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Crowned Maddens: Dark Trinity Prelude
Every family has secrets. Even the families you least expect. Years ago, the leaders of two prominent families agreed on a treaty that would cloak the forbidden shadows of desire with darkness, hiding a romance that was never supposed to happen. An ultimate betrayal momentarily broke the organization apart. Now, the group has reformed with new rules, new values, and new ruthless ways of silencing their enemies.
In a world where decadence and decay merge seamlessly, the Crownes and Maddens must deal with the consequences of their illicit liaison as dark secrets and evil forces converge, threatening to unravel the fragile threads of their new reign over society. As the clock ticks towards an inevitable reckoning, some will succumb to the shadows that bind them, while others battle the treacherous path between desire and damnation.
Although it's not necessary to read my To Marry a Madden and/or Crowne Legacy series first, if you have read those stories and couldn't get enough, this prelude into The Dark Trinity series sets up the stage and brings you deeper into that world as the next chapter begins to unfold.
In a world where decadence and decay merge seamlessly, the Crownes and Maddens must deal with the consequences of their illicit liaison as dark secrets and evil forces converge, threatening to unravel the fragile threads of their new reign over society. As the clock ticks towards an inevitable reckoning, some will succumb to the shadows that bind them, while others battle the treacherous path between desire and damnation.
Although it's not necessary to read my To Marry a Madden and/or Crowne Legacy series first, if you have read those stories and couldn't get enough, this prelude into The Dark Trinity series sets up the stage and brings you deeper into that world as the next chapter begins to unfold.
- GenresAudiobookDark Romance
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2024
108 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Sherelle Green
92 books526 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Sherelle Green crafts brutal worlds where lust and danger collide. Known for her addictive, high-stakes mafia romances, she’s built an entire dark empire through her books—a place where ruthless antiheroes and complex heroines navigate twisted loyalties, betrayal, and forbidden passion.
With a deep fascination for the darker corners of love, she dives into themes of power, lust, vulnerability, and redemption, blending suspense and sensuality to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
From intricate family sagas and compelling love affairs, to thought-provoking fiction and romantic crime thrillers, her novels touch on how experiences & environment impact the way her beautifully flawed and relatable protagonists view life and love.
With a deep fascination for the darker corners of love, she dives into themes of power, lust, vulnerability, and redemption, blending suspense and sensuality to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
From intricate family sagas and compelling love affairs, to thought-provoking fiction and romantic crime thrillers, her novels touch on how experiences & environment impact the way her beautifully flawed and relatable protagonists view life and love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 17, 2024
4.5! perfect Prelude into what’s next!
Soooo let me just say this if you haven’t read the Madden or Crowne series prior you are ok to read this book because it’s a new storyline taking place. NOW let me be clear reading those books gives great context to what is happening and all the moving parts! I love an enemies-to-lovers romance and this book is a sneak peek into just that! I won’t give away who the hero is but whew I wasn’t expecting that! I will also add that I was not expecting the title to come to fruition like that either!?! Sherelle?! What is going on! lol like I’m excited for this next book because the heroine Honey is feisty and does not take anything from our hero at all! And let’s just say the desires between our hero and heroine are undeniable and the tension has me so ready for this next book! I love a bridging of the gap book and this book brings three families together and crosses into something so much bigger. This book is dark, fun, suspenseful, erotic, and a great read! On to the next book!
Soooo let me just say this if you haven’t read the Madden or Crowne series prior you are ok to read this book because it’s a new storyline taking place. NOW let me be clear reading those books gives great context to what is happening and all the moving parts! I love an enemies-to-lovers romance and this book is a sneak peek into just that! I won’t give away who the hero is but whew I wasn’t expecting that! I will also add that I was not expecting the title to come to fruition like that either!?! Sherelle?! What is going on! lol like I’m excited for this next book because the heroine Honey is feisty and does not take anything from our hero at all! And let’s just say the desires between our hero and heroine are undeniable and the tension has me so ready for this next book! I love a bridging of the gap book and this book brings three families together and crosses into something so much bigger. This book is dark, fun, suspenseful, erotic, and a great read! On to the next book!
February 29, 2024
Crowned Maddens
I enjoyed this prelude to the Maverick Dynasty from beginning to end and I can’t wait til the next book is released. This book left me with questions about what will happen next, but I know those questions will be answered soon. If you’re a fan of the Crowne and Madden families and enjoyed the sub characters from those books, you will enjoy this book just as much as I did.
I enjoyed this prelude to the Maverick Dynasty from beginning to end and I can’t wait til the next book is released. This book left me with questions about what will happen next, but I know those questions will be answered soon. If you’re a fan of the Crowne and Madden families and enjoyed the sub characters from those books, you will enjoy this book just as much as I did.
February 3, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
oh how i have missed these characters!
as a FAN of the crowne legacy and to marry a madden series, i can't believe i didn't pick up this book sooner! getting to see all of my faves come together in this book, forming the new generation of TDT is so exciting, i can't wait to get straight into the next book FRFR
now, pope and honey.
these two give enemies a whole new definition. this book gave us just enough of them, but i can't wait! will definitely be starting the next book as soon as i finish up here.
i'm so excited to dive deeper into their story, and see what that last chapter was all about, bc sis WDYM!! (trying not to spoil anything HAHA)
oh how i have missed these characters!
as a FAN of the crowne legacy and to marry a madden series, i can't believe i didn't pick up this book sooner! getting to see all of my faves come together in this book, forming the new generation of TDT is so exciting, i can't wait to get straight into the next book FRFR
now, pope and honey.
these two give enemies a whole new definition. this book gave us just enough of them, but i can't wait! will definitely be starting the next book as soon as i finish up here.
i'm so excited to dive deeper into their story, and see what that last chapter was all about, bc sis WDYM!! (trying not to spoil anything HAHA)
July 14, 2025
A little slow to start, but necessary to provide background context. This book gave me just enough about the characters to keep me intrigued. I haven’t read the Madden or Crowne series prior to this, but I still didn’t necessarily feel lost. I may go back to the beginning and reread them just because I think I’m going to be a fan of this author’s writing style, but I’m too impatient to do it before reading the Maverick series because I’m already locked in with Honey and Pope!
March 6, 2024
Two sides of a coin !
Ms Green~ Really put these two together, they don't even realize how alike they are ! The plot is super thick ! Their journey to love will be fun, violent, and loving. They have a ways to go, but wow it will be exciting to read. I hope the Madden brothers become closer with Pope and Roman and protect each other. Also, the other Maverick brothers, with Pope being the true head of the family. He and Carter are a lot alike. 🤣 And Honey is just the sweet-tart that Pope needs. Looking forward to the full story 🥰. This is an ARC's Honest Review.
Ms Green~ Really put these two together, they don't even realize how alike they are ! The plot is super thick ! Their journey to love will be fun, violent, and loving. They have a ways to go, but wow it will be exciting to read. I hope the Madden brothers become closer with Pope and Roman and protect each other. Also, the other Maverick brothers, with Pope being the true head of the family. He and Carter are a lot alike. 🤣 And Honey is just the sweet-tart that Pope needs. Looking forward to the full story 🥰. This is an ARC's Honest Review.
July 21, 2025
excited for the next part.. Love me a good ole Mafia Love story.. (lol)
March 9, 2024
I need the next book now! Sherrele, Sherrele, SHERRELE!!! Girl, what have you done!!! I already loved the Crownes' and the Maddens', but now you've added another layer! This new saga with the Wolfes', Kings', and Mavericks' is gonna be fire! This is just a taste of what's in store, and I am ready for it! I should have known we hadn't seen the last of Pope Maverick. He and Honey Crowne are a smoldering tender. Undeniable chemistry, lots of heat, and a world of untrust between them. I can't wait for the explosion that is sure to happen between them.
Definitely a must read!
Definitely a must read!
December 25, 2024
Crowned Maddens is USA Today bestselling author Sherelle Green’s prelude to a new gritty series: The Dark Trinity. The book explores the connection between the Crowne and Madden families.
Ms. Green explores the importance of family alliances. Two powerful families are preparing to join in marriage. Readers meet Honey Crowne, niece of Stan and Dutchess and her fiancé Jalid Wolfe. Jalid and his brother are the youngest “Governors,” next in the line of power to the Authority. The Maverick and King families are the other Governors. Honey and Jalid have found true love in each other, however certain things are not meant to be.
Pope Maverick is next in line in leadership of his family. While reading, I suspected that he has not gotten over the love he lost.
Ms. Green explores love, love lost and family duty. Pope no longer cares about love but understands what he needs to do to move his family and the organization forward. Honey and Pope have more in common than they think.
They are forced into a situation for the greater good, but they both still love someone else that they’ll never be able to have. Ms. Green put it perfectly: “they were two broken souls caught in a moment of responsibility and obligation.”
They do, however, have explosive chemistry. Sometimes it just starts with a kiss. Crowned Maddens provides the back story of the Dark Trinity and prepares readers for the new series. There is grit, grief, passion and love. See full review at romanceincolor.org.
Ms. Green explores the importance of family alliances. Two powerful families are preparing to join in marriage. Readers meet Honey Crowne, niece of Stan and Dutchess and her fiancé Jalid Wolfe. Jalid and his brother are the youngest “Governors,” next in the line of power to the Authority. The Maverick and King families are the other Governors. Honey and Jalid have found true love in each other, however certain things are not meant to be.
Pope Maverick is next in line in leadership of his family. While reading, I suspected that he has not gotten over the love he lost.
Ms. Green explores love, love lost and family duty. Pope no longer cares about love but understands what he needs to do to move his family and the organization forward. Honey and Pope have more in common than they think.
They are forced into a situation for the greater good, but they both still love someone else that they’ll never be able to have. Ms. Green put it perfectly: “they were two broken souls caught in a moment of responsibility and obligation.”
They do, however, have explosive chemistry. Sometimes it just starts with a kiss. Crowned Maddens provides the back story of the Dark Trinity and prepares readers for the new series. There is grit, grief, passion and love. See full review at romanceincolor.org.
July 19, 2025
This was a good, fast paced story. The only drawback was the female narrator doing male voices. After listening to the previous series with the Maddens and Crownes, this audiobook was a little disappointing.
Don't get me wrong, I thought the story was entertaining. I kept feeling that the female narrator doing the male characters sounded exactly like that. A woman doing a husky voice pretending to be a man. It kind of took me out of the story. I found my mind wandering.
Luckily, I had purchased the book so I read that. It turned out to be an intriguing prelude to the Maverick family. It also answered some questions I had from the last Crowne Legacy book about what happened to Pope. I got to revisit some of the Crownes and the Maddens, which had me looking back into the Madden series again.
I am not a big enemies to lovers fan, but Pope and Honey had me going. Snarky, sarcastic, secretive in a dangerous environment and unable to keep some of the boundaries they wanted in place. Pope and Honey seemed to have layers of more secrets to uncover.
I am looking forward to this next series being on audio, but I probably won't be able to wait that long. I do hope we can go back to one of the previous female narrators. Rating 4.5 Stars
Don't get me wrong, I thought the story was entertaining. I kept feeling that the female narrator doing the male characters sounded exactly like that. A woman doing a husky voice pretending to be a man. It kind of took me out of the story. I found my mind wandering.
Luckily, I had purchased the book so I read that. It turned out to be an intriguing prelude to the Maverick family. It also answered some questions I had from the last Crowne Legacy book about what happened to Pope. I got to revisit some of the Crownes and the Maddens, which had me looking back into the Madden series again.
I am not a big enemies to lovers fan, but Pope and Honey had me going. Snarky, sarcastic, secretive in a dangerous environment and unable to keep some of the boundaries they wanted in place. Pope and Honey seemed to have layers of more secrets to uncover.
I am looking forward to this next series being on audio, but I probably won't be able to wait that long. I do hope we can go back to one of the previous female narrators. Rating 4.5 Stars
July 17, 2025
Short listen but full of action! A slow start was needed to provide backstory for the characters, but once it got started...HOLD ON TO YOUR SEAT! The thick tension between Honey Crowne and Pope Maverick is breathtaking. The way Pope can fold sis with ease, despite her attempts to resist, is hot! This forced arranged marriage that both of them say they do not want, but their bodies are not in agreement, is going to be problematic.
We're dealing with wolves, kings, family drama, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and slight second chances.
Minite Michael and J. Shani Michaels were pure gold in the audiobook. I hope they continue to voice this series.
WHAT A PRELUDE! New author unlocked for me!
I have plans to dive into the Crowne Legacy and To Marry a Madden series soon.
We're dealing with wolves, kings, family drama, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and slight second chances.
Minite Michael and J. Shani Michaels were pure gold in the audiobook. I hope they continue to voice this series.
WHAT A PRELUDE! New author unlocked for me!
I have plans to dive into the Crowne Legacy and To Marry a Madden series soon.
April 15, 2024
I had the pleasure of reading this great book. Who would have thought the Maddens and Crownes would be in crime together. And they are a force to be reckoned with.
Pope Maverick starts the series off with an arranged marriage to a woman he can’t stand or trust, Honey Crowne.
She feels the same way about him especially with her heart belonging to another man.
Well life happens and so does the arranged marriage along with all hell breaking loose. What they don’t see coming is the bond forming between them. They are truly a match made for each other in all aspects especially sexually. I can’t wait for the next book.
Make sure you read both books!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pope Maverick starts the series off with an arranged marriage to a woman he can’t stand or trust, Honey Crowne.
She feels the same way about him especially with her heart belonging to another man.
Well life happens and so does the arranged marriage along with all hell breaking loose. What they don’t see coming is the bond forming between them. They are truly a match made for each other in all aspects especially sexually. I can’t wait for the next book.
Make sure you read both books!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 8, 2024
I NEED FIVE MORE STARS
Sherelle Green, you are wicked with your amazing craftsmanship ❤️ I can’t put into words how much I enjoyed the Madden And Crown Legacy series. I had hoped there would be more to come with these two amazing families but there was absolutely no way I would have imagined how you would weave these two Amazing families together by way of Honey and Pope of all people. Talk about a Love ,hate , obligation union ,😳Babe I did not know what would happen next.
This Prelude to the Dark Trinity is so so very good! I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series. As I stated in the caption
If I could have given this book 10 stars I would have. The peek after epilogue almost had me reaching for my inhaler😂😂. Thank you Sherelle Green for an enjoyable Saturday afternoon❤️
Without giving away anything I just want to say I have already pre-ordered Popes story.
I just have one question, Could the P.M. in the warning Honey received , be Patrick instead of Pope. 🤷🏽♀️I’m just saying 😂
Sherelle Green, you are wicked with your amazing craftsmanship ❤️ I can’t put into words how much I enjoyed the Madden And Crown Legacy series. I had hoped there would be more to come with these two amazing families but there was absolutely no way I would have imagined how you would weave these two Amazing families together by way of Honey and Pope of all people. Talk about a Love ,hate , obligation union ,😳Babe I did not know what would happen next.
This Prelude to the Dark Trinity is so so very good! I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series. As I stated in the caption
If I could have given this book 10 stars I would have. The peek after epilogue almost had me reaching for my inhaler😂😂. Thank you Sherelle Green for an enjoyable Saturday afternoon❤️
Without giving away anything I just want to say I have already pre-ordered Popes story.
I just have one question, Could the P.M. in the warning Honey received , be Patrick instead of Pope. 🤷🏽♀️I’m just saying 😂
March 15, 2024
Sherelle Green never ceases to amaze me. Just when you think you know everything about these families, here comes more and more secrets. This prelude had me catching my breath and on the edge of my seat because I didn't know what would happen next. I can't wait to read about Pope and Honey in the next book because with them not trusting each other, I know it's going to be truly amazing to read. Great job keeping us intrigued!!!
March 30, 2024
Just let me put the tip in
Sherelle Green is back again with any series starter that’s gonna have the folks wanting more. The title of the book had my attention from jump because who doesn’t love the Crownes and the Maddens. While I had different expectations for this story Green didn’t miss the mark she was trying to make with this prelude. The scene has been set for us readers to not only want more but need more of these characters. This is definitely the prelude I didn’t I need but glad I got it. I can’t wait to what Sherelle has in store for us as each Faction (cause we know they’ll all get a series) stories are told. #CrownMaddens #TDT #OrganizedCrimeLove #GrittyRomance #LongLiveTheDarkTrinity
Sherelle Green is back again with any series starter that’s gonna have the folks wanting more. The title of the book had my attention from jump because who doesn’t love the Crownes and the Maddens. While I had different expectations for this story Green didn’t miss the mark she was trying to make with this prelude. The scene has been set for us readers to not only want more but need more of these characters. This is definitely the prelude I didn’t I need but glad I got it. I can’t wait to what Sherelle has in store for us as each Faction (cause we know they’ll all get a series) stories are told. #CrownMaddens #TDT #OrganizedCrimeLove #GrittyRomance #LongLiveTheDarkTrinity
April 3, 2024
Well Okay...
This book grabbed me from the very first page, held me captive to the last page...I love mafia romance usually interracial... But, this book is ranking right up there with my most coveted authors mz.Mallory and mz.Maureen, mz.Vivian to name just a few...I'm hooked and I know it Lol great read lots of mystery and intrigue and the romance is heating up...
This book grabbed me from the very first page, held me captive to the last page...I love mafia romance usually interracial... But, this book is ranking right up there with my most coveted authors mz.Mallory and mz.Maureen, mz.Vivian to name just a few...I'm hooked and I know it Lol great read lots of mystery and intrigue and the romance is heating up...
April 15, 2024
What’s done in the dark soon comes to the light
This is one of the most riveting exciting books I’ve ever read. As usual Ms. Green keeps you guessing. I am so intrigued by these two characters but also how everything seems to come together with more and more coming at you!!! I absolutely am going to love this series!!! Ms. Sherell you have done it again!!
This is one of the most riveting exciting books I’ve ever read. As usual Ms. Green keeps you guessing. I am so intrigued by these two characters but also how everything seems to come together with more and more coming at you!!! I absolutely am going to love this series!!! Ms. Sherell you have done it again!!
February 29, 2024
Crowned Maddens
I could not put the book down. It was exciting, sexy as hell, entertaining, mysterious and masterly written. I am very excited for the next book in the series. There is definitely a set up in play?
I could not put the book down. It was exciting, sexy as hell, entertaining, mysterious and masterly written. I am very excited for the next book in the series. There is definitely a set up in play?
March 5, 2024
The darker, the better 😌 I had no idea what Ms. Green was going to give us this go around. Let's just say my mind was blown yet AGAIN!
Mr. Pope Maverick: you are not to be played with 🤤
I'm so ready for this new chapter!!
Mr. Pope Maverick: you are not to be played with 🤤
I'm so ready for this new chapter!!
April 2, 2024
Who can be really trusted
As usual Sherelle Green has written an outstanding book that makes you rethink everything. Who can you trust, who will betray who. Who will survive? Good start to finding out these questions. Love the possibilities.
As usual Sherelle Green has written an outstanding book that makes you rethink everything. Who can you trust, who will betray who. Who will survive? Good start to finding out these questions. Love the possibilities.
June 19, 2024
Crowned Maddens: Prelude The Dark Trinity
This truly the way to organize crime with good. Combine two determined families the loving and the angry ones and there you have The Dark Trinity.
This truly the way to organize crime with good. Combine two determined families the loving and the angry ones and there you have The Dark Trinity.
November 18, 2024
I wasn't ready to let go of the crownes, I loved the Maddens & felt bad for Pope Maverick after "In CREED we trust"..... this book was the PERFECT into for next next chapter of their lives in a new way. I'm excited to dive into The Dark Trinity!!
February 18, 2025
Vickie J
Oh my goodness I can't wait to see who the enemy is in this series there are a ton of people but I think that I will have to keep reading to find out they don't trust each other
Oh my goodness I can't wait to see who the enemy is in this series there are a ton of people but I think that I will have to keep reading to find out they don't trust each other
July 28, 2025
Ok! Im definitely intrigued! Forced arranged marriage! Honey Crowne said I’m not just gonna “Say Yes” and thats It!!! Pope Maverick said “You better”!!! Sheesh!!
The chemistry they fight will jump up and smack you! Let’s see what else this series brings.
The chemistry they fight will jump up and smack you! Let’s see what else this series brings.
August 18, 2025
Whew…there are a lot of people to keep up with. I felt bad for Pope at the end of In Creed We Trust, but I don’t know how I feel about him now. I know there’s always something bigger at play but I feel like it’s about to be a lot.
September 9, 2025
Definitely didnt expect all these twist and turns but the drama was so juicy. Great prelude to the Dark Mafia series, gives you some of the why things where set up a certain way. Definitely pulls you further in the Dark Trinity
October 4, 2025
I loved this!!!
This should have been the first book that I read before the others. Nonetheless, what a read!!!! This is the beginning of a masterpiece. Y'all if you haven't started..why not? Just read the damn book.
This should have been the first book that I read before the others. Nonetheless, what a read!!!! This is the beginning of a masterpiece. Y'all if you haven't started..why not? Just read the damn book.
December 29, 2025
This is a great weaving together of how the Dark Trinity operates. It’s great to see Carter, Jackie D, Stanley, Creed, Cynthia & Mason Madden, and the incomparable Duchess Crowne again. Family, trust, and loyalty above all else. And underneath, a little passion. Loved it.
March 1, 2024
Great read
Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. This was the revival of The Dark Trinity and the merging of two families via marriage. It was great to catch up with
Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. This was the revival of The Dark Trinity and the merging of two families via marriage. It was great to catch up with
March 4, 2024
What a way to start a series. Pope Maverick and Honey Crowne are a match not made in heaven. Secrets revealed and an organization is revived.
November 25, 2024
Great series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews