What do you think?
Rate this book
High Roller Omegas #3
Queen of Diamonds
Most omegas dream of a happily ever after; I just want to survive.
I’m on the run from a cruel alpha—leader of the gang I was sold to. For years he kept me like a trophy, and each heat left me with scars—ones that mark the last secret I have left to protect.
Now, he’s found me, and my sanctuary—the High Roller club—is no longer safe. Just when I know I’m going to be dragged back to my worst nightmare, I stumble upon a pack I never thought I’d see again. A pack that’s haunted every dream since the day I met them. Kyan, Zed, and Knight are brutal boys of the streets, and they’re my mates, so falling into their arms for protection should be easy. But long dead are the days of stolen kisses and names scratched into notebooks amidst hearts.
Because they hate me.
When they got to their knees and offered me the world, I turned my back on them. I left them broken, rejected, and exiled from the only family they’d ever known.
Placing myself at their feet is my last hope of survival, but I can never let them see the scars their enemy left across my skin.
This is a stand alone in the shared High Roller Omegaverse which can be read in any order, and is a MMFM bully omegaverse with a HEA.
I’m on the run from a cruel alpha—leader of the gang I was sold to. For years he kept me like a trophy, and each heat left me with scars—ones that mark the last secret I have left to protect.
Now, he’s found me, and my sanctuary—the High Roller club—is no longer safe. Just when I know I’m going to be dragged back to my worst nightmare, I stumble upon a pack I never thought I’d see again. A pack that’s haunted every dream since the day I met them. Kyan, Zed, and Knight are brutal boys of the streets, and they’re my mates, so falling into their arms for protection should be easy. But long dead are the days of stolen kisses and names scratched into notebooks amidst hearts.
Because they hate me.
When they got to their knees and offered me the world, I turned my back on them. I left them broken, rejected, and exiled from the only family they’d ever known.
Placing myself at their feet is my last hope of survival, but I can never let them see the scars their enemy left across my skin.
This is a stand alone in the shared High Roller Omegaverse which can be read in any order, and is a MMFM bully omegaverse with a HEA.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2024
744 people are currently reading
1282 people want to read
About the author
Marie Mackay
24 books776 followersA British-Canadian writer, artist, and ex nurse currently living in BC, Canada. All the art-from the cover, to the illustrations within the pages-are her own.
I'm a self-proclaimed angst queen, and I write omegaverse and fantasy romance, most often with many lovers per lady. I have a strong preference toward enemies to lovers, bully, and dark romance.
The voices I bring to the paper draw from the distinct social settings in which I have lived, the many places I have travelled, and from my time in health care.
I maintain a commitment not to write pregnancy in my books (including epilogues). While I have nothing against the beauty of babies, my leading ladies find HEAs outside of children <3
I'm a self-proclaimed angst queen, and I write omegaverse and fantasy romance, most often with many lovers per lady. I have a strong preference toward enemies to lovers, bully, and dark romance.
The voices I bring to the paper draw from the distinct social settings in which I have lived, the many places I have travelled, and from my time in health care.
I maintain a commitment not to write pregnancy in my books (including epilogues). While I have nothing against the beauty of babies, my leading ladies find HEAs outside of children <3
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
May 18, 2024
Ugh, the character archetypes Marie writes always slap so hard.
Stabby FMC, deranged but caring, possessive and protective MMCs? I swoon every time.
Glade is an omega on the run. She'd rejected her scent matches, got with a bad dude, and ran away to hide at High Roller. Then one day her jaded scent matches show up to kidnap her, get the truth, and not let her get away again.
We then get a slow reveal of the reason why she left, how the guys dealt with the aftermath, and their sweet revenge and reconciliation.
I do think the character foundation in the beginning borders on too vague to be solid. Glade's meant to be a mafia princess but that title isn't expanded on to really set her up as a character, I would've loved to see that explored more and explained in relation to the Brotherhood. I unfortunately felt a little lost in the beginning handful of chapters.
After that though? When we meet Zed, Kyan, and Knight? Glorious perfection. Kyan's my favorite of the group, which is to be expected, because I ALWAYS favor the extra nutty one in a Marie OV.
And the stakes get raised even higher when the original big bad is on scene and his schemes are thwarted by our darling pack.
This was really enjoyable and I adore this meeting of the minds series so much!
Stabby FMC, deranged but caring, possessive and protective MMCs? I swoon every time.
Glade is an omega on the run. She'd rejected her scent matches, got with a bad dude, and ran away to hide at High Roller. Then one day her jaded scent matches show up to kidnap her, get the truth, and not let her get away again.
We then get a slow reveal of the reason why she left, how the guys dealt with the aftermath, and their sweet revenge and reconciliation.
I do think the character foundation in the beginning borders on too vague to be solid. Glade's meant to be a mafia princess but that title isn't expanded on to really set her up as a character, I would've loved to see that explored more and explained in relation to the Brotherhood. I unfortunately felt a little lost in the beginning handful of chapters.
After that though? When we meet Zed, Kyan, and Knight? Glorious perfection. Kyan's my favorite of the group, which is to be expected, because I ALWAYS favor the extra nutty one in a Marie OV.
And the stakes get raised even higher when the original big bad is on scene and his schemes are thwarted by our darling pack.
This was really enjoyable and I adore this meeting of the minds series so much!
October 12, 2024
I love unhinged characters and Queen of Diamonds has those in spades (hehe). We've got the actually psychotic alphas and the very stabby omega so you know things are going to be really fun.
Glade really broke my heart. She wants so badly to be loved and taken care of and it's just impossible for her. Her back and forth thoughts about how to solve her problems without getting hurt or hurting everyone she loves really endears her to you more and more and you really can't put the book down until you find out if she gets the happy ending she deserves.
Kyan, Knight, and Jed are ✨️delicious✨️. Kyan is definitely my favorite. He never gave up on Glade even when the others did. There's quite a bit of bullying going on until about 60%ish but boy when they grovel they sure do grovel.
It's faced paced, full of steamy steamy spice, and literally all of the feels. You'll laugh, you'll tear up, and just straight get giddy. A standalone in the new High Roller series that you're absolutely not going to want to miss out on.
Glade really broke my heart. She wants so badly to be loved and taken care of and it's just impossible for her. Her back and forth thoughts about how to solve her problems without getting hurt or hurting everyone she loves really endears her to you more and more and you really can't put the book down until you find out if she gets the happy ending she deserves.
Kyan, Knight, and Jed are ✨️delicious✨️. Kyan is definitely my favorite. He never gave up on Glade even when the others did. There's quite a bit of bullying going on until about 60%ish but boy when they grovel they sure do grovel.
It's faced paced, full of steamy steamy spice, and literally all of the feels. You'll laugh, you'll tear up, and just straight get giddy. A standalone in the new High Roller series that you're absolutely not going to want to miss out on.
May 22, 2024
“You’re not ours,”
“We’re yours.”
I have loved this series so much! I'm not ready to be out of the High Rollers World!! These omegas have been such a strong group of FMC!
This book was such a fun read! Full of so much angst, banter, and brooding alphas!
"She’d given everything for us, and I’d left her behind—left her to a monster."
Glade was such a strong omega! Through most of the book you slowly learn how she protected her scent matches. And how much pain she went through just to keep them safe! 😭
These alphas were morally gray as F*******ck!
And I loved every second!
Some definitely stole my heart quicker than others did!
“Take a chance on me, my Sweet Oasis. I will never let you fall.”
I instantly fell in love with Kyan!!! He was so unhinged! But the way that he was determined to show Glade that she was theirs was absolutely perfect! And even she tasered him! 🤣🤣
“How did you get away from Kyan?”
“You were right about the tasers.”
I laughed so hard! 😍🤣
Zed and Knight took alittle longer for me to love! Through most of the book I found myself going "These guys don't deserve to be her mates" AND THEN they saved her! 😍 and groveled 😭
"She deserved this. A real apology from me. I took her hands in mine, the edges scabbed from wounds she’d given herself to save me."
And that ending!!!! 😍
On to the next book!!!
“We’re yours.”
I have loved this series so much! I'm not ready to be out of the High Rollers World!! These omegas have been such a strong group of FMC!
This book was such a fun read! Full of so much angst, banter, and brooding alphas!
"She’d given everything for us, and I’d left her behind—left her to a monster."
Glade was such a strong omega! Through most of the book you slowly learn how she protected her scent matches. And how much pain she went through just to keep them safe! 😭
These alphas were morally gray as F*******ck!
And I loved every second!
Some definitely stole my heart quicker than others did!
“Take a chance on me, my Sweet Oasis. I will never let you fall.”
I instantly fell in love with Kyan!!! He was so unhinged! But the way that he was determined to show Glade that she was theirs was absolutely perfect! And even she tasered him! 🤣🤣
“How did you get away from Kyan?”
“You were right about the tasers.”
I laughed so hard! 😍🤣
Zed and Knight took alittle longer for me to love! Through most of the book I found myself going "These guys don't deserve to be her mates" AND THEN they saved her! 😍 and groveled 😭
"She deserved this. A real apology from me. I took her hands in mine, the edges scabbed from wounds she’d given herself to save me."
And that ending!!!! 😍
On to the next book!!!
January 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the darkest of the offerings in the High Roller Omegas world - misplaced anger, sacrifice, and finally redemption. It was a fun, if not hard at times, read. Lots of twists and turns. A strong FMC. A HEA filled with revenge (against the enemy) and riding off into the sunset for the MCs.
As I am writing the full review months after the release, I can say this book should be read before diving into Psycho Alphas. There are some important character crossovers.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the darkest of the offerings in the High Roller Omegas world - misplaced anger, sacrifice, and finally redemption. It was a fun, if not hard at times, read. Lots of twists and turns. A strong FMC. A HEA filled with revenge (against the enemy) and riding off into the sunset for the MCs.
As I am writing the full review months after the release, I can say this book should be read before diving into Psycho Alphas. There are some important character crossovers.
March 13, 2025
4⭐️
This started off a little rocky for me. I didn’t like the beginning, put it down, and then had to start over again. But then … it got interesting.
Oh yah … and Kyan 😍.
Will definitely read the rest of the series.
This started off a little rocky for me. I didn’t like the beginning, put it down, and then had to start over again. But then … it got interesting.
Oh yah … and Kyan 😍.
Will definitely read the rest of the series.
May 12, 2024
The sweet agony of her stories is amazing. And the groveling and revenge in this one was so dark and twisted and one of the most satisfying pay back I have read since Sweet Revenge by Viano Oniomoh. Then you add in a character like Kyan who is sweet and psycho and so swoony that you are out right melting over the most deranged behavior. Glade was fierce, unhinged, tortured, loyal, stabby and amazing. Knight and Zed were broody and begged so pretty when their time came. I knew from the previews this was going to give Havoc a run for her money and I was so right! Mackey has a tried and true recipe for these hurt/comfort complex scent match OV stories that I eat up! I pick them and I don’t put them down til I’m done. They’re all consuming and this series feels like it’s going to be gold. I’m seriously mad at myself for not signing up for the other ARCs.
August 19, 2024
Queen of Diamonds ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This had loads of potentially to be really good actually but it fell flat on most of its potential. for starters i thought the beginning was not well done. A lot we had to come up with on our own and I really don't think it was explained or done well. ALSO THE HEAT. why did we get barely any explanation on the things that happened during heat?? we got more during other scenes. I needed that first heat to be crazy and she kept saying that it was without telling us. Again this had potential. It had an interesting plot but I think fell super flat. I honestly also wish the boys lost it more after everything. I wish we got more flashbacks and explanations of her life and theirs. A lot we were just supposed to come up with but I think it make the story lack. I also just needed more romantic moments. I needed more of the men obsessed and pining. It felt like it was a lot more of her loving them honestly except Kyan. He slayed but I also think he also had more potential. As well as Zed. Knight was whatever. I wish I got more descriptives on the character in general. Like I said I think this book had good ideas but did not pull through because it was too short to fit in everything that was needed to accomplish the goal. I ended up enjoying it and flying through it and some scenes were hot but I didn't love any of the characters. I was closest with Kyan if I had more and Zed had the potential too but it wasn't long enough to capture all that was needed. I did like what she did to Ace at the end. Apart of me wishes Kyan wouldn't have touched anyone after her because he was a soul match too but whatever. Glad zed didn't. Knight was so bleh. Just like okay boring. I wish I got more of her personality and backstory and why this match made sense. I wanted to see them falling in love and I would have loved to witness ace's original threats and the building of it but for a short read and needing an omegaverse it helped do the trick a bit. I do like this author cause I loved the sweetheart duology so much so I know she has more in her
This had loads of potentially to be really good actually but it fell flat on most of its potential. for starters i thought the beginning was not well done. A lot we had to come up with on our own and I really don't think it was explained or done well. ALSO THE HEAT. why did we get barely any explanation on the things that happened during heat?? we got more during other scenes. I needed that first heat to be crazy and she kept saying that it was without telling us. Again this had potential. It had an interesting plot but I think fell super flat. I honestly also wish the boys lost it more after everything. I wish we got more flashbacks and explanations of her life and theirs. A lot we were just supposed to come up with but I think it make the story lack. I also just needed more romantic moments. I needed more of the men obsessed and pining. It felt like it was a lot more of her loving them honestly except Kyan. He slayed but I also think he also had more potential. As well as Zed. Knight was whatever. I wish I got more descriptives on the character in general. Like I said I think this book had good ideas but did not pull through because it was too short to fit in everything that was needed to accomplish the goal. I ended up enjoying it and flying through it and some scenes were hot but I didn't love any of the characters. I was closest with Kyan if I had more and Zed had the potential too but it wasn't long enough to capture all that was needed. I did like what she did to Ace at the end. Apart of me wishes Kyan wouldn't have touched anyone after her because he was a soul match too but whatever. Glad zed didn't. Knight was so bleh. Just like okay boring. I wish I got more of her personality and backstory and why this match made sense. I wanted to see them falling in love and I would have loved to witness ace's original threats and the building of it but for a short read and needing an omegaverse it helped do the trick a bit. I do like this author cause I loved the sweetheart duology so much so I know she has more in her
September 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - bullying, gun violence, knife violence, poison (past, mentioned and on page), torture, murder incl dismemberment, near death experience (incl CPR on page), emotionally and physically abusive captivity of the FMC (prior to the start), torture of omegas (mentioned), psychological mistreatment of an Omega (mentioned), attempted suicide (discussed), mental health struggles, oppressive upbringings, scars (on the FMCs upper back), nightmares, paranoia, drugs, drugging of the MCs, parental death (mentioned), money laundering (mentioned), insomnia (past, mentioned), broken bones, stalking
CW - OW taunting, D/s, CNC, primal play, hand necklaces, voyeurism, restraints, DP, degradation
Tropes - omegaverse, rejected mates, obsessed, possessive, enemies to lovers, dark, mafia / gangs, bullies, hurt x comfort, second chance
Representation - polyam - MMFM, BIPOC MMC, anxiety, queer rep
Glade (FMC) has a past that is haunting her and keeping her from her true HEA. To make it worse, she can't talk to anyone about it so they're not put in danger so she's left isolated by her past and just needs to make the best out of it. As an omega though, this is not an easy feat.
When the characters came together it was defo a... rocky start to put it lightly 😅. There was a lot of explanations needed, emotional bonding, mending relationships and willingness for a second chance. When they were actually on the same page, it was a nice relationship to read, especially the distinct bonds each of the characters have with each other and the roles they play in the pack. I do wish we got to see more of them as a pack without something going wrong or them being on the same page.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List
TW - bullying, gun violence, knife violence, poison (past, mentioned and on page), torture, murder incl dismemberment, near death experience (incl CPR on page), emotionally and physically abusive captivity of the FMC (prior to the start), torture of omegas (mentioned), psychological mistreatment of an Omega (mentioned), attempted suicide (discussed), mental health struggles, oppressive upbringings, scars (on the FMCs upper back), nightmares, paranoia, drugs, drugging of the MCs, parental death (mentioned), money laundering (mentioned), insomnia (past, mentioned), broken bones, stalking
CW - OW taunting, D/s, CNC, primal play, hand necklaces, voyeurism, restraints, DP, degradation
Tropes - omegaverse, rejected mates, obsessed, possessive, enemies to lovers, dark, mafia / gangs, bullies, hurt x comfort, second chance
Representation - polyam - MMFM, BIPOC MMC, anxiety, queer rep
Glade (FMC) has a past that is haunting her and keeping her from her true HEA. To make it worse, she can't talk to anyone about it so they're not put in danger so she's left isolated by her past and just needs to make the best out of it. As an omega though, this is not an easy feat.
When the characters came together it was defo a... rocky start to put it lightly 😅. There was a lot of explanations needed, emotional bonding, mending relationships and willingness for a second chance. When they were actually on the same page, it was a nice relationship to read, especially the distinct bonds each of the characters have with each other and the roles they play in the pack. I do wish we got to see more of them as a pack without something going wrong or them being on the same page.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List
May 9, 2024
Marie Mackay writes some of the best omegaverse out there right now and it’s like the woman has a direct wire to exactly what gets my engine revved when it comes to spice, because Queen of Diamonds is full of some of my absolute favorite tropes, subtropes, and microtropes (I don’t care if that’s not a thing because I’m making it a thing).
For those not aware of the plot for Queen of Diamonds, this is the story of Glade, the bartender at the High Roller Club. Turns out, Glade has a lot of secrets and a lot of scars (both internal and external).
Where Queen of Hearts and Queen of Spades were both distinct mafia romances (and Queen of Clubs is a rockstar romance), Queen of Diamonds is a gang romance, despite Glade being born a mafia princess. Her being mafia-borne isn’t all that germane to the plot. All of the alphas in this book being born into gang families and the gang life is completely germane, because they’re all absolutely psychotic and violent. (Don’t worry, Glade digs it a lot). If they’re not busy being walking, talking red flags, they're busy being scary-brilliant or completely primal in either their rage or lust. Really, it’s hot either way. (There is more than one scene of primal spice between two alphas that’s beyond hot and I need more of it in my omegaverse romances, please and thank you).
There is a good deal of bullying in the first half of this book. There’s a very valid plot reason for this. It lightens up some around the halfway point, but doesn’t let up completely until maybe out 65% of the way through. The groveling wouldn’t nearly be up to par in a traditional bully romance, but for this subgenre of omegaverse romance, the grovel is totally apropos.
Glade is a touch-starved omega, so when she finally gets to actually indulge her omega a little, she gets possessive and feral about it. I loved it. Reading about how feral omegas nest and how their mates watch them with dopey gazes like their omegas are the cutest creatures in the world is one of my favorite things. The nest that Glade builds toward the end of this book is one of my favorite ones now. I adored it.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: Book Series/Gang Romance/LGBTQ Romance/Omegaverse/Polyamorous Romance/Romance Series/Spice Level 3/Why Choose Romance
For those not aware of the plot for Queen of Diamonds, this is the story of Glade, the bartender at the High Roller Club. Turns out, Glade has a lot of secrets and a lot of scars (both internal and external).
Where Queen of Hearts and Queen of Spades were both distinct mafia romances (and Queen of Clubs is a rockstar romance), Queen of Diamonds is a gang romance, despite Glade being born a mafia princess. Her being mafia-borne isn’t all that germane to the plot. All of the alphas in this book being born into gang families and the gang life is completely germane, because they’re all absolutely psychotic and violent. (Don’t worry, Glade digs it a lot). If they’re not busy being walking, talking red flags, they're busy being scary-brilliant or completely primal in either their rage or lust. Really, it’s hot either way. (There is more than one scene of primal spice between two alphas that’s beyond hot and I need more of it in my omegaverse romances, please and thank you).
There is a good deal of bullying in the first half of this book. There’s a very valid plot reason for this. It lightens up some around the halfway point, but doesn’t let up completely until maybe out 65% of the way through. The groveling wouldn’t nearly be up to par in a traditional bully romance, but for this subgenre of omegaverse romance, the grovel is totally apropos.
Glade is a touch-starved omega, so when she finally gets to actually indulge her omega a little, she gets possessive and feral about it. I loved it. Reading about how feral omegas nest and how their mates watch them with dopey gazes like their omegas are the cutest creatures in the world is one of my favorite things. The nest that Glade builds toward the end of this book is one of my favorite ones now. I adored it.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: Book Series/Gang Romance/LGBTQ Romance/Omegaverse/Polyamorous Romance/Romance Series/Spice Level 3/Why Choose Romance
February 9, 2025
This was dark, hilarious, sweet, bonkers, and SO SO satisfying.
I can't even explain this book, but while it was appalling with violence and trauma, it was also absolutely the funniest thing I have read in a while.
Let's not be overly concerned with consent (cause kidnapping) but they also respected her.
Plus, I don't think these men were with anyone else while they were separated... and neither was she.
So many trigger warnings, I won't even try to list.
The ending? Absolutely unhinged and completely satisfying... except I wish I knew what happened with Thistle.
I can't even explain this book, but while it was appalling with violence and trauma, it was also absolutely the funniest thing I have read in a while.
Let's not be overly concerned with consent (cause kidnapping) but they also respected her.
Plus, I don't think these men were with anyone else while they were separated... and neither was she.
So many trigger warnings, I won't even try to list.
The ending? Absolutely unhinged and completely satisfying... except I wish I knew what happened with Thistle.
May 12, 2024
I’m so thankful to Marie Mackay for the ARC of this book!
It was a great read, I loved everything about it. The characters were incredible, Glade is definite one of my favorite FMC!
About the MMC’s, I do have to say that Kyan was the one I liked the most! He was always there for her!
Anyways, a very good book, I loved the angst and the story in general!
It was a great read, I loved everything about it. The characters were incredible, Glade is definite one of my favorite FMC!
About the MMC’s, I do have to say that Kyan was the one I liked the most! He was always there for her!
Anyways, a very good book, I loved the angst and the story in general!
May 20, 2024
This book was really hard to get into. There was just so much build up, it felt like we were getting all the backstory and context and somehow it just kind of fizzled. This was also the 3rd book I read in the High Roller Omegaverse series. I absolutely loved the first two I read but for whatever reason, whether it be the characters or the writing I just couldn’t connect with it. There were also some omegaverse specifics that weren’t in line with the other two books I read. I understand that these are loosely interconnected standalones, but it’s hard to stay in this alternate reality with one book that swerves away from the previously established “rules” of the created universe. This won't stop me from finishing the series.
October 28, 2024
3.75 syars
I love this author's rejected mate and bull/grovel novels. I didn't quite enjoy this one as much as some of her others. I know Ace was unforgivable, but apparently, I have read too many bully genre novels because I was hoping he would be redeemed in the end, even though what he did was irredeemable.
I love this author's rejected mate and bull/grovel novels. I didn't quite enjoy this one as much as some of her others. I know Ace was unforgivable, but apparently, I have read too many bully genre novels because I was hoping he would be redeemed in the end, even though what he did was irredeemable.
August 29, 2025
I love you Kyan 😭😭
I had already read Psycho Alphas so I finally picked this up to have a better background on Ace and Thistle. And damn....Ace was one sick mf. But he remains my roman empire and now I love him even more.
I had already read Psycho Alphas so I finally picked this up to have a better background on Ace and Thistle. And damn....Ace was one sick mf. But he remains my roman empire and now I love him even more.
May 21, 2024
Kyan is LIFE
I wanted to wrap Glade up and give her a hug but she'd probably stab me. there's enemies to lovers goodness and primal mm action. do with that as u will
Queen of diamonds ended up being my top read from the shared world. it has it all
I wanted to wrap Glade up and give her a hug but she'd probably stab me. there's enemies to lovers goodness and primal mm action. do with that as u will
Queen of diamonds ended up being my top read from the shared world. it has it all
October 7, 2024
Queen of Diamonds was a hit!
This was dark and angsty, and such a good second-chance, Enemies-to-lovers type story!
Glade, bartender at High Rollers, has a past that won't let her go, and her rejected scent matches arrive just in time to save the day (forcibly lol). Her desire to protect her alphas was written so well - I truly understood why she made the choices that she did, even though my heart ached for her. But, I loved her alphas, especially Kyan - I always love the unhinged ones.
I loved the speed of this storyline, too. Things hit a height, but the plot kept moving along. I kept wondering what was going to happen next! I devoured this.
This was a great addition to this High Rollers series!
This was dark and angsty, and such a good second-chance, Enemies-to-lovers type story!
Glade, bartender at High Rollers, has a past that won't let her go, and her rejected scent matches arrive just in time to save the day (forcibly lol). Her desire to protect her alphas was written so well - I truly understood why she made the choices that she did, even though my heart ached for her. But, I loved her alphas, especially Kyan - I always love the unhinged ones.
I loved the speed of this storyline, too. Things hit a height, but the plot kept moving along. I kept wondering what was going to happen next! I devoured this.
This was a great addition to this High Rollers series!
May 16, 2024
Marie MacKay is the freaking QUEEN of hurt/comfort/betrayal/ grovel. You’d think that someone who did those tropes so well would run into an issues of reusing storylines but not this woman! Every single book she pushes out is so incredibly good, well written, and unique.
Ive been so excited for this book for months. Even though it’s outside her regular “Poisonverse” I just *knew* she was going to bring the angst and this was no exception.
Tropes
♦️Omega Mafia Princess on the run
♦️Forced rejected mate trope
♦️Why Choose w/MM relationship
♦️Feisty, emotionally strong heroine
♦️Heroine w/ past trauma
♦️Unhinged OTT JP Alpha
♦️Broody Alphas who have to grovel
♦️Massive angst … it’s so good.
♦️Forced Proximity
♦️Second chance romance
♦️Fated Mates/Scent Matches
♦️Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
♦️Hurt/Comfort
♦️A super cute cat named Lucy
We have Glade, a mafia princess, who was forced to reject her scent-matched pack in favor of the pack lead’s little brother. She had good reason to do this and it was all super selfless and altruistic, but her pack saw it as the betrayal she meant them to and spent years hating her.
Her time with the brother she was forced to choose was… terrible. Not gonna pull anything punches, if you have triggers you’ll wanna check them. Theres nothing super detailed, but you do find out some specifics of what Glade has gone through in order to keep her scent-matched Alpha’s safe in flashbacks/dreams.
So for the last couple years, after Glade was able to finally escape from her captor, she has been living and working at the High Rollers in Las Vegas. All too soon, however, trouble and her past catch up to her. Not only does her scent matched pack show up wanting answers for her rejection, but her captor whom she escaped from has scent men to find her and bring her back to him.
Glade’s time is up.
Now she must navigate a relationship with the 3 men she loves more than anything, who have decided to keep her with them at their home to keep her safe. But Glade herself is trying to keep *them* safe, and if her captor finds out about them, everything shes gone through in the past will be for nothing.
When I tell you I was up til 3am finishing this book this morning…. I couldnt put it down. Glade is now one of my all time fave heroines, and the guys? Theyre *perfect.* Especially my unhinged baby boy Kyan.
Knight and Zed def wind up having to earn Glade’s forgiveness once they find out what she did to them, and they dont treat her the best when they finally catch up to her after searching for her. Kyan has always known something was off about the rejection, and he has no problems making sure Glade knows he’s all hers, regardless of what Zed and Knight do/think.
The Grovel is amazing. The angst is amazing. The spice is HOT AF i meannnn common. It was so good!
I hope Marie continues to write more books in this “universe.” Theres a side character named Thistle I’d love to see a story done for… so Marie, if you’re reading this, Im just throwing that suggestion out there if you dont already have plans to do it😂
Huge thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Ive been so excited for this book for months. Even though it’s outside her regular “Poisonverse” I just *knew* she was going to bring the angst and this was no exception.
Tropes
♦️Omega Mafia Princess on the run
♦️Forced rejected mate trope
♦️Why Choose w/MM relationship
♦️Feisty, emotionally strong heroine
♦️Heroine w/ past trauma
♦️Unhinged OTT JP Alpha
♦️Broody Alphas who have to grovel
♦️Massive angst … it’s so good.
♦️Forced Proximity
♦️Second chance romance
♦️Fated Mates/Scent Matches
♦️Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
♦️Hurt/Comfort
♦️A super cute cat named Lucy
We have Glade, a mafia princess, who was forced to reject her scent-matched pack in favor of the pack lead’s little brother. She had good reason to do this and it was all super selfless and altruistic, but her pack saw it as the betrayal she meant them to and spent years hating her.
Her time with the brother she was forced to choose was… terrible. Not gonna pull anything punches, if you have triggers you’ll wanna check them. Theres nothing super detailed, but you do find out some specifics of what Glade has gone through in order to keep her scent-matched Alpha’s safe in flashbacks/dreams.
So for the last couple years, after Glade was able to finally escape from her captor, she has been living and working at the High Rollers in Las Vegas. All too soon, however, trouble and her past catch up to her. Not only does her scent matched pack show up wanting answers for her rejection, but her captor whom she escaped from has scent men to find her and bring her back to him.
Glade’s time is up.
Now she must navigate a relationship with the 3 men she loves more than anything, who have decided to keep her with them at their home to keep her safe. But Glade herself is trying to keep *them* safe, and if her captor finds out about them, everything shes gone through in the past will be for nothing.
When I tell you I was up til 3am finishing this book this morning…. I couldnt put it down. Glade is now one of my all time fave heroines, and the guys? Theyre *perfect.* Especially my unhinged baby boy Kyan.
Knight and Zed def wind up having to earn Glade’s forgiveness once they find out what she did to them, and they dont treat her the best when they finally catch up to her after searching for her. Kyan has always known something was off about the rejection, and he has no problems making sure Glade knows he’s all hers, regardless of what Zed and Knight do/think.
The Grovel is amazing. The angst is amazing. The spice is HOT AF i meannnn common. It was so good!
I hope Marie continues to write more books in this “universe.” Theres a side character named Thistle I’d love to see a story done for… so Marie, if you’re reading this, Im just throwing that suggestion out there if you dont already have plans to do it😂
Huge thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 21, 2024
This both did and didn't go how I expected. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending, though I did find one part (spoiled below) completely unbelievable before then.
It's usually hit or miss for me whether I'll like a book that deals with trauma, but I did enjoy this one. There was no walking on eggshells around this FMC for the entire book. She is definitely suffering, and has many things she has to work through, but they don't control her every thought. She's not mired down by her circumstances or experiences to the point of not being able to function for the majority of the book. We see her fear and we see her either try to move past it, or to accept it for what it is.
The FMC was delightfully scary at the end too. I love it when we're given an unhinged FMC, and she definitely had reason to be. She was driven to that state, and I am unapologetic about my support. The morbid asf nest she built at the end??? Yesss girl, you do you.
The MMCs were definitely jerks, but I was rooting for them by the end.
At this point I've read the two books before this one in this series, and I really enjoyed the way the author tied them all together in this one, bringing elements from those books into this one a few times, and even teasing a character from the next book (which I'm reading next). I also think this author took the series theme and incorporated it really well into the story and the characters' circumstances. Loved the use of the playing cards and the queen of diamonds.
Unbelievable part: ❌ SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!❌when the characters are just let go by the villain at a pivotal point in the story in order to make things more interesting or something like that. The guy had only just found them. Why would he let them go?
It's usually hit or miss for me whether I'll like a book that deals with trauma, but I did enjoy this one. There was no walking on eggshells around this FMC for the entire book. She is definitely suffering, and has many things she has to work through, but they don't control her every thought. She's not mired down by her circumstances or experiences to the point of not being able to function for the majority of the book. We see her fear and we see her either try to move past it, or to accept it for what it is.
The FMC was delightfully scary at the end too. I love it when we're given an unhinged FMC, and she definitely had reason to be. She was driven to that state, and I am unapologetic about my support. The morbid asf nest she built at the end??? Yesss girl, you do you.
The MMCs were definitely jerks, but I was rooting for them by the end.
At this point I've read the two books before this one in this series, and I really enjoyed the way the author tied them all together in this one, bringing elements from those books into this one a few times, and even teasing a character from the next book (which I'm reading next). I also think this author took the series theme and incorporated it really well into the story and the characters' circumstances. Loved the use of the playing cards and the queen of diamonds.
Unbelievable part: ❌ SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!❌when the characters are just let go by the villain at a pivotal point in the story in order to make things more interesting or something like that. The guy had only just found them. Why would he let them go?
July 21, 2024
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pages: 379
18/50 for the year
Reading Time: 5 hours ( I haven’t slept in 24 😅)
I’ve been seeing this book ALL OVER my fyp (touch starved) and now that I’ve got a kindle again, I was eager to break it in! I didn’t want to buy a physical copy because the cover is ugly in my opinion. But this book was pretty good. Very exciting, lots of back and forth. If you don’t like being titillated and tortured by missing the backstory, this book isn’t for you. If you can get past that, you’re in for a real treat. Kyan is the freaking blueprint, okay?? Zed is sexy and broody and a really good guy. Knight is a sweet softy at his core. The FMC is also very strong and honestly, a badass. We love her. I will probably read the rest of the series but since this was my FIRST omega-verse, I need a bit of a pallet cleanser because that whole thing is a LOT.
My rating scale:
⭐️ - dnf
⭐️⭐️- finished it out of sheer stubbornness
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - liked it, won’t read it again
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, will definitely revisit
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - IT CONSUMED ME
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pages: 379
18/50 for the year
Reading Time: 5 hours ( I haven’t slept in 24 😅)
I’ve been seeing this book ALL OVER my fyp (touch starved) and now that I’ve got a kindle again, I was eager to break it in! I didn’t want to buy a physical copy because the cover is ugly in my opinion. But this book was pretty good. Very exciting, lots of back and forth. If you don’t like being titillated and tortured by missing the backstory, this book isn’t for you. If you can get past that, you’re in for a real treat. Kyan is the freaking blueprint, okay?? Zed is sexy and broody and a really good guy. Knight is a sweet softy at his core. The FMC is also very strong and honestly, a badass. We love her. I will probably read the rest of the series but since this was my FIRST omega-verse, I need a bit of a pallet cleanser because that whole thing is a LOT.
My rating scale:
⭐️ - dnf
⭐️⭐️- finished it out of sheer stubbornness
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - liked it, won’t read it again
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, will definitely revisit
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - IT CONSUMED ME
May 20, 2024
I cannot say enough good things about this series as a whole, but especially this book.
If you love a dark Omegaverse, this the one!
Morally gray is my favorite color alpha 🥵
Zed, Knight and Kyan deliver on all fronts and Glade, our sassy omega is written so well!
The build up to her heat was very intriguing and intense given her past trauma and I think the author wrote and handled that all so well.
Betrayal, rejected scent matches, family secrets, this book has got them all!
Mind your triggers, but pleas thoroughly enjoy a wild ride.
If you love a dark Omegaverse, this the one!
Morally gray is my favorite color alpha 🥵
Zed, Knight and Kyan deliver on all fronts and Glade, our sassy omega is written so well!
The build up to her heat was very intriguing and intense given her past trauma and I think the author wrote and handled that all so well.
Betrayal, rejected scent matches, family secrets, this book has got them all!
Mind your triggers, but pleas thoroughly enjoy a wild ride.
July 15, 2024
shut up I loved it
Was this my favorite of the four?????? Possibly.
I loved it so much and, while it was the darkest of the group, it was EVERYTHING I love: suspense, steam, solid groveling, a strong AF omega, UGH CHEF’S KISS.
These characters were unhinged in the best way and this may have been my first Marie Mackay but definitely not my last if everything she writes is this damn good.
Ugh I loved it.
Was this my favorite of the four?????? Possibly.
I loved it so much and, while it was the darkest of the group, it was EVERYTHING I love: suspense, steam, solid groveling, a strong AF omega, UGH CHEF’S KISS.
These characters were unhinged in the best way and this may have been my first Marie Mackay but definitely not my last if everything she writes is this damn good.
Ugh I loved it.
October 15, 2025
3 Stars!
Again this was missing a lot in it. Probably if I read the others as well some of it would make more sense. But it's supposed to be a stand alone as well. There was way too much focus on the trauma, but not really enough on the healing part. Like she suddenly was better on the very last chapter, doesn't make any sense to me.
Oh well, another book added to my collection of meh books...
Again this was missing a lot in it. Probably if I read the others as well some of it would make more sense. But it's supposed to be a stand alone as well. There was way too much focus on the trauma, but not really enough on the healing part. Like she suddenly was better on the very last chapter, doesn't make any sense to me.
Oh well, another book added to my collection of meh books...
May 11, 2024
A low 4 star.
This is a darker book in this series. More bully, traumatic backstory, a cat and mouse game with the villain of the story. Glade is a sweetheart with some serious skills and smarts, trying to protect herself and her loved ones. The guys are a great mix of strong, crazy, stalker and devoted.
•••i recieved a copy of this book for mye honest review. All opinins are my own•••
This is a darker book in this series. More bully, traumatic backstory, a cat and mouse game with the villain of the story. Glade is a sweetheart with some serious skills and smarts, trying to protect herself and her loved ones. The guys are a great mix of strong, crazy, stalker and devoted.
•••i recieved a copy of this book for mye honest review. All opinins are my own•••
October 29, 2024
Love it love it love it!!! The fear, the hatred, the manipulation, and nightmares!!! It's so juicy, angsty, and intense! And that's not even all the stuff between the fmc and her pack. Goddess, I love this author and this writing style. I just want more the more I read. I never want these books to stop coming.
June 10, 2024
Decided to read this book on a whim and am SO glad I did. This is definitely an author I’ll be keeping my eye on!
June 11, 2024
I really enjoyed how Marie Mackay suffuses her OG whychoose books with angst and her male main characters are always slightly unhinged. It’s such escapist entertainment, I love it.
August 16, 2024
I was disappointed in this after reading the SweetHeart duet but it was still pretty good! I don’t know if I’d reread but it was enjoyable.
December 1, 2024
Quick and fun read
October 14, 2025
Decent mafia omega verse. Not too whiny, good pacing through most of the book.
October 8, 2025
♦️♠️Queen of Dimonds♥️♠️
5/5⭐️
So I had started this book as a way to get more background on ACE since I’m going into Psycho Alphas part two BUT I stayed for the chemistry these 4 had 😮💨 Marie Mackay will always do it for me her OV is just EPIC. Getting to know more background on the whole mafia families and see the origin of these characters and to see how it all ties into to part 2 was fun and I know there will be more to come!!
5/5⭐️
So I had started this book as a way to get more background on ACE since I’m going into Psycho Alphas part two BUT I stayed for the chemistry these 4 had 😮💨 Marie Mackay will always do it for me her OV is just EPIC. Getting to know more background on the whole mafia families and see the origin of these characters and to see how it all ties into to part 2 was fun and I know there will be more to come!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews