Inez Ocon is drawn to dark romance. The intensity, passion, and rawness of the genre are what drew her in. She resides in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada, sharing her lively home with her beloved family and a bunch of adorable fur babies. Inez is not just a homebody though. Traveling is another passion that she holds dear. She loves to soak up new experiences which inspire her stories.
absolutely loved this book! it was truly so easy to fall in love with the FMC and the MMC! there is nothing i love more than a man that will do anything for the woman he loves and Ian did that and so much more. i loved following Serena and her story. watching her be strong and independent was so inspiring. but watching her face her fears while Ian was there to support her was incredibly heartwarming. the spice was out of this world and i can’t wait to see what else is to come from this series!
* Billionaire dark romance * Forced proximity * Stalker/Obsession * Secret identity * Anti-hero MMC * Strong FMC * BDSM * Touch her and d!e
I devoured this book! I found it so good. It's 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and I loved every second of it. Particularly seeing Serena work through her past and the issues and trauma she has! I can't wait for more of this series!!!
Okay, this book had everything I love in a good romance , protective MMC, found family, emotional healing, and a heroine who absolutely owns her story. Ian is obsessed with Serena in the best possible way. Like, he literally moves guys to other floors at work because they even glance at her. From page one, I was hooked. Serena clearly has a past she doesn’t talk about, and when that past shows up at a work gala? She doesn’t freeze but she fights back. (Knee to the groin and a punch for good measure. Iconic.)
Ian witnesses the whole thing and instead of pulling away, he doubles down. There’s a moment later where we learn about Serena’s trauma and how she was drugged in the past and what does Ian do? He flies in a trusted bartender to personally serve her on their date so she can feel safe and still enjoy herself. Like??? The bar for men is in the clouds now.
Her parents… yeah, they’re the worst. But it makes sense why Serena’s found a real family with the Lobos. Ian putting her parents in their place was so satisfying. Then we get dinner with Ian’s family, where Serena and Vee instantly click, and we find out there’s history between Serena’s best friend and Ian’s brother… please, can we get their story next?!
When the truth of Serena’s trauma finally comes out, it hits hard. Definitely check the trigger warnings, but it’s handled so thoughtfully. Watching her face it head-on with Ian’s support was emotional and empowering. She didn’t just survive,she thrived.
And that ending? Ian’s mom being the quiet mastermind behind it all? Perfection. I’m officially invested in this entire family and need every sibling and cousin’s story immediately.
There is something about the boss/employee, workplace romance trope that just lures me in! Add banter, sass, and touch her and d!e into the mix and you get a great read!
I loved the beginning. The first time they saw each other. The way Serena defended herself against someone else, and how Ian later brought it up. The tension, and the chemistry between these two needs to be studied!!
Serena went through the most horrific things imaginable. What made it so much worse was not being believed and being told that it was her own paranoia. It is every woman's nightmare. I really hated the people who made her feel so alone in the situation. While I understood her need to push people away, I just wanted her to open up! I am really glad she had so many people who had her back.
Ian Kayde is the CEO at Kayde Investments. On the outside, he is cool, calm and collected. A respectable businessman. However, there is a much darker side to him.
From the moment he laid eyes on her, he was infatuated, obsessed. I really enjoyed reading how Ian helped Serena overcome her fears. How he kissed every scar and reminded her of how beautiful she is. He broke down all the walls she put up and made it clear to her that she was worth it. The way he showed her what it was like to have someone's full support and be loved unconditionally.
I absolutely loved how Ian's family took Serena in as their own and made her feel welcome. Something she really needed. I thought it was really heartwarming and I loved their dynamic.
My favourite side character by far was Ruby, the bartender. I absolutely love her! She is a total girl's girl! I especially loved how she made sure Serena was safe.
I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. I wasn't expecting it at all. I don't want to spoil anything, but I loved the way all of the men groaned in unison! I thought that part was hilarious!!
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this. The characters, the build ups, everything! It had some really cute, funny moments, but what really captivated me was the action. How resilient and strong Serena is and the lengths Ian would go to protect her. I also loved the way they were both able to calm the other down. I did not want this book to end, and I am looking forward to reading the other character's stories! I devoured this book and would highly recommend!
Many thanks to Inez Ocon and Naughty Nook PR for the eARC!
Thank you naughty nook pr and Inez Ocon for an advanced e-copy of this book!
This is a slightly dark stalker romance, with an obsessive and possessive MMC, and deals with healing after SA, violence, and unaliving. There’s a lot in this book, but I will say that I loved how Ian was always looking out for Serena!
I loved that Serena had her own things going on, her coping mechanisms and she was a very strong FMC, which was awesome when Ian made his move cuz she was quick to sass him 😂 The supporting characters were also fun and I expect will be reappearing in further books as MCs, I think this is going to be a series of interconnected standalones.
I didn’t love some parts, like some backtracking when the POVs shift, like from Serena to Ian, they would go backwards to what was happening before the last scene started. I also wasn’t a fan of “no safe words” I know that it wasn’t meant as like a he won’t stop even if she begged him to situation and more of a heat of passion statement, but idk, those just throw me off sometimes!
This is a little dark in the sense that there are hidden cameras she doesn’t know about (used by MMC) and he does stalk her and dig up her past-without her knowing. There is also some torture (of a side character) and unaliving (by both MCs). There is also a recounted SA event.
The spice! It does start relatively early, pretty high heat when they start going and the locations vary 😂 we love a man who enjoys foreplay and eating 🤭 and boy oh boy does that describe Ian! He even crawls in one scene 😍🔥 Some scenes are longer/more detailed than others, as we get further in the book the scenes get shorter.
Serena is a strong woman who has built her identity around control. Because of an incident in her past, safety and predictability are key to her getting through her day, all of which have helped her land a new job as VP of Finance. When her new boss walks in and appears to fixate on her, she doesn’t know whether she can trust him, or should run as fast as she can.
Ian appears to be the cool, calm and collected CEO, always in control of every aspect of his life, but he hides a darker side where enemies are eliminated without hesitation. When he sees Serena, he knows he has to have her, but when ghosts from her past come back to haunt her, he will stop at nothing to keep her safe.
I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this book from the author and absolutely loved it. Serena is portrayed as such a strong woman, but we quickly see that there is more to her that meets the eye. Her trauma however, is not made trivial or just something to move the story along, but is truly a part of every facet of her personality, and explains so much about how she views the world, and her relationships within it.
I loved how Ian seems all put together, but we really get to uncover all of his layers, realizing how everything he does comes from wanting to keep his loved ones safe. While he’s definitely a little unhinged (but in the best way), it totally works for him, and I can’t wait to see what the author does with the rest of the series.
Obsessed! 5⭐️, 5🌶️ Couldn’t put it down, I was hooked from the very first chapter! The drama, suspense, family business (legit & not), the relationships between the characters, the trauma, & the spice that was oh so spicy!!! Such a great balance to all of it & very well written. I am so glad I requested to read this book! I received an advance copy for free at my request after seeing the blurb for it. All my reviews are made voluntarily & are my honest thoughts/opinions. Loved how obsessed with Serena Ian was & how he used that obsession for good even if his methods were a bit questionable. Serena was so dang strong but also reacting to very real trauma in realistic ways. All that together made her such a great FMC! Now, their relationship with each other… pure heat! The BDSM elements weren’t explored on page in excess but enough to leave you panting! So hot! Definitely extremely k*inky spicy scenes done right. Just like the entire book was done right! Although, I do wish Serena’s relationship with her parents was explored more or had a more in depth conclusion. Either way, I am really looking forward to the rest of this series & hope we find out what is going on with Yuri as well as Veronica! Fingers crossed both of them get their own books & that we continue to get some updates on Ian & Serena in future books.
Serena is strong and determined not to let anything get past the shield she’s built. Ian was just the best. He basically said, “What walls?” He’s completely obsessed with her, and she’s like, “nope, not gonna do it… or wait, maybe I’ll take a second look!” These two were hilarious with their internal monologues. This poor girl had some real trauma, but Ian was protective, patient, and supportive. It was so sweet to see & just loved Ian even more for how much he cared for her. The birthday/gallery scene? 🔥 So hot and definitely memorable! Chapter 30 😂-payback, that’s all I’m saying. The way these two egg each other on was too funny, like an evil little game of tag, and I was all for it! Honorable mention to Ian’s mom, total badass momma! Honestly, I enjoyed the whole story. Also enjoyed the sprinkles of Spanish in this story, which added to Serena’s personality and background. This story had steam & a whirlwind of emotions that all built up to a perfectly satisfying ending. Inez brought it all together beautifully!
One of my favs: “No, Mi Reina, you’re a goddamn queen. Call yourself a shattered queen if you want, but you’re a queen. Mine to worship and protect.”
Serena is book 1 in the Shattered Queens series and is a forced proximity dark romance. You will fall in love with the main characters in this book. Serena is sweet, sassy, and fierce but struggles due to past trauma. Ian sees her, wants her, and will stop at nothing to have her, all while protecting her and showing her how loved and worshipped she should be. He may have stalked her at times, but Ian is all green flags to me. In my eyes, that man can do no wrong. The story has a great plot that keeps you hooked. The writing is captivating and addicting. The characters have great chemistry together and the spice is spicy between them. I loved the tension in the beginning but I enjoyed watching Serena start to let go and become what she was truly meant to with Ian. Also... I love Ian's family. The way they stepped up and offered to help her when her own parents didn't was admirable. I loved that his family took her right in, not caring about her past, guiding her and giving her advice. She finally has a place where she belongs and I love that for her! This was a great read. I can't wait for the next in the series!
“You deserve to be someone’s everything. And I’m that someone.” This quote sums up our MMC Ian Kayde perfectly—dangerous, possessive, and devoted.
Tropes: Billionaire Dark Romance Forced Proximity Stalker/Obsession Anti-Hero MMC Strong FMC Touch Her and 💀
What a way to enter the Shattered Queens world. Serena (Book #1) is a billionaire dark romance that perfectly blends obsession, danger, and a powerful heroine who refuses to break even when her world does.
Serena lives a life of logic and predictability—she’s VP of Finance, she’s trained her body, guarded her mind, and locked her heart away. Enter Ian: a CEO, heir, and killer who’s been watching her every step. He says he’ll protect her. He says he’ll kill for her. But is he her savior or her captor?
This book is dark, twisty, and full of secrets—exactly how I like my romance. Ian is the ultimate anti-hero, and Serena is a heroine worth rooting for. Together, they’re combustible.
Thank you so much to Inez Ocon and Naughty Nook PR for this ARC. I’m already anxiously awaiting the next installment.
Ahhhh i dont know where to start!! the story the spice it has it all!!
tropes and triggers: SA PTSD Flashbacks morally grey man. found family Super strong FMC stalking touch her and DIE force proximity dual Pov BDSM all concent
It is dark so please read the triggers. Maybe a spoiler so ill hide it.
I dont normally like to read about SA, But this book was soo well written that i didn't mind. some books seem to only focus on that and drag it out but also make it all about her but they never seems to move on in a healthy way, it's always she falls in love with the MMC and falls at his feet coz he thinks he know's best.
This book had it all yes there was PTSD, Flash backs and continuing on but man is she a fighter. They way Inez built her FMC was amazing the way she gained control of her life and said F!@## anyone who tried to shive her down. Even the MMC was there to help build her even more and showed her how to take her life back was chefs kiss!! thats all im gonna say haha read the book please.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The prologue was a masterful tease and the novel's pull was so enticing, it kept me coming back.
Serena is a straight shooter with a dark past and a story all her own. Wicked smart, and quicker with a comeback than a whip. Her take on men and relationships is about as warm and fuzzy as a house cat's - and I was so here for it. The story's side characters were total scene-stealers, adding a dash of humor that made Ian's intro even more epic. The characters' raw vulnerability made the plot super intense and easy to relate to.
Ian, is like the calm before the storm. He's got that touch-her-and-die vibe going on that makes him addictive one minute and needing a throat punch the next. I enjoyed the complexity of his character and his dynamic relationship with Serena, leading to off the charts chemistry!! Such a perfect blend to a great story and heavy plot, riddled with many darker themes. So advising to know your trigger warnings.
Inez Ocon absolutely crushed it with this crazy, mafia-style romance, it's got it all, light, dark, the whole shebang.
Hear me out! I’m very much a mood reader and there are times that I just want a book that is all spicy with a little bit of plot and other times where I’m here for the plot. This book slapped me in the face with the story line that had me pinned down from the very first chapter.
This book made me FEEL THINGS! My lady bits were screaming for Ian to jump through the pages and take care of meeeeeeee. I really do recommend not reading this on a plane just an FYI. IYKYK!
This was one of the best well rounded books I’ve read in so long. It gave me all the feels. Sometimes with a dual POV book there could be missing details or connections from hoping between each POV that the author would make sense of at the end of the book. But the way that Inez made everything flow seamlessly. Chefs kiss. It was light when it needed to be and dark and spicy where it counts.
I love a dark romance and mafia book separately but this book is definitely a top contender. 👑
Oh honey!!!🍯 Let me tell you! Oh my gosh, this book was an absolute MASTERPIECE!! The way that lan knew exactly what he wanted and knew exactly how to get it!!❤️❤️❤️I ate this entire book up, I couldn't put it down! Serena is such a strong, beautiful, and badass woman. She is amazing! She had so many walls built up around herself to protect herself from harm. BUT, when my mans lan came into to the picture and knew exactly what she needed even before she knew. He broke down all those walls and taught her that she can do ANYTHING!! He showed her that she can be the queen in his world!! Their relationship makes my heart happy!!.🌶️The spice was impeccable!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 the story was amazing as well ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️/5 I will definitely be adding this to my "FOREVER RECCOMED" book list!! This book covers a lot of dark topics so PLEASE!!! CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!! Your mental health matters!! Inez Ocon you are amazing and thank you for this opportunity!!❤️
Ian is completely obsessive, possessive and protective when it comes to Serena and he is also totally unhinged when someone hurts her or craves her. What I loved about them together was the way you saw Serena's confidence and sassiness grow as the book progressed because she had his support and protection. They way she pushed his buttons more and more was so good and the witty banter was top notch! I loved the way he built her up but also sometimes tried to put his foot down on things. And don't get me started on the spice it was VERY steamy and kinky! All the side characters were great and I loved that they were very present but didn't take the focus away from Ian and Serena. Also I loved the nicknames! Spanish is my first language so I loved getting a little spanish throughout the book. What a great series set up! Can't wait for the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
absolutely grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go. This book is dark, intense, and addictive in that way where you keep saying “just one more chapter” until it’s 2 a.m. Serena is the kind of heroine you instantly respect—sharp, disciplined, and so closed off that watching her slowly unravel was both painful and mesmerizing. And Ian? He’s dangerous, obsessive, magnetic, and terrifyingly captivating all at once.
Their chemistry is pure combustion—equal parts fear, need, and that wild, unexplainable pull that makes you question your own sanity for rooting for them. Inez Ocon doesn’t hold back; she dives deep into obsession, power, and what it means to love when it’s all-consuming and wrong but feels so right.
The writing is sharp and cinematic, the tension is constant, and the emotional whiplash is real. If you love dark billionaire romances that toe the line between danger and devotion, Serena will own you.
This book pulled me right in with its dark, dangerous tension and addictive characters. Serena is such a strong heroine—logical, guarded, and determined to protect herself after everything she’s been through. Watching her slowly process, grow, and open up through the story was one of my favorite parts. Ian, on the other hand, is pure obsession wrapped in power and danger, and every scene with him crackled with intensity. He gave me definite Fifty Shades vibes but with a darker, more ruthless edge.
The chemistry between them is off-the-charts, the spice is plentiful 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, and the suspense kept me turning pages. It’s equal parts romance and danger, and it sets up the series perfectly. I can’t wait to see what secrets and chaos unfold in the next installment.
Thank you to the author Inez Ocon for sending me a digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Serena (Shattered Queens Series) is a dark romance with lots of spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵🥵. I loved reading this book. This book gives Fifty Shades of grey vibes. Since this is a series I can’t wait to read what comes next for Serena. Serena and Ian are addicting characters with lots of baggage.
I can’t imagine the trauma Serena went through. To not be supported by the people that are supposed to support you through life is a crazy! Every girl wants that dream guy to support them no matter the consequences. Boy does Serena get her revenge!!!
I cannot wait to read book 2
This book will come out on October 13th
A huge thanks to Inez Ocon for giving me the privilege to read the book before the book is official.
Thank you to Onez Icon and Naughty Nook PR for the ARC
I loved this dark, obsessive billionaire romance! Ian completely stole the show for me with his possessive, protective energy and all those quiet acts of service (iykyk 👀) made him such an intense and magnetic MMC.
Serena was the perfect match for him, a strong, resilient, and a total badass survivor who refuses to be a victim again. I really liked watching her push back, hold her ground, and still find her way into Ian’s chaos.
The story had great tension, solid twists, and the spice was definitely spicing 🔥. It struck a nice balance between dark romance and emotional connection, which kept me hooked from start to finish.
Overall, Serena was an addictive start to the Shattered Queens series with its dark, dangerous vibes and is full of chemistry 🔥🌶️. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Serena and Ian make for a really complex pairing. It’s very seldom you get to thoroughly enjoy a FMC & MMC in the book simultaneously without being able to depict any distinct flaws or obvious inconsistencies.
What I mean by that? Serena is not to usual pushover persona we get from female characters in these books a lot of the time. In fact she is anything but. Infatuated with control, and demanding of stability. Does Ian weasel his way in? Sure but not as notoriously easily as you think.
You get to figure out just how long Ian, the billionaire CEO has been obsessed with Serena. His passion taken to gruesome heights with his touch her and die mentality - literally. His story is a beautifully twisted narrative, riding that line between predator and protector.
Serena is a badass chick who takes no crap. She has worked her butt off to become VP of Finance and to the world displays an air of confidence and composure. Inside she is holding the shattered pieces together.
Ian has been obsessed with Serena since he first laid eyes on her. Little does Serena know when she meets him for the first time that he is about to shake the foundation she worked so hard to build. Not to mention he is her boss.
Serena's past comes barreling back into her life at full force and, with Ian's help, she is able to conquer her fears and overcome her trauma.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Serena is strong and sassy and has no trouble dishing back attitude. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship and the closure she was able to get.
From the first chapter, you’re just… locked in. It’s dark, it’s emotional, and it somehow manages to blend danger, desire, and vulnerability in a way that feels totally addictive.
What really stood out to me was how layered both main characters are. You’re constantly torn between wanting to hug them, yell at them, and fan yourself because, well… let’s just say the chemistry is off the charts. The tension between control and trust is so well done. it never feels cheap or overdone, just raw and intense.
And even though it dives into some pretty heavy themes, it’s written with care and precision. You can tell the author knows exactly what kind of emotional ride they’re taking you on. The pacing is tight, the atmosphere is charged, and the blend of romance and suspense hits that perfect “can’t stop turning pages” balance.
🖤 He's Obsessed. She's Controlled. Let the Chaos Begin. 🖤
Serena is a fortress of control, a woman who lives by the rules to outrun a crippling past. Her new VP of Finance job is the perfect illusion of safety... until she meets her boss.
Ian isn't just a CEO; he's a cool, calculated predator who sees exactly what Serena is trying to hide. When her past comes knocking, he doesn't hesitate—he embraces his dark side to protect her, proving he is absolutely unhinged (in the best way possible).
This is not your average romance. The author masterfully weaves complex trauma with breathtaking obsession. Ian's possessiveness is rooted in a fierce love, and it totally works for Serena. If you love high-stakes, morally grey billionaires, stop what you're doing and start this book. I need the rest of this series now!
Serena just landed a new job as Vice President of Finance. Her extremely sexy boss and CEO of the company, Ian, keeps meddling into her personal life. When her past comes back to haunt her, Ian is there ready to protect and possess her.
Ian is the new CEO of Kayde Investments after his father stepped down. He’s ready to focus on taking over the business, until he sees his VP of Finance knee a guy in the balls—she’s got his full attention, and is his new obsession.
Ian helps Serena tap into her dark side and is always ready and willing for her to try whatever she wants to do to him—no shame in their game baby!
This one spicy, steamy and sexy book, but equally dark!
What I Liked: * We get straight into the sheets * Serena gun skills * Serena’s group of friends * The twist and turns this story took because WTF! * Ian’s family and how they're all ride or die for eachother * Ian cracking Serena so good she tapped into her dark side * Ian sneaky ways lol * What happens to Byran, Lester, & Stephan
What I Didnt Like; * Fuck Serena’s parents, especially her father * Xaden—I need Yuri & his story next
Serena coming from a troubled past, has issues with commiting herself to a relationship, constantly pushing herself away from anyone trying to get close. keeping her secrets closer than anyone in her life.
To be with Serena is all Ian wants, all he knows, all he craves since the second he's laid his eyes on her. He will do anything he has to do to protect her. To make her his completely.
Ian and Serenas story has obsession, spice, action. It shows you how one deals with a trauma that embeds itself into a soul of one shattered. It shows you ways to heal from said traumas, it shows you how the shattered survives. And lastly it shows you a love formed around all these things. A love that becomes so strong nothing can break it.
What to expect : 💜Billionaire Dark Romance 💜Forced Proximity 💜Stalker /obsession 💜Anti Hero mmc 💜Strong fmc 💜Touch her and 💀
Thankyou so much to Inez Ocon and Naughtynookpr for the advance copy of this book
This book had me hooked from the very first page until the last page
This book is dark and twisty and full of secrets that had me on the edge of my seat all the way through the book.
It's a dark billionaire romance that blends obsession and danger and power all into this book and it's was done amazing. The Suspense had me turning pages fast.
The spice was off the charts and had me blushing in places
I loved reading this book and can't wait to see what unfolds in the next book
Enjoyable read. There was a good mix of plot and spice, which was absolutely delicious. There were secrets, lies, betrayals, twist and turns.
The FMC wanted nothing to do with relationships and was a bit of a grump. Now, the MMC is obsessed and she has no clue…. And he will do anything to make her his….🚩😉
If you like your men OTT obsessive, possessive, perhaps a little st@lkerish,who have a dirty mouth and will degrade and praise you in the same sentence, who also happens to be your boss…….This one’s for you
There’s are some things that some may find triggering so be sure to check the TWs
No cheating, some OWD (MMC does not want anything to do with it), no third act breakup with a HEA
* Boss/ Employee * FMC with Traumatic Past * Bada$$ FMC * 🚩Red Flag MMC * Touch Her & ☠️—Literally * Morally Grey MMC * St@lking — the Good and the Bad * Revenge
Serena is one sassy FMC. I love everything about her. She grew feistier as the story progressed. The more Ian tried to tell Serena what to do, the more she really pushed Ian's buttons to get a rise out of him. This witty banter is a big reason why I loved this book so much. The other reason was the steamy of course. So much steam!
While the story may focus on Ian and Serena as a couple, all of the other characters felt like main players in the story as well. I really like Ian's cousin, Damon. Every time that he made an appearance, he made the scenes that much better. I do believe that he will be next to have his story told. Ian's mother is awesome. Every man needs a strong woman to stand by their side.
Run and grab this book now! You don't want to miss out on this must read.
This book had me in a chokehold from page one. Serena is the kind of FMC you instantly root form she is strong, guarded, and quietly unraveling her past, while Ian is the definition of a morally gray menace who would absolutely burn the world down if it meant keeping her safe.
Their forced proximity and secret identity tension hit hard, and the obsessive, touch-her-and-die energy? Immaculate.
What really stood out was watching Serena confront her trauma while being fully supported instead of “saved,” which made the romance hit even deeper. Add billionaire dark romance vibes, unhinged devotion, and spice that does not play around, and yeah… I devoured this and will be stalking the rest of the series immediately.