The King of Hearts

by Alex Grayson

“You’re mine, vicious. Breathe it. Live it. Sear it into your fucking soul.”

Being mine isn’t a choice. It’s an irrefutable fact. Not born of fate, or destiny, or some cosmic bullshit. There is no divine intervention that makes it so. It just simply is.

I don't like it when other men touch what's mine. It makes me see red.

Those people who have the audacity to touch my vicious little Savina? I erase them and carve out their hearts. I send those souvenirs to her as a warning to prove just how fucking serious I am when it comes to her.

My vicious isn't fazed by my gruesome gifts. She has secrets. Ones that would put her and her whole family in prison.

One of those secrets is called The Raven Group. A team of killers who… well, you'll see.

The point is, I know all her secrets. The depraved ones. The dirty ones. The bloody ones.

And I'll use them all to bend her to my will.

Because I'm the king of fucking hearts, and I'll snatch hers from her chest as well.

This is a dark romance that contains disturbing material. It is highly advised to check the author's website for a list of warnings.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Contemporary, Adult, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Romantic Suspense

554 pages, Paperback

Published June 15, 2025

About the author

Alex Grayson is the bestselling author of heart pounding, emotionally gripping contemporary romance including the Jaded Series, the Consumed Series, and two standalone novels. Her passion for books was reignited by a gift from her sister-in-law. After spending several years as a devoted reader and blogger, Alex decided to write and independently publish her first novel in 2014 (an endeavor that took a little longer than expected). The rest, as they say, is history.

Originally a southern girl, Alex now lives in Ohio with her husband, two children, two cats and dog. She loves the color blue, homemade lasagna, casually browsing real estate, and interacting with her readers. Visit her website, www.alexgraysonbooks.com, or find her on social media!

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Twitter - https://twitter.com/AlexGrayson10
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Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/bAxPLf
Website – www.alexgraysonbooks.com
Email – alexg@alexgraysonbooks.com
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Book+Main - https://bookandmainbites.com/alexgrayson

Reviews

[˚₊‧꒰ა vruxreads ໒꒱ ‧₊˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i'll start the review by saying please for god's sake read the trigger warnings for your mental health do not skip it. this is not your typical dark romance or even darker romance. this is pitch fucking black where every trauma, every dark moment, every twisted emotion was laid bare, nothing was glossed over, everything was on-page. this wasn’t just dark for the sake of being dark — it was haunting, and terrific.

this was one of those books — the kind that crawls under your skin, messes with your head, and has you questioning your sanity while flipping the pages like a maniac. it was intense. disturbing. twisted. there were moments that made me genuinely uneasy — my stomach was tight, my heart was racing, and i had to pause multiple times just to breathe.

the hero is officially the craziest one i have read and there is no easy way to put this he has no redemption quality. he is fucking willing to do anything i mean anything to get the heroine. the heroine was equally fucked up and twisted which we came to know later and she enjoyed every bit of fucked up thing hero did to her. killing and stalking are typical casual morning activities uk like brushing teeth. the hero has big d!ck energy and zero remorse. his love for her is all-consuming, toxic, and dangerously obsessive. just think like this he doesn't even like her family showing affection to her.

- no cheating, no ow drama

[sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy shit! This was DARK! Like pitch black and 100% read all trigger warnings, dark. But I was enthralled! YOU NEED TO READ TW!!!

I’d classify this book as an erotic thriller, romantic suspense. Is that a thing? Idk but I’m claiming it is anyway. The romance is twisted and bleeding with feral obsession. Consent? Don’t know her. Red flags? On fire with their strength.

I loved how we as the reader didn’t find out who the mmc was until Savina did.. We got his pov’s beforehand but with the title’s labeled as “Her” and “Him”, we were left just as in the dark as to who was her devil behind the mask. I had my suspicions—narrowed down to two and happy to say I guess right! But even still, I loved the reveal. I definitely recommend going into this without reading reviews that spoil who the mmc is, I genuinely think that suspense was part of the experience of the first half.

& then every crazy reveal that continued towards the end? DAMN! It was like one gasp after another.

The passion between Savina and her devil is carnal and definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s messy, toxic, bloody, and dangerous. He doesn’t wait for a Savina to realize what’s in her heart—he simply takes and forces her to confront it. But Savina is no weeping angel herself—girly has her own twisted dark side and made their dynamic stronger.

Only reason I didn’t give full 5 stars is cause I like more pregnancy time when breeding kink is utilized, and the trauma did get a bit gratuitous at times. (The amount of shit mmc went through in his childhood and what Savina went through towards end of the book—plus side character’s trauma—was sooooo much).

Tropes/TW:
• dark romance
• anti-hero mmc
• morally black (like non existent morals)
• stalking
• masked mmc
• virgin fmc
• revenge plot
• ott obsession & possessives
• touch her and die (but first be tortured)
• pain kink
• blood play
• knife play
• forced marriage
• forced pregnancy
• body dismemberment
• cnc
• non con
• sa (on page)
• flashbacks to childhood sa (on page)
• kidnapping
• no ow/omd

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲: 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗪 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗦𝗔 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀—𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘃𝗶𝗮 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝟭𝟭, 𝟭𝟴, 𝟮𝟳, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟯𝟲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗪 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀.

Thank you to TheAuthorAgency and author for e-ARC. Review is my honest opinion.

[Ashley - The Tattered Page]

HOOK: “𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒅𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒑?” 𝑰 𝒂𝒔𝒌.

“𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒚 𝒊𝒕.”

“𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔. 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒕. 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕. 𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒖**𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍.”

𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑰'𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒖**𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍.

𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒
✔ Masked man
✔ F*rced marriage
✔ F*rced proximity
✔ F*rced pregnancy
✔ S*mnoph*lia
✔ Prim*l play
✔ Organized cr*me
✔ Psychotic st*lker
✔ Age gap
✔ Small town
D*ddy k*nk
Birth control tampering
Hym*n obs*ssion
B33ding
Extreme g*gging
Bl**d play
D*b/c*n
Dr*gging
S*x over an unal*e b*dy

[daemyra, the realm's delight · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me. For readers who enjoy gore and shock value, I think this would be worth looking into.

The first chapter was heady smut, but I had misgivings when I could not pay attention to the plot. I sometimes wonder if it's my attention span at fault for not being able to focus, but I also think there's something to be said about plot written like watching paint dry.

I personally did not like that there were multiple flashbacks to the hero's past where he is a child and being abused by his aunt and these moments, just like the finale, convey how a lot of this book is shock value for the sake of it, and it personally rubbed me the wrong way. There were a few scenes written in explicit detail about violent retribution acts, and that's not what I gravitate towards. I can handle excruciating scenes if it is mentioned or if it’s short, but I feel nauseated when it is the play-by-play.

Aside from that, the best thing about this novel is that it keeps the mystery of Him a secret for a good while, and I liked guessing who it might be. The worst thing is probably why he became obsessed with her. I was never convinced he really knew her, but only loved her on a caveman level. He never had to grapple with his decisions, and while we love a stalker who doubles down, it would be good to have a moment when he reckons with his actions.

[whatmarissareads]

Unfortunately, I had to DNF this one.
I want to start by saying that I really enjoy Alex Grayson’s writing and will absolutely continue reading her other books but this particular story was just too dark for me personally.

This is a VERY VERY DARK romance. I didn’t take the trigger warnings as seriously as I should have, and that’s on me **hence why I will not be rating this with a star rating.
The content is intense and the memories involving grooming with a minor are described in EXPLICIT DETAIL. Please don’t skim over the trigger warnings they are there for a reason and they are not mild

This book will absolutely find its audience, but unfortunately I am not it for this one.
If you’re someone who treads lightly with darker themes, I’d recommend proceeding with caution

[Elle Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: The King of Hearts by Alex Grayson

HOLY. FUCKING. FUCK.

This book? This motherfucker of a book?? THIS IS HOW YOU DO PITCH BLACK ROMANCE. Not dark gray. Not “he’s a little mean” dark. I’m talking blackout, fuck your soul, get in the van we’re all going to hell dark. The kind of dark that looks at mental stability and cocks its head to the side like a confused dog.

TAKE THE TRIGGER WARNINGS SERIOUSLY. This book is not for beginners or for the faint of heart. Luckily I don’t have a heart, so I was Gucci.

Spoiler Free Highlight Reel:
• An MMC whose red flag level is closer to a full-blown air raid siren blaring across the galaxy. You can see him from space. He can see you back. You should probs run.
• An FMC (Savina) whose totes not teaching Sunday School and journaling her feelings. She also has an alarming amount of jars.
• Secret hobbies involving sharp objects and “unique” souvenir collections that would make the Geneva Conventions spontaneously combust.
• Family trauma so generationally cursed it makes Greek mythology look like a romcom.
• A cast of side characters so fleshed out I could write a thesis on each one. But I won’t have to because they’ll get their own books, right? Right? RIGHT?!?! ALEX?!?!?!?!
• Creepy mansion lore. The Raven Group. LOKI. Dub con, non con, fuck it we ball con. Blood play, knife play, breath play, play with my emotions play. Masked man. Sadism. Merrrrderrrrrr! Probably a goat sacrifice in there somewhere.

This book is chaos in the best way. Murder and stalking are typical Tuesday morning activities. The MMC has big dick energy and zero remorse. His love for Savina is all-consuming, volatile, and dangerously possessive. He would do anything for her AND to her.

“You’re mine, vicious. Breathe it. Live it. Sear it into your fucking soul.”
Being mine isn’t a choice. It’s an irrefutable fact.

QUESO CRISTO.

This is a brutally pitch black masterpiece. The writing is God-tier and razor sharp. No plot holes, loopholes, fluff, or filler. Every detail and story line is accounted for, and the pacing is sprinting at all times. The character arcs and plot twists are more complex than the Tim Curry Clue ending.

I need the next book in this series ASAP. Like ASAP ASAP. The ASAPiest of ASAPs. Like if an ASAP ASAPed faster than the fastest ASAP.

500/5 stars.

[Cristina]

DNF

Not for me, the dynamic between the MCs was odd. The h doesn’t know who he is but her body wants him to do all kinds of sexual stuff. Coming from someone who was kidnapped as a young girl, I’d think her defense mechanism would put a bit of a fight. Nope, she’s okay with it all mask and everything.

[Katherine M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely in a book coma after this! This was dark romance at its finest. I can’t say too much because I don’t want to give anything away as there are lots of plot twists. Savina is 19 and lives at home with her parents where she helps out with her father’s company The Raven Group. They do many things and one of them is helping survivors that have gone through traumatic events. She also has herself a stalker. Someone described as “HIM” until he is revealed. He is unhinged, possessive, obsessive and morally black.

This book was really good and extremely well written. I rarely get surprised and normally figure out the plot twists, but this had me going wtf so many times because I was shook. This also can be gruesome at times and deals with child abuse. It starts off where you think it’s just a stalker romance but it’s so, so much more.

I don’t get affected by anything and have no triggers, but as a mother I was definitely affected. However, it’s needed for the backstory, character development and theme. Also, I feel like I needed to be aware because this stuff happens whether we want to believe it or not.

*****I strongly caution you if you or someone you know has dealt with abuse to please skip this one. Most books with this trigger warning just mention these themes, but this one goes into great detail *****

This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. If you like Harleigh Beck books and The Mindf*ck series, then you will love this.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️/4 🌶️

Okay, before I say anything—this review is gonna be short and very spoiler-free because the twists and turns?? Wild. I want you to experience every jaw-drop moment like I did. 😉

Now let’s get into it—this is easily my favorite read of June! If you’re into dark romance with kinks like stalker vibes, breeding, obsession (yes, please 🙌🏼), then buckle up. It’s dark, intense, and soooo addictive. Just make sure to read the trigger warnings first!🚨

I’m not revealing who the MMC is because the reveal is part of the fun, but omg… I’m obsessed. He’s possessive, morally black, and somehow still so adorably unhinged. I need one in real life, thanks.🙃

And Savina?? ICON. She starts off sweet and innocent but she’s just as crazy as he is and I was living for it. Their chemistry was so electric!

The world-building is done so well, and I’m already wishing for stories about the rest of the characters. Fingers crossed we get them all! 🤞🏼

[Flo₂₂ · Rating 1 out of 5]

i enjoyed it even thought there were a lot of dark scenes.... BUT
i didn't expect to see the SA at 80% fu*k this i'm out.
Book ruined.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you for the ARC opportunity Alex Grayson and The Author Agency - I know he is red flag but I do love him!!!

First off this is a spoiler free review and so that means the MMC has to be called Him as you don’t find out who he is until well into the book. Second, you need to check your trigger warnings with this one because it’s dark, really dark and those trigger warnings are real!!! But they are soooo good. If you like your romances dark this is a good one.

Him is good. I mean really good. So many red flags and they don’t go away, they just get added too. But he is perfect - I mean who doesn’t want a masked stalker to watch them sleep at night, drug them and bring them special gifts in black boxes. If that’s your vibe, Him is the red flag, totally deranged MMC for you (oh and he has a good backstory too - dark, traumatic, nature vs nurture).

Savina as the FMC also excellent. You think you have her worked out and then boom you find something else about her. Is she sweet and kind or is there something else? The other characters in the story are also great. There are so many of them that I would love a story about!!! Alex Grayson has a big back catalogue so that is where you are going to find me in the next few weeks!!!

So much happens in this book and I was there for all of it. It’s fast paced and I would have happily read more if it had been written as the ending gave me whiplash. Overall if you want a dark romance where the MMC ticks all the red flags and you want to question your moral compass for loving him despite all the questionable decisions he makes, read this book immediately!!

[Bookslover09 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The King of Hearts by @alexgraysonauthor
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟♾️
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Wow, I just finished this book, and I’m completely blown away! It's dark and twisted in the most captivating way. The obsession portrayed is thrilling and intensely steamy, keeping me on the edge of my seat. When I thought I had everything figured out, the plot took a sharp turn, leaving me gasping. It’s like a rollercoaster of emotions, each twist more shocking than the last. This story is a masterclass in suspense and intrigue!
Please read the trigger warning ⚠️

🤌🖤🫀

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please, for the love of your mental health, READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS.
This isn’t dark romance. This is pitch-black. Haunting. Disturbing. Every trauma, every twisted moment is laid bare — nothing off-page, nothing softened.

This book crawled under my skin. I had to stop multiple times just to breathe.
The hero? Unhinged. No redemption arc. No remorse. He doesn’t just cross lines — he erases them. Obsession, stalking, murder? Just a casual Tuesday. Big dick energy and zero chill.

The heroine? Equally twisted. She loved what he did to her. Their connection was toxic, obsessive, and somehow still hot enough to have me fanning myself like a lunatic.

Started as a stalker romance… but became so much more.
Plot twists had me whispering “wtf” every few chapters.
Savina & Ryker’s story is dark, intense, and beautifully depraved.

[Anja]

DNF

Listen, I’m all for dark as hell romance but I draw the line at on page sexual assault of a child, described in detail multiple times. Clearly I misunderstood the trigger warnings mentioning “memories” of childhood SA, because I feel like it absolutely needs to be clarified that these are explicit, open-door scenes. And not just once, but MULTIPLE times.

Aside from this, I was actually enjoying the book. But I just can’t stomach continuing. This one’s not for me.

[Kris-Posey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come…

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delicious dark twisted treat!

[Amber Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should come without saying; READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS FIRST.
This book is the definition of dark romance. Haunting Adeline ain't got nothing on this.

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm new to Alex but this story definitely had me by the throat- it's dark and twisted and unsettling at times. But there is a meaningful love story at the heart. There are dark romantic suspense and mystery elements, a twisted romance that evolves into something more substantial and sweet over time (but definitely starts in a very dubious place) and of course lots of action, spice, and twists upon twists. I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this and found myself flabbergasted in a few places just because I don't think I quite headed the triggers as seriously as I should have. So, as so many other reviewers have said, please please take the trigger warnings seriously. There is a lot of dark content here- and not just dark in reference but very much things that happen and are portrayed/described on page. I think sometimes we say things are dark because dark things have happened to our characters off page- but take my warning, past and present darkness is portrayed here in detail. Things that were really hard to read (I found myself skimming one portion in particular just because it was so uncomfortable to read). And there is also plenty of dark elements BETWEEN our characters too. It's definitely entertaining, shocking, twisting, and emotional- even if for me the dark elements might have taken a bit away from the romance side (with some of the stuff that happens it's hard to feel, well, into the spicy/romance vibes LOL). But it's definitely an interesting and unexepected read.

3.5 overall

[DoleWhipDolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

His vicious. Her devil. First off, check the TW. Grape on page. I had to skim the flashbacks, this book is PITCH BLACK. But— im so glad I didnt DNF, because this book wound up being great! Touch her and its over. Forced pregnancy, forced marriage. Age gap. All the good things a book needs for a perfect read. The twists, turns and surprise of the FMC’s secret was NOT what I expected at all. Definitely read if you think you can!

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ryker + Savina

-dark romance
-psychotic masked stalker
-organized crime
-forced marriage/pregnancy
-age gap

they have an unusual fascination with her hyman...& yes in the content warnings its all there...even tho it really should probably state the grooming is CHILD UNDERAGE grooming & sexual assault...& i am not saying i was triggered or didn't like it for that reason in any way...the flashback scenes of those were just written in such detail i didn't feel was warranted...& therefore is not my thing.

[Angel Basri · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
… be prepared to be HOOCKED !!! check your TW ...this is deliciously Dark and I'm here for it 🫀

This is a pitch black type of romance, but oooooh so good!
when I tell you I ordered this book 3 chapters in!! ( also 2 copies did you see that cover Holllymother..)
This man is so possessive he can’t stand when someone “touches” or even “thinks” about his Savina …
When they do, he makes sure their Hearts is gifted her in a box with a bow 🫠🫠🫠
The guessing games of who her Devil is, will keep you guessing!!
Not lack of candidate coz any man in this book is HOT 🥵

MMc will be revealed around 50% mark, hear me out, the SPICE the level of unhinged in this book!! this MMC will be above that, he is beyond obsessed, he is a level higher.
Primal paly
Blood play ( a lot of it)
Trauma ( ch*ild abuse )
Obsessive
OTT MMC
Protective family
Artist FMC into dark knks
Breath play
Somno
Breed-ing knk

[Grace Machuca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read your trigger warnings! If you're like me, the longer the trigger warnings and darker the book, this read is definitely for you.

The Kings of Hearts is a true dark read. It's one of the darkest I have read, and I am not mad. Alex Grayson wrote an amazing story! I was addicted from the dedication. The first page set the pace for the whole read. It took off from the beginning!

Savina is the only daughter of Alexander and Caroline Rivers and the baby sister of Bishop and Cassio. She was a victim of a kidnapping, and the men in her life are very protective of her. She and her family run the The Raven Group. This organization helps victims receive closure from their attackers and start a new life.

She is being stalked by a mak man who is obsessed and possessive of her. He gifts her hearts of those who touch and has wronged her. She is not bothered by his actions due to her own dark secrets.

This read is full of twists and turns. Through the first part of the book, you are trying to figure out who her masked man is. There's no spoilers her, but when you find out, you'll be shocked. Her masked man threatens her and her family, along with "planting" a secure way to tie her to him, in order to make her his and marry him. She has to choose to become fully his or have everyone she loves in prison for what they do with The Raven Group.

Savina leaves with him, but she faces danger more than once, and he does anything and everything to protect her. My heart aches with his childhood story. He is so unhinged and definitely has gone through a lot. But the way he loves Savina and what he does to protect her will have your eyes watering.

I loved the epilougue. I found myself saying how does a dark story ends with such a sweet ending. It was written perfectly beautifully! Thank you, Alex. I can't get enough of these two characters. The secrets that are revealed will have you grasping the pages. If I could, I would give more than ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. It's definitely one of my favorite top reads of 2025!

This read is beyond spicy from the start! Savina and her masked man have many spicy moments. He is a dom with dark ways, and she loves the pain. If I could rate more than 5 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶, I would!

[Lila Danisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the fuck I just read???
I rarely use f word bluntly but fuck! This book needs all the f words available in this whole wide world because WHAT THE FUCK!!!
Please please please read the triggers warning before you read this book. And take those triggers warning seriously because they are really what will happen. Please don't take them easily. The author tagline on her website is 'therapy required romance', and indeed, I think I needed therapy after I finished this book. I threw up so many times that I lost count. I also threw up because I liked this book so much I couldn't stop reading. I might need to touch grass in between the chapters, but dammit this book was so good.
This is my first experience of pitch dark romance, and I was glad Alex Grayson gave such a traumatic reading experience that I am questioning my insanity.
Obsessed is not the right word to describe what MMC had toward Savina, the FMC. The hero was another universe level of psychotic sick fuck. He would do literally anything for Savina. He also literally did anything TO Savina. Savina was also surprisingly full of secrets. There was nothing to say about her, but she was heavenly hell matched for the MMC. She was unexpectedly so unhinged. I loved her so much. I tried not to love the MMC, but damn I think I am crazy because I loved him so much.
The plots, though, THE PLOTS!!! I screamed, I cried, I literally threw up, and I was breathless the whole freaking time of reading this book. This book was really not good for my mental health, but I loved it so much.

Thank you to Alex Grayson and The Author Agency for the ARC.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: This this feels weird to acknowledge for this read….

Let me start by saying… PLEASE read & heed the TW from the author. There is absolutely nothing held back, no fade to black, ZERO assumptions to be made. The author is wildly graphic, and there are times that it was explicit….
That being said, I’m not entirely sure what I just read… This isn’t “dark” romance…it’s absolutely black & heavy.

The MMC is unhinged, obsessed, over the top, & incredibly dark. The FMC is innocent (or is she…), but quickly embraces the darkness. The rhythm started off slow for me, and took about 1/3 of the book for me to find it…and by then, I was committed to the author’s storyline. I would typically DNF this type of read, but by then I wanted to know WHO “Him” was…so I continued.
There are SO many dark things happening here that it felt hard to keep track of at times - and the last 1/3 of the book is heavy heavy heavy….and twisted…and intense… And felt so bizarre to get a sort of “HEA” in the epilogue….

I’m not sure I can come round to this author’s other stories - there was just something off to me that took this out of my normal “dark romance” enjoyment. Honestly, not my cup of tea in the slightest. And now in need of a MASSIVE palate cleanser…..

[Maria Angie Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy mother of blackest of blackness, this book is pitch BLACK DARK and I loved it!

Before you read this book please take the trigger warnings seriously! This book is most definitely NOT for the beginner/ intermediate dark story reader. I’m a huge fan of super dark twisted romance, so I was good to go, however there were moments I had to stop and do a reality check.

This story is on a league of its own with the dark, twisted and intense content!

That said, I’m a huge fan of this authors’s unique and compelling dark mind f¥ckery romance stories. The darkness in the stories is not implemented into the stories for shock value but to add to the complexity of the plot and its characters.

This is a small town dark romance based on trauma and what you’re willing to do to get what you want!

Haunting, and brutally raw, this author meticulously laid the track to take us on a twisted and suspenseful journey with unexpected discoveries and surprises. Well paced, well developed characters, oh this story was so realistic…

What happens and what’s the end result?
Proceed with caution and find out if you dare!

[Thais Padilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5
Spice:5/5

Fav Tropes:Alpha Male, Age gap,Stalking , Forced Marriage, Forced Pregnancy ALL THE FREAKING RED FLAGS


Thoughts: This Book Was PITCH BLACK so PLEASE READ TRIGGER WARNING AND DON’T TAKE IT LIGHTLY!

I have to say this is the darkest romance I have read to date and I didn’t hate it.

The MMC Was s dark and the definition of a walking red flags.
The FMC was very shocking to me and all though she seemed like a good girl she had an equally dark side .

There was a lot of family trauma involved in this book and A LOT OF GRAPHIC scene that were shown ON PAGE.


Honestly I have no words for this book besides go into this book blind WITH KEEPING THE TRIGGER WARNINGS IN MIND AND TAKING IT SERIOUSLY.

The Romantic suspense element of it was very captivating and although I struggled to read the first 40% off the books because there was a LOT going on , The last 30% I flew through it on the edge of my seat.


The ONLY reason this book wasn’t a 5 star read for me was because it was just 100 pages too long for me.

Thank you Alex Grayson and The Author Agency for this ARC

[Vivien Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Grayson might be the Queen of dark romance. The MMC of this story is, well I won't say his name and let you find out this info as you read. It's more exciting that way. Just know that he is morally black and a toxic walking red flag. But if you crave super dark romance and obsessive st@lker male characters then you will love him! The book has a delightfully long shopping list of tropes and tr!ggers that will keep you turning pages and staying up late to read one more page. As our story begins, Savina the heroine, starts out as mild mannered and seemingly shy, innocent and inexperienced in many ways. But is she really just as depraved as him? She starts having dreams that someone is coming in her room at night to pleasure her. Even though she knows it's a dream, it seems real and she feels sore in the morning. The H and h have so much fiery chemistry, it keeps you rooting for our couple and you crave for them to find their happiness together. Definitely add this one to the top of your list.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Moly what a fuxxing story, The King Of Hearts took Dark to another level of Darkness that you can not prepare yourself for. 

I was utterly consumed with the character of Him and finding out who the hell he was.The way he claimed Savina before she even knew he existed was terrifying and thrilling at the same time. This guy was a crazy sadistic twisted genius.
I was obsessed with him, his games, his mysterious vibe and of course his stalker behaviour. 

Savina was also a little dark horse, sweet, carefree and kind, but with her own little sinister side and naughty fantasies. I loved how ruthless she could be when needed. 

This book was a dark and twisted page turner, full of secrets and suspense. I was on edge throughout, but I loved the danger, the anger, the violence and the dark justice from The Raven Group.

I really hope this turns out to be a series as I'd love more from The Raven Group and the other characters. Fingers crossed 🤞 

A must read for Dark Romance lovers 🖤

[Sofia Alcantara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I honestly didn't have high hopes for this book. But I was surprised by how much I loved it. I think, without exaggeration, that it's become one of my best books of 2025, and I'd never read anything by this author. So it's obvious how much I loved the compulsive, overprotective, crazy, psychotic, but above all intense Ryker. Like Savina, I was surprised by how twisted she is. But the truth is, what she did to those disgusting people, they 100% deserved it. I was left intrigued to know more about Lili and Bishop. The same goes for the girl who was in the psychiatric hospital, and who I feel was abused by the nurse. I need their stories NOW! In general, the plot twists left me speechless. I never expected so many twists in the story, and each one surprised me more and more. Overall, this book is great. Of course, it's not suitable for the sensitive, as it has many triggers. But I love dark romance, and this one exceeded my expectations.
I’ll give to this book
⭐️5/5
🔥4/5

[Katelynn Spanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review. This book was so good! 🔥 If you love your dark romances intense, obsessive, and a little twisted, Ryker and Savina’s story delivers on all fronts. The obsession Ryker has for Savina is absolutely all-consuming — in the best, most dangerous kind of way.

It’s undeniably spicy (and I mean spicy 🔥🔥🔥), but please make sure to check your trigger warnings before diving in if you’re easily triggered. Alex Grayson doesn’t hold back, and that’s part of what makes this book so addicting.

The story was packed with unexpected twists and turns, and there were so many little clues sprinkled throughout that made me believe this world isn’t done yet. I have a strong feeling we’ll be getting more books soon, and honestly… I’m here for it.

And Ryker? Whew. I’ll leave you with this:

“Climb on, Vicious. I want you to r!de it.” 😈

4 stars from me. Can’t wait to see what comes next.