The Secrets We Bury

Scorpion Kings #3

by Lucy Smoke

The deeper we dig, the darker the secrets.

Silverwood is filled with nothing but liars and deceivers.
I thought I could trust them. I thought I could have them.
Now, I know … none of it was ever truly mine to keep.

There is a thin line between love and obsession.
The Scorpion Kings have crossed it.
And I fear I’m not far behind.

*This is a Dark Enemies to Lovers WhyChoose Romance*

*Trigger If you are sensitive to content common in dark romance (content such as SA, graphic depictions of violence, murder, drug and/or alcohol abuse, physical abuse, mental and/or emotional abuse, traumatic events, unhealthy coping mechanisms, dubious consent etc.) then this book may not be for you. Please read responsibly.*

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Enemies To Lovers, High School, Audiobook, Dark, Contemporary Romance

428 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2025

About the author

Lucy Smoke, also known as Lucinda Dark for her fantasy works, has a master’s degree in English and is a self-proclaimed creative chihuahua. She enjoys feeding her wanderlust, cover addiction, as well as her face, and truly hopes people will stop giving her bath bombs as gifts. Bath’s get cold too fast and it’s just not as wonderful as the commercials make it out to be when the tub isn’t a jacuzzi.

When she’s not on a never-ending quest to find the perfect milkshake, she lives and works in the southern United States with her beloved fur-baby, Hiro, and her family and friends.


Reviews

[Taylor Lichty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Coming back to edit this review after thinking on it for a few days and getting progressively angrier.

This is where I part ways with the series. Beware this review rant will contain major spoilers.

I read a fair amount of dark contemporary/dark fantasy romances. I have two rules- 1) consent and 2) the MMC never physically harms the FMC.

Those of you who have read this far into the series knows that a major plotline is the fact that Juliet was raped by Morpheus (her "uncle" and a trusted adult) when she was 15 years old.

After an accident with Nolan's mother and Morpheus threatening to harm the boys and their families, Juliet makes the choice to protect them by agreeing to move in with Morpheus. She very dramatically "breaks up" with the boys in order to push them away. Now while Nolan and Gio are able to put three brain cells together and figure out that Juliet was likely threatened, our resident stalker genius loses his GD MIND. Lex proceeds to break into her room where she is being kept, silences her when she tries to explain her choices, and then physically beats, assaults, RAPES HER, (all while spewing some truly vile shit) and then chokes her to the point of nearly killing her. When she comes to the next morning, he finally has a coherent thought and realizes what she was trying to tell him. That Morpheus threatened them. He then decides to cry and run away and LEAVES HER THERE.

"But her body said she wanted it"- Do you hear yourselves? "But she didn't tell him no"- He told her if you want this to stop then scream for help. SHE WAS STILL PROTECTING HIM.

I will never get over this absolute ASSASSINATION of Lex's character. The boy who has stalked her for 13 years. The boy who KNOWS HER, WHO SEES HER, who was already suspicious about why Juliet was so afraid of Morpheus, COULDN'T PUT THE PIECES TOGETHER? Instead, he hurt her. Badly. This woman who is supposedly his entire world. Of course he offers to let Juliet kill him (how noble) and she's just like no it's fine I love you "sometimes dogs bite their owners."- direct quote.


and if alllllll that wasn't enough to piss me tf off, we have the ending of this book. When they all collectively pull their heads out of their asses and decide to rescue her at a party, Morpheus is mysteriously stabbed to death. AFTER ALL THAT YOU ARE GOING TO LOOK ME IN MY FACE AND TELL ME THAT JULIET AND HER BOYS DON'T EVEN GET TO TAKE REVENGE? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??

[Karina's Magical Reads ✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hurt my feelings and I loved every minute of it. The Scorpion Kings and their Queen, Jules came in like a wrecking ball and just twisted me up.

I don’t know what Lucy puts in this series but ... I 👏 AM 👏 HERE 👏 FOR 👏 IT!
This book kicks off in high gear from our gripping cliffhanger from Book 2. I am happy that finally, we have some understanding between Jules and the Scorpion Kings. We got to dive more into the things that seem to be happening to Jules. I was also so happy to see more from Nolan and some moments between him and Jules. Definitely NOT prepared for the scene THAT BROKE ME. Lex and Jules...all I can say there is IYKYK! 😞😢

We get left with another cliffhanger. I am anxiously waiting for Book 4 now, yes please! I devour this series. I'm Obsessed!

[Christie Wilcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Secrets We Bury by Lucy Smoke
MMCs: Gio. Lex. Nolan.
FMC: Juliet

💙 Dark Romance
🖤 Why Choose
💙 Badass FMC
🖤 Touch Her and ☠️
💙 Toe Curling Spice
🖤 Secrets and mystery
💙 Posessive/obsessive filthy MMC’s
‼️cliffhanger

AUDIOBOOK review:
This audiobook is narrated by Alyssa Avery and Ash Beverly. These two were a favorite fit for the narrators. I absolutely love both of them and they work perfectly as a team to bring this series to life.
The Secrets We Bury is book three in the Scorpion 🦂 Kings series. This book picks up where book two leaves off. Juliet now knows that Lex has been stalking her and has a room full of pictures, videos etc.
We also find out that her wannabe “uncle” Morpheus is the one who is after her and he raped her whenever she was younger. Morpheus is trying to get control over Juliet. He’s trying to prove that she’s “mentally unstable” so he can take guardianship of her. Juliet is starting to open up to the boys. Lex has been in love with her for years and the other two are starting to come around. Morpheus is “in love with her” & he’s doing everything he can to manipulate her and get her under his roof/control. She went back to his house/control to save the boys. The boys should have known better and known why she was doing it — she had obviously been threatened. This series honestly isn’t that spicy. And I’m hoping we get Paris’s story. He sounds very interesting.
* I originally ARC read this book and reviewed it. I’m updating my review to include the audiobook review.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

~Arc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

~The Secrets We Bury~Scorpion Kings Book 3~Lucy Smoke~

"This is simply what happens when someone goes after a beast much bigger and scarier than themselves. Just because I don’t wear the skin of a monster at all times doesn’t mean I don’t know how to be one."

♡Just when I think there is zero way that this series can get any better Lucy says "BET" & man did she freaking deliver! The spice was top-tier, the tension had me on the edge of my seat, & I spent so much time with my jaw on the floor I'm surprised I can close my mouth!

The farther you get into the world that is The Scorpion Kings the more wild this rollercoaster ride gets & I never want to get off this ride! This is one of those books with scenes that will live rent-free in your head for the foreseeable future. I'm going to sit here and wait patiently like the good girl I am for book 4!♡

~As Always Happy Reading~

[JennyBee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Won’t be continuing with the series for a few reasons, spoilers below. I liked the series fairly well up to this point.

The whole conflict of this book is stupid. Juliet KNOWS that the boys are getting involved with super powerful people through Viks. WHY IN THE WORLD wouldn’t she tell the boys about the threats and come up with a plan before going with Morpheus??

“She didn’t have time to think”, “they’d fight him”, “they’d get hurt” WRONG

Morpheus didn’t rush her, and if they created a PLAN there wouldn’t be any half-cocked rescue attempts or injuries. They have access to the Eastpoint Heirs now, they have more than enough power to fight Morpheus. I was so ready to see them agonize over her walking into the belly of the beast while they worked from the outside to bring her home. She could have worked against him from the inside to expose him.

And instead these supposedly perfect-for-each-other, have-killed-for-each-other characters didn’t question it? Weren’t even suspicious that she just RANDOMLY out of the blue decides to leave? With someone they KNOW she hates? C’mon. Use even just 1 brain cell please.

The whole Lex beating and raping her thing was the final straw. Juliet thinking she deserved it because she hurt him is absolutely insane. He was genuinely trying to hurt her, even kill her, because he was “angry”. At that point it doesn’t matter if someone loves you, or you love them, or that they feel “sorry” afterward. That’s assault, that’s abuse. And I’m not into reading that as okay.

I won’t be continuing.

[Kerry Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the “Scorpion Kings” Lucy Smokes takes us to the “wrong side of the tracks” of her criminal underworld. Characters from the “Sick Boys” series make plenty of “cameo” appearances. However the quartet can be read as their own self sustained story arch.

Yup quartet, as in 4 novels. As I draft this review all three books currently published end on cliff hangers with the fourth novel slated for a Nov 2025 release date.

I have consistently given her books 3 star 🌟 ratings. Lucy Smoke falls smack in the middle of current narrative trends. Plots are entertaining however nothing that I was blown away by.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is going to take some time to process everything from this book. I don't know why I had it in my head that this series was a trilogy, but I was obviously very wrong. Still, the ending was completely unexpected.

Juliet is still full of rage, and I love that. She is also learning how to control that rage and use it to get revenge on the people who hurt her. Somehow, she has finally learned to trust Nolan, Gio, and Lex, but I swear she needs to learn that she shouldn't and can't do everything herself. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot to review the last book, so I’m not sure where that one ended and this one began, but SHOOK. My heart hurts. So many secrets, so much miscommunication. No matter what they do, the universe seems to want to break them apart and I can’t handle it.
The ending?! 👀😲 Was not expecting that! Now I have theories.

[Natalie Alden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy mother F-ing sh!t! Now that friends was a good book! Just when I thought I had the villain pegged you throw in a twist I didn't see coming. Ugh!! The cliffhanger! This series is SO good. I am loving Juliet's character development. That girl has been through so much. I can't say I'm sorry with how this book ended but now the question is who took down the devil? 5/5 stars all around.

Touche Lucy Smoke...Touche...

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

At five years old, I wanted to marry Juliet Donovan. At nearly nineteen, I’d slit the throat of anyone who thinks to take her away from me.

Where has Lucy Smoke been all my life and how am I only discovering her with this series? Because let me tell you, I am wholly obsessed. OBSESSED. If you love fierce, absolutely kick ass heroines, then you need to meet Juliet.

I can show you that all kings were meant to fall eventually, even the three of you.”

The Secrets We Bury starts immediately where The Demons We Hide ended and what a doozy of an ending that was. I couldn't wait to see how that unravels. Especially on the cusp of what Juliette finally realizes about her pseudo "uncle". But I won't be spoiling anything for you here.

I loved watching her men fall harder and harder for her in each book. You have Lex, the lovesick puppy stalker. You have Gio the playboy. And then there's my baby Nolan, the hard edged one

You make this choice and that’s it for you, Jules. We will own you.”
��Yeah?”
“Yeah.” He nods.
“Even with my demons?” I ask.
“Princess…” I close my eyes as his fingers graze my cheek. “I’ve been wanting to fuck your demons since the first day you set foot on Silverwood Public’s campus.”

The mystery of her dad's innocence continues to unravel. There's so much that happens in this book that I was glued to the pages from cover to cover. At a certain point, I feel like I was lulled into a false sense of security because I even started to feel it was getting predictable. Only for Lucy to hit me over the head with that ending and I no longer know which end is up.

All I know is that I desperately need the conclusion and I will not know peace until I do.

If you like dark, why choose romance with fierce heroines, a quick paced plot, and sizzling chemistry then you need this series on your TBR!

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

Find me on:

[Theresse (Tess) Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

♔ “I would die for you. I would kill for you. I would burn the world down for you and I would never let the flame touch you.” ♕

---ARC Review---

This book picked up right where Book 2’s cliffhanger left off, and the tension only kept rising until it hit a twist that left my mind spinning. This series continues to feel like a nonstop emotional rollercoaster, and I loved every second of it. The pacing, the reveals, and the way the story keeps layering on intensity had me completely hooked.

♕ “Stalker” ♔

♔ ”Only for you, baby.” ♕

Juliet’s emotional journey in this one was especially powerful. Watching her finally begin to lower her walls and confront her feelings was so satisfying, and getting a deeper look into her past added even more weight to her story. Nolan, too, started letting his guard down, and their scenes together were touching in such a raw, broken-but-beautiful way. The pain they both carry seems to recognize and respond to the other’s, and I really believe they’re going to be vital to each other’s healing.

♕ “Is it possible to fall in love with another person’s darkness?” ♔

That scene with Juliet broke my heart, and even though I understood exactly why she did what she did, I still wanted to scream at my Kindle. Her inner turmoil was so vividly written that I felt every bit of it with her. The only part that pulled me out of the story was Lex’s reaction afterward; it felt completely out of character. For someone so deeply devoted to her, his willingness to accept things at face value didn’t sit right.

♔ “...Juliet needs to prove not just to us and the rest of Silverwood, but to herself as well, that she’s not someone that needs protecting.” ♕

The spice was perfectly balanced, steamy but never over-the-top, and fit seamlessly into the story. And that ending? Absolutely wrecked me. I’m full of questions and theories, and I need Book 4 right now!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stars: 4.5/5 (Rounded Up)
Spice: 3/5

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

♕ “Because everything I’ve ever done has been for you…All that I have, all that I am, is yours.” ♔

Tropes:
♔ RH / Why Choose♕
♕ Touch Her & ☠️♔
♔ Possessive FMC♕
♕ Found Family♔

♔ “She doesn’t stand behind us, she isn’t shielded by us. She is one of us.” ♕

[Booksbystarlightandshadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank goodness these boys had someone to point out the obvious to them! I genuinely thought Nolan had figured it all out because of his instant reaction but clearly not. As he and Juliet didn't have much of a reunion compared to Gio and Lex, I hope Nolan doesn't put those walls back up again as they have come so far since book one. Gio also broke my heart when he helped Juliet at the school. These boys and Juliet haven't had it easy and I'm rooting for them. Morpheus continues to make my flesh crawl; he is vile and the way he weaves himself back into Juliet's life was so sinister.

Lex threw me for a loop though; I was really surprised he didn't put the pieces together and snapped instead. There is a particular exchange which was a really tough read and I never saw it coming, particularly from him. The dynamic between Lex and Juliet was already different to anything I have read in a while but I genuinely felt it was going somewhere which couldn't be walked back from. At the point in the book its addressed between Lex and Juliet there wasn't much time to work through it so I hope it is revisited.

My absolute favourite thing about this book though was some well overdue comeuppance for several characters and it was so satisfying! Juliet takes no prisoners and I love how she let loose. I'm not sure about that ending yet as it seems a little too neat but I can't wait to see where Smoke takes us in book 4!

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

My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read.

[Tiff (MaliciousReader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm actually so glad I waited to read this until the final book was released....because I don't think I would have been okay.

Do I still have an unhealthy addiction to Lex? Even after the events in this? Not so much. For the man to have truly been her stalker, completely and undeniably obsessed? Yes, he has issues but he literally prides himself in being in tune with her needs by just minor facial changes. The boys don't know her true trauma, but at the same time? Even considering any mental illness Alexio Medicci has....this seemed like a character arc death. To me, he should have been the one instantly on edge. Yes. He would have spiraled, but every guy. Gio. Nolan. Lex. They *all* had to have someone else explain things to them. Why Juliet did what she did.

There's some over the top drama, but honestly? Juliet deserves some major baddasery after everything she's been put through.

As with all of her books, the plot doth thicken and the cliffies are freaking killing me. Will say, if this one's is true? I'm upset. I wanted more suffering for the person affected. No spoilers here, but after *everything* - I will be soooooo upset if *who shall not be named to avoid spoilers* didn't have a suffering revenge arc to get their dues.

😏 but now I get to read the final book. This series has had me up in my feels since I read Book 1's ARC. Loved it so much, I bought the rest - just hoping Book 4 is a bit of a redemption from The Secrets We Bury.

Side note: as always, I get overly invested with side characters and really hope we get Paris' story (also...was he the 🔪..? Hmm)

⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ Read the trigger warnings - this one's darker than the others in several ways.

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tension rose even higher, for Juliet and her Scorpion Kings, along with the steam, which got hotter and dirtier, and I loved everything about it!! And that jaw dropping end...I need the next book for all the tense filled answers😵!! LOL

As Juliet comes to grips with her feelings surrounding Lex, Nolen, and Gio, because let's face it, these guys have been there for her for awhile now, she finally sees the hotness...I mean, that these guys aren't going anywhere. Once they stop fighting each other, or at least Juliet stops fighting each of them, it allows them to focus on the mystery surrounding the attacks which still weigh heavy upon each of them individually and as a group. The stakes are rising and I'm getting more and more nervous now as we've reached another critical point and massive cliffhanger.

Speaking of them each individually, I love how Lucy writes this why choose series. She focuses on them individually and as a whole regarding their problems. Doing this brings them together, but also leaves them to their own moments, with their own problems, within their own lives. This is important because it creates these threads, or perhaps, moments of doubt that could lead to answers behind the overall plot, but more importantly it highlights moments for big emotions and empathy. There is a ton of emotional tension and high strung moments that had my heart bursting out of my chest in this book, so these individual moments become even more important as the story moves along, while still wrapping the big overall plot together wonderfully.

[Autumn Marci · Rating 3 out of 5]

MY RATING SYSTEM

5* An AMAZING book that got me feeling ALLTHEFEELS, especially makes me laugh. It’s always something that I’ll think about for DAYS (and in a couple of instances…WEEKS 😭). Very well written, with zero or barely there repetitive scenes/monologues. Epic dialogue that kept me hooked.

4* A pretty damn excellent book that kept me reaching for it. ALMOST as good as a 5* but it had me missing some feels/just didn’t hit like a 5*. This is usually my max rating. Usually has pretty good dialogue that keeps it engaging/hooked. Maybe a tiny bit of repetitiveness, but not enough to make me gouge my eyes out.

3* is a solid read but little things here and there that were just meh and could have been better. Still a “good” rating in my eyes. Some repetitiveness, and not as well written, but still enjoyable to read. Doesn't have as much engaging dialogue as other reads, but not a tome of monologue either to put me to sleep.

2* have a lot more issues that are harder to ignore and makes me usually not read any further books if it’s a series. These are the ones I can go into depth on reviews sometimes because SO much irks me about them. Too much repetition, barely any good or fun dialogue...just blocks of mental thoughts and/or not much else plot-wise. Very little meat to the story/or there is no story at all and it's all just ugh.

1* I just couldn’t believe I wasted my time on a book that clearly the author had zero care about themselves. It’s just pure trash (which I hate to say about someone’s work, but it was clearly not written with any care at all).

[Katy Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a dark, twisted enemies-to-lovers WhyChoose romance that drags your heart through hell—in the best possible way. It’s packed with triggers, so definitely check those first, but if you’re drawn to raw emotion, psychological tension, and morally gray characters, this series pulls you in and refuses to let go.

Juliet’s journey is devastating in the most gripping way. There’s so much pain and conflict in her story, and at one point, it felt like my heart was physically breaking. Lex—still my favorite psycho—is dangerous, unpredictable, and somehow incredibly compelling. His connection with Juliet is explosive, and one moment between them in particular left me gutted.

Nolan and Gio come off slightly more stable than Lex in this installment, but that doesn't mean they're immune to the darkness. The brutal reality of their situation and the weight of Juliet’s choices almost tears them apart. Their attempts to protect her, and each other, are full of emotion, frustration, and desperation—and it all just works.

One thing I really enjoyed was the way Lucy Smoke weaves in characters and references from other books in this world. As someone who’s read all of her other books, those little crossovers are a fun bonus.

The ending wasn’t as sharp of a cliffhanger as the last book, but it still left me reeling and ready to dive straight into the next. Dark, emotional, and endlessly addictive—this series is absolutely unputdownable.

[Torie Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE STARS for The Secrets We Bury by Lucy Smoke I’ve been obsessed with this series from the start, but this installment? It reached into places I didn’t expect. Juliet’s strength continues to blow me away—she’s fierce, exhausted, guarded, and yet still standing. Still fighting. I relate to her so much. But what made this one stand out is how she slowly starts to unravel—not in weakness, but in trust. She’s finally letting people see her. And that vulnerability? It makes her even stronger. Lex and Juliet’s relationship has always been intense, but here, it feels raw—like we’re finally seeing what’s underneath all the layers. Lex… my god. He’s always been one of my top book boyfriends, but in this book, he became the standard. The way he loves Juliet is fierce and unapologetic. Lex and Juliet’s bond is deep and primal. Lex is raw devotion—violent love and gentleness in the same breath. That scene with the caller and muzzle? I screamed.

"I’m her beast to tame. Her animal to keep. Her protector. Now and forever. If only she’ll keep me."

The relationship Juliet has with Nolan holyfrickinshitballs x2 sparks and had me swooning so hard left and right.

And Gio I love him so much.

Gio, Nolan, and Lex see all of her—the power, the pain, the parts she doesn’t show—and they never flinch.

That cliffhanger miss ma'am my flabers were gabsted i cant wait for more.

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

[Joseline Pineda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book finished in one sitting. We learn more about her teen years and Alexis tells her about how they originally met and how she saved his life and learned how to hack into stuff just to stalk her and how he’s a big hacker named Scorpion. Also there is a sex scene where Lex pulls out a collar,leash,and muzzle he made all with her in mind. He tries to talk and Juliet says something like dogs don’t talk and he literally barked. She gets revenge on Megan because she set her up to get jumped by 7 different girls and her revenge is so good. She drugs her then buried her in dirt,goes thru her phone and sends shit to her friends and guys she’s talking to, gets her college acceptance and scholarship revoked, then covers her in honey and kicks over a fire ant nest which she is allergic to. Morpheus threatens the guys and their families so to protect them she sacrifices herself and says a bunch of messed up stuff to the guys and moves in with Morpheus. She still didn’t tell the guys what he did to her but they definitely know something is up. We also get our first scene with her and all the guys together and Lex does have anal sex with her but it’s during the period in which he believes she betrayed them so it was painful and he did almost kill her multiple times by wrapping his hands and belt over her neck. There’s a masquerade party which is their way to sneak her out back to the guys but Morpheus end up getting stabbed and killed but no one knows who did it.

[kaylaschapterchats · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooley Dooley, that was a lot to unpack!

We dive right back into where The Demons We Hide concludes. That in itself was an extremely intense moment between Lex and Juliet but I kind of feel like it made Juliet truly see how in obsession Lex is with her and the lengths he'll go to keep her in his life. And I think it was necessary for it to happen the way it did.

Things at school aren't getting any better for Juliet either when Morpheus keeps popping up and a certain someone makes it difficult for Juliet not to run into trouble at every turn but i love that Juliet had a plan and was able to seek justice. When everything seems to calm down between Juliet and the guys (only slightly), it all kind of shatters, and that is when their relationship is truly tested. That kind of broke me a little, so be prepared to shed some tears.

That cliffhanger ending was insane, I'm still recovering from that because it was 🤯🤯🤯

I can't wait to see what happens next because i know it's going to be explosive!!!

Thank you so much, Lucy, and your amazing team for the opportunity to read this story. I am extremely grateful to be a part of your ARC team 🙏

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

💙 why choose
💙 multiple pov
💙 stalker
💙 bada$$ fmc
💙 riches to rags
💙 obsessive mmc's
💙 enemies to lovers
💙 so many secrets
💙 found family
💙 forced proximity
💙 so spicy....

[Crystal Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omgggg…this series has me going through an emotion rollercoaster and my head and heart is gonna explode before it’s over with! 🤣🤣 just when I thought we were going to figure out who was behind it all, Lucy comes in with another big whopper and another huge cliffhanger!!!!! Ahhhhhhh…. The intensity of the book was just crazy, I could feel it as I was reading the book.

Things at school aren’t getting any better for Juliet and I seems not matter what she does at every turn Morpheus keeps popping up. But our girl, she is not going down without a fight. I feel like in this book we really see her find her voice and her starts to stick up for herself. She is not going to let them bully her around anymore. And she starts to accept that these are her guys and that she has feelings for them.

I love have Lucy gives each of them their own personalities. Nolan, Lex, and Gio all care for her in their own way and would kill for her. They have all claimed her as their Scorpion Girl. But of course…it can’t be sunshine and rainbows for them and something has to happen… the scene between Lex and Juliet…whew that was raw and rough to read. The emotion behind it all. It was very intense.

This book is dark, it’s intense, it has me hooked and I need the next part now!

5⭐️
4🌶️

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so excited to be back with Juliet and her Scorpion Kings! These poor characters have sure been put through ringer. I loved all the suspense and intrigue in this addition to the story.

Nolan has definitely grown on me even though Lex is still my favorite. I've really enjoyed watching the change in attitude for all the guys as they fall under Juliet's spell. I loved Gio's puppy dog personality here and how much he's become devoted to Juliet. Nolan is still so stoic but you can see his walls crumbling. One thing that bothered me was Lex's 180 degree change. He has so much passion inside him for Juliet so that's why I don't agree with his lapse in judgment. For that I deducted one star.

I liked that throughout the series Juliet has stayed true to herself. She's fierce and doesn't let anything stand in her way. I appreciated her strength and her willingness to do what needed to be done.

This was an exciting story with lots of intense twists. I loved the deepening connection between all the characters. There were some funny moments mixed in with some spicy times along with the angst and suspense which gave it a well rounded feel. The writing was engaging and the story had an easy, smooth pace. I would recommend the series!

[Lauren Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugg, Lucy Smoke has done it again to me! I totally thought this series was going to be a trilogy but nope, it’s clearly going to be at least a 4 book series! And just like the last 4 book series I read from her, book 3 was my favorite and I am practically crying over here that I don’t know what happens next!
The Secrets We Bury picks up immediately after the end of book 2 and doesn’t let up for the entire ride. Juliet’s relationship with the Scorpion Kings seems solidified, most secrets are laid out bare, we get a little closer to solving the mysteries surrounding Juliet’s parents, and our villain, Morpheus, closes in on our little group. It’s a wild read that includes some very spicy scenes (my favorite being one between Juliet and Nolan!) but also includes a few really tough scenes that I almost skimmed slightly over. They weren’t exactly triggering, but for example one of these scenes made me feel bad for someone I shouldn’t have and I didn’t like those feelings and another scene had someone saying such hurtful things that I wanted to reach in and throttle that character. I re-iterate that this is a book that has no down time!
I have a few of my own theories about the cliffhanger end and I am dying now that I have to wait for the conclusion!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

👑 Why Choose
🌑 Dark Romance
🗡️ Revenge
🔥 All-In Devotion
💪 Fierce FMC
🖤 Found Family (with sharp edges)
❤️‍🔥 Dubious Consent Play
🤯 “Wait, What?!” Ending
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

If you’ve been following Juliet and The Scorpion Kings, you know how intoxicating this why-choose dark romance is. And y’all… it just keeps getting deeper, darker, dragging you in and under—and I’m 𝙨𝙤 here for it.

Juliet is so F-ing fierce! The hits keep coming, and she just keeps 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜. Even when what feels like the worst-case scenario plays out, our girl still claws her way back up.

And the Kings? Whew! These guys!!
• Nolan – Steadfast, calculating, calmest of the three (which isn’t saying much, 🤣). His 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 is Juliet’s
• Gio – our golden retriever with a bite, 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 at the altar of Juliet, no questions asked.
• Lex – Juliet 𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡, and his pain hits next level this time.

These men are 𝙗𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙 devoted, all in, and even when things go sideways (and they do), they eventually find their footing again.

Viks is officially on the board now, and I want to trust him 𝘴𝘰 badly. As for Megan? You’ll just have to read to see what that’s about.

The ending? Totally blindsided me. 𝘕𝘰 clue what’s coming next, but I know I’ll be first in line for it.


Special thanks to the author for the gifted copy 🖤

[Kim Bobbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh!! Another piece of this crazy story, another insane cliffhanger. These books are so good, and now we have to wait and see where this takes us next. It seems like Juliet and her men may be up against an enemy they don’t even know exists. The mystery of how all of this will come together is so intriguing. I truly am at a loss for how this will wrap up.
I always love these books once I’m finished but there are times when this story is so raw and heartbreaking. Juliet and her boys are all broken in their own ways. Even though they care for each other, the abuses they have suffered in the past will affect their ability to trust each other and ultimately stay together.
The chemistry between these characters, as always, is scorching and the spice in this book will melt your face. I went through every emotion while reading. I was laughing, blushing, smiling and at one point uncontrollably sobbing. Knowing the consequences of their actions are unavoidable was gut wrenching to read. And then just when it seems like we’re inching toward a resolution…bam, another curve ball. I cannot recommend these books enough! they will keep you on your toes and keep you guessing. I anxiously await the next installment!

[Eren Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man this is another book that did not disappoint me from Lucy Smoke.
The story picks right back up, and I can't help but love the guys even more. We learn even more about their past, and the most heart wrenching for me is when we get glimpses of Lexi's. It's something that isn't unfamiliar to me in some ways and it makes me feel for it. It also shows what your environment can shape you into as it's either going to make you or break you. We have our boys who just want to get out of the life that was handed to them, beat the odds, take off and never look back. Juliet who just wants to have nothing to do with the town, be with her boys and forget about everything that has happened to her. Unfortunately, nothing is ever easy for them and we dive back into their world to see just how far they will go for each other, her and their freedom from Silverwood.

This book was seat gripping, anger filled, held breaths, and heart wrenching. It had its steam turned up and definitely went more into the darker side of things and such which I was here for. Ugh I cannot WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK. I need MORE.

[Crissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes:
💋 Why Choose
💋 Stalker
💋 Enemies to Lovers
💋 Forced Proximity

This third installment to The Scorpion Kings series picks up right where book two left off. The stakes are higher and the emotions are darker. We learn more about Juliet’s past and watch how it affects her relationship with the kings - Nolan, Lex and Gio. In the first two books, Juliet has a fortress around her heart and pushes everyone away. In this book, however, Juliet lowers her walls and allows herself the freedom to let others in.

I have to admit, this was my least favorite of the series so far. There were some scenes in this book that had my heart breaking - but that’s not why it wasn’t my favorite. One of the MMC does something in this book that just seems extremely out of character and I don’t like how his actions played a role in the story. Did this upset me? Yes. Will it prevent me from continuing the series? No. Lucy has a way of leaving you with cliffhangers and this one was no exception - I need to know what happens next!

Thank you @booksprout and Lucy for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕾𝖊𝖈𝖗𝖊𝖙𝖘 𝖂𝖊 𝕭𝖚𝖗𝖞 | Lucy Smoke

5⭐️

ɴᴏᴡ ᴀᴠᴀɪʟᴀʙʟᴇ

ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴠɪʙᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ:
💀Enemies to Lovers
💀Found Family
💀Dark Why Choose
💀Dub Con
💀Fallen Princess x Bad Boys

I swear the anxiety I have when I read any books in this series. It’s only increased with each book. Seriously was hanging off of my seat, gripping my kindle so hard it could have cracked. The tension in this book was astronomical. So many times I spent picking my jaw up off of the floor after reading the twists and surprises.

The book picks up directly after book 2 ends. I thought things were going well.
Then bam, plot twist. Things were looking dismal, then bang another twist. The further we read into The Scorpion Kings and their Queen the faster we are speeding along the track. I think my lap bar has disengaged because I feel like I am hanging off of the track, but I never want to get off.

Seriously intense writing between seriously intense and developed characters, makes for an engaging and enthralling read. The cliffhanger? I don’t know where we are supposed to go from here!

[Elle ✨ | Queen of Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Silverwood, baby — where love is just obsession in better packaging.
The Scorpion Kings? They’ve stopped playing games and gone full “mine” mode. And me? I’m apparently sick enough to love every second.

Lucy Smoke didn’t just write a book — she cracked my heart open, poured in lust, danger, and betrayal, and then shoved me off a cliffhanger. That ending had me staring at my Kindle like, “Oh, you did NOT just do that to me.”

Favorite line?

“Keep telling me what to do and I’ll be wearing your blood as lipstick.”
Iconic. Savage. Everything.

If you want a Why Choose romance that will ruin your sleep schedule, wreck your emotions, and make you root for stalkers, this is your next fix.

The Secrets We Bury
Lucy Smoke

[AroundtheBookBend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I obsessed with this series? Yes.

Every single book has hit exactly the way I wanted it to and has left me craving more. The Secrets We Bury has taken me on an upside down roller coaster as I hung on to the safety bar with all of my strength and tried my best not to let go. The amount of anxiety I had was insane, but the reward was well worth it.

Juliet is truly one of my favorite FMCs. And the growth she’s had so far has solidified her place. She doesn’t always make the best or right decisions, but that’s what makes her such a beautiful character. Her flaws are relatable. Understandable. And I’m still rooting for her to get her happy ending, for all of them to get it. Nolan, Lex, and Gio, while not innocent, deserve every bit of happiness they can get. The four of them together are truly magic and I love it.

I don’t know if I’m ready for the last book. Everything is coming to a head and there are so many ways this can go. I know there’s still more pain to come.

I got an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.

[Robin ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Enemies to Lovers why choose romance.  Third book in the Scorpion kings series by the wonderful Lucy Smoke. 

I love Lex in this book.
He is my favorite male character in this one and I loved this part that he said to Juliet.

"Because everything I've ever done has been for you," he says. "All that I have, all that I am, is yours. You want the keys to my kingdom? They're yours. You want to punish me for hurting you? I'll let you. Burn me. Break me. Strike me. But don't think this changes a damn thing between us."

He has been in love with her for thirteen years when she befriended him in kindergarten. She saved him for speaking up for him when his dad was abusing him.

He is a hacker and is known as Scorpion.

I am not giving much away because I dont want to spoil it but this series is so good.  I can't wait for the 4th book. I need to know what happens.  Ended on a cliffhanger.