Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
D.M. Davis' COWBOY is an angsty, heart twisting, second chance, contemporary, sports romance and Book Four in the Black Ops MMA series.

I was young and naïve when I met my other half.
I was a good guy, full of hopes and dreams.
Falling head over heels for my Songbird.
She stole my breath.
Rocked my world.

Then she trampled my heart the day she disappeared, ghosted me.
Her absence haunted me, tainted my future, destroyed my dreams, left me fighting for steady ground.

Years later, she shows up where I least expect, belonging to those who can make or break my MMA career, or worse, get me disowned from my family by choice.
She acts like I don’t exist, like she doesn’t know me, like she doesn’t remember the love we shared.
I’m good with that.
I have every intention of leaving her in my past where she belongs.
And yet… I can’t stop the wanting, the craving, the claiming.

Nothing could have prepared me for the truth of why she left, what happened afterwards, or the shattering journey that brought her back to me.

Some secrets are worse than the perceived truth.

The Black Ops MMA books are integrated standalones with subplots that carry through from book 1 to book 4. For maximum enjoyment, I suggest the Black Ops MMA Series be read in order to fully experience the world and the characters who inhabit it, beginning with NO MERCY.

Intended for mature audiences. Some scenes may contain triggers. Content warning: sexual assault, stalking

Black Ops MMA Series:
NO MERCY ~ ROWDY ~ CAPTAIN ~ COWBOY ~ MUSTANG

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2022

44 people are currently reading
272 people want to read

About the author

D.M. Davis

29 books1,330 followers
D.M. Davis is a Contemporary and New Adult Romance Author.

She is a Texas native, wife, and mother. Her background is Project Management, technical writing, and application development. D.M. has been a lifelong reader, and wrote poetry in her early life, but has found her true passion in writing about love and the intricate relationships between men and women.

She writes of broken hearts and second chances, of dreamers looking for more than they have and daring to reach for it.

D.M. believes it is never too late to make a change in your own life, to become the person you always wanted to be, but were afraid you were not worth the effort. You are worth it. Take a chance on you. You never know what’s possible if you don’t try. Believe in yourself as you believe in others, and see what life has to offer.

Visit her website for more details.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
89 (62%)
4 stars
39 (27%)
3 stars
10 (6%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Olive.
376 reviews12 followers
February 1, 2024
It’s not a sports romance if the sport never gets played in the story.
Profile Image for christyheartsbooks.
1,147 reviews32 followers
July 3, 2022
I struggled to get into this one. I have read all the previous books in this series and I was so confused in the first few chapters. I felt lost. It also didn't help that there were no chapter headings so I had no clue whose POV we were getting each chapter. But I eventually recalled everything and was able to get lost in the story - was able to eventually connect and fall in love with the characters. Cowboy and Taylor did not have an easy road but I guess none of these Black Ops characters did.
Profile Image for Latifa Morrisette.
2,581 reviews63 followers
June 8, 2022
Cowboy is book four in the Black Ops MMA series and is an angsty and suspenseful read. If you read Captain then you know all about the bombshells that were dropped and this book just keeps dropping them. I would be mindful of the TWs ( talk of r*pe, d*ugging, etc) so make sure that this book is for you. With that being said, I am absolutely excited to back in this world and can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,886 reviews213 followers
June 9, 2022




AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU / UNIVERSAL

Landry (Cowboy) coming face to face with his first and only love, Taylor, is getting to him. He had thought she was the one, so when she ghosted him after he fell in love with her, his life fell apart. He's gotten himself together since, but he's still got the broken heart she left him with. He doesn't want to let her back in, but as always, he can't resist her. When secrets come out and emotions are laid bare, will he give her the second chance she, they, deserve?



In the years since she had to leave Cowboy, Taylor has endured so much. But she's back now, knowing how he hates her. But that love has never died. If only Cowboy would still love her the way she's always loved him. If only the second chance they both deserve would actually come to fruition.



I've been waiting for Cowboy's story, and after having read it, I can say it was well worth the wait. It's angsty, emotionally heart-wrenching, and the heat between them only burns hotter the second time around. I was really glad the whole Black Ops MMA crew was present, and I'm seriously impatient for Mustang's story to come next.



ARC provided by Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub
Profile Image for One Loves Reading .
1,172 reviews27 followers
June 9, 2022
I LOVE this series and it's one of my fav MMA series. She truely gives it justice to the passion behind this sport 🥊

Now back to the romance Cowboy is not only a MMA champion bur he owns a bar called Mel. Landry (Cowboy) before his present career he had a very successful planed our future in the past but that was distoryed by a certain blonde girl

"There was a time I would have roped the moon for her, but now..."

Tayor is Rowdy's little sister (recommend you read his story & Captain's too)and their family is a interesting one. I love that she is head strong but she carries much guilt. We understand why she full of guilt and it is certain around a certain grumpy boss 😍

Taylor & Landry are thrown back togther again. Taylor needs a job cause she refuse to touch her trust fund because...no spoilers just get ready for that. And she wants to sing and not be a lawyer she was "planned" to do

Second chance love that tense complex cause it all links with past events and alot of healing was needed for their love to grow again Their a few surpises get ready! I promise you this book will break you and heal you at the same time.

Remember there is always more to a story and don't give up on your dreams AND there is always a back up plan...never give up.
Yes there is a life lesson too...

🎼🐦

☆MUST READ &FAV☆
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,923 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2022
Loved, loved, loved this angsty, swoony, heartbreaking second chance
Cowboy (Black Ops MMA Book 4) by D.M. Davis is a brilliant second chance romance read with all the heat, heart and healing romance readers love. Cowboy is angsty, alpha perfection, flaws and all. Taylor is stronger than she realizes and despite a privileged upbringing, she has suffered heartbreak, loss and assault just to name a few.
This book is an exciting read and the trigger warning has merit. The tragedy of the past and present for these characters pulls the reader in creating a sense of urgency. The author builds anticipation breathlessly as their pasts and present collide. Tension is palpable as secrets are slow revealed and the suspense incites pulse pounding moments as the conclusion approaches.
Overall, a fantastic second chance romance read in a spectacular series full of swoon worthy alphas and their sweet, sassy strong heroines. If you haven’t read the previous books in this series, I highly recommend you do!!
I read an ARC of this book via Give Me Books Promotions and voluntarily share my review.
Profile Image for caffe.and.books (Aimee).
569 reviews52 followers
June 2, 2022
I absolutely adore the Black Ops boys and Cowboy was no exception…

Get ready to experience a wide range of emotions in this book- first love, heartbreak, second chances and more. I knew I was t going to love this book because let’s be honest how couldn’t you love these guys and this family that this author has created.

Cowboy is *Chef’s Kiss* perfection but he’s angry and while I don’t blame him I also wanted to shake him to open his eyes. Taylor was such a sweet strong woman and I really appreciated how she stayed true to herself even when things went south. The two of them together is amazing and so well written, I appreciated that they had to work for it no matter how strong the love was. There is definitely some triggering subjects in this story -so please be aware- the author handles these with sensitivity and care.

I enjoyed the suspense and flow of their story so much I finished in less than 24 hours. I can’t wait for Jess! I highly recommend this entire series- start with No Mercy for the full experience.
Profile Image for Stital.
1,013 reviews28 followers
May 30, 2022
Heartbreaking, sweet and so captivating, Cowboy is a wonderful read.

I've fallen for Cowboy in the previous Black Ops books, and I have been (impatiently) waiting for his story, and Dana did not disappoint. With amazingly written characters, a heartbreaking plotline and so much angst this one gave me ALL THE FEELS. I truly loved seeing Landry and Taylor rediscover each other and rebuild their relationship, overcoming past hurts and growing so much, both separately and together. The sense of family you get from these book is spectacular, and I can't wait for Jess' story next.

5 stars and a bear claw donut
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,751 reviews169 followers
June 9, 2022
This was angsty but sweet and sexy and just the right amount of everything that balanced the whole story out. I am a sucker for second chances, and the things the author throws at us had me gripping my Kindle unable to put it down.
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,493 reviews66 followers
May 30, 2022
Holy Shitake Mushroom...grab this angst filled, heartbreaking, young love lost, 2nd chance romance filled with all of the feels and then some but when it comes to losing his Songbird, Cowboy will do anything to keep her safe including giving her his heart again❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️. Loved it!!!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
June 23, 2022
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/23/2022)! 🎁
492 reviews15 followers
June 1, 2022
I absolutely loved Taylor (Songbird) and Landry (Cowboy). A perfect second chance romance. They meet and one leaves the other without a word for eight years. When Taylor comes back into the picture, she has a lot of secrets hidden from everyone. What could they possibly be? When she runs into Landry all I can think of is please work things out. They have great chemistry that’s for sure. The reasoning for Taylor coming back to what happened to her on the way was so terrible. She’s definitely a fighter though. Can Landry and Taylor get back what they had eight years ago or is it a lost cause? This book will definitely pull at your heartstrings. All I wanted to do was keep reading. If I learned one thing, it was that Landry is not willing to give up on his Songbird, and he tries so hard to prove that she is his forever. Taylor is bound and determined to get her life back no matter what the cost. Will this ever be possible?
Profile Image for Kathy Wideman.
2,613 reviews45 followers
June 9, 2022
This is the fourth book in this series. They can be read as stand-alone books. I haven’t read any of the others and wasn’t confused at all. This is the first book by D.M. Davis I have read. Cowboy and Taylor meet when they were just 17. Well Cowboy was 17 and Taylor told him she was 17. One fateful vacation just a few days and they fell in love. Now eight years later they are connecting again. There is a lot of hurt, anger, and grief between them. Will they be able to work through it and find a way forward? There is more though. Someone hurt Taylor on her way to reuniting with everyone. That person isn’t done with her. He is stalking her. Will Cowboy and her family be able to protect her and keep her safe? This book is a fantastic read. I can’t wait to read the others in the series and have put them on my tbr list. This book pulled at the heart strings. Taylor didn’t have the ability to contact Cowboy and he didn’t know enough about her to contact Taylor. Neither thought they would ever see the other again. They were meant to be together. Fantastic job D.M. Davis. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,168 reviews94 followers
June 9, 2022
This one took me on a wild, tragic and emotional ride!! The angst is on another level with this book! From start to finish it was so overwhelming at times. I love second chance romance because of the deeper relationships! The struggle between the characters trying to move forward but unable let go of their love for each other because a part of their hearts had been missing.

Cowboy and Taylor met when they were teens. They had a whirlwind spring break romance that was unexpectedly upended and shortly after both of their lives fell to pieces. They spent the next 8 years existing but still holding onto those feelings and resentments.

I feel like Taylor was the star of this book. Her life wasn’t anything like she imagined. She had to face so many hurdles and traumas forced upon her. She had no say in some of the things that happened to her yet, she bled kindness, generosity and love. She deserved the fucking moon and stars!

Cowboy/Landry was so devastated by what happened all those years ago that he basically destroyed the future he was planning. Naturally he found a home with Cap and the team but he harbored so much hurt. Once he had to face Taylor, it not only brought up all those feelings he tried to hide but the inevitable truth that Taylor was his future.

This was also a slow burn but damn! Once these two let their shields down, it was fire!! The two of them reuniting had a way of making the past seem necessary to get to where they needed to be together. To say they had a hard fought HEA is a gross understatement! Also, the fact that we get all of the characters from the other books made this so much more meaningful!! Gah I love this series and I can’t wait for Jesse!!

I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Only.ever.books.
1,478 reviews25 followers
June 7, 2022
The story of Taylor and Landry has a past. It was short and sad. With Taylor now nearby again Landry goes through every emotion possible. But he has to focus on his upcoming fight. Taylor will come to terms with everyone, but she didn`t know how hard and difficult it would be. There are so many things that will be revealed and something is about to happen. Can they survive all the obstacles and renew their love for each other. Or is a hardened heart not one to melt. I liked Taylor a lot. She only wants to exist and not be a burden to anyone. And have a peaceful life with friends and family. I can understand Landry and his behaviour. He wants to protect himself without hurting but he learns that that is almost impossible. A story that has all the feelings and actions for a very interesting book. I was sad as it ended.
Profile Image for ELC.
2,094 reviews9 followers
June 10, 2022
Cowboy by D.M. Davis.

This was a first for me from this author. This is the fourth book I’m the series and I must say I found that I was a bit lost without reading the first three books. I am going to go back and read the three first ones to have a better understanding but I still enjoyed this book very much. I loved Landry and Taylor together. I loved that they had a past and that it was something they had to work through and not instantly fixed they had to work at it. Taylor is very guarded but so is Landry due to Taylor’s actions. I loved that the author keeps you in your toes by throwing us a couple of surprises along the way to keep us engaged. I enjoyed this book and definitely going back to read the previous ones.
Profile Image for Yvette89.
3,047 reviews44 followers
June 20, 2022
The MMA boys are back. Tough, protective and possessive men with big hearts. This book 4 and continues with Cowboy, a second chance story full of angst and past heartbreak. Landry(Cowboy) has had a rough past. He had it all until heartbreak came. A star quarterback who screwed up his senior year of high school and lost his football scholarship. Now he has found a group of men who treat him like family. His life is going well; he owns a bar, moving up the MNA ranks and has good friends. It all is lining up well until she shows up.
Taylor finds out some life changing news. She takes a road trip to Vegas and tragedy strikes. She is Landry’s heartbreak. She is a strong lady trying to deal with a lot of emotional issues.
These two have to deal with past hurts, past secrets and unseen danger.
Plenty of emotion, heartache, tension and drama
1,284 reviews4 followers
June 5, 2022
Oh Cowboy!! What you have done to me… sigh. Landry and Taylor’s story is filled with heartbreak and betrayal, and SO much loss. But it is also filled with hope, love, passion and family… lots of family. I’ve loved this series from beginning to end… but thankfully this isn’t the end of the series. You’ll want to read from the beginning to get the most out of it and all the characters. Looking forward to Jess’ story next. This is one of those series I’ll read again and again…
70 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2022
⚠️ TW: rape and drugging

For me I was a bit confused at some parts because I hadn’t read the previous books, which I recommend reading the first three before just picking up this one!

This book gives you strong alphas and a sassy heroine who knows exactly what she wants! They rediscover their love that is full of steam and heartbreaking moments.

Again, highly recommend this series but reading in order!

••• I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review•••
Profile Image for Shannon  Williams.
586 reviews7 followers
January 14, 2024
Landry and Taylor. Wow. Just...wow. In "Cowboy," Book 4 of the Black Ops MMA series of contemporary romances, D.M. Davis gives us an HEA that is full of twists and turns - so much so that I wasn't sure the characters could ever come back from it. This book had me on the edge of my seat, and I read it in one sitting. Just couldn't put it down. Not for moment. Landry (aka Cowboy) is hot-as-he!! bar owner, MMA fighter, and good friend to his Black Ops brother, including fellow Texan Rowdy. Little does he know that Rowdy's baby sister, Taylor, is the one that got away, altering the trajectory of Landry's life at the tender age of 17. Steamy chemistry, some precious awww moments, and all the angst we have come to expect in this series - with a splash of danger - and we have yet another amazing addition to this lineup. My heart is hurting because I think I only have the holiday novella and Book 5 left, and that makes me so sad. Next generation, Ms. Davis???
4,248 reviews52 followers
June 9, 2022
Landry and Taylor share a past in which she was the one who ignored and disregarded him. He had a right to feel angry. He was a good guy and although he tried to ignore her when she was in the bar, feelings raw from the past. So much happens in this read and kept engaged. Really enjoyed it.

I received this copy and my spoiler free review is voluntary
Profile Image for Bambi Bloomfield.
203 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2022
I am so in love with this series and this newest installment is no exception.
It's highly recommended that you read the books in order to get the full effect.
Cowboy is a fantastic, heartbreaking, angsty, sweet and swoony second chance story!
There are triggering subjects so please read trigger warning before reading this book.
2,739 reviews21 followers
June 17, 2022
Good read

This is an enemies-to-lovers romance set in the MMA world. I love how this series has come to have a family within this group. Good story with enjoyable characters. Good read.
Profile Image for Samantha Rennaker.
39 reviews
June 18, 2022
Amazing

Cowboy’s story is amazing. There’s hate and love, ups and downs. The guys all step it up with the love and protection in this book. This has been a fantastic series and I hope it continues with the rest of the guys! Maybe even all the babies and their adulthood days!
Profile Image for Sandie Chraponski.
1,746 reviews18 followers
June 6, 2022
DM Davis’ Black Ops MMA men have hearts as big as their muscles, and loyalty that will leave you breathless. This is the fourth book in this series and they just keep getting better and better.

This is Landry (Cowboy) and Taylor’s story and it is filled with so much emotion and so much heat you are not going to be able to put it down.

This is part of a series of standalones, and no you don’t have to read them all, but honestly it will make your experience so much better if you do.

Don’t miss out on all of these men, you won’t be disappointed.

1) No Mercy
2) Rowdy
3)Captain
4) Cowboy
5) Mustang (coming soon!)
Profile Image for Katie Wilks.
181 reviews5 followers
June 14, 2022
Overall Score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat Level 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

I adore Taylor and Landry's story. It's a beautifully written 2nd chance love story of two people trying to get past some misconceived betrayals and trauma. As usual, D.M. Davis knocks it out of the park. I can't wait for Jess' story next!
76 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2022
Awesome read!

This book was a long time coming but it was so worth the wait. I love this series and Cowboy and songbirds story is a great addition to it.
294 reviews
Read
June 12, 2022
Another great book in the black ops MMA series. I love this series! I will say although each book is a standalone, there are crossovers in story and characters. It's best enjoyed if read in order, so start with No Mercy. I love the big bad alpha males that simply melt for their women and take such good care of them. This is well worth the time it takes to read it. Enjoy!
400 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2022
Taylor and Landry

I didn't want to put this book down, it was a great story. I'm excited to see there will be more books in this series.
Profile Image for Shannon.
1,011 reviews45 followers
December 4, 2025
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: Yes*
Author: D.M. Davis
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 4/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Landry and Taylor
Trope(s): Second Chance Romance, Sports Romance

Cowboy is Book #4 in the Black Ops MMA stand-alone interconnected series. Books can be read individually, but there is crossover and backstory that connects each book and the characters. This is a low angst read, but does deal with sensitive subjects that some might find triggering. Dana does an amazing job, as she has done in past books, with the delicate issues. She has also created a world that has drawn me is so hard. Strong, alpha men who would go to the end of the earth for the women who own their hearts and souls. We alternate from the present to the past as Landry and Taylor’s story is unfolded. First love is the sweetest love.

Taylor leaves her life in Texas behind when life as she knows it is turned upside down. She heads to Vegas where her brother and biological dad live and work. But, on her trip there life gets more complicated. She is determined to break the mold of her former life and live her life on her terms. Only that includes being near her ex, Landry.

They shared a week on spring break 8 years ago. They fell hard, lived their best spring break life, and made plans for their future. Only, best laid plans and all.

It took Landry a long time to get over Taylor and the havoc her ghosting him left his life in. He is finally at a better place in his life- doing well as a MMA fighter, running a bar, and friends who have become family.

Then Taylor shows up with a whole lotta truth bombs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.