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Legacy of Secrets
In the heart of the treacherous NYC Triad, I conceal a deadly I'm the hidden daughter of a notorious crime boss. Forced into the shadows, I quietly undermine my father's empire, all while he holds my mother's safety over my head.
When my half-brother is brutally murdered, My father thrusts me into the limelight, hoping to shape me into the heir he desires. I seize this twisted opportunity to seek vengeance and to obliterate the man who wields my life as a weapon. But to succeed, I must navigate the perilous waters of the Triad alongside the heirs who don’t want me here – Cole, Mateo, Lennox, and Cohen.
As alliances shift and passions flare, we must unite against a common foe.
As I navigate the complex dance of power, an additional threat looms—a ruthless serial killer picking off members of the Triad one by one. With each step forward, the shadows grow darker, and the line between ally and enemy blurs.
In a world where trust is a fragile commodity, and every move could be my last, the stakes are higher than ever.
When my half-brother is brutally murdered, My father thrusts me into the limelight, hoping to shape me into the heir he desires. I seize this twisted opportunity to seek vengeance and to obliterate the man who wields my life as a weapon. But to succeed, I must navigate the perilous waters of the Triad alongside the heirs who don’t want me here – Cole, Mateo, Lennox, and Cohen.
As alliances shift and passions flare, we must unite against a common foe.
As I navigate the complex dance of power, an additional threat looms—a ruthless serial killer picking off members of the Triad one by one. With each step forward, the shadows grow darker, and the line between ally and enemy blurs.
In a world where trust is a fragile commodity, and every move could be my last, the stakes are higher than ever.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2024
135 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 21, 2024
Legacy of secrets 2.5⭐️
I received this book as an Arc.
The story definitely has potential. It’s fast paced and the characters are interesting.
I do feel there could have been more to it. I think I missed some depth and when people talked about the fmc I got a feeling of god complex. She is so amazing it’s hard to believe it’s true.
Somehow reaching the end of the book the writing started to feel off.
Again the plot wasn’t bad, but the execution could have made it better.
I received this book as an Arc.
The story definitely has potential. It’s fast paced and the characters are interesting.
I do feel there could have been more to it. I think I missed some depth and when people talked about the fmc I got a feeling of god complex. She is so amazing it’s hard to believe it’s true.
Somehow reaching the end of the book the writing started to feel off.
Again the plot wasn’t bad, but the execution could have made it better.
January 1, 2025
This was alright. I really like the setting and the characters but they felt surface level. It also seemed really forced in some situations. Wasn’t a whole lot that kept me wanting to read minus the serial killer aspect that I guessed pretty early on but still wanted to see how it played out. Did also feel like some of it was immaturely written but overall was an easy and spicy read.
September 7, 2024
Soooo good! I really enjoyed this book
July 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️.5 /5
“I was being thrown into a much larger game, and I would need every ounce of strength and resilience to survive.”
I really enjoyed the plot of this book, it had a lot of intriguing factors, it was well written, and the twists involved were well done! AND THAT ENDING!! I need book 2 asap because what the actual hell! The fmc, Salem, is a badass fmc and I really enjoyed her character. And the men, I enjoyed all of them honestly - this is a why choose romance however they are all at different stages as they get to know the fmc which honestly I didn’t mind. The spice was fantastic, but the tension between the characters was even better. I did kind of guess one of the reveals, though this book did good at making you question your theories! It was well paced, and involved multiple POVs which I always enjoy. Overall, I enjoyed this one and I cannot wait for book 2 because holy damn!!
🖤 dark mafia romance
⛓️ badass fmc
🖤 why choose
⛓️ revenge plot
🖤 enemies to lovers
⛓️ serial killer
“I was being thrown into a much larger game, and I would need every ounce of strength and resilience to survive.”
I really enjoyed the plot of this book, it had a lot of intriguing factors, it was well written, and the twists involved were well done! AND THAT ENDING!! I need book 2 asap because what the actual hell! The fmc, Salem, is a badass fmc and I really enjoyed her character. And the men, I enjoyed all of them honestly - this is a why choose romance however they are all at different stages as they get to know the fmc which honestly I didn’t mind. The spice was fantastic, but the tension between the characters was even better. I did kind of guess one of the reveals, though this book did good at making you question your theories! It was well paced, and involved multiple POVs which I always enjoy. Overall, I enjoyed this one and I cannot wait for book 2 because holy damn!!
🖤 dark mafia romance
⛓️ badass fmc
🖤 why choose
⛓️ revenge plot
🖤 enemies to lovers
⛓️ serial killer
April 2, 2024
Legacy of Secrets
An intriguing twist on the Mafia life. Salem is the daughter that’s been kept away but working to tear down her father’s empire.
Cohen, Lennox, Mateo and Cole are the other heirs and they all have secrets as well.
Relationships built on secrets don’t have firm foundations and this group may just tumble to the ground.
I’m assuming there is another book on the way as this one left a lot of questions.
An intriguing twist on the Mafia life. Salem is the daughter that’s been kept away but working to tear down her father’s empire.
Cohen, Lennox, Mateo and Cole are the other heirs and they all have secrets as well.
Relationships built on secrets don’t have firm foundations and this group may just tumble to the ground.
I’m assuming there is another book on the way as this one left a lot of questions.
March 18, 2024
What a fantastic start to a series, so many twists and turns, nevee knowing who you can trust. Lots of spice. Absolutely wonderfully written with beautiful prose.
September 16, 2024
DNFd at 60%. This book is a chaotic mess. The timeline is all over the place. Massive jumps and holes in the plot. The men go from one chapter hating Salem to wanting to protect her, then back again. She's hooked up with 2 so far, but both seemed completely awkward and out of place. Salem is always trying to talk a big game, but never really delivers. Apparently she's told Fallon (sister of 2 of the men and part of the Triad) all of her secrets, but none to the guys. As if she wouldn't have confided or been questioned by her brother's.
I'm so disappointed in this book, it's been on my TBR for ages waiting for the sequel to be released. But, alas, I'm giving up. It's doing my head in with the lack of consistency with any of the characters.
I'm so disappointed in this book, it's been on my TBR for ages waiting for the sequel to be released. But, alas, I'm giving up. It's doing my head in with the lack of consistency with any of the characters.
March 19, 2024
There are no words to describe how much I loved this story. MJ has written a beautiful debut novel and I can't wait to see what else she's got for us because I already know it's going to be phenomenal.
🩷 our fmc Salem, has had a really tough upbringing due to a certain someone in her life... hint, hint it's her father whom I do not like in the slightest. Salem is forced into a world that doesn't think very highly of her and she has to prove the heirs, their fathers and the soldiers wrong... And she does in more ways than one... I am absolutely obsessed with everything Salem. She is the definition of a powerful and bada$$ fmc. I wouldn't say she's unhinged... well maybe but in the best way.... She is a force to be reckoned with and the men that cross her path don't know what to do about but just be drawn to her like a moth to a flame. I also really like her personality too. She's very kind and caring and just a really good person.
🩷 our mmc's are Lennox, Cole, Mateo and Cohen. They too, have had to live a really challenging life and the responsibilities associated with being the Triad heirs but they have so many secrets.I instantly loved Mateo, he is so beautiful and charming and is so captivated by Salem. I think they all are but Mateo just falls hard and fast for Salem. Lennox, I do like him and I am excited to see more from him next book because it was almost like he was scared of how he felt about Salem so he hid if that makes sense. Cole, he has quite a dark energy that he puts out yet he couldn't deny how he felt about Salem and gave in eventually... Cohen, he was very much like Lennox and just kept Salem at arms length until he couldn't. All the relationships are progressing at different stages which I did enjoy because they all really getting to know who Salem.
🩷 thing is, not all is as it seems, the guy's and Salem have so many secrets and to top it off there's is a killer on the loose unaliving the members of the Triad and the heirs are struggling to catch this particular someone before it's too late.
🩷 shoutout to Fallon, love her. I love her friendship with Salem.
This book ends on a cliffhanger so just letting you know. It is such a good cliffhanger and I can't wait until book 2 is released so I know what goes down.
I also have so many questions and theories relating to these characters and this world. This story is filled with so many twists and turns. It made me head hurt with where my mind went trying to figure things out 😊
Thank you so much to M.J. and her beautiful team for giving me the opportunity to read this story. I am forever grateful 🙏
All opinions are honest and my own 🩷
Congrats again to MJ on her debut Novel 🙌🙌🙌
🖤 why choose
🖤 multiple pov
🖤 powerful fmc
🖤 revenge/ dexter vibes
🖤 mafia
🖤 enemies to lovers
🖤 serial unaliver
🖤 spicy
🩷 our fmc Salem, has had a really tough upbringing due to a certain someone in her life... hint, hint it's her father whom I do not like in the slightest. Salem is forced into a world that doesn't think very highly of her and she has to prove the heirs, their fathers and the soldiers wrong... And she does in more ways than one... I am absolutely obsessed with everything Salem. She is the definition of a powerful and bada$$ fmc. I wouldn't say she's unhinged... well maybe but in the best way.... She is a force to be reckoned with and the men that cross her path don't know what to do about but just be drawn to her like a moth to a flame. I also really like her personality too. She's very kind and caring and just a really good person.
🩷 our mmc's are Lennox, Cole, Mateo and Cohen. They too, have had to live a really challenging life and the responsibilities associated with being the Triad heirs but they have so many secrets.I instantly loved Mateo, he is so beautiful and charming and is so captivated by Salem. I think they all are but Mateo just falls hard and fast for Salem. Lennox, I do like him and I am excited to see more from him next book because it was almost like he was scared of how he felt about Salem so he hid if that makes sense. Cole, he has quite a dark energy that he puts out yet he couldn't deny how he felt about Salem and gave in eventually... Cohen, he was very much like Lennox and just kept Salem at arms length until he couldn't. All the relationships are progressing at different stages which I did enjoy because they all really getting to know who Salem.
🩷 thing is, not all is as it seems, the guy's and Salem have so many secrets and to top it off there's is a killer on the loose unaliving the members of the Triad and the heirs are struggling to catch this particular someone before it's too late.
🩷 shoutout to Fallon, love her. I love her friendship with Salem.
This book ends on a cliffhanger so just letting you know. It is such a good cliffhanger and I can't wait until book 2 is released so I know what goes down.
I also have so many questions and theories relating to these characters and this world. This story is filled with so many twists and turns. It made me head hurt with where my mind went trying to figure things out 😊
Thank you so much to M.J. and her beautiful team for giving me the opportunity to read this story. I am forever grateful 🙏
All opinions are honest and my own 🩷
Congrats again to MJ on her debut Novel 🙌🙌🙌
🖤 why choose
🖤 multiple pov
🖤 powerful fmc
🖤 revenge/ dexter vibes
🖤 mafia
🖤 enemies to lovers
🖤 serial unaliver
🖤 spicy
March 28, 2024
This is the debut novel of M. J. Byrne and I’m impressed. It’s a dark romance, why choose/reverse harem.
You will fall in love with the FMC Salem. She is strong, perseverant, and totally badass. Her father creates the monster that will be his demise. I loved the duality between her skills in fighting or torture and her skills in dancing. One thing about her is bothering me. She wants revenge on her father, but she still believes what he told her about her men.
In this reverse harem, all the relationships are progressing at different stages which I did enjoy because they are all really getting to know her. She gets the attention of four men: Lennox, Cole, Cohen, and Mateo. We get more of Cole and Mateo in this book. Mateo is my favorite so far. I loved his obsessive/psychopath side. 🫠🔥 The dark side of Salem is like a siren call for him. He falls first and hard. He is followed by Cole and his need to dominate her. I loved their sparing scene in the gym of the triad. I also loved the banter between her and the others. Salem makes a prank on them and it is hilarious. I’m looking forward to the next book to learn more about Lennox and Cohen.
In addition to all those interesting MCs, I loved the suspense part of the book with the investigation around Salem’s brother's death and the mystery around the killer named the Black Dahlia.
You will find in this book:
🔪Revenge/ Dexter vibes
⚔️Enemies to Lovers
🍷Mafia Romance
🖤Dark Romance
🖐️Multiple POVs
❤️🔥 Why Choose
💋Badass FMC
💀Serial Killer
🌶️Spice
Thank you for the author for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.
You will fall in love with the FMC Salem. She is strong, perseverant, and totally badass. Her father creates the monster that will be his demise. I loved the duality between her skills in fighting or torture and her skills in dancing. One thing about her is bothering me. She wants revenge on her father, but she still believes what he told her about her men.
In this reverse harem, all the relationships are progressing at different stages which I did enjoy because they are all really getting to know her. She gets the attention of four men: Lennox, Cole, Cohen, and Mateo. We get more of Cole and Mateo in this book. Mateo is my favorite so far. I loved his obsessive/psychopath side. 🫠🔥 The dark side of Salem is like a siren call for him. He falls first and hard. He is followed by Cole and his need to dominate her. I loved their sparing scene in the gym of the triad. I also loved the banter between her and the others. Salem makes a prank on them and it is hilarious. I’m looking forward to the next book to learn more about Lennox and Cohen.
In addition to all those interesting MCs, I loved the suspense part of the book with the investigation around Salem’s brother's death and the mystery around the killer named the Black Dahlia.
You will find in this book:
🔪Revenge/ Dexter vibes
⚔️Enemies to Lovers
🍷Mafia Romance
🖤Dark Romance
🖐️Multiple POVs
❤️🔥 Why Choose
💋Badass FMC
💀Serial Killer
🌶️Spice
Thank you for the author for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.
May 5, 2024
For years, Salem’s father has kept her a secret, hidden from the NYC Triad. But when her half-brother is brutally murdered, her father throws her into the spotlight announcing her as his heir. This new role requires Salem to shadow the other family heirs - Lennox, Cole, Mateo, and Cohen - in order to truly learn what’s expected of her in this criminal world she’s been thrust into. Can she trust these men, or will they lead her to ruin?
“𝘐’𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘱𝘶𝘴𝘴𝘺 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘶𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴” - 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘰
What I loved:
♥️ It’s refreshing to see a why choose romance where the men initially fight about who she “belongs to” instead of immediately opting to share - it adds a realistic element when there’s a group of possessive men with alpha personalities.
🔪There’s a serial killer on the loose targeting Triad members and I kept flip flopping between who it could be - love a good mystery!
🔥 The spice was on point 👌🏼
☠️ Like all good mafia stories, you can’t trust anyone and betrayal is at the forefront.
🤘🏻 Salem and Fallon are badasses and I love the girl power bond.
“𝘍𝘶𝘤𝘬, 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘧𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘬. 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵. 𝘉𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦.” - 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦
Legacy of Secrets is a mafia romance with mystery, betrayal, plot twists, spice, and revenge - can’t go wrong with that! Excited to see what awaits Salem in book 2 ✌🏼
“𝘐’𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘱𝘶𝘴𝘴𝘺 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘶𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴” - 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘰
What I loved:
♥️ It’s refreshing to see a why choose romance where the men initially fight about who she “belongs to” instead of immediately opting to share - it adds a realistic element when there’s a group of possessive men with alpha personalities.
🔪There’s a serial killer on the loose targeting Triad members and I kept flip flopping between who it could be - love a good mystery!
🔥 The spice was on point 👌🏼
☠️ Like all good mafia stories, you can’t trust anyone and betrayal is at the forefront.
🤘🏻 Salem and Fallon are badasses and I love the girl power bond.
“𝘍𝘶𝘤𝘬, 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘧𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘬. 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵. 𝘉𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦.” - 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦
Legacy of Secrets is a mafia romance with mystery, betrayal, plot twists, spice, and revenge - can’t go wrong with that! Excited to see what awaits Salem in book 2 ✌🏼
May 2, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
This is a spicy dark mafia romance following the heirs of the Triad. Mates, Lennox, Cole and Cohen are all trying to take over from their fathers and overrule them when a new heir appears, someone who no one has heard of before! 😏
The FMC, Salem, has been kept in the shadows by her abusive father, so when he announces that Salem is his heir everyone thinks shes a push over!
Surprise!! She’s a badass bitch and now one of my favourite FMCS👸🏻
The book follows them working together to over throw their fathers whilst Salem is desparelty trying to find out where her father has hidden her mother, since hes been using her safety to blackmail Salem with.🥲 all while there is a mysterious serial killer picking off members of the Triad😳
I loved how well written this was and absolutely loved the spice in this book and how sex positive Salem is! Also if you’re a fan of Diesel from Den of Vipers then you will ADORE Mateo. That man is everything even with his pierced🍆😮💨😮💨
The cliffhanger at the end killed me off and I can’t wait for the second book to come out.
Thanks for allowing me to be an ARC reader!!🖤
Tropes:
🖤Dark mafia romance
🌸Why choose
🖤Dirty talk
🌸Praise kink
🖤Degrading kink
🌸Nicknames
🖤Baddass FMc
🌸Serial killer
🖤Pierced 🍆
🌸Spanking
🌶️🌶️.5
This is a spicy dark mafia romance following the heirs of the Triad. Mates, Lennox, Cole and Cohen are all trying to take over from their fathers and overrule them when a new heir appears, someone who no one has heard of before! 😏
The FMC, Salem, has been kept in the shadows by her abusive father, so when he announces that Salem is his heir everyone thinks shes a push over!
Surprise!! She’s a badass bitch and now one of my favourite FMCS👸🏻
The book follows them working together to over throw their fathers whilst Salem is desparelty trying to find out where her father has hidden her mother, since hes been using her safety to blackmail Salem with.🥲 all while there is a mysterious serial killer picking off members of the Triad😳
I loved how well written this was and absolutely loved the spice in this book and how sex positive Salem is! Also if you’re a fan of Diesel from Den of Vipers then you will ADORE Mateo. That man is everything even with his pierced🍆😮💨😮💨
The cliffhanger at the end killed me off and I can’t wait for the second book to come out.
Thanks for allowing me to be an ARC reader!!🖤
Tropes:
🖤Dark mafia romance
🌸Why choose
🖤Dirty talk
🌸Praise kink
🖤Degrading kink
🌸Nicknames
🖤Baddass FMc
🌸Serial killer
🖤Pierced 🍆
🌸Spanking
September 27, 2024
Every scar, every line on my face, spoke to the demons I had fought and the ones that were yet to come.
-----
This is not a standalone, it's book 1 of a duet.
Content warning: explicit s3x, torture, violence, murder, kidnapping and cliffhanger ending.
For more information, check out the content warning in the book.
-----
I got sucked into MJ Byrne's dark world of the NYC Triad. Where weakness is a death sentence and everyone seems to have secrets. The NYC Triad is a powerful organization where corruption and deception lurks. It's a way of life for the heirs, and eventually, Salem's new life.
Salem was a bad@ss. Her life was not an easy one. There was no choice for her but to become strong. I thought she was cool. I liked how her relationships with the men progressed at their own pace. And how the men processed sharing Salem. I loved her and Mateo together. The tension between her and Cole had me intrigued.
I feel this book could have been a bit more fleshed out. I would have loved to have seen scenes with Salem and Remi, so I could have been more emotionally invested in Salem's quest for answers concerning Remi. And at times I felt some things in the book went by fast. However, I did find the book interesting and will read the next one.
-----
This is not a standalone, it's book 1 of a duet.
Content warning: explicit s3x, torture, violence, murder, kidnapping and cliffhanger ending.
For more information, check out the content warning in the book.
-----
I got sucked into MJ Byrne's dark world of the NYC Triad. Where weakness is a death sentence and everyone seems to have secrets. The NYC Triad is a powerful organization where corruption and deception lurks. It's a way of life for the heirs, and eventually, Salem's new life.
Salem was a bad@ss. Her life was not an easy one. There was no choice for her but to become strong. I thought she was cool. I liked how her relationships with the men progressed at their own pace. And how the men processed sharing Salem. I loved her and Mateo together. The tension between her and Cole had me intrigued.
I feel this book could have been a bit more fleshed out. I would have loved to have seen scenes with Salem and Remi, so I could have been more emotionally invested in Salem's quest for answers concerning Remi. And at times I felt some things in the book went by fast. However, I did find the book interesting and will read the next one.
March 28, 2024
✨ ARC review ✨
Legacy of Secrets is the first book in the NYC Triad series. I've received an ARC of this book from the author, and I am genuinely grateful for it. This is a why-choose, dark mafia romance filled with twists and turn that will keep you interested in knowing what happens next.
FMC of this book is our girl Salem. She is a unique character, but I had a hard time connecting with her. The way she is presented makes it seem like she is capable of everything and has no flaws. It might just be me, but this is the image that I've gotten of her in the first few chapters. The guys in the book, in my opinion, were written in a better way and I actually really enjoyed reading their POVs.
The plot itself was pretty interesting and despite the writing not being the best at times, it was the reason I devoured this book in a span of a day. And OMG that cliffhanger at the end isn't fair, so I need the next book like yesterday.
Overall, this is a good dark romance and if you are looking for an easy read then you should definitely check this one out. But do make sure you read TWs before reading it as it is on a darker side.
Legacy of Secrets is the first book in the NYC Triad series. I've received an ARC of this book from the author, and I am genuinely grateful for it. This is a why-choose, dark mafia romance filled with twists and turn that will keep you interested in knowing what happens next.
FMC of this book is our girl Salem. She is a unique character, but I had a hard time connecting with her. The way she is presented makes it seem like she is capable of everything and has no flaws. It might just be me, but this is the image that I've gotten of her in the first few chapters. The guys in the book, in my opinion, were written in a better way and I actually really enjoyed reading their POVs.
The plot itself was pretty interesting and despite the writing not being the best at times, it was the reason I devoured this book in a span of a day. And OMG that cliffhanger at the end isn't fair, so I need the next book like yesterday.
Overall, this is a good dark romance and if you are looking for an easy read then you should definitely check this one out. But do make sure you read TWs before reading it as it is on a darker side.
April 1, 2024
I'll admit I'm a little conflicted with how I feel about this book. I liked the premise. The secret daughter of one the head's the crime Triad is brought in to be the heir after her brother dies. There's so many secrets that I don't want to give anything away, but she's brought into the criminal fold for everyone to find out she had been groomed and in the shadows the organization for years. The other heirs' and their family 'befriend' her, don't trust her, become obsessed with her. I really liked where the story was going, but I kept having questions. For someone brought up to be part of this criminal world, when she finds out the guys want to treat her like a possession her revenge is to trash their suits, rearrange their tools, spread a rumor. It just didn't feel like a dark romance for the very dark premise of the story. It was also hard to work out everyone's reactions when most interactions were written as internal thoughts only or stated that "after some witty banter", rather than sharing the dialogue of the witty banter. It made it hard to believe in the connections made between all the characters. I give it a 3.5, for major promise with a few hiccups in my mind.
April 4, 2024
Umm, what was that ending?!
Agh, no. I don't agree. 😫
Why did it have to end that way? I need more now! I need to know what happens next?!
Salem just started to trust them and that happened? And she had to find out from her awful father?!
I can't even breathe.
This book had me in a chokehold and I needed to finish it and when I did, I was devastated. But I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read this early (even though my review is not early lol).
This storyline was so fascinating! I loved every part of it.
I loved the multiple POVs for Salem and the boys, even the Black Dahlia Killer 😉
The way Salem is such a badass but has a vulnerable side was so good. She knew how to defend and fight for herself and even those who couldn't and wasn't afraid to speak her mind. I absolutely loved it.
Mateo 🥵 yes please!
Even Lennox, you know he will be a freak 😉
Loved Cole and Cohen, they were quite funny!
I can't wait to read more about this world, these people and where the next book picks up from this one because I really hope it's right after!
Agh, no. I don't agree. 😫
Why did it have to end that way? I need more now! I need to know what happens next?!
Salem just started to trust them and that happened? And she had to find out from her awful father?!
I can't even breathe.
This book had me in a chokehold and I needed to finish it and when I did, I was devastated. But I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read this early (even though my review is not early lol).
This storyline was so fascinating! I loved every part of it.
I loved the multiple POVs for Salem and the boys, even the Black Dahlia Killer 😉
The way Salem is such a badass but has a vulnerable side was so good. She knew how to defend and fight for herself and even those who couldn't and wasn't afraid to speak her mind. I absolutely loved it.
Mateo 🥵 yes please!
Even Lennox, you know he will be a freak 😉
Loved Cole and Cohen, they were quite funny!
I can't wait to read more about this world, these people and where the next book picks up from this one because I really hope it's right after!
April 21, 2024
ARC Review of Legacy of Secrets by M.J. Byrne
* * * * *
A spicy dark mafia style reverse-harem romance that has so much more coming our way! Sexual tension and a strong ass woman.
Salem has not had an easy life, albeit a normal life.
Her life has taken a massive turn once again when she is phoned by her father, telling her that her brother was dead and she was to take his place in a world of power, corruption and sinister plans in the shadows.
If trying to fit in and adapt to this life to keep her mother alive was hard enough, more of a bloodbath was coming her way. Not to forget the other Triad members who are not wanting her there.
Who can she depend on in this world?
Salem is a strong ass woman, dealing with all she is along with wanting to save her mother from her cruel father. Then there is Lennox, Cole, Cohen and Mateo . Drama and delicious!
Filled with darkness but slow going for me, mostly due to my own personal mood. I am interested in what is to happen next!
* * * * *
A spicy dark mafia style reverse-harem romance that has so much more coming our way! Sexual tension and a strong ass woman.
Salem has not had an easy life, albeit a normal life.
Her life has taken a massive turn once again when she is phoned by her father, telling her that her brother was dead and she was to take his place in a world of power, corruption and sinister plans in the shadows.
If trying to fit in and adapt to this life to keep her mother alive was hard enough, more of a bloodbath was coming her way. Not to forget the other Triad members who are not wanting her there.
Who can she depend on in this world?
Salem is a strong ass woman, dealing with all she is along with wanting to save her mother from her cruel father. Then there is Lennox, Cole, Cohen and Mateo . Drama and delicious!
Filled with darkness but slow going for me, mostly due to my own personal mood. I am interested in what is to happen next!
January 2, 2025
Legacy of Secrets
I could only get about 20% through before I gave up for multiple reasons. Salem is a surprise heir being thrust into the criminal world. The other heirs discuss making her life hell before knowing who it is as “he” could ruin their plans but immediately that changes. Salem’s first time meeting Fallon, they become instant bff’s, agreeing to do a job together, have a movie night, and Salem talks about how wonderful it is to have someone who cares. Mateo, who has seen her only twice, talks about her stubbornness and rare glimpse of vulnerability. Working one time with Cohen has them sharing ideas and collaborating instantly. The way the characters talk, you’d think they’d have known each other for years instead of a few days. There’s no suspicion or feeling each other out coming from either side so for me, it was too hard to stay interested in the story with how quickly the characters were bonding. It felt too rushed and I decided to move on.
I could only get about 20% through before I gave up for multiple reasons. Salem is a surprise heir being thrust into the criminal world. The other heirs discuss making her life hell before knowing who it is as “he” could ruin their plans but immediately that changes. Salem’s first time meeting Fallon, they become instant bff’s, agreeing to do a job together, have a movie night, and Salem talks about how wonderful it is to have someone who cares. Mateo, who has seen her only twice, talks about her stubbornness and rare glimpse of vulnerability. Working one time with Cohen has them sharing ideas and collaborating instantly. The way the characters talk, you’d think they’d have known each other for years instead of a few days. There’s no suspicion or feeling each other out coming from either side so for me, it was too hard to stay interested in the story with how quickly the characters were bonding. It felt too rushed and I decided to move on.
April 1, 2024
**For a debut book it was one hell of a start and I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars**
Salem's (FMC) life is turned upside down when she is dropped into a dangerous Mafia World (The NYC Triad) when her brother and the heir died. A place where everyone has their own agenda and trust is in short supply. Only Salem is very much underestimated and that's what I loved the most about her as a character. Having to prove her worth in a male dominated world especially with her own father. The twists and turns in the plot definitely kept me on my toes throughout this book but it was the dynamic Salem had with each guy (Lennox, Mateo, Cole and Cohen) that I'd loved. Phew Mateo...........that man is pure fire!! Saying that all the guys steamed up Kindle that's for sure!! So hot! With killer cliff-hanger ending I cant wait to see what will happen in the next book now.
Salem's (FMC) life is turned upside down when she is dropped into a dangerous Mafia World (The NYC Triad) when her brother and the heir died. A place where everyone has their own agenda and trust is in short supply. Only Salem is very much underestimated and that's what I loved the most about her as a character. Having to prove her worth in a male dominated world especially with her own father. The twists and turns in the plot definitely kept me on my toes throughout this book but it was the dynamic Salem had with each guy (Lennox, Mateo, Cole and Cohen) that I'd loved. Phew Mateo...........that man is pure fire!! Saying that all the guys steamed up Kindle that's for sure!! So hot! With killer cliff-hanger ending I cant wait to see what will happen in the next book now.
March 25, 2024
As a debut book I am impressed. Her characters are strong and her story line is engaging. You can see some serious potential in both this authors writing and this story. I’m excited to take the journey into the seedy underbelly and discover the the truth. Being shoved into the shadows quite brutally Salem becomes the darkness she needs to be to survive. Every time she thinks she has things sorted her trust is shaken. Who to believe? Who can she trust? There are a lot of unanswered questions but you know going into this it will end in a cliffhanger. Which it most certainly does. There’s some heat and alot of tension but you can see the RH slowly developing. This book leave us with cliffhangers in more than one area and I am ready for the next one
March 21, 2024
There were large parts of this book that were great, the story is good, though there is a lot of exposition at the very beginning. Salem is a great fmc, who although hidden in the shadows has been forced to train to become an assassin and tool for her father, one of the Triad heads.
I liked how she generally didn't jump to conclusions and thought about her responses to the other Heirs. That said, I wasn't happy with how some of the story went, one minute the Heirs trusted and respected her, then they didn't. She would make a decision and then the story would jump ahead a couple of weeks and everything seemed to have reset. Without these gripes it would have been a five star read.
I liked how she generally didn't jump to conclusions and thought about her responses to the other Heirs. That said, I wasn't happy with how some of the story went, one minute the Heirs trusted and respected her, then they didn't. She would make a decision and then the story would jump ahead a couple of weeks and everything seemed to have reset. Without these gripes it would have been a five star read.
March 29, 2024
Loved it!!
This book hooked me pretty quickly. There were twists and turns, secrets, and also trying to navigate who to trust.
We also got drama, suspense, lots of feels, and some spice.
I loved Salem. She was smart, confident, and just an overall kick butt woman. Underneath, though she still has a good heart.
Mateo, Cole, Lennox, and Cohen were the guys. I liked that they were all different. The relationships between them were each moving at their own pace and it seems more realistic.
I think this was an excellent start to Salem's story! I can't wait to see where things go from here!
This book hooked me pretty quickly. There were twists and turns, secrets, and also trying to navigate who to trust.
We also got drama, suspense, lots of feels, and some spice.
I loved Salem. She was smart, confident, and just an overall kick butt woman. Underneath, though she still has a good heart.
Mateo, Cole, Lennox, and Cohen were the guys. I liked that they were all different. The relationships between them were each moving at their own pace and it seems more realistic.
I think this was an excellent start to Salem's story! I can't wait to see where things go from here!
August 10, 2024
Good start..with lots of feel.
Enjoyed the characters development and the focused on the heroine growth to becoming one of the heir. The heroine was strong and knows how to fight. The steamy scenes were hot. Don't care for the girlfriend of one of the heir. Don't care for the major cliffhanger. Writing is showing instead of telling where the readers get to feel the character's emotion. Can't wait for book two.
Enjoyed the characters development and the focused on the heroine growth to becoming one of the heir. The heroine was strong and knows how to fight. The steamy scenes were hot. Don't care for the girlfriend of one of the heir. Don't care for the major cliffhanger. Writing is showing instead of telling where the readers get to feel the character's emotion. Can't wait for book two.
March 31, 2024
Secrets, lies, and never ending twists. This why choose romance is written beautifully, full of intriguing characters, and definitely one of my favorite reads this year. Salem is a great fmc and the author has such a beautiful writing style.
April 2, 2024
Great start
Great start to a series, Fallon is my favorite character. It's a good plot with lots of surprises and twists. Well done, multiple POV's that doesn't replicate parts of the story but keeps it moving at a good pace.
Great start to a series, Fallon is my favorite character. It's a good plot with lots of surprises and twists. Well done, multiple POV's that doesn't replicate parts of the story but keeps it moving at a good pace.
September 17, 2024
idk
There’s like no dialogue in this book idk why but it’s a bunch of inside thoughts and “we talked.” So I feel like the characters are really underdeveloped. There’s a lot of repeating. I skimmed most of it.
There’s like no dialogue in this book idk why but it’s a bunch of inside thoughts and “we talked.” So I feel like the characters are really underdeveloped. There’s a lot of repeating. I skimmed most of it.
April 19, 2025
I felt like this was way longer than necessary, and was incredibly repetitive. I lost count of how many times there was tension between characters, and honestly didn’t feel much character development or growth. I liked the overall story, but it was very hard to not DNF this book.
January 13, 2025
looks like it was written on chatgpt
September 28, 2025
The plot was okay. It was more of a light read for me when I had time to sit and read. It was a relaxed page turner for me, but there were other things I wish I prioritised reading first.
October 17, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
The plot lines were intriguing and this had a unique twist to the mafia life which was super refreshing.
Salem, what a badass fmc, she is fierce and strong and everything we love in a lead female character.
The plot lines were intriguing and this had a unique twist to the mafia life which was super refreshing.
Salem, what a badass fmc, she is fierce and strong and everything we love in a lead female character.
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