Surviving Lily

by Morgana Black

Avery Jordan wants nothing more than peace in her life and to leave the demons of the past behind. But when her friend returns to New Orleans after nearly becoming the victim of a serial killer, she finds that peace is the last thing she’ll have for a very long time. The new bodyguard now accompanying them everywhere is her exact opposite, and each time their paths cross, former Special Agent Ellis Brooks proves he knows exactly how to get under her skin.

Ellis Brooks is a man with retribution in his heart. After an encounter with a killer known only as the Black Dahlia left his partner dead, he thought he could walk away from the Bureau for good. Yet, when he’s offered a chance to atone for his past failures, he can’t refuse. Taking the job of bodyguard for the Black Dahlia’s missed target, he quickly finds the only problem with his plan is the vivacious blonde constantly in his way.

And when Avery’s stories don’t add up, Ellis’s distrustful nature gets the better of him. The deeper he digs, the more he discovers her link to an unspeakable darkness that threatens them both.

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 31, 2026

Reviews

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, M Black, NetGalley & Black Dahlia Publishing, for this ARC!

Story
Former Agent Ellis Brooks must keep a spoiled heir alive after a serial killer’s failed attempt. Redemption is in reach but he never expected Avery Jordan. Avery is an unsolvable problem, with a hidden past. Everything changes when the killer sets his sights on Avery.

Surviving Lily by M. Black is a raw, emotionally charged read that doesn't pull its punches. Black explores trauma, survival, and the complicated ways love can both wound and heal, all through flawed, deeply human characters. It's intense, sometimes uncomfortable, but ultimately gripping and hard to forget once you've finished. A strong pick for readers who appreciate dark, character driven stories with emotional depth.

This one is a little bit spicy, a little bit rom com, a little bit Criminal Minds, and a whole lot of fun.
The characters come alive with fantastic action and undeniable grumpy/sunshine chemistry and while one part of the story is all wrapped up, you can’t help but want more. Immediately more.

Even though for me the twists were predictable, the epilogue was something that I haven’t expected! Now I want to read the sequel!

I don’t read a lot of romantic suspense or crime drama but y’all... This one hooked me so fast. I can’t wait for you to read this and get caught up in the twisty ins and outs of the mystery and suspense.

Surviving Lily releases March 31 2026.

Disclaimer: This book was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-biased, honest review.

[Heather H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that sticks with you well after the final page. There is a twist you’ll never see coming that will leave your jaw on the floor and have you rewinding your memory for the signs missed.

Ellis Brooks left the FBI after a tragedy, but they call him in to provide security detail for the latest attempted victim of the same serial killer Ellis evaded.

Avery, the best friend of the attempted victim, is a ray of sunshine who finds joy in getting under a certain former FBI agent’s skin.

Serial killer mystery
Danger around every corner
Grumpy + Sunshine
Slow burn to fully baked (that romance is 🔥)
Protective MMC
Strong FMC
Mental health Rep

When this is the dedication…
-For all the women who just want to hear Derek Morgan call you baby girl. This one’s for you.

Look, I read this BEFORE there was a dedication. I got so many Derek Morgan vibes from this MMC that I was drooling. Do with that what you will…

I had the privilege of beta reading Surviving Lily and was blown away, so of course, I also applied for an ARC through NetGalley and preordered a signed copy from the author’s website.

[Jayne K. (Fyrefli Fictionary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Romatic Suspense
Growth: 3
Spice Level: 3
Summary: Former Agent Ellis Brooks must keep a spoiled heir alive after a serial killer’s failed attempt. Redemption is in reach but he never expected Avery Jordan. Avery is an unsolvable problem, with a hidden past. Everything changes when the killer sets his sights on Avery.

I don’t read a lot of romantic suspense or crime drama but y’all... This one hooked me so fast. I can’t wait for you to read this and get caught up in the twisty ins and outs of the mystery and suspense.
This one is a little bit spicy, a little bit rom com, a little bit Criminal Minds, and a whole lot of fun.
The characters come alive with fantastic action and undeniable grumpy/sunshine chemistry and while one part of the story is all wrapped up, you can’t help but want more. Immediately more.

[Eloise Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving Lily by M. Black is a raw, emotionally charged read that doesn't pull its punches. Black explores trauma, survival, and the complicated ways love can both wound and heal, all through flawed, deeply human characters. It's intense, sometimes uncomfortable, but ultimately gripping and hard to forget once you've finished. A strong pick for readers who appreciate dark, character driven stories with emotional depth.