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.
I’m a small-town romance author and mom of three, always juggling family life and deadlines. I write love stories filled with supportive friend groups, real-life challenges, and happily ever afters that feel earned. I’m based in Atlanta, where Southern sunsets and everyday moments inspire the stories I tell. When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me watching soccer with my family, driving my daughters to dance, staying up late binge-watching shows, hauling my son to chess club, or rooting for the Georgia Bulldogs.
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! 🤬
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!!!
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.
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”
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.
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!
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.
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.
The Family She Found might honestly be my favorite book in the Black Summer Island series so far.
This story follows Marlowe and Kai, who return to Black Summer Island for Evie and Kobe’s wedding. Four days of being in close proximity forces them to confront the connection they’ve been trying to ignore. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but both of them carry deep wounds from their pasts, which makes letting someone in feel almost impossible.
What made this story hit so hard for me was learning more about Kai’s past. Seeing the abuse he endured from his father and how he tried to protect his mother was heartbreaking. It gave so much depth to his character and made the way he loves Marlowe feel even more powerful.
Marlowe’s story was just as painful. Her parents constantly degraded her and made her feel like she would never be enough. The betrayal from her family ran deep — especially the situation with her mother and her ex, which honestly had me heated while reading.
Watching Kai and Marlowe come together and work through their trauma was incredibly beautiful. The way they supported each other, protected each other, and slowly allowed themselves to be vulnerable felt very real. Their relationship had such a strong emotional core, and it was so satisfying to see Marlowe finally get the justice she deserved when the truth about the Blackwood business came to light.
I also loved the Dom/Sub dynamic between them. It added another layer of trust and intimacy to their relationship and showed how safe Kai made Marlowe feel.
This book genuinely touched my heart. As someone who has experienced childhood trauma, parts of this story resonated with me in a very personal way. Seeing two people who had been hurt so deeply learn how to love and trust again was incredibly moving.
Lauren Lacey did a beautiful job with this story. It was emotional, healing, and full of heart.
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!
This was easily my favorite book in the series, which honestly surprised me. I wasn't expecting to connect with Marlo's story as deeply as I did, but by the end, I was completely rooting for her.
I think this installment surprised me the most, and that's ultimately what made it the most enjoyable. The family dynamics were absolutely wild. More than once I wanted to throw my book across the room because of the audacity of some of these characters.
What really made this one stand out, though, was Marlo and Kai. I loved their story, and I appreciated that Marlo didn't frustrate me nearly as much as the FMC from the first book. After finishing that one, I honestly wasn't sure I'd even make it to book three, so this felt like such a rewarding payoff.
This was also probably the spiciest book in the series, in my opinion, but the romance never overshadowed the emotional journey. More than anything, I just wanted good things for Marlo. I cheered for her the hardest out of everyone in this series, and seeing how everything ultimately came together for her made this an easy 4.5-star read.
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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! 🥹🤎
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 ❤️
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!!!!!
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.
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
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.