Hidden Scion

Hillside Kings #5

by Carmen Rosales

Their love was forbidden from the start.

Now he has to do everything he can to save it.

Alex Cortez is used to putting his life on the line as the Hidden Scion of the Cortez cartel. But when he is charged with the protection of his best friend’s sister and her son, he braces himself to bury old feelings deep. Alina is off-limits, stubborn and gorgeous, but Alex is torn by the secret he has kept for all these years –– their one forbidden night marked him forever.

Alina Flores is in trouble. On the run from her abusive ex, she’s collided head-on with her past. Now, she has to accept protection from the only man who ever broke her heart — the one man she swore she’d never see again. But as Alex becomes part of her day-to-day — again — things heat up, tempers flare and feelings Alina thought were long buried start to surface.

Alex keeps telling himself he did the right thing by ghosting her, but when Alina’s secrets are revealed, his world turns upside down. Except this time, he’s not the one walking away…

HIDDEN SCION is a steamy, open-door standalone featuring Alex Cortez of the East Hillside Kings and the childhood love that stole his heart. Guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2023

About the author

Carmen Rosales is a best-selling Dark Romance and Latinx author. She loves to write in different genres of Romance and erotic horror under her alter ego, Delilah Croww. Beyond her writing, Carmen is a devoted mother who loves spending time with her loved ones. Join her VIP list to hear about her latest releases and giveaways at www.carmenrosales.com



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Reviews

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This book had me enthralled from start to finish. I was wondering what was going on with Alex aka Smiley as he seemed to love Lucy. However his past has come back to stay with him, and he can’t seem to resist Alina, and even more so, her adorable son. These two have a past, and a common enemy. They have so much they need to work through in order to be together. I loved both characters though wanted to whack Alex a few times as he is so clueless or just stupid sometimes! I cannot wait to read about the next generation of Hillside Kings!.

I received a free advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[I’m a Paula too… Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Torn again…

I’m torn again after reading this one. The previous book had a bunch of stuff that I didn’t like at all. This book has Smiley/Alex as the MMC, and I haven’t liked him so this one was going to be a hard sell. He met the love of his life at an early age, and promptly screwed it up by effing anything with a pulse. Because he was scared. Those are the main strikes against him.

Alina was a coward in different ways. You’ll be able to figure it out after a while…

KU read fortunately. I wasn’t crazy about this one either.

[Mrs A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can always count on this author to hook me in and completely absorbed in the story. There is the right amount drama, danger, romance and spice to keep you turning the pages well into the early hours of the morning.

Alina is a fantastic character, she’s strong and doesn’t let her circumstances define her. Alex is the perfect protective and swoony man. The ending is bittersweet and emotional. Loved it

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Alex and Alina's story. It can work as a standalone, i enjoyed it a bit more because i read book 4 and knew some of the other characters, but i still need to read 1-3. It had action and drama in it, kind of felt like a lower scale and not as much as Leo and Kat's, but enough to still pull you in and keep you interested. We got to see Alex and Alina rebuild their connection. I wouldn't necessarily call it enemies to lovers because although there was hurt and a devide between them, they clearly still under it all cared for each other. I would have liked a bit more build up of rebuilding their love, trust, and connection. It kind of felt like Alex was firm on keeping a emotional atleast distance and avoiding a relationship with her but then because of his jealousy and then the revelations then all of a sudden they're in a relationship and he loves her. It needed some kind of bridge for that gap instead of feeling like instalove. Also, there was no communication between them before or after, really. Some things were addressed while others were a bit glossed over. I wanted to see them talk about their shared past and the traumas she went through after so they both could help and heal together. But they both discussed and dealt with it separately, which is OK but should have been together as well to show a growth arc in their relationship. Maxim was the sweetest. After that scene at school, I'm a bit worried Alex is going to make him entitled, and he'll be a bit of a jerk when he's older. Hope not. Julio was so kind and sweet and a good friend. A bit of a departure from the other guys in the group but I felt bad he had to watch and help the person he loved with her feelings for another guy and now I'm adding him to the list and want to see Julio and Nikos dad get their own HEA. The artwork in the book was awesome, and I hope to see some merch with the Cartel kings scull and crown pic , the Hillside kings skull candy girl and skull Pic. I'd definitely wear that on a shirt or something. Another good read by the author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 3 out of 5]

After seeing how great Alex was with Lucy and how hard he fell, I was excited for him to get his HEA. While I thought this was a great conclusion to the series, I felt the whole Joker thing was wrapped up too quickly. I liked the past history between Alex and Alina and the little secret she’d been keeping. Finding out Alex was Maxim’s dad was the best surprise. I loved little Maxim! He was such a sweetie, how he made sure to tell Alina she was beautiful and seeing him wipe the tears from her eyes when she was upset because of what he’d done at school totally melted my heart. There wasn’t really any ow drama in this book which surprised me because of how much of a player Alex was. I was however expecting some form of a conversation between Alex and Alina regarding his feelings and history with Lucy. Alina knew he’d loved her and had some sort of history with her and it was obvious in the pool scene it hurt her yet she ever confronted him about it. It felt like certain things from prior books were either changed or just not mentioned at all. Alex admitted to others that he loved Lucy as Mason’s girl, but he wasn’t in love with her. But in Lucy and Mason’s story he was clearly in love with her and told her she had his heart. Also I kept wondering what the hell happened with Ramon’s character.
This book was good and I loved Alex, Alina and Maxim- BUT I gave it 3 stars for several reasons. The BIGGEST reason is because Joker was killed in book for what he did to Linda! And his real name in that book was Juan. In this book he’s alive and his real name is Danny. That was just too big of a storyline mistake to overlook. Also I felt like it ended too quickly and things were either dropped or wrapped up too quickly.

[Emma_books_xoxo · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Quote "ɪ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ʜɪᴍ ꜱɪɴᴄᴇ ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴᴛᴇᴇɴ, ɪᴛ ᴅᴏᴇꜱɴ'ᴛ ᴍᴀᴛᴛᴇʀ ɪꜰ ɪ'ᴍ ʙᴇᴀᴛᴇɴ ᴏʀ ʙʟᴀᴄᴋᴍᴀɪʟᴇᴅ. ᴇᴠᴇɴ ɪꜰ ɪ ᴛʀʏ ᴛᴏ ꜰᴏʀɢᴇᴛ ʜɪᴍ, ɪ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʜɪᴍ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴡɪʟʟ"

❗PLEASE CHECK TRIGGERS❗

I was instantly hooked from page one reading this story!! Was it a difficult read sometimes? Yes, Were there times where I wanted to ball my eyes out? Yes!! 😭
Some of the parts in this story were difficult to read. As a DV survivor I connected with Alina on so many levels. she went through horrific things to protect the people she loved most but it cost her to lose so much of herself!!

Alina fell in love with Alex aka 'smiley' when she was only 17 but he pushed her away after he took her v card because it went again 'Bro code'. Alina's life turned horrific afterwards but even after everything she had been through she didn't break!

Alina and Alex's relationship isn't the best when Alina returns. There is tension and so many feeling left unspoken between them that words are said in anger and tears are shed. Alex has regrets and emotions he can't show as it's a sign of weakness and Alina has trauma and feelings for Alex that she can't get rid of 🥺 You can feel the emotions in this story for both Alina and Alex, evey page of this story Is full of emotions!

I didn't want this story to end!! I needed more of Alex and Alina!! They both lost so much by trying to do the right thing and they both deserve all the happiness in the world!!

This book does have a HEA but not without a lot of feels and tragedy first 🥺 I HIGHLY reccomend this books!!

This is the first book I've read of carmen's and i can't wait to read more from this author!! Fantastic story!! 🖤

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for Smiley's happily ever after since book one, and 'Hidden Scion' finally delivers! Carmen Rosales does an amazing job wrapping up the series with a satisfying ending that left me cheering.

This book picks up where the previous installment left off, so I recommend reading the earlier books to fully appreciate the characters and their world. Just a heads up, though, 'Hidden Scion' is a dark romance, so be prepared for some intense moments.

Smiley, the charming hero, has his hands full protecting Alina and her son from her abusive ex-boyfriend. Their connection is electric, and I couldn't help but root for them throughout the story.

Carmen Rosales skillfully weaves together elements of the mafia, danger, and romance, creating a thrilling and captivating read. The plot is full of suspense and unexpected surprises that kept me hooked.

If you're a fan of mafia romance with a protective hero and a heartwarming love story, 'Hidden Scion' is a must-read. Carmen Rosales delivers a satisfying conclusion that will leave you swooning and wanting more.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

MMC/FMC- Alex and Alina
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Mafia Romance
Sub Genre- Cartel
Heat- they do the thing and name the parts using the P word
Series? Y
Cliffhanger? N
HEA/HFN? Y
Triggers- Violence, explicit erotic content, language, abuse, s. assault, torture
Tropes- Secret Baby, Evil Ex
What I liked- the heroine had a lot of inner strength. She survived some pretty horrific events. The son was adorable. I also liked that the book was body positive: the heroine had b. implants and unlike many romance novels that portray women who have had plastic surgery as less attractive, this heroine is celebrated. The Hero was a jerk at first, but he got better and became very supportive. And Julio was sweet.
What I didn’t- some parts were emotionally difficult to read. But they were important to the story. And a wonderful character got a broken heart (but was very nice about it).
Verdict- I enjoyed this book. The HEA was sweeter after everything that the heroine went through.

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

[Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I knew it would be as Alex aka smiley find's his hea. This arthur's writing is just amazing she's one of the new arthur's I found and have loved everything she has put out.

I always felt that his story when it was told was going to hit hard and man did it ever. I dont want to give away any spoilers, but if you've been reading the Hillside King's series then you won't want to miss this one.

Alina and her son Maxim are on the run from her crazy ex the Joker who was formally a King, but now he's keeping company with another cartel and has a vendetta against Alex, so her brother sends her to Alex to protect. The thing is they have a history together that her brother doesn’t know about.

There was so many thing's happening in here that kept me turning pages and then that bomb drop had me saying yesss✊🏼I kinda had a feeling it was going to turn out that way.

This is the final book in the series and I'm definitely going to miss this crazy bunch, but I'm so ready for the next generation the Cartel Kings.

[Erika Braga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fire ! Alex story with Alina is fire !
Smiley is that character you like since the first book and he is the sexy “on the side” King. You can’t help but like him…..
But when you get his story with Alina, just like with all the other Kings, you just want to kill him at first and than you love him. Alina is so good, suffered so much and deserves all the love, support and attention and unfortunately Alex a.k.a Smiley is a DICK of major portions. No worries he fixes it, and he majorly grovels which she more than deserves it. Overall I really liked this series and can’t wait to start the next generation. The only issue I have with this author is the opposite of what I have with some others authors, I actually think her books should be a little longer. The stories are complexed enough to have a better evolution. I’ve read the whole Prey series and it became one of my favorite series ever but they ALL feel a little unfinished, and same with the Hillside Kings. Also she needs MAJOR editing! But still worth reading and I loved it ❤️

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

That’s all I can say is “WOW” I love Carmen Rosales books so so much!! I will start them and get so lost that I end up finishing it because I just want to keep turning the pages!! Alex and Alina their love was forbidden from the beginning because Alex was her brothers best friend and his one condition was to never do his sister. Well things got heated and at seventeen they got together one forbidden night and then he ghosted her. Alina felt broken she tried to get ahold of Alex but he was always so busy ignoring her or with other girls so she ends up getting in an abusive relationship. Things got bad she is put into the hospital and then her brother hands over her and her son to Alex for his protection. They’re is something very important Alina is keeping from Alex and will she tell him??

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alina is being protected by Alex from her abusive ex but things are difficult because of their history.
I like Alina she is strong, protective of her son Maxim and willing to do anything for those she loves.
It takes Alex a while to wake up . He is stubborn and can have tunnel vision as he only sees one direction to go in. He is still likeable as he is protective and loving.
Alina and Alex’s scenes as full of tension and are so super hot that my iPad practically sizzled! They are great characters and bounce off each other so well!
This is a great but hard hitting story, full of angst and tension but as with all of Carmen’s books, it is great and I couldn’t put it down.
This is another 5 star book and is a great addition to the series!

[RedFlower · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Alina and Alex's love story is explored and there is a lot to love about it.
It was gut-wrenching finding out their misdoings, that led to their heartbroken love story.

I connected slowly with Alina, and I felt her inner demons coming up every time Alex was in the picture. She was a lonely fighter combatting an impossible battle. Alex was blinded and lost by his own undoing.
It was endearing to be part of their blossoming relationship. Their physical rekindling was hot.
I love that there is a happy ending in this gripping plot.

I recommend it and I cannot wait to keep reading this fantastic series.

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

[Maz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my 1st from this author and now I need to go and read rest of the series as it was soo good.
I was hooked from the first few chapters.
Wow, Alina is such a strong woman. She has had an awful past and her abusive ex is pure nasty. Then she is on the run from her ex with her little gorgeous and adorable boy.
Only issue is the man that is protecting her is her only love that broke her heart when they were young.
Alex is a very complex and equally broken man. Those downfalls caused his jerky actions that broke both of their hearts.
We get to see the characters grow emotionally and personality wise.
This book was dark, heartbreaking, gritty, angsty, drama, action, emotional damage, love and oh so much steam.

[Tracey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm so confused, Joker died 2 boks ago....

I am at a loss for words to describe the disappointment in this author.
How could she write a new book about an old dead character? Did she forget? Or think her readers are too dumb to notice?
In Hidden Secrets, it described, in detail, Colton killing Joker for what he did to Linda who is Alex's sister.
Now, in Alex's book, we have Joker again but with a whole new plot line.
How hard is it to keep track of the books you write and the characters in them?!
What. The. Actual. Heck?!
If you can't keep it straight then don't write a series.
She made smaller mistakes in other books that didn't jive but i overlooked them. But, this is ridiculous.
I am done with this dumb author.

[DFS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Smiley gets his happy ending. This book follows Alex and Alina. Alina is a single mother with a son, Maxim, who has been through it. Her ex is a crazy and member of a cartel. Her ex's obsession with Alina leads her brother to have her and her son be protected by Alex. Alex is a jerk, but still likable, with there being history and buried emotions between him and Alina. The book has some pretty heavy moments. Alina and Alex's love story is angsty and spicy. Both characters have their own skeletons and demons they're trying to fight. The story is never dull and never hits a low in pacing. I couldn't put this book down.

[Melissa Houpt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex and Alina: my favs 💕

The plot: 5/5⭐️
The spice:4/5 🌶️
Hidden Scion is a second chance romance with a little enemies to lovers vibes going on. They aren’t really enemies just 2 people in love with each other who are too stubborn to admit it. I think Alex and Alina’s story was my favorite. The tension and angst was on perfect.
After fleeing and hiding from her ex Alina moves in with her brother’s best friend. He just happens to be her first. Alex thought he was doing the right thing by ghosting her afterwards till everything Alina was hiding comes to light.
Tropes:
✨Mafia
✨Brother’s best friend
✨Second chance romance
✨Touch her and 🔪 🩸

[Laquever Fryar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay let me just start by saying I usually love Carmen's books and smiley was always my favorite character so when his book came out I was hyped...the book started off good and I was like okay yes but somewhere in between the middle the book started to go too fast n seemed really rushed then in my paperback I have a few chapters that were repeating and then when it was supposed to be Alex it was Alina it really became confusing for me...I gave this book three stars because it started going good but the story just went lacking I feel if the author can go back correct a couple of mistakes and add more to the story especially how they caught joker that would be dope.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex and Alina had a forbidden relationship one his best friend had told him not to have with his sister. Feelings got in the way of things and when they connected, he ghosted her afterwards. Alina never got over Alex but entered into a relationship with another that turned abusive. Now he is tasked with protecting Alina and the feelings that has been bottled up has found their way out. This action-packed story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.

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

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden Scion by Carmen Rosales is Book 5 of Hillside Kings Series. This is the story of Alex and Alina. Alex is Alina's brother best friend and her crush. When she was around 17 things with her and Alex became to hot and they had a night together but then he just ghosted her. Alina tried to get in touch with him but there was no use and then someone dark took over her life. Now in the present day she is the mother of a young son and on the run from an abusive ex. Alina's brother send her to Alex for their protection which starts their second chance. Enjoyed.

[Happyscribe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is total heart cruncher from the first chapter. Alina’s pain and longing just leaps off the pages as she comes to terms being back in Alex’s orbit. And the constant threat of bad men trying to destroy their fragile relationship keeps your heart in your mouth right until the end. 4 stars because of so many editing and grammatical errors.

It was so good to see the other characters play roles in Smiley’s HEA - great read!

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alina and Alex share a past, now years on, her brother sends her and her son to Alex for protection from her abusive ex, but could things ever happem between them, she's his best friends sister? She's hiding something, but their spark isnstill there and electric as ever. Well written, the characters draw you in, with steamy engaging desires, a great addition to the series that keeps on giving!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for Hidden Scion by Carmen Rosales

Hillside Kings Book 5

Readers should review content warnings. Hidden Scion could be read as a standalone but I recommend the series as interconnected characters appear!

Dark romance
High school friends
Friends , enemies to lovers
Brother is best friend
Unexpected pregnancy
A strong female heroine
Sizzling chemistry
Happily ever after

Great story !

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

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friend’s sibling
Secret crush
Heroine in danger
Close proximity
Single parent
Cartel
TRIGGERS

Another great book for the series. Each story has been unique and very entertaining. Alex and Alina continue with a book full of twists and angst. Great characters with explosive attraction.

The journey to happiness is not easy. It’s a very emotional trip with danger, angst and passion. Alex and Alina both were stubborn but in the end they do what they have to do.

[Laikyn Meng · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was packed with an exquisite punch.

It is filled with snark, sass and so much steam.

I would have loved if the main Male character would have won me over a bit more. But the story is haunting and epic. This is the first book I have read by Carmen, I definitely added the others in the series to my TBR list.

Such great world building!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Veronica Albertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. I loved the characters, the story was a perfect balance of dark romance and showing how much they really care for one another. This whole series is great! I can’t wait for another one!.

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

[Jodie Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading stories from the author, she hooks you in, right from the start. I can't wait to read more and more from this author.
I could not put this one down. I loved reading Alex. I love the Hillside Kings series.
A great story. A great series. I love it!!!.

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

[Lisa Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love me some Alex my favorite so far. If u love mafia, gangs and just all around bad asses READ this series. Can't wait unit 2024 for more
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star!!
Loved reading Hidden Scion. This book 📕 was a page turner for me because once I started this book I couldn’t put it down. The chemistry between Alina and Alex was steamy HOT and I loved their story!!!

[Alex Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic instalment in the Hillside Kings series from Carmen Rosales. Deliciously dark and sexy. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend.

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