The Cowboy: A Dark Dancer Romance

by Jacklyn Parker

Save a Horse, Claim a Cowboy…

The MEN UNDER REVUE is a dark secret society run by smoking hot, swoonworthy male dancers.
This is a series of interconnected standalones that can be read in any order. Each story is filled with chemistry, dark secrets, obsession, and passion.

If you’re looking for a book with strong women who know how to take control and morally grey men that’ll break all the rules while showing off their six packs, then buckle up and enjoy the chaotic ride! (Oh! And they’re pierced. All of them…)

This is a DARK ROMANCE written in a cozy way.
Think, hallmark love stories, but with murder.
You’ll find plenty of spice and heat, mixed in with darker themes.
Proceed with caution and read the content warning if you have known triggers.

What happens in Nashville… Well, you know the rest…

What’s

Secret Society
Dark Southern Romance
Based in Nashville
Cowboy Male Revue Dancers
Obsessed Stalker MMC
Dance Instructor FMC
One Night Stand
He Falls First & HARD
Insta-Lust to Love
Rivals to Lovers (sorta)
Rom-Com Banter
Touch Her and Die
Found Family
Feminine Rage
“Darlin’” “My Wife”
Dual POV

The Cowboy by Jacklyn Parker is A Dark Dancer Romance. There are scenes of a violent and sexual nature in this story. Therefore, it is intended for readers of 18+ years. Please take note of the trigger warnings.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2026

About the author

If you're looking for memorable, high‑heat romance with darker themes, secret societies, and morally complex characters—and you don’t mind some violent or suspenseful elements—Jacklyn Parker delivers it in spades. Her pacing is fast, the spice is hot, and the characters are beautifully flawed.

Reviews

[Kaitlyn]

What happens in Nashville… stays in Nashville? Not this time 🤠🔥

Tropes:
🧡 Southern romance
🔥 Obsessed stalker cowboy
🧡 Dance instructor FMC
🔥 He’s pierced (in more than one place 👀)
🧡 Touch her & 💀
🔥 He falls first & hard
🧡 Found family
🔥 Feminine rage
🧡 Rom-com banter
🔥 Insta-lust to love
🧡 Rivals to lovers (kinda)

Rhy has been pining for Dakota for years, always lingering just out of reach, watching from the shadows. Her silent protector. Her constant shield. The one person who always showed up… watching, waiting.

Because Rhy never doubted they were endgame.

He was simply waiting for Dakota to be ready for the happily ever after he’d been waiting for.

But life in the MUR isn’t easy, especially when marriage enters the picture. The real question is… will Dakota pass her test?

Dakota was such a standout FMC for me. She’s fierce, sharp-witted, and protective to her core. After everything she and her sister have survived together, their ride-or-die bond became one of my favourite parts of this book.
They’re each other’s best friends, confidants, cheerleaders and when it gets down to business, they will walk through fire if it means protecting the other!

And Rhy… WHO doesn’t love an insanely attractive cowboy who is completely, unapologetically obsessed with his girl?! 🤠🌶️

What I loved most though was that beneath all the chemistry and tension, Rhylan consistently showed up. He was patient. Steady. He reinforced his feelings through actions and gave Dakota something she’s been craving for…stability, safety, and someone who chooses her every single time.

Watching Dakota slowly put aside her reservations and leap with both feet, only to be met with that same fierce devotion in return, was ridiculously satisfying to read.

Also can we talk about the side characters?! Trent, Tiffany, and Silas absolutely added so much to this story. The character growth (especially Dakota and Tiffany 👏) had me hooked and I genuinely did NOT see that twist or ending coming.

This book is packed with SO much! The highest highs, the lowest lows, tension, chaos, heart, and moments that had me fully invested.

Because sometimes… when everything is said and done… it’s double the risk for double the reward ❤️‍🔥

Highly recommend though please check trigger warnings first 🫶🏻

Thank you to Jacklyn Parker for the ARC!

Happy Reading
😊🤠🔥

[Mallory]

Ya girl is going to come on strong with the southern colloquialisms in this review--if you don't like southern expressions, well...don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya on your way out! And don't say I didn't warn ya. 😉

Jacklyn might as well have named Rhylan Google because he's got everything I'm looking for...🤠🤪

I've always heard that Mama's shouldn't let their babies grow up to be cowboys, but after reading about all the fine Kerosene Cowboys has me thinking that ALL men below the Mason Dixon line should, in fact, grow up to be cowboys...or at least dancing cowboys in Nashville. 😉

Rhylan is the kinda southern gentleman that tastes like trouble, but feels like home...he's as sweet as tea, but deadly as whiskey (especially Southern Comfort. 🪦) And that's exactly how I like my cowboys...lookin' like a Cowboy Casanova; a whole ass, tall drink of water...but instead of putting out the fire, his kisses add fuel to the flames. 🔥

Dakota Wilde is...a wild child and I LOVE her as our fierce FMC. Not to mention her sister, Tiffany, who really had me laughing my booty off during their conversations. Tiffany has the BEST one liners and they break up the tension (sexual AND actual plot line tension) with humor in the BEST way. Dakota has been through SO much in life, but she's never let that stop her from going for her dreams. It almost prevented her from taking a chance on Rhylan, but you know a cowboy who knows what he wants ain't ever gonna let is future ol lady ride away into the sunset, never to be seen again. 🤪

Jacklyn does an EXCELLENT job of making me cringe in all the right places (whether it's from second-hand embarrassment for the characters or in a physical response to the violence happening on page.) Either way, I LOVED The Cowboy....and I hope and pray that Jacklyn continues to give us MORE stories from the Nashville chapter of MUR ASAP....because I need more southern accents, ariat boots and wrangler blue jeans in my future. (That's a non-negotiable...not a request, Jacklyn 👀🤗)

[Ashley Bolan]

So why am I so obsessed with this series? Oh I don't know maybe its because the men are hot and their obsessions are even hotter. I absolutely loved Rhylan. He definetly gave my guy Colby a run for his money. I love this world that Jacklyn has built. Who does not love men who will get half naked and let a woman rub all over them. Who would not love a man who is obsessive, possessive, and criminally gorgeous. Throw in a little murder and a secret society, and you got a recipe for a damn good time. Don't get me started on the secret jewelry they all sport. Who wouldn't want to experience that lol. In this book we get to meet the Kerosene Cowboys of the Nashville chapter of the Men Under Revue. I was so excited when I found out we were getting to meet the Cowboys. Let me tell you they did not disappoint, from dancing on the bars to drinking shots from the best place in town IYKYK. In this book we kind of get a two for one special. Dakota is our leading lady and she is so strong and fierce. The things that she has had to endure would break lesser women. Rhylan has been obsessed and has basically stalked her for many years. Dakota does not even realize that she knows him until he explains their past. I love how he was so down bad for her and never let her go. He tried to move on from her but it was just not something he could do. He knew she was his one and only and he made sure he got his girl. She was guarded but her body and heart knew he belong to him. She just had to learn to get her mind on board. I could go on and on about how incredible their story is but that would take away from you reading it for yourself. I will say thai you should check your trigger warnings before going into this book. Jackyln has done a fantastic job isolating the chapter from the rest of the book. You can skip the chapter entirely without if affecting your reading but do take heed to the warnings. This book will give you all the feels. Enjoy the ride because I know I sure did.

[Beckyc_the_bookaholic]

✨️ARC Review✨️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Welcome back to the Men Under Revue with the Kerosene Cowboys in Nashville! 🔥 I had a blast jumping back in to this secret society with Rhylan, one of the of handsome MMCs who has a regular job by day and then shows off his skills as a dancer when the lights go down. The best part is when he "takes care of 😉" people who deserve all the revenge thrown their way!

Rhylan is passionate and will make you want to hop online to book a trip to find him in Nashville! He observed Dakota from afar for years waiting to make his move for a shot at love. It may technically be considered ✨️stalking✨️, but no judgement here when I heard his story.

Rhylan is fierce and protective and he doesn't hesitate to show Dakota so she knows she is safe. 𝗘𝘄, 𝗝𝗮𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗹𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿! ⚾️ But he is also so tender and supportive when Dakota is at her most vulnerable and needs it the most. And he loves so hard! ❤️

Dakota is a woman who supports and empowers other women, and you'll want to be best friends with her and hang out this weekend! 🥳 As for love, she refuses to settle until she meets the right man, and she's thrown off her game the moment she sees "The Cowboy", Rhylan. 😍

Dakota is a spitfire who goes toe to toe with Rhylan, so their chemistry is sizzling and their stubbornness gave us the most delicious, and funniest, banter. They were adorable, feisty, sweet, stubborn, and HOT along the way until they finally figured out how to balance their lives together! And it was 100% worth the ride! 🔥

Thank you again to Jacklyn Parker for the ARC copy of this book!

[Crystal Reads]

The MUR has officially made its way to Nashville, and this time we get a sexy cowboy! The series still delivers everything I've come to love…obsession, sizzling chemistry, and the intrigue of the secret society, but with a fresh new setting that made this series even more fun.

Rhylan has been pining after Dakota for years, patiently waiting for the right moment to prove they're meant to be together. From the shadows, he's always been watching over her, protecting her whenever he could, and now he's finally ready to step into the light and fight for the woman he's always wanted.

The banter between these two was absolutely top-tier. Dakota sees Rhylan as an arrogant rival, yet no matter how hard she tries to resist him, she can't ignore the undeniable pull between them. Their chemistry is electric, and the tension practically radiates off the pages. I loved how patient Rhylan was, he never gave up on Dakota, consistently showing up for her and proving through his actions that she could trust him. Dakota's stubbornness made perfect sense given everything she'd been through, making their relationship feel even more rewarding as it developed.

As always, the MUR isn't something you simply walk away from, it's a lifetime commitment in every sense of the word. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the story hit me with a twist I never saw coming. It left me cheering for the justice and revenge Dakota and Tiffany so desperately deserved, making the ending all the more satisfying.

[Becky Hall]

REVIEW OF ADVANCED COPY RECEIVED FROM AUTHOR

⚠️ if you have triggers, please check them before going into this however, I prefer to go in blind. If I know the triggers, I am more than likely still going read to read it. I have only two that I normally stay away from.

JACKLYN, JACKLYN, JACKLYN...... You knocked this so out of the park!!!'

I knew that this was going to be good, but this book is one of the best books that I have read so far this year! This was another 6⭐️ Read from this fabulous author!

I was not sure how this book would go along with her other Vegas men and their partners who stole my heart, but this book totally blew my mind!

Our MMC Rhy (Rylan) , has been pining for the FMC Dakota forever... I was shocked when the past that Dakota and her sister Tiffany had in common literally showed up, until I found out why! I was not expecting it at all... The side characters Trent and Silas added a lot extra to this story. Especially Trent!!!

Not going to say anymore until this bad boy is released!! Please check it out when it is, you will not be disappointed, especially if you love sexy men, and very feisty women!

Thank you @jacklynparkerwrites for the amazing opportunity to read and review this book!!

Story: 6⭐️
Characters: 6⭐️
Character growth: 6⭐️
Spice: 3🌶️

[Paula Campbell]

Why don't you come over here, and I'll show you exactly what can come from this mouth.

Rhylan & Dakota, I think you might be giving The Gentlemen a run for their money, never have I wanted to save a horse more.

Another unreal read by @jacklynparkerwrites I love we got a little bit of back story to begin with, even including some side characters reasoning for things.

I love that Dakota is a strong, independent, take no shit FMC, who adores her sister and will do anything for her.
Much like Rhylan, our MMC who has loved Dakota from afar and will do anything to protect her.

As much as the books are a series, they can also be read as a stand alone & The Cowboy felt somehow more intimate than the others. Yes there is spice, banter, back and forth between the characters but there is also a connection from the get go.

Well worth the read and also the re-read (that I may or may not be doing right now and I only finished this on Tuesday)

[Mayra]

Well damn, lil’ darlin’ this was so good! I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish. Dakota and Rhyland completely pulled me in, and I was hooked from the very first chapter.

This book has a little bit of everything: mystery, sass, a secret society, sisterly bonding, high-stakes twists, and plenty of tension. The plot kept me engaged the entire time, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.

Rhyland is definitely book boyfriend material, willing to do whatever it takes for the woman he loves. And Dakota? She’s an incredible FMC strong, resilient, witty, and full of heart. I loved watching her journey unfold.

Jacklyn did an amazing job bringing these characters and their story to life. If you’re looking for a fun, addictive read with memorable characters and plenty of surprises, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.

Yeehaw! 🤠

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars

[Heather Angeli]

Rhylan literally just moved to the TOP of my book boyfriend list. 🥵 Everything about this man—the southern drawl, his dance moves on the floor AND in the bedroom (hehe)—will have any woman dropping to her knees for a blowtorch! 🔥

Dakota has a fire in her that cannot be extinguished. She’s raw, real, unapologetically herself, and absolutely everything Rhylan wants. And this man? He KNOWS what he wants. So if he has to open a dance studio just to get Dakota’s attention… well, then that’s exactly what he’s going to do.

The chemistry between these two was EVERYTHING. The banter, the tension, the dancing, and watching Rhylan slowly break down Dakota’s walls had me completely hooked.

Jacklyn Parker gave me a cowboy I didn’t know I needed, and now I’m wondering how I’m supposed to move on from Rhylan.

[Arin]

Arc Review

Jacklyn has done it again. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
What happens in Nashville… stays in Nashville? Not this time
Tropes:
🧡 Southern romance
🔥 Obsessed stalker cowboy
🧡 Dance instructor FMC
🔥 He’s pierced (in more than one place 👀)
🧡 Touch her & 💀
🔥 He falls first & hard
🧡 Found family
🔥 Feminine rage
🧡 Rom-com banter
🔥 Insta-lust to love

Ryn has wanted Dakota for years. Always watching from a far. Always there to protect her when she needed. He waited for her to be ready.
Dakota is a strong independent women. She don't take no crap from anyone.
Ryn is the cowboy of every girls dreams.
You know what they say.
Save a horse ride a cowboy!!!

[Charisse Vizcarra]

This book is crazy amazing! I’ve only read The Gentleman when I discovered Jacklyn’s work, and this one has me wanting to read the rest of her series. As this was my first cowboy romance novel, Jacklyn did not hold back in all the emotions with Dakota and Rhylan. Every time I finished a chapter, I wanted more! I felt their intensity right out of the pages. I love how Jacklyn’s writing reels you in, not just with her main characters, but with her supporting characters as well. She made me feel a part of the friend group even as a reader. I can’t wait with she will right next!

Review of ARC received from the author

[Patricia Clifford]

🩸ARC review🩸

The cowboy by @jacklynparkerwrites
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ahhhhhhhhh !!!! I love this series so much, now enter some cowboys from Nashville and all is good in the world. We kind of got a two for one with this one with an extra couple, even though we didn’t get their points of view, it was still absolutely worth it. This man has been obsessed and stalking this woman for years now and he finally gets the girl. She has no choice but to fall for her with his southern charm and golden retriever behavior towards her. These two were perfection. No notes. And we might get a legacy !!!!!! I cannot wait to see what comes next 💥

[Jacque Abbott]

This is my fourth in the series and my second arc. Jacklyn writes quick burns, unhinged, obsessed gold retriever MMCs and with each book I enjoy them even more. I enjoyed that this one their “meet cute” seemed more “real” than the others. I adore Rhy and Dakota. The way their paths intertwined was a very cool spin. I also love the nicknames!! She has a way of making me really like the side characters and excited for their books and this one surpasses with Tiff and Trent, even Silas!!

Thank you to Jacklyn Parker for the book!! You continue to amaze me!!

[dreyuh]

I received an advance copy of this book, courtesy of the author and their team. All opinions are my own.

This was my first book of Jacklyn Parker and I enjoyed it. It’s short and fast paced. I felt like the plot was kinda nonexistent, like yes i get that the test is what was the main driver, but it felt lacking to me. The characters were fine, I liked them for the most part. I didn’t hate reading this, but it’s not something that makes me want to pick up the other books in this series.

[Rachel Dane]

OBSESSED OBBBBSESSED. This might be my favorite in the series but the Bloke holds a special place in my heart. Am I biased? Maaaaybe but the sister banter is AMAZING. RHYLAN is soooo swoon worthy. Like gah. And I really just love our girl Dakota. Its so freaking good. I mean who doesnt love a stalker cowboy who is obsessed with her for years?

[ashuls_book_diaries]

I read the Arc of this and i absolutely loved it like all of Jacklyns books. Honestly we all know whe the book is going when she puts hos cowboy hat on her head. I loved the spice and all the sassyness and i love tiffany and i hope she has a book so baddd. I honestly love all the cowboy references so much .

[BombshellDanielle]

Ok... every MUR book is amazing but this one was sooooooooooooooo good!!!

Cowboys and MUR is an amazing combo!!!

I just got back from Nashville so this was an even more fun read!!

Rhylan is a dream and he and Dakota together was so much fun!! And the added gem of Tiffany and her part in the story was so fun! I hope we get more from her!!!

[valley_girl_36]

Yeehaw !! 🤠!! This series has been a joyful thrill to read and hear. Head over heels our mmc is positively obese with his girl and she fierce to recon with. Great read with awesome banter hand saddle blazing heat.

[Kalene]

Holy Dark dancers!!!!! I absolutely love this series I have been here since The Bloke and I am here til the end!!!!!!! I love these guys and this amazing world Jacklyn created

[Mags]

Rating: 4 stars

If you're into romance reads with morally grey MMC who are so osbessed with their ladies - you're in for a real treat.
There is yearning, there is connection, there is heat - all the best things.
I also love when tough MMCs are paired with tough (or even tougher) FMCs and that's exactly what we get here.

The only reason why I didn't rate it any higher is that I wish there were some more scenes from the past, so that we can get an even better picture of Rhylan's obsession throughout the years.


Just make sure to check the TW before reading!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Holls Under Covers]

I read this as a beta reader and this story hooked me instantly, holding me in a chokehold from page one until the final line. I finished it in under 24 hours while working a night shift and even counting my sleep, so yes, I DEVOURED this book.

The Cowboy takes us to the Nashville chapter of Men Under Revue, the Kerosene Cowboys, and they bring spark, swagger, and that unmistakable southern charm that ignites every scene.

This story has everything you want and more: the intrigue of a secret society, an obsessive cowboy who would burn the world down for his girl, sharp banter, sisterly loyalty, unexpected twists, and angsty tension that keeps you locked in and fanning yourself from the Southern heat wave about to hit you!

Rhylan, AKA bat daddy, our MMC, has been Dakota’s shadow for years, watching, protecting, waiting. Dakota doesn’t even realize she knows him until their past snaps into place. He’s the kind of southern gentleman who looks like sin and feels like sanctuary. Dakota is a standout FMC who is fierce, sharp, loyal to the bone. Her bond with her sister is one of the strongest parts of the story, a true ride or die connection.

Their banter is sharp, heated, and addictive. Dakota may label Rhylan an arrogant rival, but the pull between them keeps dragging her right back into his orbit. Rhy… if you love a completely obsessed, criminally gorgeous cowboy who operates with unwavering devotion, this man will wreck you. His patience, his steadiness, his absolute certainty that Dakota is his, no games, no wavering, just action. He gives her what she’s been starved for: stability, safety, and someone who chooses her every single time.

The side characters elevate every scene, forming a true found family element. Tiffany delivers lethal one liners in the best way, and the twist lands with flawless justice and revenge. I have never had a side character nearly eclipse the main characters, but Tiffany came close.
Jacklyn’s world is addictive and filled with hot men, hotter obsessions, secret societies, danger, humourous banter, and tension that snaps like a whip.

Pick this one up immediately, bat daddy is waiting for you.