The Family She Found

Black Summer Island Series #2

by Lauren Lacey

Wildly beautiful and successful entrepreneur Marlowe Blackwood ended her playgirl ways nine months ago when she crossed paths with Black Summer Island's handsome and dominant playboy, Kai Kingston.

What started as a presumed one-night stand has blossomed into nine months of playful banter, late-night phone conversations, and a meaningful connection that exceeds anything either of them has ever experienced.

As Marlowe returns to Black Summer Island for her best friend's wedding, the question remains: Will she continue to explore the beautiful connection she and Kai have forged, or will she ruin her future because of her jaded past?

Join Marlowe and her friends as they discover love on Black Summer Island.

This short and sweet novella is packed with emotion, friendship, charm, and spice.

Genres: African American Romance

155 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2024

About the author

I'm a romance author originally from Savannah, Georgia, now living in Atlanta with my husband and children. With a B.A. in English from Armstrong Atlanta State University and an M.A. from Southern New Hampshire University, I transitioned from writing poetry to crafting love stories that mirror my Southern heritage as a woman, wife, and mother. My stories delve into themes of love and commitment, often against a backdrop of personal and societal challenges.

Aside from writing, I am deeply committed to my family. I enjoy coaching my kids’ soccer teams, traveling, and watching movies at home on a Friday night. I credit my close-knit family and supportive readers for inspiring me to continue writing stories that resonate on a personal level. As an indie author, my narratives offer a sincere exploration of human emotions, underscoring the importance of love, resilience, and the beauty found in overcoming adversity.

Book series list:

Love in Beverly Mills

Black Summer Island


Feel free to message me or get to know me better through social media. I do respond! :)

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Reviews

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥺

Beautiful story!!! It was such a great display of love and kindness from the people who love you. I think Marlowe and Kai were perfect for each other; their energy, banter, and sexual chemistry was perfectly displayed on page. There’s two parts that stood out to me: Marlowe reading her parents to filth and the dominatrix scene had me cheesing so hard! I loved the friendships and brotherhood in this one. Family doesn’t always mean blood. Oh, so good! Ps, the audacity of Marlowe’s parents had me heated! 🤬

[BrownBookNerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met both Marlowe & Kai in book 1 and now we get to see their story unfold. I loved everything about this book! It was a quick read for me because I didn’t want to put it down. The banter between the two made me laugh out loud and the love they have for each made my heart smile. I’m excited for the next installment of this series!!!

[Emaleigh Nichelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual I’m reading a series out of order, but that’s okay. They had what they thought would be a one night stand ( in book one I’m guessing)and thought that was it but their friends are having them plan their wedding so they are constantly on the phone. He’s ensnared and so is she but she’s gun shy. So he’s going to use the 4 day of pre wedding activities to make her his in every way. He’s her dom. She’s his sub. There is a remote control vibrator, ifykyk.

[Mary Mimi Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨MMC Playboy/Lawyer/Club Owner
✨FMC Fashinonista/Boss Chic

Book two from the Black Summer Island Series releasing 2.19.2024.

Kai Kingston was the playboy with his pretty eyes and locs! The middle child out of the Kingston brothers and no one thought he would ever stop being a playboy until 9 months ago when three beauties came to the island one has not left his mind. Ever since the beautiful party girl Marlow came in like a tornado he has not been able to be with anyone else.

Both have endured such pain by the hands of someone who was supposed to love them unconditionally. They were perfect for each other! Reading their relationship grow was so beautiful to watch. The title is perfect for this book “Found Family”.

“ I don’t know what they don’t to you, but the love I promise to give you will heal not hurt. I’ll mend, not break”

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Number two was good

Firstly, are there any decent parents in this series? I don't think I have every met such self-absorbed and unfit to be parents in a love story. Its been a while. Yes, this was a second chance, let's blame our upbringing kind of relationship situation. I could not clearly describe this couple, other than the cover art. I guess everyone was of AA ancestry, other than the Kingston's being Islanders. The overall story was nice. The title truly fit this one perfectly. Kai and Marlowe became family in every way. He filled the void left by her parents. Evie and Vivian always covered Marlowe with love, affection and were supportive friends. Kia's brother had the other areas covered. The story was a feel good addition to the series. Now, if something could be done about this batch of bad parents, that would be great. A good read 4.5 stars.

[H (sosheescapes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Family She Found is the second book of the Black Summer Island series with heavy themes of found family.

Marlowe Blackwood doesn't date. Neither does Kai Kingston. They like to have their fun, not looking for love or marriage. But after meeting on a previous trip to Black Summer Island and having a one night stand, neither of them can seem to let the other go. After nine months, the two will be reunited for Kai's brother and Marlowe's bestfriend/sister's wedding. Will the magic of Black Summer Island work again? Can these two push past their past and find a beautiful future together?

This was a quick read and Spicy at times with some Dom/sub action. The way Kai and Marlowe's friends poured into her was just as beautiful as the first book. I loved this!

[Alantaye Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is smut if I ever read it lol. Marlowe and Kai are nasty nasty. I love it 😂😂

Marlowe definitely deserved to be happy. She had it rough growing up and while she was successful in her adult life there was something still missing. Or rather someone. She definitely was a stubborn one. She guarded her heart with ferocity, not wanting to be hurt the same way she was in the past which is understandable but she had to let that hurt go and let Kai Kingston love on her like she deserved to be loved on.

*sigh* What can I say about Kai?? He’s definitely Kobe’s brother lol. I guess all the Kingston brothers are seductive and charming. I can’t wait to learn more about Kade and Vivian. They’ve been keeping secrets from all of us.

[Neek Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was SPICY!
I throughly enjoyed Marlowe and Kai’s story.
What I enjoyed most was that this was a story of inner love and healing.
Family can always be what you make it.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yall Nasty!!!! Enjoyed it but some of the spice was cringe to me but I will finish the series

[Kieshawnda (Kieshlovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

💫 ARC REVIEW 💫

The Family She Found (Black Summer Island Book 2). Releases 2-19-24

Billionaire MMC
Successful Business FMC
Found Family
Soft Top Dom
Party girl meets party boy

We met Marlowe Blackwood and Kai Kingston in book 1 of the Black Summer Island series. Marlowe is a successful entrepreneur owning numerious fashion retail boutiques, and Kai wearing many hats is a billionaire, attorney, nightclub, restaurant owner, and Dom. These two had a one night stand that led to 9 months of late night FaceTimes, sexual tension, and a growing connection.

What happens when two renowned party girl/boy commitment phophes that are both emotionally damaged stemming from terrible things that occurred in their childhood and reunite for Evie and Kobe's wedding weekend?

I was not expecting the vulnerability that these two showed each other, but it was my favorite part of the story. Kai allowed Marlowe to see his scars, and in turn, Marlowe began to show hers. The way that Kai, his family, and Marlowe's girls supported her was so beautiful. She really needed it, and I'm glad she let go and trusted Kai to fall. They both grew so much, and I loved it. Oh yeah, and the Dom/sub parts where 🔥🌶👀

I'm enjoying this Found Family and excited for Vivian and Kade next!

[Natashia Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: I enjoyed it

Thoughts: Everyone that knows me know I am not a kink person. The Dom/sub convo and the having to get permission stuff really stressed me out. Definitely not my lane Lol…But…

The storyline outside of that I truly enjoyed. Both Kai and Marlowe had a horrible childhood. The things Kai had to endure and witness on account of his “father” was horrible. Kai was a master of all trades. He was a lawyer and hd multiple businesses. He meant that you need multiple streams of income even being rich.
Marlowe’s family was straight trash. No better way to say it. Her mom needed to be choked and her dad punched. I never understood how a parent could treat their own offspring in this way but.. it happens.

I am happy that these two found each other. I am happy Marlowe got the family she so deserved. I was not expecting this when I was waiting for the return of the Kingston brothers. This was so much more than a story. This was an experience and I am glad to have been part of the ride.

[Blair Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

SIGH...I thought Kobe was my man, but Kai?! Oh my. Like every Lauren Lacey book, I loved this story so much. It was fun, super fun, and sexy, super sexy.

Marlowe is a successful business woman and boss! She's smart, hardworking, and lives life on her own terms. And she's a party girl :)

Then there's Kai...he's a lawyer, nightclub owner and DOM! He's the type I man I wouldn't mind bossing me around in the bedroom lol He's sooooo loving and supportive of Marlowe.

Their relationship is very beautiful. He made Marlowe feel safe, and she needed that. Lauren Lacey always adds the right amount of drama and spice to complement the beautiful storyline.

I look forward to Vivian and Kade's story. I'm interested to see how the 'mature' parents get down lol

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Imani · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This was such a beautiful story and well written! I loved me some Kai and Marlowe 😍 I think Lauren does so well with how she creates her stories and the character development for both Kai and Marlowe was well done.

This story was very spicy 🌶️ 🥵 Initially Kai and Marlowe’s kink was a little off putting for me, but I think Lauren translated this well into understanding the purpose of kink and the importance of vulnerability and safety that’s essential in this type of lifestyle.

I accidentally read this series out of order (starting with the last book first and finishing with this one), but I was still able to appreciate how each of the stories are interconnected and overall paint this beautiful, healing, and empowering journey of black love. Thank you Lauren for this sweet journey in getting to know the Mahogany Angels and Kingston Brothers! 🥹🤎

[Books & Locs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marlowe sperm donor & Egg donor smfh ! I don’t even know where to start 😒! To be jealous of your own child should warrant an extended stay in a crazy house because you gotta be out your mind to have hate in your heart for someone you created 🤨! Marlowe and Kai 🥰 omg they are so deserving of each other 😩 ! The way Kai had her wrapped around his finger 😮‍💨 he definitely had her 🌊 lol iykyk 😩! They are soulmates and I love it so much ❤️! 🗣Don’t think I forgot about Kai sperm donor 😒 we found out about him in the first book but I’m equally disgusted with him as well for the unnecessary trauma he caused his sons! Success is the best revenge 💪🏾 SN: This sisterhood is everything 😍 I just love the way they love and cherish each other ❤️

[Baddie & A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

UGHHHH Marlowe & Kai. Spice, Passion, Love, they challenge each other. They’re Vulnerable and everything about their story was so so so so good! This one pulled on my emotions, made me laugh, made me excited - there were so many feels in this story. Lauren’s writing is so so so goodt! I love this community, the girls friendship, the brotherhood, EVERYTHING. it makes my heart so warm thinking of the girls (Evie, Marlowe and Viv). They’re so unconditionally supportive of eachother. And the way they love eachother makes me so happy for each of them. They balance each other out and ARE SOLID. This book we got to learn more about the characters, their history and how everything connects together. I ate every bit of this up! Excited for the next one

[Diane Rembert · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book 2 of the Black Summer Island series, the readers are reacquainted with Marlowe Blackwood, a successful entrepreneur who has put away her philandering ways when she met Kai Kingston, the island's playboy. The two are hosting the weekend wedding of his brother and her best friend.

During that weekend, they both realize that their one-night stand is now so much more. Their celebratory time is cut short by Marlowe's parents, and she realizes who her true family members are.

The epilogue was so sweet and I'm looking forward to reading the lady of the trilogy soon. My favorite character would be Kai's mother and my least favorite is a tie between Marlowe's mother and father. You'll have to read the book to find out why.

Another stellar job by @thelaurenlacey.

[Jacquie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Kai! He was intriguing in book 1 but in this one we get to see just how much he was not playing about Marlowe F’n Blackwood! I enjoyed how big of a departure he is from Kobe. I like the dominance in his character while he’s still gentle with Marlowe and his mom especially. I wasn’t expecting his backstory but it makes you like him and Marlowe together more.

I feel like we really get to connect with Marlowe from her background and I just love her personality. I love a good boss bae moment for an FMC! Marlowe’s family is trash, and she should’ve beat her mamas tail.

If you’re not into BDSM I think this is a nice soft introduction. The edging and commands aren’t overdone and easy to digest.

[Emily Hawes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked Marlowe and Kai. They support each other in such a loving and genuine way. I really loved the friendship that they cultivated over the nine months since they met and that they both were initially unwilling to admit they had real feelings for one another. The shenanigans of all their friends and family that forced them to acknowledge their feelings were really entertaining. The additional dramatic element of Marlowe's family business was really fun. I do still wish this series was full length novels, instead of shorter novellas, because I feel like there is a lot to explore with these characters, but I really enjoyed it nonetheless!

[TheLITZone · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Lauren Lacey has managed to put together an amazing love story. This was such a beautiful story and the characters were so well written. While the story was focused on the main character, the most important thing I was reminded of was that your family is who not only you choose for them to be but the ones that show up no matter what, and don’t leave when things get hard. I’m excited for the next addition to the series and be immersed into the life/history of the last Kingston Brother.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A True Love Story!!!

Go freaking Marlowe!!!! I am Marlowe………just without the millions lol. I loved this book from start to finish but I expected nothing less from Lauren Lacey!! This story - without the money of course - resembles my life!! No family, making it on my own and the lack of love from men!! I’m just wishing for my happily ever after like Marlowe!! I love her and Kai together!! They make one helluva team and I’m here for it!!!
And the way she humbled her birth giver and sperm donor………EPIC!!!!!

[Robyn Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall: 4
Spice: 3

This is the second in the series book and you the connection between the MMC and FMC is better developed and you have better relationship developed. The MMC is known as the island player but find the woman who finally wants to make him settle down. The both fight the urges to commit to each other but finally give in and see how wonderful it is when the lean on each other and support each other. This book also sets up the 3rd book in the series and I can't find to read their story.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What can you say about an author that seems to get better and better with each book. Every time I read a book from this author, I say it's my favorite and such a great read, until I read the next one. It took me a minute to even get this review done because I had a hard time trying to relay how much I absolutely enjoyed this book and this new novella series. It was so emotional and full of a lot of drama, which i absolutely enjoyed. I am so glad I found this indie author last year and can't wait for the next novella in this series.

[Sarah Tatum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED IT!

I thought I fell in love with Kobe...until I met Kai! These brothers have me in a chokehold. The story was short and sweet, with the right amount of spice!

I love the praise kink and the spin on Kai as such a loving Dom and Marlowe, a true boss babe yet Sub.

They were so perfect for one another. Their backstories were so frustrating, which made me root for them so much harder. Marlowe's birth family was trash, but her found family is the absolute best!

I highly recommend this series.

[vanicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet little novella had me hooked from the start!! Kai and Marlowe are goals!! A whole vibe!! I loved this love story! Amazing story of found family, love, passion, and a boss chick! Couldn’t put it down! Kai’s dominance was off the chain but oh so good! Check this one out guys!! 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ can’t wait for more!! I’m so grateful that I had an opportunity to ARC read this gem!! Thank you Ms. Lauren Lacey

[Miranda Creed · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a passionate, luxurious romance! When I first started reading this, I feared I wasn't going to like it because I, personally, found the characters somewhat less relatable compared to the first book. But about halfway through I was obsessed. The drama really kicked into high gear but even more the emotions between the characters felt tangible. The plot twist was great and came at the perfect moment in the story to bring the characters closer together. Again, I truly appreciate the way the author holds space for her male main characters to be vulnerable. Overall, this is really fun summer read for those that want their romance with a little something extra!

[Natarsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the writing a lot more in this book, it may be due to the spice.
This book has all the elements to be an amazing read, but it’s something that I can’t put my finger on about the writing style that doesn’t make this a 5 star read for me.
Overall, I loved the found family, Marlowe for sure got her lick back with her family, Kai and Marlowe never seeing themselves in marriages or having kids and doing the complete opposite is hilarious. This was a really solid read.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it one day and ate it all up! Marlowe and Kai were so entertaining. Their friendship was fun and their relationship was spicy. I enjoyed reading about Sweet Evie, but Spicy Marlowe just might be my spirit animal.

I can't wait to read Kade and Viv's story. These two are so mysterious, but their chemistry is so cute. I love this refreshing little series.

[Adia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

I loved seeing Marlowe being vulnerable enough to share her story and see that she is worthy of love. She saw that the family she found was all the family she needed. Kai loved her enough to assure her that he always has her back. This series has been a joy to read and I look forward to the next book.

[C.C. Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

YALL MIGHT WANT TO GET YOUR SNACKS! I AM HYPED UP ABOUT MARLOWE AND KAI! THEY’RE LOVE IS AMAZING! SEXY AND SWEET! I AM HERE FOR IT! THESE TWO ARE A POWER COUPLE AND I AM HERE FOR IT! I KNOW THEY ARE GOING TO KNOCK DOWN ANYONE IN THEIR WAY IF MS. LAUREN WRITES ANOTHER ONE! I NEED THE WHOLE SET NOW! ❤️❤️❤️

[Tashia M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yesss sisterhood! Marlowe, Evie, and Vivian are my girls. I love their friendship, and I absolutely love how resilient Marlowe is.

And Kai...oh my! He was so dominating in the best ways and protective over his 'woman.' I love the way he loved her. He supported her and didn't dim her bright light. This was a fun, sweet, and spicy story.