Crown of Steel

The Initiation #2

by Lola Malone

𝔏𝔦𝔟𝔢𝔯𝔱é, é𝔤𝔞𝔩𝔦𝔱é, 𝔣𝔯𝔞𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔫𝔦𝔱é…

We. Rewrite. Our destiny.

Saint-Laurent Boarding College for boys. Prestigious, pompous, and privileged. Everything I am not. Because what goes on behind some of those curtains, is not for all to see…
__

𝘐𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘪𝘳𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯?
My father was my abuser, my antagonist, my nightmare. But he also represented home, once an unsafe haven, now the only place I long for since it’s taken away from me.

When my mother comes marching back into my life, she has a powerful army at her side. And on her way to winning her war, she tries to destroy everything in her wake. Including me.

The Deverauxs become my new family; Saint-Laurent Boarding College my new home. Little did I know that another secret family is lurking on the grounds. How can I, when I’m too busy fighting off him?

Arthur Deveraux is devious, provocative and seductive.
And he’s making my life a living hell. Because the moment his dad commands him to look after me at Saint-Laurent, he sees me as a threat to his carefully laid-out future.

He enrages me, corners me, and—piece by piece—consumes me no matter how hard I resist him.

But then, our competition turns into something entirely different. Something primal that escalates with a hunger so feral that it threatens to destroy my whole world.
I want him. But I mustn’t forget my goal:

To return to my iron bars and darkened cage. To go home.
___


WHAT TO EXPECT:

MM
Dark academia
Secret brotherhood
Forbidden romance
Hurt/comfort
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Dub con / non con


Content warning: This story contains abuse from a parent. One of the MC’s deals with significant trauma.


Crown of Steel is book two in the Initiation series. There will be three books in this series. They can be read as standalones, but for an ultimate reading experience, it is recommended to read them in order. These books all take place in the world of Saint-Laurent Boarding College.

Genres: M M Romance, Dark, College, Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Contemporary

436 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 25, 2024

About the author

My name is Lola Malone and I'm a European-based author who has endeavored into the world of writing dark, morally gray characters who occupy fictive colleges.

When I'm not reading, writing, or fantasizing about other worlds and stories, I'm probably at the gym or away, visiting historic sites with my husband and three sons.

Follow me on my socials!

IG: @lolamalonebooks
TT: @lolamalonebooks

Patreon: @lolamalonebooks

Reviews

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crown of Steel is a fantastic entry in this dark academia series. I loved its haunting atmosphere, which provides great tension and unease for Arthur and Regis. They are two stepbrothers who are unfortunate rivals. They highly dislike one another and being forced to attend this highly prestigious college only fuels the tension between these two.

I enjoyed this story and the many surprises that left me emotionally bereft due to the deep trauma and pain these characters experienced. Regis and Arthur have amazing chemistry that constantly left me surprised and anxiously anticipating the next move between these two. They have great banter and sizzling chemistry all within their forbidden dynamic.

Overall Crown of Steel has amazing moments that left me so heartbroken and shocked, which created tender responses from Arthur as he grappled with supporting and helping his stepbrother through unspeakable horrors. This is such a fantastic dark read that I could not get enough of and I look forward to the next entry in this story.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. What a great follow up to Crown of Disguise.

I enjoyed seeing all the guys from book 1 again in this one.

Regis and Arthur are fantastic together. I think I may have liked this one slightly more than the first.

I cannot wait to read more from this world.

[lakshmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay but why did I love reading this so much? I cannot wait for the next one <3

[E Varady · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a fan

I usually like dark romances but this was a big fail for me. It was messy and disjointed. the phrasing was awkward and repetitive. The dialogue was repetitive. The story didn't make sense - I couldn't suspend my disbelief and buy into it. The characters didn't make sense, and the MC is so lacking in agency it was cringe worthy. I could never get past my issues with the LI and accept him. I felt inundated by misogyny, toxic masculinity, entitlement, privilege...there's not much redeemable in that world. I feel like major issues never got addressed and the end result was everything stayed the same except for minor concessions that could possibly never be fulfilled. The secret society was laughably ridiculous and was so toxic in forcing sex on the initiates. It wasn't intriguing at any point, and frankly was so Epstein-esque and selfish that I had to start skimming. I usually enjoy truly dark romances but this went too far for me with the repetitive, casual cruelty and commoditization of people.

[ivy]

DNF @ 36% - just don’t really care about the MC enough

[DeniReadsMostlyMM · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC Review***

This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.

Crown of Steel is a dark (college) romance and the second book in the Initiation series. Lola Malone is fantastic at getting the reader absorbed into the plot and pacing of her books. This book is captivating.

Arthur (one of the Deveraux twins from the first book) and Regis have an amazing rivalry going on, and they also happen to be stepbrothers. The tension between both men is palpable in this book. Regis is clearly going through some things. He has some deep seated insecurities. His trauma is prominent and he handles it in his own way, but he is a strong and fierce person.

Arthur is confident and cocky, but he is also loyal. He senses Regis attraction to him, but he is definitely the pursuer in this pairing. Arthur’s possessiveness over Regis is top tier! Arthur and Regis have intense chemistry. The primal play is on point in this story. But what I loved the most is when things take a turn from the physical to the emotional for them.

There are some dark moments in this book, but there are also moments of tenderness. Arthur comes through for Regis. There are some revelations in this book that will emotionally affect you (chapter 20 is particularly hard). Please pay attention to the authors trigger warnings for this book. That said, I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We obey. Even when we feel that this path, is not the path we would have taken. Because we are brothers of Alpha Fraternarii.”

Monterrey Castle, the Atrium, a secret brotherhood for the rich, yes with masks and long cloaks, centuries-old vows.

“Power and sex. Sex is power in the Alpha Fraternarii.”

Régis is the newest addition to the Deveraux family, (yes Arthur and Louis Deveraux, the twins) Arthur will take care of his little stepbrother at Saint-Laurent Boarding College.
Régis has nothing to bring in, he just follows, used to be pushed and thrown left or right by everyone.

He’s damaged inside, been hurt badly, his head screams at him, denigrating him.
Being abandoned and abused makes his head combust now he has stepbrothers, and certainly a particular one, he doesn’t know how to act free.

“ I don’t do friends. And I don’t hang out with people. Everyone I love goes away.”
Régis’ life is quite devastating, my heart hurts for him.

Arthur wants to dominate Régis and prevent he’ll get in the way to the top, his top!

My stepbrother.
My obstacle.
My rival.

What Arthur didn’t expect was little Régis getting in his way was exactly what he wanted. To control him, guide him, own him.
This is Arthur and Régis’ story, they come from far, it’s all quite complicated, but oh so satisfying to watch.
It’s an intense story, strongly crafted, with a slow but steady build, the darkness is enormously sensible, and the feelings are all over, with a perfect outcome.
I was plastered to the pages, everything was marvelously written, I couldn’t stop reading until I was finished!

[Rei · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review   
🖤🐈‍⬛Crown of Steel🐈‍⬛🖤   
by Lola Malone   
   
“𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞,”  
“𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐞. 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞.”   
   
You guys!!! It just gets better and better 🤩. I’m so in love with the world Lola’s created over in Saint Laurent and now with this book releasing tomorrow, I don’t know what to do with myself. How long will I have to wait for the next book?!?! I’m pretty sure I know who the couple will be 👀. But until then, let’s talk about my babies, Régis and Arthur!    
   
“𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”    
   
Régis sees himself as a broken boy. With his traumatic childhood, it’s easy to understand why. He needs some love and someone he can lean on. Who’s that person? His big stepbrother of course, duh! Arthur is a determined, goal driven and stubborn pain in the a$$. He’s perfect for Régis! With all the walls this sad boy has built up around him, he needs someone like Arthur to literally wrecking ball his way in 🖤🖤🖤   
   
𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝.   
   
I loved how different this book was from the first one! Even though we get the same dark vibes and it takes place in the same world/setting, the energy is new and a bit more raw. Arthur’s instant possessiveness over his chaton 🐈‍⬛ (Régis) is delicious. The primal play??? It’s. So. Good! Their whole relationship gives you that “this is wrong, but I don’t care and can’t stop” type of feel. I can’t recommend this series enough for anyone who loves dark romance!!    
   
“𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐬. 𝐈 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐩 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐳𝐞, 𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐦𝐞. “𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐞, 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞.”  

[♡ cal ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

''This is you already being the one and only Arthur Deveraux.''
I chuckle. ''Say that again?''
''Fuck you. You know what I mean. You have already conquered all the kings. You are the king, here, in college. What more do you want?''
''You.''

gagged, deceased, and ascended!! so fucking good. i was devouring everything. i was just busy swooning and kicking my feet and giggling. the fact that arthur was just so obsessed with his younger stepbrother to the point that he went jack-torrance-destroying-the-door type on him because the said stepbrother chose to ignore him. peak romance. also, was a hurt comfort story between them. i just fucking loved this. it was very wordy though but it was worth it.

[A Novel Perception · Rating 4 out of 5]

ℂ𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕊𝕥𝕖𝕖𝕝- 𝕃𝕠𝕝𝕒 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕖
𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸

'𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓽 𝓚𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓷 '

MM
Dark academia
Secret brotherhood
Forbidden romance
Hurt/comfort
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Step Brothers

Crown of Steel brings us Angst, sadness, begrudged stubborn love, and eventually healing.

Régis has had an incredibly sad life. He has been abandoned, abused, and damaged terribly. But that's all he knows, this like is familiar. When grand opportunities come, will he be able to accept that he is deserving of good things.

Arthur is confident, classy, and knows where his life is heading. He has a plan, and he will be successful. But when a new hidden step-Brother comes into his life, he doesn't understand this protective primal need to have him as his own.

Will this forbidden love change the course of their lives? And will it be for good or bad.

I love Régis, this whole book, I just wanted to give him a cuddle and tell him it'll be ok. Having met Arthur previously in Crown of Disguise, I knew deep down he was one of the good ones, and I waited impatiently for him to see the real Régis and save him from himself

A little pinch of twisted, a splash of dark and a good dose of MM spice. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thank you, Lola, for the opportunity to re this ARC and for opening your inbox to my thoughts as I read it.


Crown of Steel is book two in the Initiation series. There will be three books in this series. They can be read as standalones, but for an ultimate reading experience, it is recommended to read them in order. These books all take place in the world of Saint-Laurent Boarding College.

[T Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regis, a bird with broken wings, Arthur, strong and always in control. Fate brings them together and this gripping story tells their story of predator and prey. Their beginning was both a blessing and a curse. Their journey is a captivating adventure of struggles, of passion and of healing. Every one had victories of its own, whether Regis’ or Arthur’s. This book is filled with so much that it’s difficult to express how fantastic it is. Fabulous characters, fabulous progression of the storyline, excellently told and the way you become engrossed in the character’s lives, their experiences is the result of an excellent storyteller. This book pulls you in and keeps you completely captivated. The darkness, I fear, of the fraternity isn’t as far fetched as one would imagine, no, the realness may, indeed, be lying quietly hidden in plain sight. This book is an experience of the highest rating. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[read_romance.withgloria Gloria Worlikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I am absolutely hooked on this series and the world the author has created. Every moment spent reading it has been an absolute joy. Arthur and Régis have recently become stepbrothers due to their parents getting married. From the moment they met, Arthur felt an intense need towards Régis and Régis had a crush on Arthur.

Arthur is a cocky, arrogant, and smart heir to the Deveraux Holdings. Régis, on the other hand, is also smart, but he is new to the elite world, and his past still haunts him. I was fascinated by Arthur and Régis's rivalry and excited to see what their next move would be. It was also refreshing to see Arthur's softer side, also where he was possessive about Régis and wanted him to trust him.

My heart ached to know about Régis' past, but I loved his journey to healing, with Arthur by his side and their family supporting him. The chemistry between these two was smoking hot, and I enjoyed their intimate scenes. Their happily ever after was satisfying, and I loved how Régis had so many amazing people by his side.

Louis was a standout in this book, and I can't wait to read his story. I'm hoping it's with the specific someone who was hinted at in this book. And Maxine! I loved seeing him, and I hope he gets his own book too.

If you haven't already started this series, you're missing out big time. I highly recommend checking it out. Trust me, you won't regret it.

* I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review *

[Book.Dragon.Page1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This world that Lola Malone created is so much fun and addictive. Arthur and Regis had such a delicious forbidden romance. Stepbrothers, rivals and aaaall the trauma.
This book puts you through the feels and I really loved Arthur having more of a backbone towards the end.
I really really really loved the first book so I had a lot of expectations when starting this one. Crown of Disguise (book 1) is my new obsession since this month and book 2 was a really great addition to the series.

[the.aquarius.booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was incredible. It had everything. I don't want to post spoilers so you just have to read it. Make sure you read book one so you are familiar with the storyline and the players. And check your cw.

[Kylie Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my lordy, this book knocked me off my feet.
I didn't know how it would compare to how much i love Gael and Dominique's story, but honestly, i loved Regis and Arthur even more!
The entire book i was swooning and hitting the walls because their chemistry and banter were sooooo hot!
Regis is such a little kitten 😸 He's so timid and has a lot of trauma from his past but also has a lot of bite when it comes to standing up for what he believes in and of course when it comes to competing against Arthur. Arthur is so sure about himself and his future until he realizes just how much he wants his little kitten 😻 and I can't even explain how much Arthur continuing to call Regis step brother just..🫠😏 yeahhh..
I just devoured this whole book as quickly as possible because i could not wait to find out what was going to happen between them next!
So soo good, and Lola never fails to drive me absolutely feral with her books! I can't wait for more!

[Al_turnsthepage · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book gave me whiplash. The constant "I hate him, we fight, but I can't resist" became too much. It kept happening well into the book and by 60ish% I was dying for some character growth.

[Trinity · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5

TW - parental abandonment (recounted), poverty (past), imprisonment (parent, mentioned), abuse (from a parent, past, recounted, punishments, captivity), death of a parent (car accident, past, recounted), gaslighting (sc to MC), trauma, anxiety depression (incl prescription meds, sc, mentioned), homelessness (sc, past, mentioned), claustrophobia (mentioned, implied), death of a sibling (sc, mentioned, drowning), nightmares, anxiety attack, homophobia (implied), adoption

CW - edging, DubCon (constant), sex workers, hand necklaces, choking, breath play, light degradation, spanking, step siblings incl “little / big brother”, masks

Tropes - 'secret society', dark, forced proximity, taboo - step brothers, rivals to lovers, forbidden, hurt x comfort

Representation - MM, mental health, MC has a stammer

It's taken me a while to write this review because I wasn't sure how to rate this book but I've landed on 2⭐️

From the beginning of this book, Regis' (MMC) pain and struggle was palpable and I was intrigued to see how his mental health journey would develop throughout the book. I was disappointed by this part of the plot because it didn't really seem like he had worked through any of his trauma. He cut contact with his dad and ended up being fine; it very much felt like a dick solves all moment and I wish it wasn't.

Like the previous book in this series, the secret society genuinely just feels like a gentlemen’s club with a bunch of privileged boys who think they’re entitled to anything and everyone. Like an elitist university society basically. It’s very very cringe and I don’t think is enough to be called a secret society like I know by definition it is but it’s a very weak one imo. The reenacting of the 1789 Revolution is quite literally the most cringeworthy thing ever.

You know when you used to be told as a child that he’s only picking on you because he likes you? That’s what this book feels like. Arthur (MMC) is a prick and takes what he wants from Regis purely because he wants to - there is more than one instance of dubcon and I love to read dubcon more than the next person but when it is so many of their times together, it starts to get a bit concerning. Regis refers to the secret society as a bunch of rich perverts and tbh, he's not wrong.

20% in and I was really wondering why Arthur is such a prick and if we were ever going to find out. We don't but he does start randomly being nice to Regis and I was just like?????

Regis' mother was probably the most pathetic character in this book. Her justifications for everything were bs and idk how Regis forgives her and, like his mental health journey, I don't think her contribution to that was worked through properly.

A few reviews comment that this book feels disjointed and that's because it is. I didn't absolutely hate it but I defo didn't enjoy it either.

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

[Isis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regis & Arthur are my fav couple. This book had so much more trauma, vulnerability, emotion that it kept me captivated from the start! Regis is so innocent, skittish, and traumatized, I had to know what happened to him to make him that way. Once I found it I completely shattered, oh god like whyyyyy😭😭😭 Arthur is the golden boy of the family, destined to take over the family company and do whomever and whatever he pleases, I knew he was going to stir up the pot once he met Regis. Arthur is completely obsessed with his chatón, he knew he was going to have him in no time. The way they connect even though they’re rivals was *chefs kiss 💋 * The car scene when they first met, holy 🔥. You see them grow together and challenge each other to no end.

The initiation scene was crazy, I was sweating!!! Lola definitely knows how to keep you on your toes😅
And when Regis spoke to his mother and she explained her side of the story, *cue ugly crying* 😭
Don’t even get me started on the freaking stable scene once the truth is discovered, girl why’d you do me like that. It will forever be ingrained in my mind 🥺

[Jordan Conway · Rating 4 out of 5]

WELL OKAY THEN LOLA. Hit me over the head with this book why don’t you??? 🤣 When I finished “Crown of Disguise” I was screaming for the stepbrothers story and boy oh boy. It was everything.. AND MORE! The twins had me in a chokehold in book 1 and being able to get in deep with Arthur in book 2? I mean, totally satisfying. I couldn’t read this one quick enough.

Arthur and Regis. What can I say about these two. I mean, hello. The stepbrothers-forbidden trope makes me salivate at the mouth in general but this one was laced with HIGH angst and a lot, A LOT, of bratty banter. Arthur is the studious, serious type between him and his brother and Regis is the shy, virginal, little brother but little do we know he has a past as dark as the darkest night. I was totally NOT prepared for his past but Arthur was. His character as the protector couldn’t have been done any better. Regis sassed him left and right but he would do anything for him.

It took quite a bit of effort to get Regis into this relationship with Arthur but once he’s in, HE’S IN IT BABE. Malone has this way of beautifully writing relationships between MCs. We saw it with Dominque and Gael in book 1 and book 2 is no different. The world that is built here in Monterrey Castle and the Alpha Fraternatti is INSANELY good. If you don’t like secret society shenanigans, then I would run away because this series is dripping with it… and that’s why I am obsessed with it 😂

Regis has to be one of the most broken and vulnerable MCs I have read but Malone does him justice. He’s in deep with his trauma but telling his story is done tastefully. *This is where the trigger warnings come into play… read them!* Arthur on the other hand is a little hot and cold for me. He is FIERCELY competitive and does not want anyone to stand in his way - especially Regis. Yet, he gives his whole heart? Just a bit erratic, that’s the best way to describe it. Either way, I was here for it.

I recommend this dark MM romance to all my baddies who like a little mystery with their misery and spicy first times with the one person you should never be with. Although this is a standalone, I HIGHLY recommend going back and reading “Crown of Disguise.”

But also… Lola. Book 3?! I called it and I AM DYING TO GET MY HANDS ON IT!!!

Rating: 4/5⭐️
Spice: 2.5/5🌶️🥵

Tropes:
👑 Step brothers
👑 Dark academia
👑 Secret brotherhood
👑 Forced proximity
👑 Rivals to lovers
👑 Sexual awakening
👑 Primal

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I wanted Arthur. I wanted this couple. I did not, however, understand the sheer amount of trauma that would be uncovered. Régis is just the best. Feisty but scared. His story will haunt me for a while.

Please know this is darker than I expected in terms of history.

Arthur is an asshole but he has his reasons. Thankfully, he doesn’t always remain an asshole. Even while competing with Régis, he’s caring for him in his own way. Protecting him. Guarding him. The only one that will torture him is Arthur.

Arthur is such a teddy bear. Like a Build-a-bear with a knights costume on. 😂 he fought it the whole time but you can just tell.

Together they can rule the world. It may not be the most conventional relationship but it’s theirs and it’s forever. 🥹🥹

Now, off to wait until November for my Louis. 🥹

[Eva ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Regis me encantó, la verdad. Su inteligencia fue lo mejor y me quedé con ganas de que le dieran más desarrollo en cuanto a su personalidad y su forma de pensar. Hubiera estado buenísimo ver un guiño de que el próximo año se lleva el premio o algo así.

Ahora… Arthur. Uf. Me gustaba mucho lo analítico que era, pero siento que eso lo convirtió en un personaje frío, sin chispa, y terminé sin conectar con él. Y eso me duele, porque en el libro anterior era mi gemelo favorito. Pero en este… decepción total. Ahora mismo mi favorito es Louis, lo adoro, jajaja.

La trama estuvo interesante, eso sí. Y la “rivalidad” me fascinó. Qué les digo, a mí siempre me va a gustar una buena riña de cerebritos.

[Lydia R · Rating 1 out of 5]

⭐ ARC REVIEW ⭐

So...here's the thing.

Crown of Disguise sucked me in. I loved the story, and the secret society and all the mystery. But the ending fell way flat. I still enjoyed the majority of the book, but closed the book thinking, "That's it?"

Crown of Steel didn't even do that for me. Knowing what I knew from book 1, there was no mystery. There was no tension. There was nothing to build upon after the first book concluded. The tension between the MCs didn't exist. The fact that they were stepbrothers didn't add any "taboo" or whatever, because Arthur was so used to getting his way that when he "claimed" Regis everyone just accepted it. Yes, Regis has a *terrible* past and definitely needs therapy, but Arthur basically ignored that to get what he wanted.

I agree with some of the other reviewers - the world building and the time that Lola put into creating this university is extensive and it shows. But all I'm reading is rich people hating on poor people, and spoiled boys getting what they want no matter what.

I did get an ARC, and I appreciate the chance to read and review early 🩵

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arthur and Regis 🔥

4 Stars ⭐️

I'm gonna need a minute..... first of all: this is my first read from this author and yeah, I'm definitely a fan. I was not sure what to expect when I picked up this read, I am so glad I gave it a chance because this was a delicious story. It was dark and very much stayed there, so take notice of the trigger warnings if you happen to be sensitive to certain subjects. With that being said this had so many good tropes wrapped in one depraved package... I ate that sh*t up like it was my last meal!!! The universe that this book is set in is extremely intriguing, there are secrets and more secrets...I loved it. The main characters were written so well, the relationship build was rough yet emotional and comforting. The chemistry was insane, super hot, some depravity and primal play between step brothers...what???? Yea, it was crazy good and that's all I'm going to say because I don't want to spoil any part of this one. I absolutely recommend, trust me...if you are looking for a dark delight, this is it.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Sandy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC read for an honest review.

Lola writes amazing hurt/ comfort stories and this one is just as beautiful.

We start off with Regis attending his mother’s wedding after recently being“rescued“ by his mother and stepdad from his abusive father, and he immediately has two stepbrothers twins ( Louis and Arthur).

He is taken from a not so great living environment to a very lush, living environment and being sent to Saint Laurent boarding school where the kids of a lot of prestigious families attend.

Regis doesn’t necessarily want to be saved except he can’t really turn down the opportunity to go to a school like Saint Laurent, but he is considered a threat to Arthur, who has been grooming to take over his father‘s company. Arthur’s father is wanting to give that same opportunity to Regis and that’s how Arthur sees him as competition and they become rivals.

The chemistry is undeniable, but Regis does everything to fight Arthur especially because Regis endured a lot and has not worked through his trauma but Arthur being extremely popular and sexy and always gets what he wants…he wants Regis even though he knows he shouldn’t. The angst against each other, mostly Regis fighting Arthur is so hot! The spice is …WOOOOOO so good!!!

Let me just say that I still do not forgive Regis‘s mother. Let me know how you feel after you read it.
I loved the twins father he is everything you can ask for and a stepdad l. I can see why Regis’ mother fell in love with him. He is perfection. I fell in love with him.

I love that all the terms of endearment are in French they just give me all the feels! But I loved how the relationship developed between Arthur and Regis.

I will say that this story didn’t make me cry like Crown of Disguise did but it was still a great story. I know that there’s one more book in the series but I kind of feel like there should be two more because I want to know about Louis’ story and Maxine and Julien!

This is book two in the initiation series. I feel like you can read these as standalone, but I would highly recommend you reading book one, because you do have interconnected characters. Check your trigger warnings!

Do I recommend? Absolutely!!!!!!

[fran :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

ciertamente fue mucho mejor que el primer libro y quizás hubiera sido mejor si no me hubiera perturbado que le dijera HERMANITO o HERMANO MAYOR plsss no

maxime y amadou??? mmmmmmm CUESTIONABLE le saca, que, sus 30 años???

[⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

FUCK I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH I DIDNT WANT IT TO END AT ALL

Also 6 notes, 306 highlights wtfff this has never happened to me before.

[sadies_bookstack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Lola absolutely smashed this one out of the park!

This book was immense, it has everything I want in a story.

𝕮𝖗𝖔𝖜𝖓 𝖔𝖋 𝕾𝖙𝖊𝖊𝖑 is:

👑 Step brothers
👑 Dark academia
👑 Secret brotherhood
👑 Forced proximity
👑 Rivals to lovers
👑 Sexual awakening
👑 Primal

Régis is such a tortured soul, has suffered so much trauma in his young life that it’s a wonder he is able to function at all. His past trauma makes him so strong and he doesn’t even realise it. His story had me in tears, I felt my heart being ripped open for him and he has now earned a VERY special place there.

Arthur comes across as a true alpha male, the next in line to run the family business and anything in life he wants he gets! That’s not to say he doesn’t earn this, he works hard and demands respect.

From the first moment they meet the chemistry is off the hook with these two but there is an undeniable rivalry. They don’t want to want each other but they’re drawn to each other in inexplicable ways.

Add in the dark academia vibes, the secret brotherhood and all the mystery that goes with it, it’s one hell of a story.

Régis and Arthur are so intense, the push/pull and the revealing layers of both boys is so beautiful. I loved EVERYTHING about this!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I love Lola's books!! She has these broken guys that are noticed by these arrogant guys that are also dangerous as sin. But they don't feel broken. I don't know what it is about her writing but it feels so dreamy and warm but dark and hot. Their insecurities don't make you feel bad or ashamed ( you know second hand). I was just telling my friend it makes me feel like I'm in a warm blanket.
Arthur the arrogant older stepbro, who doesn't know what's wrong and is just feeding off of him and his emotions. He knows he's enjoying it but when he finds out what happened to him🤯🥵🔥🌭🌶️🌡️♨️
It's extremely open door and very dirty well you know all of these books are. I had to take a few breaks lol. It's NSFW if you listen lol, it's very distracting😂

[Musi ✨Vegacrux’s first child✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A lil better characters and chemistry between them than the first book. The lead in this book isn’t spineless.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot Story

This one wasn't as good for as book one but it was still an absolutely hot story. So worth reading.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion