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Scorpion Kings #4

The Hate We Breathe

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Monsters don’t just live in the dark, they breathe it.

I thought I’d already survived the worst.
I was wrong.

Falling once nearly destroyed me.
Falling for them? The Scorpion Kings?
It might be the end of me.

They cracked open every secret I tried to bury.
Now, we’ve crossed a line we can’t come back from—

There’s just two questions now left to be answered.
Who killed Morpheus Calloway?
And who is trying to kill me?

397 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2025

133 people are currently reading
199 people want to read

About the author

Lucy Smoke

76 books2,839 followers
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.


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5 stars
173 (49%)
4 stars
120 (34%)
3 stars
46 (13%)
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9 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Mia S..
566 reviews42 followers
December 25, 2025
Fourth book!

Ok fell in love with Jules and the three OMG loved it all! Of course the story comes to a heart attack of reveals and if I had pearls I’d clutch LOL! Loved the story, lots of drama and spice & answered my looming questions, loved!
Profile Image for Eren Valentine.
211 reviews13 followers
November 22, 2025
Thank you to the author for the gifted e-arc. These opinions are my own.

This story was everything I wanted it to be.
Our trio of guys and Juliet are finally getting somewhere... with well everything.
Their life is chaos, and that doesn't change throughout the book. Not only do they run into issues with Darrio, trying to get Juliet not a suspect for a murder she didn't commit, but also having to try to find her mom, and figure out who's been trying to ruin her the entire time. I didn't expect it to be the person that it was. Juliet is such a great FMC, and I really hope that she isn't gone forever along with our guys. I hope to see them again in the future for cameos. But this book did solidify that I need to read the other books for Sick Boys cause Rylie aka Riot Girl I think I need to know more of.

All of the guys just need love and it's great they found it where they never expected it. Okay, not including Lex because he always knew. He deserves a medal from the guys for that one. I loved watching their growth throughout the series and how far they are willing to go for each other but also for Juliet. And she's right there with them. All of the guys need a hug though, seriously. Their backgrounds are sad, and Lex deserves every moment of happiness!

Juliet goes from Rich Girl Prep Princess to Fallen From Grace. She not only survives through almost being raped, killing someone to save herself, the entire town turning on her, losing her job because of Darrio, her dad being imprisoned for embezzlement, trauma from her creepy "Uncle", being accused of murdering someone she didn't, learning the guy's secrets and she's still managed to come out on top. This girl's been through her own trauma and can't even catch a freaking break. But in the end, she still comes out the winner, she's where she wants to be with who she wants to be with.

If you're looking for a story that has found family, die hard loyalty, murder suspects, drama, secrets being brought to light, feminine rage and guys who would murder for their girl.... I would definitely recommend giving The Scorpion Kings series a read.

I am so glad that I was here for the journey for these 4 books. I can't wait to read more from the author as I greatly enjoy her writing and the character's she has created.
Profile Image for Stacey Rae.
207 reviews6 followers
November 28, 2025
This series is officially one of my all time favourites. I’m obsessed with the Scorpion Kings, and Juliet is such an absolute badass. I adore her. These books will play with your emotions and make you realize you can, in fact, fall way too hard for a group of beautiful psychos.

Since this is the final book, we finally get answers to everything, and it all wraps up with a perfect little bow. But is it really over?! So, so good!
Profile Image for Catherine.
467 reviews9 followers
January 1, 2026
This was a great way to end the series. I loved Juliet's character development and how she and the guys were always there for each other.
Profile Image for Theresse (Tess) Gregory.
421 reviews11 followers
December 8, 2025
“So long as she’s in my arms, she can’t be taken away. Mine is not a gentle possession. It is a bound thing, a vow that’s etched into my soul. And it cannot be erased.”

♥♚♥---ARC Review---♚♥♚

This book was such a satisfying and powerful conclusion to the Scorpion Kings series. From the very beginning, it felt like Lucy brought every loose thread forward with intention, weaving each one into a finale that honored the characters, the plot, and the emotional stakes built across all three previous books. What impressed me most was how seamlessly each character’s personal battles came to resolution. Every member of the core cast faced their demons head-on, and watching them do so, often with the support of each other, made this final installment feel especially meaningful.

“You are everything to me, Princess, and no matter who took advantage or hurt you before, I’m going to show you why nothing else should matter.”

Juliet, in particular, absolutely shone. Thinking back to where she started in book one, the amount of growth she underwent is almost unbelievable. But because of how smoothly Lucy wrote her evolution, I didn’t even realize the full scope of her development until I paused to reflect. She embodies the definition of a badass heroine, resilient, strategic, and fiercely loyal, even when she’s quietly falling apart inside. Nolan mirrors that same depth of transformation. The openness he ultimately brings to his relationship with Juliet was something I didn’t even realize I needed until the book delivered it so beautifully.

“I said I’d never die for a man. Well, now that it’s about three of them - it’s time to eat. Those. F*cking. Words.”

And the MMCs? Easily one of the standout strengths of this entire series. Each man is unhinged in his own distinct way, and yet their personalities contrast Juliet’s brand of chaos so perfectly that the group dynamic becomes addictive. Their interactions, especially against the backdrop of the found family trope, were some of the most wholesome parts of the book. The way they show up for one another (like when Gio spirals and Nolan steps in to steady him, Lex gives him space to heal, and Juliet anchors him emotionally) really drove home the depth of their bond.

“She’s not just someone I share with my best friends. Juliet is my future - all of our futures. I’d do f*cking anything for this woman, so long as she keeps looking at me like I’ve saved her because the truth is - she’s the one saving us.”

The mystery and suspense kept me hooked from start to finish. I had a suspicion around the 30% mark about who the antagonist might be, and while I turned out to be right, it still shocked me because I never would have suspected them based on the earlier books. Lucy handled the reveal so well; the breadcrumbs weren’t laid out too early, but once the narrative wanted you to start connecting dots, everything snapped into place in such a satisfying way.

“I thought Lex was the crazy one.”
“ Crazy? Maybe. Obsessed with you? Definitely.”

Juliet and her men more than earned their HEA after everything they endured. The only small personal disappointment, one that didn’t impact my rating, was the lack of additional group intimate scenes. The teasing built anticipation, but those threads didn’t quite materialize the way I expected. Still, the emotional payoff and the conclusion to their story more than made up for it. I’m genuinely sad this series has come to an end, but I’m holding out hope that Lucy might revisit Juliet and her men in the future. Until then, I’ll be eagerly waiting to see what she creates next.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spice: 2.5/5

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

Tropes:
♥ Reverse Harem ♚
♚ Touch Her & ☠️ ♥
♥ Found Family ♚
♚ Bada** FMC + Unhinged, Possessive MMCs ♥

“As he walks away, I realize that I’m no better than a man. I might hate to see him leave, but godd*mn, do I love to watch him go. Even clothed.”
Profile Image for Booksbystarlightandshadows .
597 reviews4 followers
December 26, 2025
I really enjoyed all the character development in this book, particularly with Juliet and Nolan. The found family element of the series has always been my favourite element and seeing everyone finally coming together rather than keeping Juliet in the dark was so satisfying to read. Gio also had a really interesting arc and the scenes with his mother were a gut punch I wasn't expecting as did the later scene with Eliza.

It was a high three star for me as it felt like the resolution of the Morpheus/Juliet's parents/stalker plots were a bit rushed in comparison to the great character development. The twist of Morpheus' death in book three was a real series highlight and although there were only a couple of people I truly suspected (the perpetrator being one of them) we never find out exactly what happened despite that epic confrontation at the end nor what the fallout was. Similarly with Juliet's parents, I'd really hoped for an on page reunion where Juliet could show them how strong and adaptable their absence made her, but instead Avery reappeared and got the closest to that kind of scene. I did enjoy that conversation though as Juliet was 100% right about forgiveness but after being treated the way Juliet was in the series by people as a whole, I'd have loved some more on page updates of what happened after when the truth came out that Juliet and her family were innocent.

There still seems to plenty to explore in this universe and I'd love to see more of Juliet and her guys in Eastpoint. There is also a plot thread which has been dangled since book one that has definite spin off potential after the smallest tease in the epilogue!

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.

Profile Image for Elle ✨ | Queen of Smut .
109 reviews7 followers
December 12, 2025
THIS is what a finale should be.

The Hate We Breathe is a masterclass in writing a heroine who doesn't just endure, she conquers. Juliet walks into this book carrying scars, secrets, and every reason to stay small... and walks out a FORCE OF NATURE.

Lucy Smoke understood the assignment: give us a FMC who earns her crown through fire, fear, and sheer stubborn refusal to break. Juliet's evolution isn't handed to her; she FIGHTS for it. Every revelation, every confrontation, every moment she stands her ground is a testament to her strength.

And the Scorpion Kings? They're not there to save her. They're there to AMPLIFY her power. Lex, Nolan, and Gio recognize what she is, what she's always been, and they support her rise without trying to dim her light. THAT'S the kind of romance we deserve.

This book tackles murder, mystery, and morally gray choices while never losing sight of what matters: Juliet reclaiming her voice, her agency, her LIFE.

To every reader who's ever had to rebuild themselves, who's ever been told they were too much or not enough, who's ever stood in their own darkness and chose to breathe fire instead of fear, this book is YOUR anthem.

The series may be over, but Juliet's story? That stays with us.

Read this. Feel everything. Become ungovernable.

The Hate We Breathe
Lucy Smoke

#TheHateWeBreathe #LucySmoke #ScorpionKings #DarkRomance #FMCPower #MorallyGrayMen #ReverseHarem #BookRecommendations #StrongHeroine #DarkRomanceCommunity #QueenOfSmut #LibraryOfSin #BecomeUngovernable 👑🔥
Profile Image for Brit.
27 reviews
December 1, 2025
So I received an ARC of the final book in the Scorpion Kings SERIES, and like any other overwhelmed and anxious reader I completely forgot about it. So to make it right, I spent the day abandoning most of my parental and adult responsibilities and devoured this from start to finish (don’t worry, the kids are alright).

Now, I’ve adored this entire series and I could not wait to get the final piece and have all our loose ends tied up (figuratively and literally). If you’ve seen my reviews of the first 3 books none of this will be a surprise, but Lucy Smoke ate with this book. I mean, she left no crumbs and it’s perfection.

The final book sees the Scorpion Kings and Juliet face everything that has happened to them with new and unexpected threats. A new stalker, a pissed of wannabe drvg king pin dad doubling down on his hate of the girl his son chooses, one family more broken than ever and another that becomes more solid than they could have expected. Our Kings have their Queen, and there is no doubting the love they have for each other. They would not only kill for each other, but they would die for their love, and the way this one unwraps, they just might have to …

Go right this minute and buy and devour this book. If you haven’t read 1-3 then start there because you need every piece of the story to fully appreciate how our heroes and their heroine leave us when it’s all said and done. And if you haven’t read the Sick Boys series, you should go read that too because it’s equally enthralling AND we’ve got some crossover with the characters and it’s always nice to see a friendly face.

#arcreader #arcreview #booktok #bookstagrammer #darkromance #whychoose #triggerwarning #bookreview
Profile Image for Katy Jenkins .
517 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2025
The Hate We Breathe is a dark, addictive ride, but what really makes this book unforgettable is Juliet. From the very beginning, she’s thrown into a situations that want to break her—yet page by page, you watch her refuse to stay down. Her growth in this story is honestly one of my favorite parts of the series.
Juliet starts off guarded, and carrying the weight of everything she’s endured. But as the story unfolds, you see her dig deeper into her strength, her defiance, and her sense of self. Every challenge she faces becomes another turning point, and Lucy Smoke writes her evolution with so much grit and emotion that it’s impossible not to root for her. By the time you reach the end, she’s not the same girl you met in the first book—she’s sharper, braver, and fully stepping into her role with the Scorpion Kings.

What makes her transformation even more compelling is the unexpected support she finds in Lex, Nolan, and Gio. Each of them brings something different to her life—strength, loyalty, and a fierce determination to uncover the truth. They don’t just protect her; they help her dig up the answers she’s been denied. Together, they become the force that pushes her forward, helping her reclaim her voice and fight for the justice she deserves.

With all the intensity, danger, and twisted tension this series delivers, Juliet’s transformation is the heart of the story. If you love dark romance with a resilient heroine, morally gray men who would burn the world down for her, and a plot full of secrets and retribution, this book is an absolute must-read.
Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
2,174 reviews75 followers
November 22, 2025
With so many questions, and lives, hanging in the balance, the Scorpion Kings and their Queen, race to find the answers in this high intensity, final book of the series.

Juliet is finally back in the arms of Lex, Neo, and Nolan once again. This time all four of them promising never to leave each other's side until Juliet's finally safe and the mastermind behind everything is finally caught. Of course that is easier said than done when they still don't know if it's one person or multiple people, but they won't rest until it happens.

With each person's name they seem to cross off their list, it only makes them circle back and question them later, continually making circles in an ever maddening case. I too had to stop and think if each person could truly be the one, so I was just as perplexed. When it finally came down to the end, I was just as shocked as everyone else. Needless to say, I always love a great twist.

I also love when everyone is finally head over heels, fully on board, totally gone for one another, and in love. Hallelujah!! It may have taken a while, but these four are finally ready to admit some heavy duty feelings, throw out all the stops in expressing it, and truly rally around one another in their love. 

All in all, a fantastic end to a heart-pounding series with lots of great plot twists. There are also some fun cameos for Smoke fans from her other series and in turn I hope this cast ends up in future books too. 
Profile Image for Laura.
368 reviews13 followers
December 17, 2025
🖤 Dark Romance
👑 Why Choose
🔥 Morally Grey
🐦‍🔥 Phoenix FMC
🔪 Mystery & Suspense
🩸 Trauma Bonding
🖤 Found Family
🛡️ Fierce Protectiveness
💣 High Stakes & Constant Danger
❤️‍🔥 All-In Devotion
🌒 Darkness to HEA⠀
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Holy wow! Buckle up, buttercups, because 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞 is about to take you on a ride. This final installment delivers 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 I was hoping for and then some.

Juliet and her Kings are still up against relentless danger as they work to unravel the dark, twisted mystery of 𝘄𝗵𝗼 has been trying to level, wreck, and destroy Juliet from the very beginning. The tension never lets up, and every reveal hits harder than the last. But my word, our girl is a 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘅. Juliet refuses to cower or cave, no matter how brutal things get, and watching her rise again and again is incredibly satisfying.

And the Kings? Lex, Nolan, and Gio are sheer 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 for her. Each one brings something essential to the table, and together this quad is knitted together at a soul-deep level. Their bond, loyalty, and devotion are powerful, intense, and completely earned.

And yes…they FINALLY get their HEA, and it was worth every ounce of pain, chaos, and anticipation to get there.

If you love dark romance with morally grey characters, a strong FMC who refuses to back down, and a mystery that slowly and deliciously unravels, do yourself a favor and read 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘱𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 series. This ending? Absolutely unforgettable. 🖤🔥

Special thanks to the author for the gifted copy ❤️‍🔥
Profile Image for Lauren Gonzales.
55 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2025
The Hate We Breathe is the anticipated book 4 and final installment of the Scorpion Kings series by Lucy Smoke! I am sad to see this series end but so excited for what’s next on the horizon for Lucy!
This book begins in true Lucy fashion by giving us a pulse pounding glimpse of what’s to come, but then picks up right where we left off at the cliffhanger end of book 3. Book 4 is a whirlwind from start to finish! We know there’s a villain out there somewhere and literally everyone is a suspect; I had my own suspicions in the previous book but I kept changing my mind every chapter of this one!
We do get appearances from a few Sick Boys characters and honestly I was surprised at how much time has passed since we saw them last.
As always the spice was hot! However, I do have a small complaint that we didn’t get a group spicy scene! Speaking of small complaints, my only other real issue are a few things that happen off page. For example, I don’t recall at any point in any of the books Juliet talking to the guys about the things she was starting to remember, and yet in this book the guys all know about it and I just really wish we had gotten to see that play out because I think we could have gotten a great “touch her and die” moment. All in all, a satisfying conclusion to a fun and dark series!
Profile Image for kaylaschapterchats.
532 reviews32 followers
November 27, 2025
What an ending!!! That was literally amazing, i couldn't put it down.

We pick up right as The Secrets We Bury concluded. Juliet has been accused with what occured (not revealing spoilers in case you haven't read book 3) and is struggling to prove her innocence.We finally learn what truly transpired and let me tell you, it was mind blowing. My theory was correct but the way it went down was something no one could have seen coming.

Yes, there is a happy ending but man, Juliet and her Kings fought hard to get there. It was lovely to see Juliet and her guys grow closer and really shed all those walls for each other. The relationships went from strength to strength even if the guys and Juliet were stubborn at times...

It was nice seeing Viks, Abel and Rylie again as well 🥰

I could go on and on but I want you to experience this for yourself. Pick up this series today, it's so worth the read.

Thank you so much to Lucy, Allison and your amazing team for the opportunity to read this story and to be apart of your ARC Team. I am truly so grateful 🙏

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

🖤 why choose
💜 multiple pov
💙 bada$$ fmc
🩷 unhinged & possessive mmc's
♥️ found family vibes
💛 all is revealed
💚 serial deleters
🤍 so much spice
Profile Image for Crystal Reads.
988 reviews57 followers
December 18, 2025
I have LOVED this series and I am so sad that it has come to an end. But WOW, what and ending Lucy has given us!!!

Juliet has been through so dang much in each and every book and this one was no different. She has grown so much, thinking back to where she first started in book one, she is a complete badass now! She may not be the rich girl anymore, but that is just in money, she now has her boys and she has developed a true friendship in Mads. She is the definitely of resilient, tough, strong, and loyal to those who earn it. She has easily become one of my favorite FMCs.

And our Scorpion King MMCs: Gio, Lex, and Nolan. All of them are fiercely protective over their queen and unhinged. They will burn the world down for each other and Juliet. They are all determined to find out the truth and uncover her stalker. There are so many ups and downs, but these men are loyal and whew, they are the men you want on your side.

This book was EVERYTHINGGGG!!! It ties up all the loose ends we have been begging to get the answers for. And when you find out, prepare for your jaw to hit the floor like mine did. I didn’t see it coming! It’s intense, jaw dropping, full of danger, and all the spice you can handle.
Profile Image for AroundtheBookBend.
442 reviews8 followers
November 25, 2025
What a journey this has been! Everything has come full circle and secrets are finally revealed.

I’ve been completely obsessed with this world and these characters. Watching them meet every challenge head on has been amazing. Juliet has had some amazing character growth. She’s come a long way from a Silverwood princess, and I’m so proud of her. She quickly became one of my top FMCs from book one, and she’s only solidified her place more and more with every book. Her tenacity, especially with everything weighing down on her, is beautiful.

Gio, Lex and Nolan had grown too. I love how protective and possessive they are of Juliet; how willing they are to put themselves in harms way to make sure she’s safe and happy. I couldn’t imagine this relationship without any of them.

The plot honestly kept me on the edge of my seat so many times. I was right along with these four as they tried to figure out everything.

I’m sad to see this story end. This series was my introduction to Lucy Smoke, and it has me excited to read her other books.

I got an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Jenn Winning.
445 reviews
November 28, 2025
What a wild ride this series has been!

Full of trauma, healing, and plenty of brutal justice, Juliet, Nolan, Lex, and Gio burrowed their way deep into my heart.

From the very start, Juliet had been the definition of a fighter. Nothing, and no one, was going to dampen her spirit. All it took was three men, who were seemingly all wrong for her, to allow her to really shine. Deep down, the Kings were the only ones capable of seeing her for who she truly was, and who she was ultimately meant to be.

I loved all the full circle moments, as we wrap up their story in the only way that seemed fitting of the Scorpion Kings and their princess, baby, prep girl. We finally get answers to questions that have plagued us from the beginning, and while I called the “big twist”, it was such a satisfying journey we took to get there. The love and devotion this crew has for each other runs deep and true, and I would love to see what happens beyond Silverwood.

With that being said, anyone up for some mint chocolate ice cream?! (IYKYK)
Profile Image for Angela.
175 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2025
The Hate we Breathe is the final book in the Scorpion Kings series. The book picks up right where the previous book left off. The monster from Juliet's past is dead but now the question remains, who is the real danger behind the monster? The guys and Juliet are still working through how they all dealt with Juliet's perceived betrayal and how to work together going forward.

The book was well-written and moved at a quick pace that kept my interest from beginning to end. Lots of loose ends were tied up and answers were given for questions that were raised throughout the series. The boys had their demons to contend with and Juliet was right there with them to help them work through their problems and emotions. I loved that we got to see some of our friends from Eastpointe and got a glimpse into their lives since the Sick Boys series ended.

I will not be sad if there is another spin off series based in the Sick Boys world.

Thank you to the author for the advanced readers copy!
Profile Image for Jennifer Ratzel.
237 reviews17 followers
November 24, 2025
We hate to see it end!

This series really takes you on a ride. The mystery, secrets, who can you trust vibes, and spice make this world one of the most intriguing places. You can’t help but to fall in love with Juliet aka Prep Girl. She’s strong, feisty, smart, and refuses to take any crap from anyone. She had a rough go of it and the town, and her friends turned on her faster than you can blink. These Scorpion Kings have also had a rough ride and their loyalty to each other will never break. I love where they are romantically and emotionally in this book. Every thing just seems effortless now that they are a strong united front. They created an unshakable foundation and that was a beautiful story to read. The way we got to this ending was a little traumatic but they did it lol. I don’t want this world to end and I am praying we get some more from this world. Great ending to a dark world!
Profile Image for Crissy.
50 reviews18 followers
December 20, 2025
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

🅃🅁🄾🄿🄴🅂
💋 why choose
💋 stalker
💋 morally grey characters

🅃🄷🄾🅄🄶🄷🅃🅂
This ending to the series was everything that I hoped for! We had character growth, emotional healing, answers to so many questions, lots of yummy spice and our HEA. I’m not going to lie - I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, but had a difficult time finishing the third book. With that being said, I do think it was worth pushing through some of the tougher parts for that ending. If you enjoy dark romance, I highly recommend adding these to your tbr!

These are the only books I have ever read by Lucy, but I am definitely planning to pick up more of her books after this. Especially since I found out that some of the characters that make an appearance here are from her Sick Boys series.

Thank you @authorlucysmoke for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review!
573 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2026
The Hate We Breathe is the 4th and final book in the Scorpion Kings series. This one picks up right where book 3, The Secrets We Bury, ends. Juliet was just rescued by Lex, Nolan, Gio and Viks. Thinking that the danger is over now that Morpheus is gone, they try to get back to normal. Unfortunately, the danger is far from over. With the threats increasing, they have no choice but to try to get to the bottom of it while dealing with the threats from Gio's father. The one thing they know for sure is that no matter what happens it will not separate them again. This book is full of ups, downs, danger, betrayal, secrets, truths and lots of spice!!! Fantastic way to end the series and love how this series interconnects with the Sick Boys universe. Hope to see more coming from the Sick Boys universe.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Summer.
339 reviews26 followers
November 30, 2025
~Arc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5

~The Hate We Breath~Scorpion Kings Series Book 4~Lucy Smoke~

"I’d do fucking anything for this woman, so long as she keeps looking at me like I’ve saved her because the truth is— she’s the one saving us."

♡Let me start out by saying that the edging Lucy put me through with this series was so freaking worth it in the end! I thought I was obsessed with The Sick Boys but man The Scorpion Kings gave them a run for their money. Good thing I'm a why-choose girly because I'm not picking a favorite!

The storyline was phenomenal, the plot was so twisty it gave me whiplash, the spice was top-tier, & the growth/trauma healing these characters went through was so healing! Lucy I'm going to need more books/series based in this world!♡

~As Always Happy Reading~
Profile Image for Christie Wilcox.
546 reviews21 followers
November 30, 2025
💙why choose
💙 multiple pov
💙 stalker
💙 bada$$ fmc
💙 so many secrets
💙 obsessive mmc's

ARC review
What really makes this book unforgettable is Juliet. From the very beginning, she’s thrown into multiple situations that want to break her—yet page by page, you watch her refuse to stay down. She finds safety in Lex, Nolan, and Gio. Each of them brings something different to her life—strength, loyalty, and a fierce determination to uncover the truth. They don’t just protect her; they help her dig up the answers she’s been denied. When it finally came down to the end, I was as shocked as everyone else. Needless to say, twists/turns are always great. I seriously can’t wait for the rest of the series on audio!.
Profile Image for Chasity Trimble.
496 reviews22 followers
December 22, 2025
This was 4th book in the Scorpion Kings series and it was emotional, intense, and everything the series had been building toward. The tension stayed high the whole time and I was hooked from start to finish. Watching Juliet finally claim her strength after everything she’s been through was incredibly powerful and the dynamic with the Scorpion Kings felt deeper and more solid than ever.

The twists kept me guessing and I loved how everything finally came together. There were moments that hurt, moments that healed and moments that made me stop and just feel. Definitely dark and emotional but if you’ve followed the series, the payoff is 100% worth it. Dark, messy and deeply satisfying, this was a remarkably strong ending to the Scorpion Kings story.
Profile Image for Jennifer Davis.
441 reviews18 followers
November 23, 2025
Somehow Lucy managed to save the best for last in the Scorpion Kings series! The way she wrapped up Juliet and her kings’ story was absolutely perfect! Every one got their just desserts, and Juliet gets her HEA with her kings. I loved the inclusion of some past characters from the Sick Boys series, as well! I loved the continued growth and development of these characters individually, as well as the growth in their group dynamic. Lex is still and has always been my favorite, but I loved Nolan’s fierce protectiveness, and Gio’s playful banter. Overall, this was a fantastic why choose series, and this ending was perfect for them!
Profile Image for Tatiana.
285 reviews11 followers
November 28, 2025
This series really takes you on a wild ride. The mystery, secrets and spice make this world one of my favorites. Lucy this book had me holding my breathe and screaming a few times because damn way to pull out all the stops. You can’t help but to fall in love with Juliet. She feisty, fierce and determined you’ll definitely find yourself rooting for her! I love where they are in their relationship in this book. They’re more of a unit now and I’m so happy about it I’ve been waiting for it. All the trials and struggles made this ending even more worth it. I honestly don’t want this world to end I need more.
Profile Image for April.
83 reviews
November 29, 2025
This whole series had me in a chokehold and I ate up every single word. Juliet's life used to be easy. She had everything... until she didn't. Her entire world was flipped and lucky for her, she had the greatest boyfriends. Juliet is a baddie and fighter. She wasn't going down without swinging. And her boys were also her biggest protectors. Lex is my favorite psycho. His obsession with Juliet is deep and I love him for it! But Gio and Nolan aren't lacking either. The way these three work together to be everything Juliet needs is perfect.
Now that ending!!!! I am so glad to finally get the answers I desperately needed. Justice has been served! My favorite part.
1,577 reviews27 followers
November 29, 2025
Well Sheesh, that was intense! This is the final book in The Scorpion Kings series when everything comes together but don't be expecting it to be straightforward, Lucy likes to keep us on edge and guessing until the very end!!
I'm not to sure what I can say about the storyline but I can tell you that I was glued to my screen! That from the very first book, I have been itching for more and this is definitely a series I would happily and easily re-read.
There's mystery, danger, fear, passion, betrayal, smexy times - lots of them 😏 - and that extra something that Lucy has that will keep you coming back for more.
4.5stars
Profile Image for Samantha Wood.
426 reviews5 followers
November 28, 2025
This was such a good ending to this series. There was so many questions that was presented from the very beginning the spurred soo many damn theories. That being said, every question was answered, some theories were right and some theories couldn’t have been more wrong.

I was hooked from book one waiting to see the ending to this journey that Lucy Smoke took us on. This series was the first I read by her, and it will not be the last. The plot/story was everything that I needed it to be as a reader. The spice was brain melting. The obsession of these men was swoon worthy. Definitely glad I read this series.
153 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2025
It's the end of an era, or that's what it feels like. Goodbye Silverwood, now that you have been purged of some of the worst evil hopefully you will be better in the future.

I'm still processing, these characters really came full circle. The twist at the end (finding out who the real villain has been) was a total shock I never saw it coming.

Ahhh Abel freaking Frazier and Rylie!!!! My favorite Sick Boy couple, it was EVERYTHING to get a glimpse of them and what life has been like. (They were some of my favorite parts of this book)

I really wish Lex had been more open to a relationship with Viks, but I'm glad Nolan and Gio were team Viks!

I'm gonna miss The Scorpion Kings! I hope we might see them more in the future. (Please give us a Mads story in Hazelwood!!)
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