Marked

Wicked Heirs #1

by Harlow Duncan

Three ruthless brothers. One deadly obsession.

Avril Velez never belonged at Messana’s elite magic academy. Her power is weak, her future uncertain—until her mother announces an engagement to Lucian Romano, the city’s most feared sorcerer.

Now Avril’s life is ripped away and replaced with a gilded prison inside Lucian’s dark estate, where his three sons—Titus, Valen, and Bastian—torment her at every turn. But their cruelty masks something far more obsession. Possessive. All-consuming. And each brother seems intent on making her his.

As secrets unravel and loyalties shift, Avril is pulled deeper into the Romano family’s twisted web of power, desire, and forbidden magic. The line between torment and temptation blurs—and escape may no longer be what she wants.

But Lucian has plans of his own. And if Avril can’t outplay them all, she won’t just lose her freedom—she’ll lose herself.


**Please check the trigger warnings for this book. The Wicked Heirs Series is intended to be read by adults over the age of 18 and contains content that may be triggering for some readers**

Genres: Fantasy, Why Choose, Dark, Paranormal, Romance

370 pages, Paperback

Published February 16, 2025

Reviews

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

* I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review *

For a debut novel, Harlow Duncan delivered a solid start to her Wicked Heirs series. I connected well with the FMC from the start, though felt that as the story progressed I was being fed more expressive verbs than actual story-building. At about 2/3 of the way through the book, I was so desperate for something to happen, to find out a plot twist or to see something progress that I found myself skimming the overly descriptive and repetitive explanations of the very basic interactions with the brothers.

I had hoped for more backstory on the Necromi and the secret society, which I hope is going to come in book 2.

The spice is spicy, but the scenes are few and far between in the book. I loved the paranormal shadow aspect and the FMC being "watched" and not knowing by whom and had again, hoped to have more built onto this and hope that might be another part of book 2.

I'll definitely pick up book 2 to see if what I had been missing in book 1 resolves!

[Fathi MYHKSKPG (heylittlesiren) · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay

Love reading the beginning. It was very promosing, I’m curious on what will going on. The fear in her when she felt like she was being watched. However, in the middle it was lacking something that makes the story boring a little bit. Some part were repetitive and overly descriptive that makes me skims the story at a certain point. It was spicy in a mild way. I’m looking for more. Looking forward to read about Avril in the next book!

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Avril. That girl gets drug through 10 feet of mud and 30 feet of briar bushes before she sees any ‘kindness’. So much happens in this first book. So much bad happens to our girl Avril. So much bad is done BY our MMCs—how are they ever going to gain redemption??? Can’t wait for book 2 to find out!

Basics:
Length:
* Novel
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* To Be Continued in Wicked Heirs - Book 2 - Cursed
Series:
* Wicked Heirs
Epilogue:
* No

Nitty-Gritty…
MMC1:
* Titus
MMC2:
* Bastian
MMC3:
* Valen
FMC:
* Avril

Genre & Tropes:
* Dark Paranormal Romance
* Morally Dark Gray MMCs
* Forbidden Romance
* Enemies to Lovers
* Forced Proximity
* Necromancy
* Reverse Harem
* MFM+M
* No crossed swords
* Step-Brother MMCs
* Virgin FMC
Triggers:
* 18+
* Explicit Content
* Explicit On Page Sex
* Voyeurism
* Cunnilingus
* Fellatio
* Dbl Penetration
* Spit Roasted
* Bottom Play
* Bondage
* Breath Play
* Edging
* Degradation
* Humiliation
* Power Dynamics
* Coercive Control
* Mental Abuse
* Bullying
* Stalking
* Dubious Consent
* Magical Sexual Torture
* Sexual Assault
* Physical Violence
* Death
* Murder
* Suicide
* Parental Loss
Burn Speed:
* Slow
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[❆ Sara ❆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

-ARC reader- 3,5 stars 🌟
My first ARC ever! I really enjoyed it and it was something I haven’t read before. For a debut Harlow Duncan did a wonderful job. It was interesting with some plot twists I didn’t see coming and it kept me on my toes. It is definitely a great start to a series and I want to read the next book now.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes an idea for a book sounds amazing, but the execution is less than ideal. This is exactly the situation I found myself in after reading this.
My first gripe is that there is absolutely no explanation for the magic system, is it just is and it’s infuriating. I felt like I missed out on chapters of world-building but in fact there just was none. Instead there’s repeated after repeated after repeated phrases with the astoundingly weak FMC. I am a self-proclaimed girl’s girl, but this tested my patience. There was no growth, no chosen one trope, no nothing. The men were even WORSE if that’s even possible. The lack of depth and the total blandness of their personalities made for the spicy scenes to be increasingly embarrassing and hard to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Avril. That girl gets drug through 10 feet of mud and 30 feet of briar bushes before she sees any ‘kindness’. So much happens in this first book. So much bad happens to our girl Avril. So much bad is done BY our MMCs—how are they ever going to gain redemption??? Can’t wait for book 2 to find out!

Basics:
Length:
* Novel
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* To Be Continued in Wicked Heirs - Book 2 - Cursed
Series:
* Wicked Heirs
Epilogue:
* No

Nitty-Gritty…
MMC1:
* Titus
MMC2:
* Bastian
MMC3:
* Valen
FMC:
* Avril

Genre & Tropes:
* Dark Paranormal Romance
* Morally Dark Gray MMCs
* Forbidden Romance
* Enemies to Lovers
* Forced Proximity
* Necromancy
* Reverse Harem
* MFM+M
* No crossed swords
* Step-Brother MMCs
* Virgin FMC
Triggers:
* 18+
* Explicit Content
* Explicit On Page Sex
* Voyeurism
* Cunnilingus
* Fellatio
* Dbl Penetration
* Spit Roasted
* Bottom Play
* Bondage
* Breath Play
* Edging
* Degradation
* Humiliation
* Power Dynamics
* Coercive Control
* Mental Abuse
* Bullying
* Stalking
* Dubious Consent
* Magical Sexual Torture
* Sexual Assault
* Physical Violence
* Death
* Murder
* Suicide
* Parental Loss
Burn Speed:
* Slow
Spice Level:
*

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Star Rating: 3/5
Spice Rating: 2/5

Quote: "Surviving isn’t playing nice, little sister. It’s kill or be killed."

Thoughts: Harlow Duncan has made a remarkable debut with her Wicked Heirs series! From the moment I met the female lead, I felt a strong connection to her, which added an intriguing layer to the narrative. As the story unfolded, I appreciated the bold use of expressive verbs, even though I noticed some moments where the plot could benefit from a bit more development. While the thrilling plot twists certainly kept my interest alive, the middle sections felt repetitive and could have used a bit more focus, leading me to skim occasionally. Nevertheless, this is an exciting start to a new series! I sense great potential in the characters, and I believe that as the series progresses, they will develop more depth. The male leads, with their intriguing secrets, certainly add an engaging complexity to the story, though at times their interactions with Avril felt a tad dramatic. Avril’s innocence and emotional vulnerability create a relatable character, and I’m eager to see how she evolves in future instalments. Overall, I’m optimistic about what’s to come.

Favourite Moment: I really enjoyed the descriptors of being watched. I felt Harlow Duncan conveyed the eeriness of this really well.

Notes: I definitely am interested in reading more and seeing where the author progresses.

#marked #harlowduncan #wickiedheirs #book #paranormal #romance #arcread #triggerwarnings

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Book sprout for allowing me to read this book. This is a why choose romance. This is a dark romance so be sure you read the triggers.

Avril attends Messana's elite magical academy where she is often bullies for having only a small amount of magic. (I'm wondering if her magic will manifest in the next book). Her mom pulls her out of school unexpectedly and April is surprised her mom is getting married to Lucian Romano, who is really just a really bad guy.

Poor Avril really could not catch a break from anyone. Her mom is terrible, she has 3 step brothers who really ticked me off and they had their own agenda. To me by the end of the book there were allot of things I was scratching my head about. This is book 1 in a trilogy so hopefully some stuff is explained better. I want to know more about the magic and how it can transfer to someone else, what a Lucian's sons planning, why has Lucian been tracking Avril since childhood. Overall this book was pretty good I will be reading the second book when it comes out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brooke Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark and twisty - check your trigger warnings! I am intrigued by the magical world and feel like there is going to be a big reveal in regards to the fmcs magic capabilities in the next book. There is definitely dark, unhinged things happening between the mmcs (her stepbrothers)... their relationships with each other as well as with Avril. But I was left unsure of how much I like them and how little "romance" has been teased so far (the cliffhanger is brutal). Rated it a 4 star because I will definitely be picking up book two to see what happens next!

I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[stephanie cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marked plunges readers into a world where forbidden magic and dangerous desire intertwine, offering a gothic romance that promises both allure and peril. However, while the atmospheric setting and complex relationships hold potential, the execution leaves room for improvement.

The narrative begins with Avril being forced to live at Withermarsh, the estate of the MMCs and their father. This setting is rich with gothic elements—isolated, mysterious, and steeped in secrets. The atmosphere is thick with suspense, drawing readers into a world where every shadow seems to conceal a hidden truth.

Avril, the female main character (FMC), is depicted as innocent and emotionally vulnerable, often allowing others to walk over her. This passivity may resonate with readers who appreciate characters undergoing significant growth. However, her constant tears and perceived weakness could be off-putting to those who prefer more assertive protagonists. The MMCs, with their dark secrets and complex personalities, add layers to the story, though their interactions with Avril sometimes border on the melodramatic.

The novel delves into themes of forbidden magic and the supernatural, elements central to gothic romance. The setting—an eerie estate shrouded in mystery—enhances the narrative's tension and allure. However, the pacing suffers as the plot takes time to unfold, and Avril's emotional responses may not align with all readers' expectations.

Marked offers a gothic romance steeped in atmosphere and intrigue, with a setting that promises suspense and mystery. While Avril's character may not appeal to all readers, those who enjoy slow-burn narratives and complex character dynamics might find this story compelling. The novel sets the stage for a series that could evolve into a captivating exploration of love, magic, and the shadows that bind them.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Avril. That girl gets drug through 10 feet of mud and 30 feet of briar bushes before she sees any ‘kindness’. So much happens in this first book. So much bad happens to our girl Avril. So much bad is done BY our MMCs—how are they ever going to gain redemption??? Can’t wait for book 2 to find out!

Basics:
Length:
* Novel
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* To Be Continued in Wicked Heirs - Book 2 - Cursed
Series:
* Wicked Heirs
Epilogue:
* No

Nitty-Gritty…
MMC1:
* Titus
MMC2:
* Bastian
MMC3:
* Valen
FMC:
* Avril

Genre & Tropes:
* Dark Paranormal Romance
* Morally Dark Gray MMCs
* Forbidden Romance
* Enemies to Lovers
* Forced Proximity
* Necromancy
* Reverse Harem
* MFM+M
* No crossed swords
* Step-Brother MMCs
* Virgin FMC
Triggers:
* 18+
* Explicit Content
* Explicit On Page Sex
* Voyeurism
* Cunnilingus
* Fellatio
* Dbl Penetration
* Spit Roasted
* Bottom Play
* Bondage
* Breath Play
* Edging
* Degradation
* Humiliation
* Power Dynamics
* Coercive Control
* Mental Abuse
* Bullying
* Stalking
* Dubious Consent
* Magical Sexual Torture
* Sexual Assault
* Physical Violence
* Death
* Murder
* Suicide
* Parental Loss
Burn Speed:
* Slow
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Book sprout for allowing me to read this book. This is a why choose romance. This is a dark romance so be sure you read the triggers.

Avril attends Messana's elite magical academy where she is often bullies for having only a small amount of magic. (I'm wondering if her magic will manifest in the next book). Her mom pulls her out of school unexpectedly and April is surprised her mom is getting married to Lucian Romano, who is really just a really bad guy.

Poor Avril really could not catch a break from anyone. Her mom is terrible, she has 3 step brothers who really ticked me off and they had their own agenda. To me by the end of the book there were allot of things I was scratching my head about. This is book 1 in a trilogy so hopefully some stuff is explained better. I want to know more about the magic and how it can transfer to someone else, what a Lucian's sons planning, why has Lucian been tracking Avril since childhood. Overall this book was pretty good I will be reading the second book when it comes out.

[Shu · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning was a bit slow on the plot as much didn’t happen besides the FMC (Avril) being forced to live at Withermarsh (estate of the MMCs and their father). Not the biggest fan of the FMC as she’s written as too innocent (she lets everyone walk over her), weak, and basically cries a lot. There is a lot of bullying even though it was not the FMC’s fault (still ongoing as of the cliffhanger/end of book 1 for those not a fan of bullying). So far, the men’s feelings are possessive, lust, and hate. Hopefully, the men will be groveling by the next book and it doesn’t drag on in the storyline. Sometimes I felt like the MMCs were written like they were still barely adults (18/19) even though it was mention they were older (FMC is 21 while the men were older). There are a few spice scenes between the group near the end. Not sure why readers had to repeatedly know the MMCs rode motorcycles, the FMC seeing shadows in mirrors, or the portraits following her down the hallway. Viewpoints were from Avril and Titus but I hope we get more from Valen and Bastien in the next book.

[Toni Hopley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a wild ride, and I absolutely loved the premise. Avril is forced into a strange new world and away from her reality. Nothing is familiar and she starts spiralling as she questions her sanity—while her stepbrothers twist the knife at every turn for their own gain. Her world is so chaotic and crazy.

This first instalment packed a lot in and left me a bit bewildered in places trying to keep up. I started to wonder was there ever going to be some good in her life as so much happens to Avril. Even more is done by the MMCs and it looks like they will never find redemption.

The POV shifts were interesting too. Getting into the guys' heads and seeing how much they ache for her—only to shut it down and push her away—it was frustrating, but intentionally so as it is a massive cliff hanger.

[Paige Ridler · Rating 3 out of 5]

🦋Marked by Harlow Duncan🦋

“Something that was begging to be broken. And I fully intended to be the one to shatter her.”

“Maybe she'll enjoy being worshipped by the sons of the most powerful man in Messana”

This was an interesting book and I love the premise of it. Her being ripped from everything she knew and thrust into this new world, feeling as though she is going insane while her step brothers continue to torment her for their own gain.

Then switching POVs and seeing from their perspective of how much they pine after her, then squashing it. I can’t say I loved it, but I can definitely say I’m keen to see how the remainder of the series progresses.

Tropes:
Why Choose
Gothic vibes
Forbidden Romance
Psychological Mayhem
Witches & Curses

Rating:
⭐⭐⭐/out of 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/out of 5

[Cherie Stauffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sets up a good foundation but it is chaotic, as the story is mainly told from Avril's POV and that is representative of her life at this current time. So expect wiplash. There are so many unknowns still, questions unanswered and twists that leave you yelling not so nice words at your kindle. There is also huge mystery surrounding Titus, Valen and Bastian and at the end of the book the jury will still be out on how you feel about them. I am interested to see where this goes with the next books.

Please ensure you read the trigger warnings and know your limits.

[Jocelyn Goyette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️4.5🌶️
If you are looking for a hauntingly dark story with incredible spice this is the book to grab. Harlow captured my interest right from the start of this book and I couldn’t put it down. When I thought I could guess what was going to happen next my mind was blown with a twist I simply wasn’t expecting. I will preface to know your triggers and always check the warnings given by the author. I cannot wait to see what is to come in the next book !

[Alana Vera · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into the book as I found it quite a slow burn. But once I got into it I wanted more. Please check your triggers as Avril definitely doesn’t have the easiest time right from the beginning. I felt like it was a good debut novel and I will be reading the rest of the series as they come out to find out more of the story. It’s an angsty, dark why choose with a touch of paranormal. Not typically what I read but I enjoyed it.
3⭐️ 3🌶️

[Kelly Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started well, and was a great start to the series with so much potential, i just found it was a very slow read and would have liked things to progress a little faster. I also found somethings felt repetitive, like the FMC constantly telling us about their bikes. As i said it was a good start and im hoping we get so much more in book two.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kalie Kelly-Seymour · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harlow certainly knows how to draw you in

The paranormal aspects throughout the book had me intrigued but I did get lost through the book in some places but managed to figure out what was going on

Each character you got introduced to made sense through the book and was greatly written and descriptive, which made it easier to picture the characters when reading about them.

cant wait to see what the next book bring us

[Bookish Hays · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested at first then it lost me. The book has a lot of potential. I personally felt like there needed to be more answers revealed. There is so much of why is this happening without learning the reasons. I’m undecided if I will continue reading this series. It took me a while to actually finish this book. I’m not a DNF reader I always finish it just in case it ends up being better. I was suggesting with this one.

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow build with lots of questions

Marked #1 by Harlow Duncan: 5 stars
Avril/Titus/Valen/Bastian and Lucien… Avril is repeatedly betrayed by the people around her, and forced into situations she has no control over. So many secrets, unknown agendas, and dark dark magic, while her magic is weak, or maybe cursed.. This series continues in book 2.
—PTators

[Laci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marked by Harlow Duncan is a dark and seductive paranormal romance that pulls you into a world of forbidden magic, dangerous power, and morally gray characters. Avril’s journey is tense, emotional, and addictive, caught between fear, desire, and the ruthless Romano brothers. It’s a good gothic why choose paranormal romance, but the pacing does drag a little in some spots.

[Liz Ashcraft · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost DNF’ed this book but I reallllyyy don’t like to, so I finished and I went ahead and read the synopsis for the third book afterwards, and it does look like the plot gets more involved but I just, can’t commit… need to switch to something I’m more involved and excited to read!

Still an ok book.. just some issues honestly with certain plotlines & not for me personally.. 🩶🩶

[beautiful A Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

All the characters were quite good, the use of paranormal aspect I enjoyed, the storyline was quite descriptive

I unfortunately found myself skimming the book looking for more storyline. I felt some things started off great but were left unfinished.
Unsure if i will continue the series.

[Anne Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get a arc of this book. It was interesting but took a while to get into the story. There was a lot of plot twists that I wasn't expecting.
For a debut novel Harlow Duncan did a amazing job and I look forward to reading the next book.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, some parts-mainly the fmc and her complaining annoyed me. But the storyline was easy to follow along, and had some plot twists I did not expect. Will be reading the next book in the series as I want to see how the fmc changes (if she does)

[Dallas Updyke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book is pretty dark. Lots of spice and definitely check your triggers before starting but I definitely enjoyed this book. Was the perfect amount of dark and twisted. I had a great time reading.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into it but then I couldn't stop!! The plot didn't go where I expected it to - which I love. Already eager to read the next one.

[꣑ৎ sue (hatter-pendragon version) ꣑ৎ · Rating 1 out of 5]

this one bored me, and i hated every single characters.