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Kings & Queens Will Rise #2
Her Deadly Little Secrets
The lure can learn to be the prey…
Blair
My life is filled with one crazy man after another. I'm a lure to their obsession and possession. Kidnapped and tossed into a hole, I'm sure my fate is finally sealed. Then I come face to face with Eros Marino and see that familiar look in his eyes.
I'm starting to wonder if maybe, just maybe, I can use their own obsession against them. Sounds easy enough, but what happens when the cold-hearted bastard that feels nothing starts to make you feel everything?
You make all that control he thought he had slip free and take it for yourself. Turning him into a man that no longer evokes fear in me, but love.
Turning him into a man that is more deadly than ever.
I was sent to break her, but now I can't let her go.
Eros
Emotions are something I learned to control long ago. I'm the last cold-hearted bastard you want to appear in front of you. That is, until one sweetly innocent girl turned my whole world upside down.
Blair is a fiery mix of innocence and seduction. The second I laid eyes on her, everything in my whole world changed. Now I'll do anything to protect her, even from the people who sent me to destroy her. The Marinos—my family.
Except maybe she isn't so innocent after all. Her past is cloaked in the shadows of a killer that always lingers not far behind. When two worlds collide, I no longer know who is innocent or if her name is even really Blair.
It doesn't matter any longer who she is or who she thinks she belongs to. Now she's mine. I dare anyone else to say otherwise…including her.
This is the second book in the Kings & Queens Will Rise series. No cheating, no OW drama, and an HEA is always guaranteed! Each is standalone.
It features an extremely possessive hero, kidnapping, obsession, steamy scenes, a smart-mouthed heroine who is not who she pretends to be, and a criminal empire.
Blair
My life is filled with one crazy man after another. I'm a lure to their obsession and possession. Kidnapped and tossed into a hole, I'm sure my fate is finally sealed. Then I come face to face with Eros Marino and see that familiar look in his eyes.
I'm starting to wonder if maybe, just maybe, I can use their own obsession against them. Sounds easy enough, but what happens when the cold-hearted bastard that feels nothing starts to make you feel everything?
You make all that control he thought he had slip free and take it for yourself. Turning him into a man that no longer evokes fear in me, but love.
Turning him into a man that is more deadly than ever.
I was sent to break her, but now I can't let her go.
Eros
Emotions are something I learned to control long ago. I'm the last cold-hearted bastard you want to appear in front of you. That is, until one sweetly innocent girl turned my whole world upside down.
Blair is a fiery mix of innocence and seduction. The second I laid eyes on her, everything in my whole world changed. Now I'll do anything to protect her, even from the people who sent me to destroy her. The Marinos—my family.
Except maybe she isn't so innocent after all. Her past is cloaked in the shadows of a killer that always lingers not far behind. When two worlds collide, I no longer know who is innocent or if her name is even really Blair.
It doesn't matter any longer who she is or who she thinks she belongs to. Now she's mine. I dare anyone else to say otherwise…including her.
This is the second book in the Kings & Queens Will Rise series. No cheating, no OW drama, and an HEA is always guaranteed! Each is standalone.
It features an extremely possessive hero, kidnapping, obsession, steamy scenes, a smart-mouthed heroine who is not who she pretends to be, and a criminal empire.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2025
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December 6, 2025Novella, safe, insta-looove, and dual V! 🤭
PS. It has some dark themes, though, so please check the TW!
PS. It has some dark themes, though, so please check the TW!
December 5, 2025
5/5 such a cute, heartwarming yet dark-ish novella!
TROPES:
-DUAL VIRGINS YAAAAS
-small age gap: he’s older 🙂↕️ not by much though!
-mafia
-instalove
Ahhhh omg Lucy Darling is at it again! I absolutely ate this book UP. The FMC and MMC are instantly attracted to each other, they’re complete opposites but fit each other so perfectly. The FMC has a bit of a hidden identity, and when that’s unraveled, the MMC makes it his mission to protect her. 🥹
I loveeeee that they’re dual virgins too!! That’s a trope I can never get enough of. The way the MMC thought he wasn’t capable of lust and attraction and just completely falling for the FMC head over heels was fantastic.
Lucy Darling always writes the most intriguing yet simple plots. I love everything of hers that she’s written. 5 stars!
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate: dual virgins!
OM/OW: nothing significant I promise 🖤
Cheating/sharing: absolutely not!
Triggers: mentions of murder, past abuse
Kinks: dirty talk, “good girl”, praise, dry humping, rough sex, biting/marking
HEA: yes!!
TROPES:
-DUAL VIRGINS YAAAAS
-small age gap: he’s older 🙂↕️ not by much though!
-mafia
-instalove
Ahhhh omg Lucy Darling is at it again! I absolutely ate this book UP. The FMC and MMC are instantly attracted to each other, they’re complete opposites but fit each other so perfectly. The FMC has a bit of a hidden identity, and when that’s unraveled, the MMC makes it his mission to protect her. 🥹
I loveeeee that they’re dual virgins too!! That’s a trope I can never get enough of. The way the MMC thought he wasn’t capable of lust and attraction and just completely falling for the FMC head over heels was fantastic.
Lucy Darling always writes the most intriguing yet simple plots. I love everything of hers that she’s written. 5 stars!
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate: dual virgins!
OM/OW: nothing significant I promise 🖤
Cheating/sharing: absolutely not!
Triggers: mentions of murder, past abuse
Kinks: dirty talk, “good girl”, praise, dry humping, rough sex, biting/marking
HEA: yes!!
December 12, 2025
Loved this one!
He’s all in from the moment he sees her, and has no plans of returning her.
Such a strong story about the h and her father who’s a serial killer, and some action around this
Loved it, and as always, super safe, dual v. Each others first everything.
He’s all in from the moment he sees her, and has no plans of returning her.
Such a strong story about the h and her father who’s a serial killer, and some action around this
Loved it, and as always, super safe, dual v. Each others first everything.
December 6, 2025
Dual Virgins! *booty shake with the obligatory happy dance!* Best of all they know they are each others first and only EVERYTHING!
Quotes about their status:
Quote (Eros feeling lust for the first time),
I start to rub. “Oh God, you’re really massaging me.” Her head drops back, her eyes falling closed. When she lets out a moan, my already hard dick starts to ache, shooting down to my balls. This female has me in over my head with all the strange and new shit I’m experiencing inside my own body. I grab her other foot and keep going. I’ll take the torture.
end quote
Quote (Eros discovering and becoming addicted to kissing when he experiences it first with Bonte),
Kissing was always a strange concept to me. To have a person so close to your face, unable to see what else they might be doing. Sounds like a sure way to get knifed. With Bonte, however, I’d let her cut me to pieces if I could keep on kissing her. To be able to continue to hear those sexy little sounds she makes that go straight to my dick.
end quote
Quote (Bonte gives him a blowjob),
“I did okay?” I ask.
“Okay?” He barks one hard laugh that shakes my whole body. “Okay is not the word I’d use.”
“I don’t know. It was my first time doing it. I’m sure you’ve had —”
“Don’t finish that sentence.” He cuts me off. Shit, is there an ex he really doesn’t want to talk about? If so, I don't want to talk about her either. “No one besides you has ever had my dick in their mouth.” He’s always so blunt and straight with his words.
“Seriously?”
“People are insane letting random people put their dicks in their mouths.” He visibly cringes. “That’s some fucking trust.” I stare up at him. I don’t know why anything he says surprises me anymore.
end quote
Quote,
Since the moment I laid eyes on her, I’ve wanted to
claim her in all ways.
My girl is right. I am a Neanderthal with all the thoughts I’ve had of
rutting on top of her and a million other filthy things. It’s almost maddening
how excessive my thoughts have been. Is this what men feel all the time
and why they are consistently on the search to get their dicks wet? I might
understand that now, but I only want one to wet mine.
end quote
Quote (their first time),
My cock throbs, trapped in my pants. Her rubbing her pussy against it isn’t helping. I could easily slip her panties to the side, undo my jeans, and push right inside of her. I won’t do that, not this time. I want to try to take our first time slowly.
end quote
Quote (another Eros inner monologue about kissing),
I do have to admit, I cannot picture Naomi kissing anything, but then again, I would have said the same about myself. The thought of someone being that close to you is unsettling. Bonte’s different. She can crawl inside of me for all I care. Actually, that sounds nice.
end quote
Safe
No cheating
No separation
No OM/OW (a very slight moment when a girl in Bonte's class flirts with Eros, but Eros scooches his seat closest to Bonte and Bonte tells her Eros is her man..that makes Eros puff his chest in pride that his hellcat claimed him!)
No OP comparisons
No gross condom use
No stupid third act break up
Dark romance with some gore balanced with sweet uplifting love story
HEA
This is the story of Blair (her real name is Bonte so I will be calling her that in the review), and a hulking giant Eros. After the events of the first book, Bonte found herself tied to a chair bolted to the ground in the dark down in what the Marino family call 'the hole'. Footsteps close in on her as she feigns sleep but she flinches in fear. She musters her courage whilst trembling and lifts her head, her raven hair parting revealing intense, bright blue eyes aimed at the handsome giant in front of her. She is small in size but mighty in her resoluteness to show courage. Her vulnerability is there, testament of the difficult life's events she went through, but she wears her strength like an armor in the form of black eye liner, dark lipstick and knee length combat boots. Bonte, although terrified, is determined to face whatever is coming. She is fierce, sweet, vulnerable, curious, snarky in her sass and now she is in the presence of her forever, greeting him with a sassy remark. She tends to ramble and get snippy when she is afraid, as it is her coping mechanism which is endearing.
Eros is very much like his uncle Ronan, in that he is an enforcer and torturer. He and his other uncle War are alike in that they do not show emotion if they feel any and do not exhibit it same ways as others. He is intense, stoic, dangerous, direct, straightforward, patient but with his Bonte he is sweet, devoted, passionate and deeply in love. This emotionless giant's dark eyes widen as he drinks in the sight of the most beautiful creature he has ever seen. Glossy, raven hair part, and bright blue eyes stare at him in defiance. He is paralyzed as his eyes widen, his heart beats faster, and his body roars in it's first sexual awakening. It is more than that. His heart already caught up to his body and his mind is made up right then and there. This woman is now his. He has fallen in love, and is ready to make this Goddess his by wholeheartedly knowing he will give his heart, mind, body and soul to this raven haired beauty. Eros is not a man to question the truth and this woman being his first, last and only everything is an absolute for him. He just needs to figure out a way to make her his forever. Little does he know that his little hellcat is just as enamored, but a bit cautious. He does what he has never done to someone destined to 'the hole', and it is free her, and take her to his remote cabin, locking her in with him. Their is darkness in both of them, but when they near each other, light shines brightly.
This is their introduction and the steam between them fills the space, the banter is quick witted and funny, also emotionally charged that left me sighing after holding in my breath. Their romance is sweet, tender, yet also fiery and passionate! It is a perfect blend, especially amongst the blood, carnage and mystery they face, and the danger they must evade. There is gore in this, be mindful, but it is offset well in this world with the light that shines bright between our two lovebirds. Eros is one of my top favorite Lucy Darling heroes! He is up there with War, whom I adore. There is something about a dangerous, but aloof gentle giant that will bend over backwards without question for his pixie sized woman that is swoon worthy. Anything she says, he agrees with. Anything she does, he joins in. When she is angry at someone, he is ready to go toe to toe without question and it is indescribably romantic. Bonte is a fierce emo girl, stomping her combat boots and pointing her black polished finger at Eros sassing him and in response he just has a big grin on his face seeing the fire in her. Anytime she sasses him and goes toe to toe with him, his body reacts and he is more and more enamored with her feisty personality. However when she is down in sorrow, he immediately pulls her on his lap, caresses her back and lets her cry, listening to every word she has to confess and in turn gives her very sound advice and words he knows she needs to hear. He is her safe space and she is his. Together they are an unstoppable force, and Eros himself would agree with me when he discovers that soulmates are real, and his soulmate is Bonte.
Bonte's father is a fantastic addition to the story. The Marino men are fierce in their determination to protect their family and the women are such a delight! Especially Naomi (Eros's cousin), she is just one of the most interesting characters I read in recent memory. She is the Wednesday Adams of the family and is delightfully intriguing. We get her story next and I just cannot wait! There is humour that balances well with the obstacles Eros, Blair and the rest of the Marinos face. They have taken her as one of their own, and won't back down to protect her.
Oh, and we have Binx, Bonte's cat! Fur babies with murder mittens are always a great addition to a story and he is protective as he is cuddly. The introduction he has with Eros had me in stitches! I loved the sisterhood between the girls. Bonte with Naomi, Mac, Kinsley and of course, the youngest in the bunch with a fierce attitude, Nix. All of them are such a delight, each with their own distinct personality but are bonded into a sisterhood that is to be admired. The whole family is great, and the Marino men are really alike in that they are disinterested in women until they meet their one and only and when that happens, fireworks explode. This is the magic ingredient in romance and Lucy Darling is the gem that gifts us with one true love stories! Once they find their one and only, they will burn the world down for her. The bond the men have is their reverence and dedication to their respective woman in their lives, makes them true heroes I cherish.
Many events happen of course. There is mystery, gory scenes, steamy love scenes, humour, witty banter, swoon worthy romance...*sigh* all of it is there which made for an enjoyable read.
I highly recommend it and ALL of the Marino family stories! I will reread it soon and I think I plan on doing an epic holiday weekend read of all the first generation Marino men followed by the second generation. We get Naomi's story next and I cannot wait! I hope we get Jax's story soon after as well. Lucy Darling keeps giving us couples that share ALL their firsts together which is scarce in the romance sphere. The intimacy between these couples is unmatched because they only ever experience it with each other only, so as long as she gifts us with first timers, which to me is the heartbeat of romance, I will keep reading her stories with fervor and sing her praises!
Happy reading everyone!
Quotes about their status:
Quote (Eros feeling lust for the first time),
I start to rub. “Oh God, you’re really massaging me.” Her head drops back, her eyes falling closed. When she lets out a moan, my already hard dick starts to ache, shooting down to my balls. This female has me in over my head with all the strange and new shit I’m experiencing inside my own body. I grab her other foot and keep going. I’ll take the torture.
end quote
Quote (Eros discovering and becoming addicted to kissing when he experiences it first with Bonte),
Kissing was always a strange concept to me. To have a person so close to your face, unable to see what else they might be doing. Sounds like a sure way to get knifed. With Bonte, however, I’d let her cut me to pieces if I could keep on kissing her. To be able to continue to hear those sexy little sounds she makes that go straight to my dick.
end quote
Quote (Bonte gives him a blowjob),
“I did okay?” I ask.
“Okay?” He barks one hard laugh that shakes my whole body. “Okay is not the word I’d use.”
“I don’t know. It was my first time doing it. I’m sure you’ve had —”
“Don’t finish that sentence.” He cuts me off. Shit, is there an ex he really doesn’t want to talk about? If so, I don't want to talk about her either. “No one besides you has ever had my dick in their mouth.” He’s always so blunt and straight with his words.
“Seriously?”
“People are insane letting random people put their dicks in their mouths.” He visibly cringes. “That’s some fucking trust.” I stare up at him. I don’t know why anything he says surprises me anymore.
end quote
Quote,
Since the moment I laid eyes on her, I’ve wanted to
claim her in all ways.
My girl is right. I am a Neanderthal with all the thoughts I’ve had of
rutting on top of her and a million other filthy things. It’s almost maddening
how excessive my thoughts have been. Is this what men feel all the time
and why they are consistently on the search to get their dicks wet? I might
understand that now, but I only want one to wet mine.
end quote
Quote (their first time),
My cock throbs, trapped in my pants. Her rubbing her pussy against it isn’t helping. I could easily slip her panties to the side, undo my jeans, and push right inside of her. I won’t do that, not this time. I want to try to take our first time slowly.
end quote
Quote (another Eros inner monologue about kissing),
I do have to admit, I cannot picture Naomi kissing anything, but then again, I would have said the same about myself. The thought of someone being that close to you is unsettling. Bonte’s different. She can crawl inside of me for all I care. Actually, that sounds nice.
end quote
Safe
No cheating
No separation
No OM/OW (a very slight moment when a girl in Bonte's class flirts with Eros, but Eros scooches his seat closest to Bonte and Bonte tells her Eros is her man..that makes Eros puff his chest in pride that his hellcat claimed him!)
No OP comparisons
No gross condom use
No stupid third act break up
Dark romance with some gore balanced with sweet uplifting love story
HEA
This is the story of Blair (her real name is Bonte so I will be calling her that in the review), and a hulking giant Eros. After the events of the first book, Bonte found herself tied to a chair bolted to the ground in the dark down in what the Marino family call 'the hole'. Footsteps close in on her as she feigns sleep but she flinches in fear. She musters her courage whilst trembling and lifts her head, her raven hair parting revealing intense, bright blue eyes aimed at the handsome giant in front of her. She is small in size but mighty in her resoluteness to show courage. Her vulnerability is there, testament of the difficult life's events she went through, but she wears her strength like an armor in the form of black eye liner, dark lipstick and knee length combat boots. Bonte, although terrified, is determined to face whatever is coming. She is fierce, sweet, vulnerable, curious, snarky in her sass and now she is in the presence of her forever, greeting him with a sassy remark. She tends to ramble and get snippy when she is afraid, as it is her coping mechanism which is endearing.
Eros is very much like his uncle Ronan, in that he is an enforcer and torturer. He and his other uncle War are alike in that they do not show emotion if they feel any and do not exhibit it same ways as others. He is intense, stoic, dangerous, direct, straightforward, patient but with his Bonte he is sweet, devoted, passionate and deeply in love. This emotionless giant's dark eyes widen as he drinks in the sight of the most beautiful creature he has ever seen. Glossy, raven hair part, and bright blue eyes stare at him in defiance. He is paralyzed as his eyes widen, his heart beats faster, and his body roars in it's first sexual awakening. It is more than that. His heart already caught up to his body and his mind is made up right then and there. This woman is now his. He has fallen in love, and is ready to make this Goddess his by wholeheartedly knowing he will give his heart, mind, body and soul to this raven haired beauty. Eros is not a man to question the truth and this woman being his first, last and only everything is an absolute for him. He just needs to figure out a way to make her his forever. Little does he know that his little hellcat is just as enamored, but a bit cautious. He does what he has never done to someone destined to 'the hole', and it is free her, and take her to his remote cabin, locking her in with him. Their is darkness in both of them, but when they near each other, light shines brightly.
This is their introduction and the steam between them fills the space, the banter is quick witted and funny, also emotionally charged that left me sighing after holding in my breath. Their romance is sweet, tender, yet also fiery and passionate! It is a perfect blend, especially amongst the blood, carnage and mystery they face, and the danger they must evade. There is gore in this, be mindful, but it is offset well in this world with the light that shines bright between our two lovebirds. Eros is one of my top favorite Lucy Darling heroes! He is up there with War, whom I adore. There is something about a dangerous, but aloof gentle giant that will bend over backwards without question for his pixie sized woman that is swoon worthy. Anything she says, he agrees with. Anything she does, he joins in. When she is angry at someone, he is ready to go toe to toe without question and it is indescribably romantic. Bonte is a fierce emo girl, stomping her combat boots and pointing her black polished finger at Eros sassing him and in response he just has a big grin on his face seeing the fire in her. Anytime she sasses him and goes toe to toe with him, his body reacts and he is more and more enamored with her feisty personality. However when she is down in sorrow, he immediately pulls her on his lap, caresses her back and lets her cry, listening to every word she has to confess and in turn gives her very sound advice and words he knows she needs to hear. He is her safe space and she is his. Together they are an unstoppable force, and Eros himself would agree with me when he discovers that soulmates are real, and his soulmate is Bonte.
Bonte's father is a fantastic addition to the story. The Marino men are fierce in their determination to protect their family and the women are such a delight! Especially Naomi (Eros's cousin), she is just one of the most interesting characters I read in recent memory. She is the Wednesday Adams of the family and is delightfully intriguing. We get her story next and I just cannot wait! There is humour that balances well with the obstacles Eros, Blair and the rest of the Marinos face. They have taken her as one of their own, and won't back down to protect her.
Oh, and we have Binx, Bonte's cat! Fur babies with murder mittens are always a great addition to a story and he is protective as he is cuddly. The introduction he has with Eros had me in stitches! I loved the sisterhood between the girls. Bonte with Naomi, Mac, Kinsley and of course, the youngest in the bunch with a fierce attitude, Nix. All of them are such a delight, each with their own distinct personality but are bonded into a sisterhood that is to be admired. The whole family is great, and the Marino men are really alike in that they are disinterested in women until they meet their one and only and when that happens, fireworks explode. This is the magic ingredient in romance and Lucy Darling is the gem that gifts us with one true love stories! Once they find their one and only, they will burn the world down for her. The bond the men have is their reverence and dedication to their respective woman in their lives, makes them true heroes I cherish.
Many events happen of course. There is mystery, gory scenes, steamy love scenes, humour, witty banter, swoon worthy romance...*sigh* all of it is there which made for an enjoyable read.
I highly recommend it and ALL of the Marino family stories! I will reread it soon and I think I plan on doing an epic holiday weekend read of all the first generation Marino men followed by the second generation. We get Naomi's story next and I cannot wait! I hope we get Jax's story soon after as well. Lucy Darling keeps giving us couples that share ALL their firsts together which is scarce in the romance sphere. The intimacy between these couples is unmatched because they only ever experience it with each other only, so as long as she gifts us with first timers, which to me is the heartbeat of romance, I will keep reading her stories with fervor and sing her praises!
Happy reading everyone!
March 28, 2026
Notes for me
2nd gen
Eros - also Z and Cosima’s son. Built different than siblings and cousins. Too good at interrogation.
Blair/Bonte- attended Golden Prep with Kinsley from first book
This is an auto read author for me.
Bonte was kidnapped with Kinsley in the first book. She killed the professor. She’s brought back to the compound and thrown into the Hole for interrogation.
Eros has no issues torturing anyone if they are a family threat. He meets Bonte in the Hole and like the other Marino men falls instantly and realizes she is his.
Come to find out Cosima had met her and knew Eros would like her if they met and the Hole was the only way he would.
Side story of her being in WITSEC. Her dad is a serial killer but really only kills any threat to her.
Safety
The Marino men wait for their women!
2nd gen
Eros - also Z and Cosima’s son. Built different than siblings and cousins. Too good at interrogation.
Blair/Bonte- attended Golden Prep with Kinsley from first book
This is an auto read author for me.
Bonte was kidnapped with Kinsley in the first book. She killed the professor. She’s brought back to the compound and thrown into the Hole for interrogation.
Eros has no issues torturing anyone if they are a family threat. He meets Bonte in the Hole and like the other Marino men falls instantly and realizes she is his.
Come to find out Cosima had met her and knew Eros would like her if they met and the Hole was the only way he would.
Side story of her being in WITSEC. Her dad is a serial killer but really only kills any threat to her.
Safety
The Marino men wait for their women!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
To my delight, the Marino family and their empire are growing.
This story is about Blair and Eros. Blair is a free spirit who cannot keep her cheeky thoughts quiet. That made me smile because she's so bold even in the face of certain danger. The meet-cute with Eros, the cold enforcer of the Marino family, is far from cute. Actually is right out of a horror movie! It's exhilarating and oddly sweet. This couple is a match made in a gothic chapel.
Dark humour abounds too. After all, Eros has dark instincts and that spills onto his view of the world. The Marino family have a particular sense of humour that I relish. There's plenty of scenes where the family members chat, banter and quarrel with ease and love. They're fascinating. I never get tired of them and that's because they're hilarious, uniquely quirky and the dialogues flow like free-range bullets.
I swear these stories get better and better. This one has got a dark plot which involves kidnapping, twisted family ties, tension through the roof and action-filled scenes. Some of those scenes seem to come straight out of a suspense-spy film.
Everything works really well to create a thrilling story with an obsessed anti-hero and a feisty yet loving heroine. She's got a past that comes to haunt her and I loved all of it. So engaging! I think it's my favourite so far. I'll keep an eye on the next story for sure.
This story is about Blair and Eros. Blair is a free spirit who cannot keep her cheeky thoughts quiet. That made me smile because she's so bold even in the face of certain danger. The meet-cute with Eros, the cold enforcer of the Marino family, is far from cute. Actually is right out of a horror movie! It's exhilarating and oddly sweet. This couple is a match made in a gothic chapel.
Dark humour abounds too. After all, Eros has dark instincts and that spills onto his view of the world. The Marino family have a particular sense of humour that I relish. There's plenty of scenes where the family members chat, banter and quarrel with ease and love. They're fascinating. I never get tired of them and that's because they're hilarious, uniquely quirky and the dialogues flow like free-range bullets.
I swear these stories get better and better. This one has got a dark plot which involves kidnapping, twisted family ties, tension through the roof and action-filled scenes. Some of those scenes seem to come straight out of a suspense-spy film.
Everything works really well to create a thrilling story with an obsessed anti-hero and a feisty yet loving heroine. She's got a past that comes to haunt her and I loved all of it. So engaging! I think it's my favourite so far. I'll keep an eye on the next story for sure.
December 8, 2025
“Her Deadly Little secrets” is the story of Bonte and Eros.
Insta love mafia romance with dual v card, loads of drama and happy ending.
It was ok!
Safe
2.5/5
Insta love mafia romance with dual v card, loads of drama and happy ending.
It was ok!
Safe
2.5/5
November 28, 2025
[eARC]This story grabbed me right from the beginning and didn't let go. I devoured this book. These Marino men, whoa!! They love deeply, completely and forever. I loved that Eros was 100% in with Bonte (Blair) from the first glance. I also loved that Bonte was strong minded and stood up to Eros right from the first meeting. Even with her past and the trauma she had, she was a strong female character. Their love story was so heartwarming to read.
Eros was obsessed, possessed and unapologetic. He was vicious in his protection of her and saw only her. Bonte was equally all in with Eros. These two were two souls locked on sight.
This is the second book in the Kings & Queens Will Rise series and gives us more interaction with the other Marino family members. I can't wait to read whatever books are to come in this series.
I have highlighted so many parts of this book. The language really spoke to me; from Bonte feeling like she has been forgotten to how devoted Eros is to Bonte. Lucy Darling has once again delivered a beautiful love story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Eros was obsessed, possessed and unapologetic. He was vicious in his protection of her and saw only her. Bonte was equally all in with Eros. These two were two souls locked on sight.
This is the second book in the Kings & Queens Will Rise series and gives us more interaction with the other Marino family members. I can't wait to read whatever books are to come in this series.
I have highlighted so many parts of this book. The language really spoke to me; from Bonte feeling like she has been forgotten to how devoted Eros is to Bonte. Lucy Darling has once again delivered a beautiful love story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
December 1, 2025
ARC REVIEW !
Her Deadly Little Secret delivers exactly what I love about Lucy Darling’s worlds: danger, desire, and characters who burn right off the page. This book follows Eros — Jax’s brother from book one — and Blair, a pair who were absolutely not supposed to fall into a romance. Eros believes Blair betrayed his crime-empire family, and he’s sent to “deal with her.” Except the moment he sees her… obsession hits. Hard. Instead of torturing her, he’s instantly torn between his mission and the need to keep her all to himself.
What I loved most is how the story peels back Blair’s layers. She hides behind sarcasm and a darker persona to protect herself from a brutal past, but with Eros she slowly lets her walls crack. And Eros — possessive, protective, and surprisingly attentive — gives her the space to finally trust someone. Their chemistry is intense, the spice is dialed up, and the little touches of humor make their dynamic even better.
Thank you, Lucy, for another absolute banger! I devoured this one, and now I’m counting down the days until Damon’s story.
Her Deadly Little Secret delivers exactly what I love about Lucy Darling’s worlds: danger, desire, and characters who burn right off the page. This book follows Eros — Jax’s brother from book one — and Blair, a pair who were absolutely not supposed to fall into a romance. Eros believes Blair betrayed his crime-empire family, and he’s sent to “deal with her.” Except the moment he sees her… obsession hits. Hard. Instead of torturing her, he’s instantly torn between his mission and the need to keep her all to himself.
What I loved most is how the story peels back Blair’s layers. She hides behind sarcasm and a darker persona to protect herself from a brutal past, but with Eros she slowly lets her walls crack. And Eros — possessive, protective, and surprisingly attentive — gives her the space to finally trust someone. Their chemistry is intense, the spice is dialed up, and the little touches of humor make their dynamic even better.
Thank you, Lucy, for another absolute banger! I devoured this one, and now I’m counting down the days until Damon’s story.
December 10, 2025
I thought the first story in this second generation series was good, but heck this was awesome 😏 I really loved how the stoic kind of robot like Eros fell head over heels for Blair. He saw her and instantly knew she was his and he vowed to keep her safe although he didn't know what she was hiding. It didn't matter what she was hiding he was obsessed😉
Blair never lets people close because she could be a threat to them, but everything changes when she meets Eros. Eros just vows to keep her safe and happy, but when her past comes back to haunt her, things change. Now Eros has to keep her heart and body safe no matter what.
Instalove, small age gap( I think three years), sweet, steamy, OTT, romantic, with action, a few twists and turns, absolutely no OP drama and totally safe ( yeah- dual virgins and they were their one and only in everything 😏) with a sweet HEA 😍😍😍😍😍
Can't wait for Naomi's story ☺️
Blair never lets people close because she could be a threat to them, but everything changes when she meets Eros. Eros just vows to keep her safe and happy, but when her past comes back to haunt her, things change. Now Eros has to keep her heart and body safe no matter what.
Instalove, small age gap( I think three years), sweet, steamy, OTT, romantic, with action, a few twists and turns, absolutely no OP drama and totally safe ( yeah- dual virgins and they were their one and only in everything 😏) with a sweet HEA 😍😍😍😍😍
Can't wait for Naomi's story ☺️
November 26, 2025
I love this crazy family! This was a whirlwind read, and I love how you can see which family members the next generation are taking after. Eros and Blair are such a hot couple, and it has been very satisfying seeing the way the Marinos are destined to fall head over heels when they meet their match.
Insanely good second book in this new generation, and I’m foaming at the mouth for more. Too dramatic? I know it is!😂 The Marino family brings all the drama too, and they are so dang entertaining. The dynamic between everyone is so amazing and you will be eating up every interaction with parents, siblings, aunts/uncles, and cousins. The cousins are perfection in my opinion, so I cannot wait for more from them.
Insanely good second book in this new generation, and I’m foaming at the mouth for more. Too dramatic? I know it is!😂 The Marino family brings all the drama too, and they are so dang entertaining. The dynamic between everyone is so amazing and you will be eating up every interaction with parents, siblings, aunts/uncles, and cousins. The cousins are perfection in my opinion, so I cannot wait for more from them.
May 18, 2026
Blair/Bonte
Eros
Eros is Cosmios and Z’s older son, first book was his brother Jax and Kinsley who is Blair (This FMC’s best friend)
Blair aka Bonte’s father is a serial killer and she is in witness protection from him, he isn’t a danger to her though just others around her. She meets Eros from the ending of the last book when she is put in the hole (you know what it is if you read the books) and Eros knows that she is his one.
She didn’t want to fall for Eros but their was no stopping it, he fell hard and fast for her
This storyline was Intresting, loved this one
Dual Virgins
Naomi’s story next
Eros
Eros is Cosmios and Z’s older son, first book was his brother Jax and Kinsley who is Blair (This FMC’s best friend)
Blair aka Bonte’s father is a serial killer and she is in witness protection from him, he isn’t a danger to her though just others around her. She meets Eros from the ending of the last book when she is put in the hole (you know what it is if you read the books) and Eros knows that she is his one.
She didn’t want to fall for Eros but their was no stopping it, he fell hard and fast for her
This storyline was Intresting, loved this one
Dual Virgins
Naomi’s story next
November 25, 2025
I'm a huge fan of Lucy Darling's sweet stories but her darker longer stories are one of my absolute favorites. Her characters are a little darker with violence, murder, and drama. Eros was morally grey who got joy of punishing people who wronged his family. Eros was all in once he found Blair. I loved this couple. I was so connected and intrigued by all the characters. Cheered when the bad guys got what they deserved. I couldn't get enough. 5 stars!! Can't go wrong with Lucy Darling. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
December 4, 2025
I love this book! I gotta say one of my favorites of hers.
Eros didn’t stand a chance when he saw Blair trapped in the hole. It didn’t matter what secrets she held he was his.
Blair felt she’s been betrayed and abandoned by people she trust and love. She didn’t stand a chance with Eros. With his perseverance she realized that he’s not going anywhere
I love following this family. A lot of spice in this book a good twist and character development. I can’t wait for the rest of the family to find their one.
I highly recommend reading this book
Eros didn’t stand a chance when he saw Blair trapped in the hole. It didn’t matter what secrets she held he was his.
Blair felt she’s been betrayed and abandoned by people she trust and love. She didn’t stand a chance with Eros. With his perseverance she realized that he’s not going anywhere
I love following this family. A lot of spice in this book a good twist and character development. I can’t wait for the rest of the family to find their one.
I highly recommend reading this book
November 25, 2025
I greatly enjoyed this one!
Eros is a little crazy, but he’s found his women who will tame him! He’s sent to the hole to take care of an issue only to come face to face with Blair who he knows belongs to him! She’s terrified of course but she feels a little brave and comforted by Eros. She doesn’t even try to leave him when she has the chance to escape. She may not want to admit it right away, but she too knows she belongs with him.
You’ll love this one!!!
Eros is a little crazy, but he’s found his women who will tame him! He’s sent to the hole to take care of an issue only to come face to face with Blair who he knows belongs to him! She’s terrified of course but she feels a little brave and comforted by Eros. She doesn’t even try to leave him when she has the chance to escape. She may not want to admit it right away, but she too knows she belongs with him.
You’ll love this one!!!
November 27, 2025
Blair has some secrets and the Marino's want to know what they are. Eros is the man for the job. He was built to torture and he always gets what he wants. Turns out what he wants is Blair and he will stop at nothing till she and everyone else realizes she is his forever. He will get her secrets but he will get everything else that comes with her. When a Marino falls in love they fall hard and fast. The only thing you can do is catch up.
December 14, 2025
loved it
I love these morally gray men and the women they love. Eros finally meets the one who is his but she’s been thrust in the ‘hole’ where he’s supposed to get information from her. It the only information he wants is how to make Blair/Bronte his. This is well written, fast and action packed, steamy with lots of morally gray characters that you love. I loved book 2 of these Kings and Queens with rise and I can’t wait for book 3.
I love these morally gray men and the women they love. Eros finally meets the one who is his but she’s been thrust in the ‘hole’ where he’s supposed to get information from her. It the only information he wants is how to make Blair/Bronte his. This is well written, fast and action packed, steamy with lots of morally gray characters that you love. I loved book 2 of these Kings and Queens with rise and I can’t wait for book 3.
December 23, 2025
A funny and spicy must read
I love that Blair/Bonte kept not only Eros but the reader on their toes. This is definitely a "he falls first" romance but she wasn't very far behind even though she didn't want to admit it. Not sure if the author intended this story to be a romcom but Bonte, Eros, Nix, Niomi, and Mac kept me laughing throughout this story. It was also packed with suspense and spicy romance.
I love that Blair/Bonte kept not only Eros but the reader on their toes. This is definitely a "he falls first" romance but she wasn't very far behind even though she didn't want to admit it. Not sure if the author intended this story to be a romcom but Bonte, Eros, Nix, Niomi, and Mac kept me laughing throughout this story. It was also packed with suspense and spicy romance.
February 16, 2026
Next Generation
I absolutely love this series!
It’s the next generation of the Marino’s and they are as equally addictive as their parent’s books!
I love that they are all different but so excepting of each other! I loved Eros’ & Bonte’s story, I’m so glad they all became a happy family!
I cannot wait for Naomi’s story and I pray there will be one for Damon too! It would be so funny to see him fall into the Marino man “curse”.
I absolutely love this series!
It’s the next generation of the Marino’s and they are as equally addictive as their parent’s books!
I love that they are all different but so excepting of each other! I loved Eros’ & Bonte’s story, I’m so glad they all became a happy family!
I cannot wait for Naomi’s story and I pray there will be one for Damon too! It would be so funny to see him fall into the Marino man “curse”.
November 28, 2025
I loved it, it was beautiful, eros was in love with blair the minute he saw her. he went to the hole to get answers if she was a bad girl or good. so he decided to keep her for himself. she didn't know if Eros was a good guy or bad guy because he was a moreno some are good some are bad. I loved this love story.
December 5, 2025
I was so excited to receive this book! I loved the new reign series, I have already started a re read of that series. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with why Blair's secret ended up being. I loved Eros's character but then I love all the characters and I'm excited to see where Ms. Darling is taking this series and equally excited for all the siblings and cousins to get books! Lucy Darling is and always will be a one click author for me!
December 4, 2025
Book 2 in the next gen series Kings & Queens Will Rise. And we’ve got Eros (Jax’s brother) who, after mere minutes with Blair, had to “Marino” her (😂). This is definitely intriguing, aside from the Marino aspect, there’s also another side of danger, and fascination. I don’t want to give anything away. But I’ll tell you, ya gotta read this!
December 5, 2025
These Marino men … oh my! I think that Eros has overtaken War as my favourite Marino … maybe. He’s intense, deadly and completely devoted to Blair/Bonte right from first sight. I loved this book. B’s backstory was sad but also perfect for a future within the Marino family. Lucy Darling just keeps getting better and better. And I cannot wait for Naomi’s story!!! So excited!!!
December 4, 2025
I love for the Marino family
This is Eros book, and I love how he changes from the cold blooded show no emotion to a man in love. I've loved every book that follows the Marino family and this was no different. I can't wait for the next one!
This is Eros book, and I love how he changes from the cold blooded show no emotion to a man in love. I've loved every book that follows the Marino family and this was no different. I can't wait for the next one!
December 5, 2025
I love this series!!
Another great addition to the family. I love their instant connection. Everything that Eros says and does has me swooning. Again Naomi steals the show and I can’t wait for her book.
Another great addition to the family. I love their instant connection. Everything that Eros says and does has me swooning. Again Naomi steals the show and I can’t wait for her book.
December 6, 2025
Eros’ Book!
Oh goodness! This book was awesome. We finally read about Eros and his crazy love story to Bonte. Her background story is cray cray but Eros swoops in and not only saves the day, makes the girl his, but also helps her get her dad back. Super enjoyed it! 5 stars! 🤩🤩
Oh goodness! This book was awesome. We finally read about Eros and his crazy love story to Bonte. Her background story is cray cray but Eros swoops in and not only saves the day, makes the girl his, but also helps her get her dad back. Super enjoyed it! 5 stars! 🤩🤩
December 6, 2025
Eros and Bonte
I LOVED Eros. The man was just perfect. His protective and possessive side was perfect for Bonte. The man could do no wrong. He really wanted to do anything to keep her happy and with him. I loved it.
I LOVED Eros. The man was just perfect. His protective and possessive side was perfect for Bonte. The man could do no wrong. He really wanted to do anything to keep her happy and with him. I loved it.
December 6, 2025
Love this series
I stumbled across this series and have been waiting for Bonte(Blair) and Eros, so stoic like his father and she’s a hellcat, couldn’t put this book down! I love Lucy Darling’s work and can’t wait for what’s next!
I stumbled across this series and have been waiting for Bonte(Blair) and Eros, so stoic like his father and she’s a hellcat, couldn’t put this book down! I love Lucy Darling’s work and can’t wait for what’s next!
December 7, 2025
It so hard as I love them all but Eros and Blake may be my new favorite so far. Love love love they both Eros and Blake had darkness but that Blake was the light to Eros. They were so adorable! Already on the edge of my seat waiting for Naomi’s story!
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