Masked Hearts

The Billionaire Bloodlines #2

by Leia King

Antonio Vitale:
I’ve never liked getting my hands dirty. I built my reputation cleanly—until one bullet changed everything. Now, the French cartel wants revenge, and the only way to keep my family safe is to marry Theresa Auclair—the daughter of the man who wants me dead. She’s untouchable, raised in a world of power and secrets, and I want nothing to do with her. Everyone says I should just keep my head down and focus on surviving, but the more time I spend with her, the more I see the cracks beneath her icy exterior. And the more I want to know what’s hidden beneath.
Theá Auclair:
I’ve spent my whole life being my father’s pawn, and now I’m being handed off to Antonio Vitale—a man who has every reason to hate me. But he’s not what I expected. He doesn’t bow to my father. He doesn’t look at me like I’m just another deal to be made. It all feels too similar to what happened to my mother, but there's something different about him. Something all too natural, and natural is dangerous.
Betrayal, lies, and blood have followed me my whole life—but losing him might destroy me.
We were never meant to fall for each other. We were meant to wear our masks, play our parts, and survive. But trust is a dangerous thing… and neither of us saw this coming.

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2025

About the author

Leia King is an author who immerses readers in heartfelt romance stories. With a knack for crafting compelling narratives, Leia's novels revolve around strong, lovable male protagonists and equally resilient, independent female leads.

When Leia isn't weaving tales of love and passion, you can find her channeling her creativity into designing clothing for her fashion brand or indulging in her passion for K-pop both for the music and the fashion scene.

Follow Leia King on her writing journey as she continues to enchant readers with her enchanting romances and inspire fashion enthusiasts with her innovative designs.

Reviews

[Miriam Jaimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️’s

Wow!! Thank you Leía for the opportunity at this ARC. You truly outdid yourself!

I loved Antonio & Thea!!!!

I am so happy to see him get his HEA. His loyalty and love for his family knows no bounds. My heart feels for Thea’s younger self and the responsibility that was given to her.

I love all of the side characters. Their banter and plans just make this whole universe SO much better!!

The plot twists!! My goodness!! My jaw was on the floor! I would say to definitely read Frayed Bonds so you get a better reading experience & so that it all makes sense.

I think I know who the next book is about ?? IDK IM SO EXCITED FOR THEM ALL AHHHH!!!

💜💛💜💛💜💛

[abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

Y’all! We all knew Leia King would do great with this book, but she killed it!! I just want to say thank you Leia and her team for the ARC and allowing me to review this.

Masked hearts has been one of my most anticipated reads of 2025 so finally having it in my hands is so exciting! We’re following Antonio right after the events of Frayed Bonds (book 1) and him & his brothers picking up the aftermath. He runs into some trouble that leads him into an arranged marriage with the beautiful Thea. They start off indifferent to each other hating this idea, but that may but last too long once they start getting closer.
I think I would’ve liked to have seen a little more development in a few of the plots, it just seemed to skim over important storylines and come together at the end. Or maybe even if we got a little more of them at the beginning of the relationship to see if development further. I will say though their relationship was very natural and realistic which I appreciate so much.

Leia just knows how to write lovable characters because I’ve fallen so in love with the Vitale family I don’t know if I’m gonna be able to wait for anymore books. I want them now pleaseee. If you’re looking for a quick read that’ll bring you family, love, spice, and all the feels def pick this one up!!

[Paper Cuts Plot Twists · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following this journey from Frayed Bonds to the upcoming Masked Hearts has been nothing short of a wild ride.  I was already head over heels for big brother Ambrose—seriously, who didn’t fall for him?—but then Antonio came along and completely threw me off balance. The whiplash? Worth it. 

This book had me feeling like a little girl in a candy shop—wide-eyed, giddy, and grabbing at everything I can get.   

Antonio, with his crisp suits and smooth charm, had me thinking he was all class—but surprise, surprise… that man is a freak, and I was not ready. This book kept me on my toes, squealing, gasping, and absolutely devouring every word.  

Masked Hearts picks up right where Frayed Bonds left off, and trust me—you’ll want to start from the beginning to feel the full impact of this story. I highly recommend reading Frayed Bonds first to truly experience every twist, emotion, and connection the way it was meant to unfold.

Leia King did not hold back with this one. Her writing is powerful, immersive, and emotionally rich. Every scene pulls you in deeper, and her characters feel so real it’s like you’re living their lives right alongside them. Honestly, the world deserves to know her name and fall in love with her stories just like I did.

What to expect:

Antonio Vitale is thrown headfirst into a world of danger and criminal schemes, all to protect the people he loves. But nothing proves more dangerous than being forced to marry Theresa—the daughter of the very man who’s out for his blood.   

It was dangerous—The stakes were higher than either of them could’ve imagined, and yet, amidst the chaos and the threat of destruction, something neither of them could deny began to grow.

The heart, though, has a way of enduring, even when the odds are stacked against it.  This was a beautiful love story, a testament to the fact that love—no matter how forbidden, how dangerous—holds a power all its own.

Hats off for yet another incredible book! I’m absolutely thrilled and can’t wait for the next adventure to unfold. 

[sanellllreadsx · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review for Masked Hearts by Leia King
( the second & third slides images are borrowed from Leia King's instagram)
Tropes:
❤️‍🔥 billionaire romance
❤️‍🔥 marriage of convenience
❤️‍🔥 forced proximity
❤️‍🔥 only one bed
❤️‍🔥 reverse grumpy x sunshine
❤️‍🔥 found family
❤️‍🔥 French / Monegasque setting
❤️‍🔥 open door spice
❤️‍🔥 dual POV

i signed up for the Masked Hearts ARC before reading any of Leia's books. i then read the first book in the series (Frayed Bonds) and it was so incredibly good! i am OBSESSED with Ambrose Vitale (and even though Antonio is amazing and hot and all, Ambrose is still number 1 🤭)

Antonio & Theá is forced into a marriage after Antonio did something he wasn't supposed to 🤯 the attraction between them basically happened instantly and hot damn 🥵
as the story progresses we see how Nino & Theá slowly fall in love with each other and honestly, i fell in love with them too.
i'm incredibly excited to see what Leia's next book!

Leia King is a South African author who aims to immerse readers in heartfelt romance stories. ❤️

fave quote: “You’re more than a pawn, Theá. You’re the queen. You control this entire chess game. It’s all about what you want.”

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[b cozy book lounge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m completely obsessed with Leia King books - Masked hearts is part of The Billionaires Bloodlines series. This story has everything, heart-pounding romance, jaw dropping twists and emotional depth that’ll have you laughing one minute and crying the next.

We follow Antonio, a tortured soul trying to protect his family, even if it means marrying the daughter of the man who al wants him dead. Thea is trapped in her father’s world, dreaming of freedom and love through her romance books. Her strength, loyalty. and quiet rebellion make her easy to root for.

From the luxury of Monaco to the passion of Italy and the danger of the French underworld this book takes you on a ride. The slow burn? Delicious. The banter? Chef’s Kiss. The spice?

[Wendy Oak · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4'75 ⭐)
“You showed me all the parts of yourself that you thought no one wanted to see, and I just want you to know that I want to see them. I love all the weird parts that make you, Theá.”

WOW. This book made me remember why I love so much the Marriage of convenience trope. This story is so enjoyable and I enjoyed it more than Frayed Bonds (even though I loved it too). Theá and Antonio's love story is simply so amazing. Forced to get married to each other to fall deep in love. The side characters were really nice too, and I obviously loved Valerie and Ambrose appearing again. Thanks Leia for this wonderful opportunity! 💛

[Sara Reads2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Masked Heart
An arranged marriage born from blood debt and betrayal, The Masked Heart throws Thea and Antonin,two strangers into a world of secrets, sacrifice, and slow-burning love. He’s a morally grey billionaire with a baritone voice and a secret passion for painting. She’s a book-loving girl forced to marry him or lose everything. Set in Monaco and dripping with tension, this mafia romance explores second chances, unexpected healing, and what happens when love blooms in the shadows.

Leah delivers again—I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️3.5 for the feels, spice, and those heart-stealing moments.

[Author.Clarashe · Rating 2 out of 5]

𝟮,𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 / arc review

Review of the book: first it was a bit hard for me to get into the storyline but after a few chapter I began to love the storyline and the couple more. Some parts at the end did fell a little bit rushed out. If you don’t mind a book where the storyline feels the same as the others, then you should definitely give this book a try. It did have some parts of originality of the story and between the couples, but some parts felt like I have read it 100 times before (I didn’t mind it).

[Aiku · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely loved this! it had everything i like in a romance book. leia truly went above and beyond with 'masked hearts' and it shines on its own, though you do have to read 'frayed bonds' first to understand the story. everything nino and theá went through was quite intense and their ending felt like the satisfying fruit of their labour. watching them fall in love was a beautiful experience; the spice was hot too. there's brotherly banter, family drama, and secondary characters you can't help but want to know more about. definitely recommend this read.

[Andrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.2 stars.

I received an ARC of this book and i didn't really enjoy it.

Antonio Vitale is the youngest of the vitale family and has to lay low because he had killed a man who shouldn't have been killed.
Theresa Auclair has always been a pawn in her father's hands. A chess piece in his plans. Imagine her surprise when he drops a marriage into her lap with a man she knows nothing about.

I tried loving this book but I couldn't get into it. Although their live story was more natural compared to Ambrose and Valerie, it was a too fast. I didn't see how they could connect to turn into a relationship.

[Nadine Smiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️ARC REVIEW✨️

Masked Hearts by Leia King

This is the second book in the series... if you haven't read Frayed Bonds you so need to!

Masked Hearts is Antonio's turn for loooove with Theà and you will not be disappointed!

The loyalty, the Love, the Twists... this had me feeling all the emotions!

Antonio and Thea are HOT together and you will not regret reading this series!

Add it to your TBR for future reading!!

Im looking forward to the next 😍

[The Storytellers Treasures · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leia knocked this one out of the water. The perfect level of mafia without being too dark, the angst driving me insane in the best way possible. I found leia on an arc sign up with Frayed Bonds and I will be sticking with these stories and her books forever now. Her writing is so easy to read, there is a comfort that comes with her books and a special kind of enjoyment. I don’t want to put them down. This is the perfect addition to these chaotic brothers.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book of the series. The storyline was great and really kept you guessing as to what would happen. I don't like when the plot is easily figured out. Leia did a great job with the twists and turns. I couldn't put the book down.
You couldn't help but root for the FMC and MMC. They were sweet and spice all rolled into one. Definitely put this in your TBR.

[Torylovestoread · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had so much potential

[B Cozy Book Lounge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m completely obsessed with Leia King books - Masked hearts part is the Billionaire Bloodlines series, this story has everything, heart-pounding romance, jaw-dropping twists and emotional depth that’ll have you laughing one minute and crying the next.

We follow Antonio, a tortured soul trying to protect his family, even if it means marrying the daughter of the man who wants him dead. Thea is trapped in her father’s world, dreaming of freedom and love through her romance books Her strength, loyalty, and quiet rebellion make her easy to root for.

From the luxury of Monaco to the passion of Italy and the danger of the French underworld- this book takes you on a ride. The slow burn?Delicious. The banter? Chef’s kiss. The spice?🔥🔥🔥

You won’t want to put this down. I already can’t wait for the next one.

It’s recommended you read Frayed Bonds first. Available on Amazon KU.