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Codename: Ares - The Savage Heirs of Shenandoah, Book 1
Eight years ago, the Shenandoah Dynasty brought the city to its knees.
Four families fell. Blood spilled. And I was caught in the aftermath. My uncle took me in—not out of love, but control. A secret heir, a weapon sharpened in silence. A monster they created to protect their empire.
When I’m expelled from my private school and sent to New Berg Charter Academy, it’s supposed to be a fresh start. Instead, I meet them.
The Wolves. Dominick, Julian, and Sincere—Dynasty’s greatest rivals. Heirs to their own thrones. They think they can protect me, but they don’t know I don’t need saving.
The deeper I fall into their world, the harder it is to keep my secrets—and the harder it is to tell who’s the hunter and who’s the prey.
Shenandoah doesn’t forgive. It doesn’t forget. And the devil I’ve been forced to hide is about to break free.
In a world built on blood and lies, monsters aren’t born. They’re made.
*** Ares is Book 1 in the Savage Heirs of Shenandoah series. This New Adult novel contains mature content and is intended for readers 18 years and older. All characters depicted are 18+ and engage in mature high school situations. This is a Why Choose romance, where the FMC will not have to choose between the MMCs. Book 1 ends in a cliffhanger. It is strongly recommended that readers review all trigger warnings listed at the beginning of the book before reading.***
Four families fell. Blood spilled. And I was caught in the aftermath. My uncle took me in—not out of love, but control. A secret heir, a weapon sharpened in silence. A monster they created to protect their empire.
When I’m expelled from my private school and sent to New Berg Charter Academy, it’s supposed to be a fresh start. Instead, I meet them.
The Wolves. Dominick, Julian, and Sincere—Dynasty’s greatest rivals. Heirs to their own thrones. They think they can protect me, but they don’t know I don’t need saving.
The deeper I fall into their world, the harder it is to keep my secrets—and the harder it is to tell who’s the hunter and who’s the prey.
Shenandoah doesn’t forgive. It doesn’t forget. And the devil I’ve been forced to hide is about to break free.
In a world built on blood and lies, monsters aren’t born. They’re made.
*** Ares is Book 1 in the Savage Heirs of Shenandoah series. This New Adult novel contains mature content and is intended for readers 18 years and older. All characters depicted are 18+ and engage in mature high school situations. This is a Why Choose romance, where the FMC will not have to choose between the MMCs. Book 1 ends in a cliffhanger. It is strongly recommended that readers review all trigger warnings listed at the beginning of the book before reading.***
484 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2025
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 9, 2025
**ARC REVIEW**
Absolutely no spoilers, so just vibes for this one...
The plot was plotting. The spice was spicing. The characters enticed, and the pace didn't falter. I highly recommend this one for my mafia/gang loving dark romance girlies!
Absolutely no spoilers, so just vibes for this one...
The plot was plotting. The spice was spicing. The characters enticed, and the pace didn't falter. I highly recommend this one for my mafia/gang loving dark romance girlies!
November 8, 2025
Ikyfl
I just know you're this didn't end like that with no mention of a book 2. I went into this completely blind and didn't know what to expect and it did not disappoint! I need book 2 ASAP! I need Ares to take control and slay everything in her path. On one hand I want Haven to take a back seat because I don't like how she letting them control and use her. I mean you have nothing to lose fight back and take whats rightfully yours but then again she doesn't know and I understand the torment she endured and that's how Ares was created. I can't wait for Winston and Xander to get theirs!! Layla too..
This was good... I definitely recommend
I just know you're this didn't end like that with no mention of a book 2. I went into this completely blind and didn't know what to expect and it did not disappoint! I need book 2 ASAP! I need Ares to take control and slay everything in her path. On one hand I want Haven to take a back seat because I don't like how she letting them control and use her. I mean you have nothing to lose fight back and take whats rightfully yours but then again she doesn't know and I understand the torment she endured and that's how Ares was created. I can't wait for Winston and Xander to get theirs!! Layla too..
This was good... I definitely recommend
November 9, 2025
I wanted this book to be so good
The book started off so good but I think it was too much Sa. It was too long and I felt like this could’ve been shorter and you dragged out the story. There’s no way I read 400+ pages and she still getting SA. At the beginning of the book, it said that she would grow older. They were in high school the entire book. 400+ pages and no resolve. I feel like you kept her in a Stockholm syndrome and it became annoying.
The book started off so good but I think it was too much Sa. It was too long and I felt like this could’ve been shorter and you dragged out the story. There’s no way I read 400+ pages and she still getting SA. At the beginning of the book, it said that she would grow older. They were in high school the entire book. 400+ pages and no resolve. I feel like you kept her in a Stockholm syndrome and it became annoying.
October 20, 2025
First of all, that cliffhanger?!?! Ok but really, I can’t wait to find out what happens next with Haven and the crew! There were some intense moments and heavy topics in this book, so check the TW/CW’s and buckle up for a crazy ride. I appreciated the way Lockhart builds this world—the gangs, the hierarchy, the characters each had their own personalities that came through in subtle ways. I also enjoyed the way Haven tapped into Ares and seeing her emotional pain on page. These characters are raw & gritty, but their layers are revealed throughout the story, which makes them all so relatable. I am looking forward to the next in this series! ASAP!
October 11, 2025
🥀 Here’s what to expect when you read Codename: Ares by @dd_lockhart_writes
🗡️ Enemies to lovers
🗡️ Mafia/gang
🗡️ Why Choose
🗡️ Touch her and die
🗡️ Secret Identity
🗡️ Found family
🗡️ Family drama/trauma
🗡️ Multiple POVs
*Please make sure to read Trigger Warnings as some subject matters can be triggering or dark to some readers*
I highly recommend reading the first book of The Savage Heirs of Shenandoah series by D.D Lockhart! I had a great time following Haven and her attempt to break away from her messed up family. The whole read had me hooked but the ending cliffhanger has be begging for more!! Please go check out Codename: Ares available on KU 🥀
🗡️ Enemies to lovers
🗡️ Mafia/gang
🗡️ Why Choose
🗡️ Touch her and die
🗡️ Secret Identity
🗡️ Found family
🗡️ Family drama/trauma
🗡️ Multiple POVs
*Please make sure to read Trigger Warnings as some subject matters can be triggering or dark to some readers*
I highly recommend reading the first book of The Savage Heirs of Shenandoah series by D.D Lockhart! I had a great time following Haven and her attempt to break away from her messed up family. The whole read had me hooked but the ending cliffhanger has be begging for more!! Please go check out Codename: Ares available on KU 🥀
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews