Enemy Heir: A Dark Cowboy Crime Family Romance

by Elsie Elliott

I was raised to destroy the Sullivans. Then I touched their daughter and something in me snapped.

Knox Blackwater means heir, crime prince, dangerous son no one crosses.

Maren Sullivan is forbidden.

Enemy blood. Rival dynasty. The woman I should never want, trust, or touch.

Then her horse is sabotaged.

Our shipment vanishes. Her family gets blamed. Mine sharpens knives.

So I keep her close.

Too close.

One touch becomes her mouth on mine, my control breaking on a conference room table.

After that, no going back.

Not in my office. Not in the shower. Not when my dirty mouth leaves her ready and me hard.

The dam breaks. Neither of us knows how to stop drowning.

A storm leaves us in a one-bed cabin, her hands on my wound, my secrets stripped bare.

I lie and kill for her, and she sees my bloody hands without running.

That’s when I stop pretending I can let her go.

Then they kidnap her.

And now I’m not choosing family…I’m choosing war.


★ Enemies to Lovers
★ Rival Crime Families
★ Forced Alliance
★ Possessive Hero
★ He Falls First
★ Touch Her and Die
★ Forbidden Attraction
★ High Heat

Enemy Heir is the first book in the Broken Sky Legacy series and can be read as a standalone, with its own happily ever after. Each book follows a different Blackwater or Sullivan, and together they unravel one dangerous secret.

Content Dark romance intended for readers 18+. Contains explicit content, graphic violence, kidnapping, and themes some readers may find disturbing. HEA guaranteed.

Genres: Westerns, Dark

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2026

Reviews

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about Knox and Maren's story is that the action starts in chapter one. Maren's "accident" kicks off a mystery for both families that kept me interested from beginning to end. What I didn't like was the ending. I didn't realize the "whodunit" part of the plot would carry over into book two. UGH!! I hate walking into a cliffhanger unknowingly. But overall, I thought it was a very good story. The chemistry between them has been simmering for years, and her accident and the events that follow only make it burn hotter. The plot's pacing was good and well-written. I consider it a cowboy-mafia story, a genre mix I've never seen before. Yes, they work on a ranch with horses and cattle, but the mafia elements are what really hooked my attention. I love a good dark read. I received book 1 as an ARC, but I bought book two because I really need to know how the story continues to unfold. Holt, Knox's brother, is probably more dangerous than he is. I can't wait to find out.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemy Heir by Elsie Elliott is the perfect blend of dark romance, gritty family drama, and cowboy swagger. Elsie Elliott takes familiar romance tropes: enemies-to-lovers, forbidden attraction, and crime family politics that gives them a fresh twist by setting them against a rugged ranch backdrop where danger lurks around every corner. While reading this novel, I enjoyed seeing how the chemistry between the main characters was electric from the very beginning. Overall, Enemy Heir was an exciting start in the Broken Sky Legacy series that delivers danger, passion, family loyalty, betrayal, and a love story forged through conflict.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DEBBIE GG · Rating 5 out of 5]

an awesome story. this is a different kind of crime family this is not big big city. it’s setting is western ranches these two are enemies. that’s where i’m stopping. this story needs readers to participate to absorb this story. this author writes amazing stories and this is the beginning of a new series you don’t want to miss. it’s a page turner so schedule some me time and enjoy. i certainly did. and i recommend ‘this book.

[Amanda Milne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh who is looking for a crime family, enemies, cowboy storyline? If you are, then this is the book for you!
This storyline is based on the Sullivans (Maren) and the Blackwaters (Knox) whose families are sworn enemies. However when a delivery goes missing, they are pushed to work together and that is when the book becomes interesting.
The spice was hot, the storyline was good with a twist and danger throughout the book. A must read for all Elsie Elliott fans!

[Donna McEachran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Start of a new series with the Blackwater and Sullivan families. It starts with Maren at a rodeo seeing Knox watching. Lots of suspense - only disappointment is there aren't a great deal of answers (I imagine due to the rest of the books). Knox is not quite as dark as I expected but clearly obsessed with Maren.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemy Heir is the best of all tropes combined. Rival crime families? Check. Forbidden love? Check. Slow burn? Check. Enemies-to-Lovers? Check. Cowboys? Check. Betrayal? Check. Chemistry and Spice between the MCs? Check. What else could you possibly want in a book? Knox and Maren will have you aching to see what happens next!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enjoyable western romance has drama, denied feelings, chemistry, steam, choices, a crime family in a rural setting, great secondary characters, and defined MCs who are likable, sexy, intelligent, and determined. I enjoyed this entertaining and engaging storyline.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carm Readers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely hooked! What a great book to start a series. It had me wanting to keep turning the pages and kept me guessing. I already have some ideas as to how things will pan out, and definitely think it’s a series where you will need to start from book one. It had everything I needed and more x

[Kristina Schurmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the relationship between Knox and Maren. The tension and forbidden chemistry between them was so good. The drama started from the very beginning, and it didn't stop. I was surprised at how abruptly the story ended. Otherwise, it was great! I would definitely recommend.

[Alyssa Schmit · Rating 4 out of 5]

BLUF; I loved this, and I need the next book now. I NEED to know what happens!

This kicks off with a rodeo mishap and doesn't let up until the end. Maren and Knox are from enemy families, yet somehow find a way to come together to uncover who is trying to hurt them both. This has spice, mystery, threats, enemies to lovers, and a whole lot of action. With each stone unturned, 3 new questions arise. Can't wait to see where things go and how this all turns out.

Mckenna, we're coming for you!

(I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.)

[rebecca · Rating 1.5 out of 5]

go girl, give us nothing 💁🏼‍♀️💁🏼‍♀️

like wtf was that. who are these people. why should I care. 🫪🫪🫪