seeking revenge for his siblings. In Mateo and Dale’s story, you learned that three brothers were seeking revenge for their dead younger brother. Only one brother had remorse for Dale and eventually helped her escape. Later down the road, Rafael (Santos) decided the best way to seek revenge for his family was to worm his way in Valentina’s life. At this time, he thought that she intentionally set out to hurt her family, but little did Rafael know, he finds out that she is truly just misunderstood.

Eventually, the majority of the trauma is resolved between all of the book characters and Valentina is able to be welcomed into her “found family.”

The set up for book 4 has me very intrigued and I cannot wait to read it! Faith has truly been the best friend/supporter that the characters in these books could need, so I know her story will be juicy!

Thank you to Landyn Hill and Luna Literacy for giving me the opportunity to read this as an eARC.

[Robert Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentina is the villain that we loved to hate ever since her introduction in this series. After what happened in the previous book, I was unsure as to how I would feel about her story. This book starts out heavy and sad as Valentina is left to nothing but her own devices while running a farm. She's at her lowest while memories of her father and how she had to "prove" herself to him in order to lead the family. This is where her trauma begins with its claws deep in her soul.

Rafael Santos is on the hunt for revenge, holding Valentina responsible for the tragedy of his past. He misses one opportunity to take his revenge, Santos believed he missed his chance. When he finds himself with a chance to get close to her, Santos takes it. While he starts off super suspicious to Valentina and those close to her, Santos gains her trust.

From the opening chapters, this book kept coming with the punches as she mined the depth of hurt, betrayal, and trauma of both Valentina and Rafael. Finding out how Valentina was raised and the scars of her father's savage leadership, the more my heart broke for her. Landyn transformed Valentina from a one dimensional villain into someone that is so complex and did what she had to do in order to survive. I had to sympathize with her story. Rafael and his determination to live up to his brother's expectations mirror Valentina and her father's relationship perfectly. The internal conflict that he feels with every step that he has to take his revenge was so amazing to watch. The way that these two dance around one another and take a chance to heal was so earned as a reader to watch happen. They heal not only each other, but themselves.

Landyn Hill crafted an amazing story as she takes us on an emotional journey of trauma, hurt, revenge and healing. The real emotions, worries, setbacks, and steps forward that Valentina experiences and takes is what drives this story.

If you read the first two books of this series or looking for a deeply character driven story, For Saints and Outlaws is certainly for you!

Thank you for Landyn Hill and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read the eARC of this novel!

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2.5🌶️🌶️

Holy crap, did this book make me cry🥹I’d never felt so seen as I did while reading Valentina’s story and her journey battling with depression, rage and the feeling of loneliness. The author captured the feelings so well, at times I felt like I was reading my own inner thoughts.

Valentina Reyes has been getting “trained” to take over the family business and wants to make her dad proud. Only problem is that her dad has no intentions of having her take over the business and instead appoints her brother to be charge. She’s given up everything, including her body, and finds herself spiraling into a deep, dark place that no one can get her out from.

Rafael Santos Martinez is seeking revenge for the loss of his brothers whom he feels Valentina was responsible for. He inserts himself into her life under the pretense that he’s just a man looking for a job, when in reality he’s seeking to ruin her. As time goes by, he gets to know the real her and starts questioning whether she was responsible for his brother’s deaths.

Valentina and Rafael’s romance was so raw and deep, both MC’s felt like they weren’t good enough and the minute they showed each other that they were in fact enough my heart skipped a beat. To find that person who shows you your self worth and loves you despite your flaws is such a beautiful thing.

Not gonna lie, at first I wanted Valentina to end up with McCrae😩but as I read further I knew it wouldn’t happen as he clearly didn’t love her in that way. Faith is THAT girl! Hands down my favorite character from the series. She’s such a badass, and the way she didn’t give up being Valentina’s friend although Valentina tried pushing her away is commendable.

Tropes:
🖤Dark Cowboy romance
🖤Morally grey MC’s
🖤Redemption Arc
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤City girl goes country
🖤Slow burn
🖤Trauma/healing

That cliffhanger tho! My mouth DROPPED to the floor after reading that last line, like whaaat🤯i need book 4 like now as I am so unless after that ending. For sure it’s going to be about Faith and McCrae and I’m super excited for it.🙌🏻

Thank you so much to the author for the eArc, all opinions are my own.✨

[Ashh C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t just reading the book anymore.. I was devouring it!!!

Okay I won’t lie, I LOOOVVVVEEEE dark romance. It’s typically my everyday go to genre. So much so that I don’t really need to check the trigger warnings. But I actually had to go back and read them after reading just the prologue. Right from the start reading the prologue made me feel a pit in my stomach. (AND I DONT GET THOSE FEELINGS) And then the last sentence… ugh!!! I highly suggest to you know your sensitivities and boundaries. Read the trigger warnings.
BUUUUUUTTTT… I will say it definitely calms down. There are still some chapters that are more on the “darker” side. One I can think of I particular (no spoilers sorry) but other than that it’s a lot more tame. It’s more mental challenges / struggles the characters go through.

After a while I noticed I wasn’t just reading the book anymore.. I was devouring it!!!! I couldn’t put it down. Forget it being a “dark romance” it was a raw, emotional, heart wrenching roller coaster! Ugh I wish I read the prior two books first before reading this one just to know the other characters better. I can tell there little things I’m probably missing out on / understanding but I will say I don’t regret it! I didn’t feel like I’m missing a lot of things that have happened. The book flowed very easily and it makes you feel -well a lot of things actually- but still completely immersed in the story. They kinda touch base of each character enough for you to understand them so there’s nothing too big that you’re missing out on. All in all If I could go back, I would have read the first two book then this one but that doesn’t mean it can’t be as a standalone and I am very excited for the fourth book. And yes I will be reading the first two also hahaha maybe the whole series again once it’s out.

As I said before the book flowed perfectly. It honestly could have ended a few chapters prior but Landyn said NOPE! And made sure everyone got their own spot light and ending. You weren’t left with little questions of what happened next for the certain characters. Like I said it was perfect.

Ps.. Landyn Hill… once again you kill me with your last lines. First with the prologue and how you end this book… I have no words yet so many at once.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

Reviewed by ashh

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5/5
🔥 5/5
🌶️ 5/5
💧 5/5

For Saints and Outlaws by Landyn Hill, provided via Luna Literacy Management, is a dark western romance that blends enemies-to-lovers tension, emotional trauma, hidden identities, romantic suspense, and redemption themes into a deeply emotional and compelling reading experience.

The story follows Valentina and Rafael, two deeply flawed characters navigating complicated emotional wounds, family loyalty, revenge, and the search for belonging while becoming increasingly drawn toward one another.

One of the strongest aspects of the story is how emotionally layered the characters feel throughout the book. Neither character is portrayed as fully innocent or fully villainous, which makes the emotional conflicts and relationship dynamics feel much more realistic and impactful.

The story also explores heavier themes surrounding trauma, emotional survival, mental health struggles, and the complicated balance between loyalty to family and allowing yourself to move forward emotionally.

Valentina’s emotional journey stood out particularly strongly throughout the story as she struggles to determine where she belongs and whether she is capable of finding a place where she feels truly loved, accepted, and chosen.

Rafael’s redemption arc also adds another powerful emotional layer to the story, especially as the relationship develops through tension, emotional vulnerability, and the gradual breakdown of emotional walls between the characters.

The romantic suspense and hidden identity elements help maintain strong tension throughout the story while deepening the emotional stakes surrounding the relationship.

Overall, For Saints and Outlaws is an emotionally intense and immersive dark western romance filled with flawed characters, emotional healing, loyalty conflicts, redemption, and powerful relationship development from beginning to end.

[Lourdes | Lu and her books ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐4.5/5
🌶️2.5/5
📌Check TW

This one absolutely gutted me. Valentina’s upbringing was heartbreaking. What her father did to her was truly unspeakable. He used her as a pawn for his business and never valued her as a person. She grew up believing her only purpose was to please him. Watching her feel so unworthy and constantly seek validation was painful.

Rafael felt like the perfect match for her. He may have approached her with the wrong intentions at first, but he saw her for who she really was beneath all the walls. He understood that she was a broken girl forced into the role of a villain just to protect what was left of her soul.

He did not try to fix her. Instead, he stood beside her. He gave her the confidence she lacked while helping her reclaim her wings and supporting her through her healing journey. They truly felt like yin and yang, balancing each other in the best way.

The chemistry between them was absolutely electric. Rafael’s dominant side paired perfectly with Valentina’s more submissive nature, but what I loved most was how he made her feel safe enough to embrace her playful side and become comfortable with intimacy.

This book may not have as much drama as the first two, but it still hits just as hard because of how raw and real the characters feel. Their growth and emotional depth make the story truly powerful.

If you enjoy dark small town suspense, themes of trauma and healing, strong character development, and found family, I highly recommend this one. It can be read as a standalone since Valentina and Rafael’s story is fully wrapped up here, but reading the series in order will give you a deeper understanding of the side characters, especially Rafael’s background.

Thank you so much to Landyn and Luna Literary for this great eARC!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exceptionally well done story for the trauma and darkness it represented. It was an interesting feeling going into a book already knowing you greatly dislike both characters. I kept an open mind and was pleasantly blown away with how intricate and complex these characters were. It's truly a testament to Landyn Hill's writing ability that she was able to redeem these characters.

I'll admit that Valentina was not on my list of characters that I wanted to read about. I hated her for the things she had done in past books and I didn't think she deserved to find a happy ending. It just goes to show that you shouldn't judge a character without getting the whole story. She was so much deeper and showed so much more depth to her personality in this book. My heart went out to her and there were small moments where she was even relatable in her feelings.

I actually ended up loving Rafael. He was dealt a raw hand in life and I admired his willingness to grow and support the change he craved. He was so supportive of Valentina and you could almost feel his devotion coming off the pages. I loved how he was so good at reading Valentina and knowing how to help her heal.

I don't think Faith could have come across as any more mysterious. She is an enigma and I can’t wait to get her story! I loved that we got to see the past characters and how the trauma/healing is going for all of them. I absolutely loved that this story showcased how just being around horses is healing and how much they can soothe your soul when you are hurting. Just breathing them in can settle your heart rate and calm the turmoil inside you. The writing was very descriptive and did a great job of bringing the story to life. I was hooked right away and didn't want to let go. I would definitely recommend it!!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Saints And Outlaws is a beautifully written novel by Landyn Hill and the third book in The Trauma Bonded Series. For Saints And Outlaws is the villains story it’s a raw and emotional masterpiece that will rip your heart out and slowly put it back together.

Valentina is misunderstood woman that has been manipulated and treated horribly by the ones that are supposed to love her the most. As a result of everything she has been through she has unresolved trauma and built up resentment, leading to her pushing everyone away and feeling unworthy.

Rafael is a man wanting revenge, determined to avenge his family and he’s ready to even the score. But once he meets and gets to know Valentina the villain he’s expecting to take out might not actually be a villain after all. And as the two get to know each other they slowly break down their walls down and let each other in. They see each other for who they really are. The pair bring all the emotions, tension, and of course the spice.

Valentina’s redemption arc was simply everything. She goes through the most growth I have ever seen from a character and it was beautiful. The found family in this series is one of my favorites they are true ride or dies and to watch those friendships grow was beautiful.

Valentina and Rafael’s story is an emotional one full of trauma, revenge, friendship, and so much more. But most importantly love especially when you least expect it.

Landyn takes you on an emotional journey like no other and in true Landyn fashion she loves to leave us begging more, leaving us on a cliffhanger that will have your heart racing and your mind questioning everything!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For Saints And Outlaws is now available!
(pls check the T.W before reading)

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the Luna Literary for the ARC opportunity

Book 3 and somehow this series just keeps getting messier, darker, and more emotionally damaging in the best way possible. Saints and Outlaws gave me small town tension, found family vibes, trauma, healing, and characters that felt so painfully human. The chemistry? there. The emotional damage? also there. I loved how gritty and emotional this one felt without losing those softer moments in between all the chaos. The morally grey energy mixed with the healing journey worked so well for me. And the way the relationships slowly unfold?? obsessed.
If you love dark small town romance with broken characters, emotional baggage, tension, and that “maybe we can save each other” feeling.. definitely add this one to your list.
Also highly recommend reading the series in order because the emotional connections hit so much harder that way.


Espanol: Libro 3 y de alguna manera esta serie sigue poniéndose más intensa, más oscura y emocionalmente devastadora… de la mejor manera.
Saints and Outlaws me dio tensión de pueblo pequeño, found family, trauma, sanación y personajes que se sienten demasiado reales. La química? uff. El daño emocional? también.
Me encantó lo crudo y emocional que se sintió este libro sin perder esos momentos suaves entre todo el caos. La energía morally grey mezclada con el proceso de sanación funcionó demasiado bien para mí. Y la manera en que las relaciones evolucionan lentamente?? obsesionada.
Si te gustan los romances oscuros de pueblo pequeño con personajes rotos, tensión emocional y ese sentimiento de “tal vez podamos salvarnos mutuamente” necesitas leerlo.
Y sí recomiendo leer la serie en orden porque las conexiones emocionales pegan muchísimo más así.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Landyn Hill for the gifted copy of this book, all opinions are my own. 🫶🏼

What to expect: morally grey main characters, hidden identity, city girl goes country, healing from trauma, found family, redemption arc, enemies to lovers, dark romance, small town, cowboy romance

Landyn does it again! For Saints and Outlaws was definitely a bingeable read. I highly recommend picking up the first two books in the Trauma Bonded series before diving into this one. There are many aspects of the storyline that you'll only understand by reading the other books first!

This story features some heavy themes and very flawed characters…but i loved every minute of it. This was the villain story we've been waiting for and I do have to say: the redemption arc was SO good. Valentina really finds herself in this story, making progress with both her personal healing and her relationships. I really enjoyed reading along for her journey and seeing the massive growth there. I absolutely loved Rafael Santos' character and appreciated how his mindset changed throughout the story as well. He was able to understand Valentina and he became someone that she could count on. These two really complimented each other and it made the story more interesting!

The pacing was steady and this book was action packed. We had dual POV, dual timelines, and lots of moving pieces. There are heavy themes of trauma discussed, however, we also see the beauty that comes from healing, honesty and friendship. Everything came together in the end and I really enjoyed it.

Each of these books has ended on a cliffhanger, so this one naturally followed suit. I am soooooo ready for book 4 and to see what is happening with McCrae and Faith!

[Lauren (laurenreads_7) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t love this series more if I tried and each book gets better and better. I mean I cried in the authors note??? The trauma bonded series is just that-deeply rooted, flawed characters, questionable decisions, and emotions running high.

Valentina is the villain in her own world and mind. A lifetime of high expectations, pain inflicted by those who were supposed to keep her safe, and always made to believe the trauma she endured was her own fault. She built walls as high as one could to protect herself, only letting in her one friend/body guard McCrae. The casino empire she once dreamed of taking over has been swept out from under her feet by her brother. All she has now is a ranch in Texas with no hope for her future.

If you have read For Cowgirl and Kings (which you should when already if you’re here because this series has to be read in order!) then you’re familiar with Rafael/Santos. He’s as loyal as they come, a steadfast anchor in the chaos Valentina is drowning in mentally. The woman he once sought out to destroy entirely has become his weakness. Rafael knows what a life of violence and crime is like thanks to his brothers, and he sees that V isn’t the villain but a victim.

There is such a deep love and understanding that develops between these two characters. A sense of trust built from the ruble and 15+ years of trauma to weed through. Neither are perfect, they’re so morally gray you’ll question if you should be rooting for them at all when the story start. But maybe they’re not a villain, just outlaws looking for a safe space to land. Maybe they just needed to find someone to dance with their demons.

Thank you Landyn and Luna Lit for an ARC! This series is beautiful is the saddest of ways and I can’t wait for Faith’s story to be told next.

[Dani Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Saints and Outlaws by Landyn Hill

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5

This is the third book in the Trauma Bonded Series by Landyn Hill. This is a dark cowboy redemption romance that is based on Valentina and Raphael.

This book broke me and put me back together better than I could ever imagine. This is probably the first book that I feel like I maxed out myself with annotating and highlighting. The way Landyn writes is so pure and fresh that I absolutely lose myself in these books.

Valentina or V has always betrayed herself as the villain. Always being hateful, mean, and lacking empathy. She never was shown how to be anything other than a pawn to be played. On her self discovery through the book she is able atone for her mistakes and voice her past. Even if it feels like it’s going to kill her.

Raphael aka Santos is set on revenge. He feels like V is the reason why he has lost everything in his life. It isn’t until he learns how broken she is and how she was used to understand everything that occurred.

The redemption for these characters was amazing. But that cliffhanger in the epilogue has me wanting the next book.

Favorite quotes:

Being the older sister, we learn to bottle up how we’re feeling, swallow our emotions for fear of being too much, always taking care of others out of obligation and not just because we want to.”

It really is a shame I have to destroy something so beautiful.

If I’m not the damsel, then I’m the villain. I’m never the good character; no one would even consider it.

Do you really think she became an angry person just because? Angry people are sad people who others stopped paying attention to.”

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!! This series!! After reading this again for the second time I’m even more in love with our characters and this storyline, I’ve had a soft spot for V, our main girl and seeing her grow, heal and find herself healed me!! This book has the perfect mixture of everything you need and more!!

Valentina is a complex character but a beautiful one, her demons and how she’s dealt with them was written so well and so delicately. It’s a dark romance but her words hit hard, the way she felt and the way you grew to understand what she did, why she did it really made you love her and want to see her have that happy ending. I loved getting to see her vulnerable side, her character development was by far one of the best I’ve read.

Santos what a bad man you are, he didn’t last long in the job before his revenge plan fell through and he became a man down bad!! His grief and the mindset he went in with to start did a complete 360 and we saw how passionate he could be. But gosh what a mouth on him!! Landyn writes my favourite dirty mouthed cowboys! I love this sneaky man so much and I loved how he was the first to make sure V was okay always!!!

This book had me feeling a lot of emotions, it’s complex and it’s a ‘villains’ happily ever after but gosh after that cliffhanger I’m so glad we got them. This is more than a dark romance, it’s trauma, it’s finding yourself again, understanding that’s it’s okay to not be okay and finding your self worth again. It’s so many important messages in one. I loved the spice, the tension and the chemistry, it felt electric and real. This is definitely my new favourite and this series just gets better and better!!

[Vanessa Cappiello · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Saints & Outlaws is book 3 in the Trauma Bonded Series and follows Valentina & Rafael Santos's story.

"Every villain has a story. Mine was written in flesh, his was written in blood."

Holy TRAUMA BATMAN! This book absolutely CONSUMED me! These two were totally messed up in more ways than anyone can count! The things that each endured was over the top! How can anyone overcome the trauma these two faced is beyond me. Landyn did a hell of a job with these two characters! A true trauma ridden story! Ohh and that cliffy...Ooofff!

Valentina is so hardened by her past that she's built walls so high that you can't help but think, how is anyone ever going to get through to her! She's stuck in survival mode. You can't help but feel for her and her pain. It's raw with so many layers that it'll take forever to peel them all back.

Rafael is just as broken but on a different level. He's fueled by revenge and wants nothing more to get back at Valentina for ruining his family. But as he gets closer to Valentina, his plans for revenge change and he wants nothing more than to show her how strong she really is.

Their story is built on hidden identities, secrets and a pain that neither of them can escape. There's so much anger, confusion and a connection that neither of them can walk away from.

Can two broken people actually find something real in all their wreckage?

If you like:
Enemies to lovers
Hidden Identity
Revenge Plot
Trauma
Emotional Healing
Dark Cowboy Romance

"It was better to become the villain than the victim, and now, it's all I am."

*Thank you Landyn Hill and Luna Literary for the opportunity to read this as an ARC

[Chryssa.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ “Every villain has a story—mine was written in flesh, his was written in blood.” ~

This is the 3rd book in THE TRAUMA BONDED SERIES and when I saw it was with this couple I first I thought What the Hell?!
Why?! Because I thought they were the villains, so why did the author choose to give them a book?!
But so happy she did it !!!

It was such a good story, very emotional and full of trauma. She writes so good trauma stuff, you really must give these books a chance.

Valentina was this strong and independent woman, who did everything in her power for her family's legacy, but in the end was for nothing because she will lose it and has to live on a ranch now, in a small dusty tow. She , a city girl that likes to wear heels.
But her story it is so so heartbreaking and will make you fall in love with her and to defend her. She did some bad things or took somw wrong decisions, but she thought that was the write path.

Rafael wants revenge for the death of his brothers and mother. And he thinks Valentina is the one set to destroy his family, so he must destroy her now. But what he finds is a woman that beneath all that stronger facade is just a girl with a destroyed childhood and a lot of suffering.

I really loved this story and the characters and how Landyn Hill wrote this book. For sure I will comeback for the next one. Because after that ending ?!!! I really must read the next couple.

What you will find inside this book:
● Enemies to Lovers
● Hidden Identity
● Found Family
● Trauma Rep x Healing
● City Girl Goes Country
● Dark Cowboy Romance
● Small Town
● Fem Rage

Thank you @landynhillreads and @lunaliterary.management for the opportunity to read the book in advance. This is my honest and only opinion.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear by now I should know to expect the unexpected from Landyn and yet here I am, just looking blankly at my phone after yet another intense cliffhanger!!! 😱🤯

oh how I've just loved this series so far and each book gets better and better. with characters you can't help, but fall in love with.
Never expected to forgive and relate to Valentina as much as I did, yet here I am.
her character was just so relatable, her story, tragic. but she's strong. resilient. and learning to forgive herself as well as just be happy. simply happy.
but the journey to get to that was rough.
Thankfully she had McCrae by her side. a friend, a bodyguard. the tension between them had me thinking something more would occur. 😏
Than in walks Santos like he owned the place. 😅
looking for revenge.
and yall, the tension between Santos and V 🥵
The truth about Valentina's past was absolutely heartbreaking.
as was Santos.
both paths crossed with tragedy.
the story just had me on a choke hold needing to know what happens next, not just with the overall story, but the tension between V and Santos. 😆

near the end things started getting even more suspicious with the other characters involved. with Faith..and that freaking CLIFFHANGER!!!! OMG.

in desperate need of the next book because WHAT?!
McCrae said WHAT?! 👀

Oh what a book. what a series it's been. I love it.
absolutely recommend it if you love a cowboy romance on the darker side. just know these aren't standalones. this is book 3 of the Truama Bonded series.

thank you so much Landyn and lunaliterary.management for the arc! 🫶🏻

[Spicy_bookcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

📕BOOK REVIEW📕

Happy Release Day to Landyn Hill 🥳🥳

This is book 3 in the Trauma Bond series and it cannot be read as a standalone, as all three books are connected.

In this book, we meet Valentina, Marco (book 2 MMC)’s sister, who is the ruthless casino owner and who played a part in all the wrongdoings with her bodyguard, McCrae. In the last book, Valentina was stripped off her casino and forced to reside at the ranch, and this is where she meets Rafael- a man looking for work…but not really: he is out to kill Valentina, but McCrae feels on edge with the mysterious Rafael, and he needs to do everyone in his power to keep Valentina safe. However, Vanetina and Rafael have a bond, bound by trauma, and it’s up to Valentina to decide if he is worth the risk.

OMG. This series has literally ruined me!!! And the ending! The ending is out of this world. I cannot wait for the next book. I need it!!
This book is just as dark as the others, so be sure to check the TWs, and Rafael and Valentina are not your heroes haha they are the villains, and I’m alllll here for them. In their own ways, they are both actually incredibly caring and are suffering at the hands of those who are supposed to love them. Valentina’s story makes you weep. I really enjoyed her character; I thought she was broken yet beautiful. I really enjoyed the relationships she built with the other characters.
Rafael was equally dealing with family trauma, but the way he fell for Valentina was HOT. I gobbled him up like the thirsty girl I am.

All in all, a fantastic read.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5