Eden's life changed the night she lost her entire family at the hands of the Blood Princes. Betrayed by the people she thought she could trust, Eden enlists the help of a notorious hitman so she can take revenge.
As they strike a deal that forces them to work together, those old feelings she had for them start to resurface. Can she trust them? Or will they tear her to pieces again?
Collection of Hearts is a dark romance suitable for readers over 18. It is a why choose romance meaning our heroine doesn’t have to choose between her love interests. Please read the content warnings.
MF (for this book but series is why choose) Dark Unalivers Secret Society Betrayal & Vengeance Second Chance Masked Men Childhood Friends Contemporary Novella
A collection of hearts is book one in the Kingdom of Blood duet. The books must be read in order for maximum enjoyment.
This story centers around Eden and the night that changed her life forever. Everything was taken from her in one fell swoop and the consequences of that action are now coming full circle. With the help of serial unaliver Zephyr, Eden comes back into town with a vengeance and a plot for revenge.
The Blood Princes are part of the secret society elite but it hasn’t spared them from endless pain and torment. Callan, Rami, Dax, and Bennett were all smitten with sweet little Eden as teenagers but aren’t prepared for the changes in her as an adult. They had to give her up once but don’t intend to do so again now that they’ve found her.
This is a very dark contemporary romance with masked men and secret societies thrown in for good measure. The characters are quite compelling and the writing is fast paced and thrilling. A great short read.
So Eden has spent 5 years plotting to take down the Blood Princes for murdering her family…well she’s only really bothered with the deaths of her sister as her parents were awful people. Then just as she gets them in her trap, and finally gets them to give her answers the book ends! I mean it is a great way of leaving readers wanting more…but I’m now desperate to know what happens next!
Fast paced book, with revenge at its core, but also the underlying feelings of a 16 year old girl who loved these Blood Princes, but also has the heartbreak of losing her sister, which ultimately changed who she was.
Anyway, Eden has had a crush on the guys since she was a teen, it’s obvious from the flashbacks that she was in love with Callan. Especially when she gets upset with him about him potentially marrying her sister. But in these flashes you see a version of Eden who is innocent despite the brutality of her father. Whereas in present times she is part of a murder duo…albeit killing people who deserve to die…and she’s out for revenge and has planned and plotted for years.
Then there’s the boys, all of who are under their father’s influence, with Callans dad pulling the strings. They are dangerous men, who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and kill people. But Callan doesn’t seem afraid to take the punishment from his father either as he’s been used to it for years.
Zephyr, is an interesting character. Clearly psychopathic, but endearing at the same time. Although how he and Eden have never been caught as the Khaos Killers is beyond me…after all they’re not very forensically aware when they’re having sex in a crime scene after murdering people. Or discreet with names while they’re getting intimate when they have an innocent locket in a closet. At least when the Blood Princes do the murdering, they have a detective to clean up their mess.
There’s a hint to some complex relationships been formed as the story continues, there’s obviously something between Callan and Rami, then Zephyr seems to be liking Bennett’s pleasure from pain, not to mention they all want Eden.
But that ending with Callan basically proposing marriage by asking Eden to be the Dove in the Annual Kings Ball, in exchange for the information she wants regarding her sister death. She has him and his friends tied up and torturing each of them, yet he seems to think he has the upper hand by offering this proposal. But I guess if the Kings ordered her sister’s death…which it seems likely since Callan was punished for letting Eden live…then she’ll do whatever it takes to get close to them to take her revenge. Although, not sure Callans dad will be happy with his choice of Dove considering he was beyond disappointed that Callan didn’t kill her the night her family died.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If you crave stories where morality is blurred, revenge is intoxicating, and love feels more like a weapon than a weakness, then Collection of Hearts needs to be at the top of your TBR.
⚠ Please check the trigger warnings before diving in. This is not a light read it’s unapologetically dark. And it’s absolutely phenomenal.
From the very first chapter, this book sinks its claws into you and refuses to let go. Revenge pulses at the heart of this story, wrapped in dark secrets, buried betrayals, and characters so morally corrupt you’ll question who if anyone you should be rooting for. There are no heroes here. Only monsters.
Zephyr may be the only one with a clinical diagnosis of psychopathy, but let’s be honest the rest of them aren’t far behind. And Eden? She might just be the most dangerous of them all.
After tragically losing her family, Eden is consumed by one thing: revenge. She believes the Blood Princes Callan, Dax, Rami, and Bennett the boys she once grew up with, are responsible. And she is done being the grieving girl. She’s calculating. She’s furious. She’s brilliant. Full of rage and dark mischief, Eden is a force and she absolutely gives these men a run for their money.
Then there’s Zephyr.
Obsessive. Chaotic. Unpredictable. He’s the wildcard at Eden’s side the muscle, the mastermind, the perfect partner in crime. Their dynamic? Explosive. While the overall romance carries that delicious slow-burn lovers tension, Eden and Zephyr ignite immediately. Hot. Fast. Dangerous. Every scene between them crackles with intensity.
As Eden begins laying traps for the Blood Princes, the story kicks into high gear. Twists hit when you least expect them. Alliances feel fragile. The past refuses to stay buried. And just when you think you’re starting to understand what really happened between them all… another secret surfaces.
It has that addictive mixed with a secret society atmosphere that keeps you constantly on edge. The pacing is sharp, the stakes are deadly, and the emotional undercurrent is raw and ruthless.
And that ending? The cliffhanger is cruel in the best possible way.
I closed this book desperate for answers and already counting down to Part Two. If you love deliciously dark reads filled with obsession, revenge, morally gray (more like morally black) characters, and romance that feels like a loaded weapon this one will absolutely consume you.
📌 Voluntary review. No compensation. Just one reader who was unexpectedly blown away and completely hooked.
I only knew Bailey Grayson as a paranormal romance author until a Collection of Hearts. I'm not really a contemporary reader, but when I do read them, they are dark and generally have some kind of criminal aspect. Bailey hit the nail on the head with this one. Hearts is organized crime meets secret society. Is it a little on this side of creepy with the masks?
All the characters are monsters. There are no good guys here, and while Zephyr is the only one with the clinical diagnosis of psychopath, I'm sure the others aren't too far behind, and that especially goes for the MFC. Eden was great. She's full of rage and dark mischief and is very capable. It's a deadly combination. She certainly gives the MMCs a run for their money. This is a slow-burn friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, except things with Zephyr are hot and fast right from the start. I can't wait to see how things work out between Eden and the Blood Princes.
Revenge plots are the best! This was a dark rebirth. Eden suffered a horrible childhood at the hands of her father. So no loss there, but the death of her sister is what completely changed Eden, understandably so. Eden revels in the dark, and she's good at it. This book was quick, but Bailey gave a great peek into the Blood King Syndicate. I have more than a few questions. That ending was glorious; I can't wait to see what happens next. A Collection of Hearts is for dark romance readers who like their characters a little unhinged.
Collection of Hearts: Kingdom of Blood Part One by Bailey Grayson is a dark contemporary reverse harem. After her entire family was murdered by the Blood Princes, she walked away. However when she returns 5 years later she's not the same girl and she's not alone. She's been trained by Zephyr, a legendary assassin feared as a monster. Will they be able to pull off her plan to obtain the answers and vengeance she seeks? I love this story. It is fast-paced, short, and had me immediately engaged, making it a one day read. Eden is an amazing character that's both intelligent, strong, and just a little bit psycho, pretty much the perfect girl. Despite her and Zephyr being violent serial killers there is a little moral compass they follow, trying not to hurt the innocent. I will say there is more going on in this story and I can't wait to find out what really happened. However beyond that I think the Princes have their own agendas in regards to dealing with their fathers and they don't seem pleased to follow in their footsteps, I really hope I'm right about this.There is a little spice but mostly between Eden and Zephyr with a little taste of Bennet. However there is lots of chemistry between Eden and the rest of the princes. Pretty sure this will build in the following books just not sure at what pace. I am definitely desperate to get my hands on the next book in The Kingdom of Blood series and see what next especially after the little cliffhanger we got left on.
Absolutely phenomenal book. I love dark reads and this one is deliciously dark. We have Eden that tragically lost her family and she believes that the Blood princes are the ones that did it. She wants revenge. There were 5 families of a syndicate and her dad was one of the kings, as with Callan, Dax, Bennett and Reno’s fathers. So far it seems that Callan’s dad is the leader of sorts and he is a very violent man, including with his son. Unfortunately Eden had her fair share of abuse by her father as a kid because she was born female and her dad did some awful torture to her. Callan’s dad wants him to choose a Dove at the annual kings ball. Yikes he needs to choose a bride. Eden has successfully kidnapped or lead all her suspects into a trap to get caught. With the help of her partner and other half of the chaos killers. She starts her torture. She wants answers and the guys aren’t talking. The last thing before a cliffhanger is that Callan will give her the answers she seeks only if she becomes his Dove. Things are getting good. I can’t wait for the next book. I just know that I will absolutely love it
⚠ Please check the trigger warnings before reading.
This book is all about revenge and dark secrets. It follows Eden, who has been through a lot of trauma and is now on a mission to get back at the people she believes destroyed her family. She’s strong and definitely a bit unhinged, which makes her a great FMC!
She isn't doing this alone, though. She has Zephyr by her side, and he is a total wildcard. He’s described as a diagnosed psychopath, and their dynamic is obsessive, chaotic and fascinating. He’s essentially the muscle and the perfect partner in crime she needs to take on the "Blood Princes."
The Princes—Callan, Dax, Rami, and Bennett—are the men Eden grew up with, but now they are her targets. The story really picks up when she starts setting traps for them to get the answers she’s been hunting for.
It's a pretty fast-paced read that keeps you on your feet with lots of twists. I can't wait to find out what happened between them all. It has a "childhood friends to enemies" vibe with the secret society feel.
This does end on a cliffhanger, so you’ll be wanting book 2 straight away, and I can't wait to see all the twists and secrets unfold.
*Why Choose *Contemporary *Multi-1st-PoV *Crime Syndicate *Dark Elements *Revenge Plot *Friends to Enemies *Cereal Unalivers *Building Harem (5) *Fast Burn *Book 1 / ? Punchy Slightly shorter read but there’s a lot to it! Our FMC Ellie is seeking revenge on her former friends as she beloved them to be home her family’s massacre and its clear in the five years she been away she a far cry from the young girl she was! Yet as you move through the story it’s clear there was always a fire and defiance in her, it’s just been shaped into being a deadly vigilante unaliver 🤪 she’s a chaotic force that’s been built by assassin Zephyer who has nuttier her cravings whilst falling for her as much as a psychopath can 😍 the four bloody princes are different from each other, although more substance/time has been given to Callan in this book so would like to see more of the others as the series progresses. Storyline will be familiar but still interesting (I finished it on one sitting!) and I’m hoping they work out the differences before this spirals 😳
Revenge tour, party of one ☑, and it's oh so fun!!👏
Pure and utter mayhem grace these pages, and I was here for each and every word 😉. Eden (FMC) endured the loss of her entire family and she is out for retribution. Well...for her sister at least. Welcome to a world filled with secret societies/crime, PAIN and loss. I loved watching her regaining the power she lost all those years ago.
• Multi POV • Dark Romance • Why Choose • Secret Society • Major Triggers • Friends to Enemies
This is one adrenaline packed thrill ride from the word go. These characters are fascinating, and I can't wait to peel the onion more to discover more about them. This book sets the stage, and leaves us with a cliffhanger...can't wait to see what's next!! This dark and twisty tale seems to be about family. Chosen family. Those that they will do anything for. These are deeply flawed characters that have all seen major trauma. All I know is I could NOT put this book down!! As dark and twisty as it was, these characters wouldn't let go!! Book two can't come fast enough.
This author is new to me, and boy am I glad I picked this one up. This book is all about revenge and dark secrets. It follows Eden, who has been through a lot of trauma and is now on a mission to get back at the people she believes destroyed her family. She’s strong and definitely a bit unhinged, which makes her a great FMC! She isn't doing this alone, though. she has her psychopath side kick, and their dynamic is obsessive, chaotic and fascinating. He’s essentially the muscle and the perfect partner in crime. The Princes are boys she grew up with, before she lost her family. The story really picks up when she starts setting traps for them to get the answers she’s been hunting for.It's a pretty fast-paced read that keeps you on your feet with lots of twists. I can't wait to find out what happened between them all. It has a "childhood friends to enemies" vibe with the secret society feel. Ends on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to see how this story continues because I couldn’t put it down. 10/10 recommend this!
Collection of Hearts pulls you into a world where grief becomes fuel and survival demands strength you didn’t know you had. Eden isn’t just chasing revenge — she’s trying to rebuild herself from the ashes of everything she’s lost. Her pain feels sharp and personal, and that emotional weight gives the story real depth. What I loved most is that nothing feels simple. The alliances she forms are complicated, especially with the dangerous man who steps into her path. Their connection isn’t built on sweetness — it’s layered with tension, mistrust, and undeniable chemistry. Every interaction feels like it could either spark something powerful or explode completely. That unpredictability kept me hooked. The tone of the book leans unapologetically dark, but it never loses its emotional core. Beneath the danger and intensity, there’s a story about resilience and the messy, complicated ways people cope with loss. The pacing moves quickly without sacrificing character development, and by the end, I was fully invested.
Oh My! Talk about a dark and twisted world that we have just dived into. This story was fascinating. It quickly pulled me in and didn’t let go. It is a little quicker read but not so quick you feel like you are missing so much. We meet Eden who is one that you can instantly love in all her glory. She is looking for revenge and we journey alongside her path with Zephyr. You quickly learn that Zephyr is a bit unhinged but you still quickly love his personality. The blood princes don’t know what is going to hit them. The story is extremely well written and developed. It had me on the edge of my seat unable to put it down. I absolutely had to see how this was going to play out and who is going to come out on top. Does Eden get the answer to her questions or is she going to be left with more questions? The ending of this book has me in a bit of a shock and has me absolutely thrilled to see what happens next. This is absolutely a fascinating story that will not disappoint.
I devoured this book in one sitting, once I’d started reading, I just couldn’t put it down. I love a good secret society story and add in a revenge plot and I’m a very happy bunny. There’s the whole childhood friends to estranged enemies and it was so, so good. Eden is a smidge unhinged, but she has a plan. Backing her up is the biggest red flag walking, Zephyr, a diagnosed psychopath. That bit made me giggle. Then there are the Blood Princes. Callan, Dax, Rami and Bennett. I feel like we got to know Callan the best, followed by Rami and Bennett. I want to know more about Dax too. All the fathers in this are despicable and deserving of death. One down, four to go, hopefully! At the end of the book, I just wanted more, more of everything, there are some interesting relationship dynamics going on that need exploring. Fantastic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️
I loved the FMC Eden. Forever changed by the murder of her sister, rather than accepting and moving on she’s spent the last 5 years working with a psychopathic hitman and planning her revenge. Now she’s back with a plan and a grudge and the people she blames better watch their backs! I loved how the author kept such a fine balance between her still retaining her old self, even if tarnished by trauma, and her new dark and twisted self rather than being all dark. The light and shade worked well for me. I also liked the relationship with Zephyr as she managed to bring out almost a caring side to him which contrasted with his nature. Love the four very different personalities of the Blood Princes and how she adjusted her torture methods to each one and revealed just how much she actually knew. Loved the ending and can’t wait to see if she accepts the offer.
This book is all about revenge and dark secrets. It follows Eden, who has been through a lot of trauma and is now on a mission to get back at the people she believes destroyed her family. She’s strong and definitely a bit unhinged, which makes her a great FMC!
She isn't doing this alone, though. she has her psychopath side kick, and their dynamic is obsessive, chaotic and fascinating. He’s essentially the muscle and the perfect partner in crime.
The Princes are boys she grew up with, before she lost her family. The story really picks up when she starts setting traps for them to get the answers she’s been hunting for.
It's a pretty fast-paced read that keeps you on your feet with lots of twists. I can't wait to find out what happened between them all. It has a "childhood friends to enemies" vibe with the secret society feel. Ends on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to see how this story continues.
Dark, vicious, bloody, and spicy. Eden lost her whole family five years ago - not so much grieving her abusive father, but the loss of her sister Ellie never stopped hurting. And she is dead set on vengeance. Hunting down the Blood Princes and destroying the Syndicate, with the help of a ruthless psychopathic killer Zephyr. Yet despite her great intel, she still might not know everything, and the secrets might undo her careful plans. This romance is really dark and full of triggers, so best start with the warnings to decide whether this is good for you. Grief, pain, and forced obedience drive the story, which develops really fast and does not give much time for background development. It is full of action and violence and dark chemistry. And a great twist at the end. Looking forward to see how they solve the tricky situation they are in.
I have never read Bailey Grayson before, but if this book is anything to go by, looks like I need to add her to my 'must-read' list.
This is a dark, why-choose, and one of the best things about it is that the open-door happens nice and early on, setting the scene for the FMC having her own personal psychopath who will literally burn the world for her.
Eden is after the men who killed her sister. It's a revenge story, it's a secret society story, it's violent in all the best ways, and I literally couldn't put it down. Finished in a matter of hours (and that is only because apparently I had to do parenting).
And, that cliffhanger has basically left me feeling very... edged.
I cannot tell you how much I want to get into the next book RIGHT NOW!
This is the first book in the Kingdom of Blood series, a dark reverse harem romance. After reading the synopsis, I initially thought I was getting a dark fantasy romance—when I saw “Blood Princes,” my mind immediately went to fae. I definitely wasn’t expecting a secret society and psycho assassins.
But I’m not mad about it.
This book was fantastic! I haven’t read a story like this in ages, and I didn’t realize how much I missed/enjoyed the trope.
The story follows Eden, the last surviving Beaufort, as she seeks revenge on the four men she had a crush on as a teenager for the death of her sister. Along the way we learn of her past, including her sadistic father. Oh! And then there’s her assassin “boyfriend” that adds another unhinged layer to the story.
This was a short book and a fast read. Once you start, you won't be able to put it down.
My only complaint was the editing. That said, overall, I loved it.
And that cliffhanger… I need the next book like yesterday!
Be warned guys this book is a dark read so content might upset some people so please read the trigger warnings.
For me though i don't mind a bit of the dark side in books & this book was definitely right up my street. Revenge being the main focus for Eden. With her trying to get it by using an unusual tactic - a hitman - Zephyr. Who, even though he was a hot psychopath i couldn't help but like him. He was the perfect opposite to Eden. He brought out her bloodthirstiness more i thought. More so with her wanting payback against The Blood Princes - Callan, Dax, Remi & Bennett.
This book was an outstanding mix of violent and twistingly brilliant plot twists and turns. All leading up to a WTH cliff-hanger ending which was so good! I cant wait for book 2.
A dark why choose romance? Yes please! Eden's family is murdered by the Blood Princes, and years later she's back for revenge. After leaving and plotting with Zephyr (a man know to everyone as a monster), learning the best way to get what she wants, she's ready to put their plan into action. But when she's with them again, those old feelings she had as a teenager come up, making everything so much more complicated.
I loved this story! It's dark, edgy, and morality seems to just be a suggestion. The Blood Princes have more to them than what we learned in this part of the story, so I'm dying to see where the next part leads us, and how their relationship with Eden will evolve.
My favourite type of book: Dark romance, Why choose, Revenge Storyline.
Eden comes home to find her family dead & discovers it’s the Blood Princes (Callen, Dax, Bennet & Rami) who killed them. We later find out that Eden had a close relationship with each of the princes, particularly Callen the leader of the Princes. Which makes the betrayal hurt more. 5 years later Eden comes back to get revenge on them with the help of Zephyr, a psychopath whose relationship with Eden is off the charts 🔥.
I absolutely loved this book, very fast paced. My only complaint is, it wasn’t long enough, I needed more… Great start to a new series.
This was absolutely amazing! I couldn’t put it down. Bailey has a way of taking dark romance to another level, and this story was no different. Eden is and amazing FMC. I absolutely loved her tough attitude and the way she takes control were perfect. Then of course we have Zephyr who is the perfect counter to her brand of justice. Just when you think it can’t get any better we have the blood princes. The main object of Eden’s need for revenge. But in true Bailey fashion….HOLY CLIFFHANGER!! This book is dark, why choose, mafia. It was amazing and you won’t regret grabbing this one.
Deliciously dark, Collection of Hearts introduces readers to Eden, daughter of one of the syndicate kings, and the blood princes Callan, Dax, Bennett and Reno, sons of the other syndicate kings. Eden has a very tragic past. Not having the easiest life living with her father who wasn't happy to not have a son, and her family killed, she is looking for revenge against the other syndicate families and she is ready to get information from the blood princes. When she captures them, she is surprised when Callan offers information in return for her agreeing to be his Dove, his future bride. I can't wait to find out what will happen next in this dark romance!
Dark why choose romance Secret society FMC stalker
Dark, delicious and dirty
Eden finds her sister dead. She was killed by the Blood Princes (Callan, Bennett, Rami & Dax). Eden has had a childish crush on them. Five years later Eden comes back to Beaufort Hall her family’s home. Zephyr is a hitman and Eden uses his skills to get her revenge on the Blood Princes.
Eden is a fiery FMC wants revenge on the people who hurt her sister. Spice and darkness combined. Yum yum.
This is my first book that I’ve read of Bailey Grayson and it won’t be the last. Lived every moment of this book and dying to read the next one … especially leaving it on that lovely cliffhanger.
Part one of a dark romance. The story has mafia and serial killers, so you know there is going to be some dark situations. The story just change who’s POV you are reading. But Eden is the star of the story. We get several flash backs for her and some of the others and they paint a very dark past. It all shows how the characters grew up and want pushed them into what they are today. Eden brings plenty of dark surprises and I still feel the need to keep rooting for her. There are a few very spicy scenes and I expect the next part of the series will only get hotter. Loving all of these characters.
Collection of Hearts is revenge fueled, obsessive, and impossible to put down. Eden is fierce, a little unhinged, and completely driven by the need to destroy the Blood Princes who shattered her world. I loved her intensity. She doesn’t hesitate, and she definitely doesn’t forgive. The dynamic between Eden and her hitman partner is chaotic perfection, and the tension with the Princes, hello childhood friends to enemies, is thick with secrets and betrayal. The why choose romance only adds to the emotional mess in the best way. Fast paced, dark, and full of twists. Just be ready for that cliffhanger. I will absolutely be back for more.
This is a dark romance, so heed the TWs. Eden seeks revenge for the deaths of her family. The “Blood Princes” are her targets. Once childhood friends bound by their fathers to becoming targets. She thinks that they were murdered by the princes, but were they? We don’t know the full story and this book is not for the faint of heart. I love a good dark book and if that is what you’re in the mood for, this will totally satisfy that itch. It’s a short read that ends in a cliffy, but worth it!
It's fast, it's hard, it's dark and its beautiful!
Let me start by saying read the triggers.
This book has gore,blood,trauma and torture, love and sex and obsession! Mass murderers, hidden societies ...it has it all...
This is part 1 in the story and daaamn the author gave it all and left us wanting more of this twisted and bloody world! It's fast paced and it draws you into a world of mystery. This story is short and doesn't give us but merely a glimpse to what will happen. I need more!
This is the first book in the Kingdom of Blood. Although it's a short read it packs a punch. Eden lost her family. Those she thought she could trust she couldn't. She left. Trained with Zephyr. She returns years later with revenge on her mind. Will they be able to pull it off?. The Blood Princes Callan,Rami,Dad,and Bennett knew Eden when they were teenagers. She is so different than they remembered. This is so dark and intriguing that I couldn't put it down. I was on the edge of my seat while reading it. I need more of this story like right away. That's how good it was
So this is on the shorter side of books for me but really a great book none the less. You do need to like things on the darker side though and if you have triggers do check them out before reading this book. This is a contemporary read and I think she has done a fantastic job. Morally very grey characters but very well done. Zephyr is training her and he is feared by others as an assassin but has a compass as to not hurt the innocent. Now on the journye to get revenge for the death of her loved ones can she find justice? Fast paced, evening read and now waiting the next book in the series.