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Expected 14 Feb 26Logan Cooper has spent her life holding everyone else together. A soft-spoken people-pleaser who collapses under pressure but refuses to burden anyone around her, she’s content managing the Camellia Club and hiding inside her routines—until her brother’s best friend returns to town.
Blake Weber is the man who shattered her trust over a decade ago, and the one she’s never really let go. She promises herself she’ll keep her distance to avoid betraying her brother, Royce, and the inevitable heartbreak when Blake’s cutthroat nature has him choosing himself over her.
Blake has built his career on control—sharp-minded in the courtroom and composed everywhere else. The only person who’s ever seen the turbulence underneath happens to be his best friend’s little sister. With her, his control fractures. He may have left Abilotte, but his eyes never drifted far from her. Now that he’s back, he’s done pretending he doesn’t want her.
Rising threats, trauma recovery, and forced proximity pull them closer than either of them is prepared for. Their chemistry ignites. Logan begins to heal, while Blake finally starts to unravel. As their relationship deepens, Logan must decide whether she can trust the man who would risk everything for her.
When the danger Logan has been desperately trying to avoid crashes into her world, every boundary Blake has snaps. Protecting her means crossing lines he’s held firm for years and risking everything he’s built. As buried wounds rise to the surface, they’re forced to face the demons that haunt them both—and the truth they’ve denied for years.
He was always hers.
She just didn’t know it.
Blake Weber is the man who shattered her trust over a decade ago, and the one she’s never really let go. She promises herself she’ll keep her distance to avoid betraying her brother, Royce, and the inevitable heartbreak when Blake’s cutthroat nature has him choosing himself over her.
Blake has built his career on control—sharp-minded in the courtroom and composed everywhere else. The only person who’s ever seen the turbulence underneath happens to be his best friend’s little sister. With her, his control fractures. He may have left Abilotte, but his eyes never drifted far from her. Now that he’s back, he’s done pretending he doesn’t want her.
Rising threats, trauma recovery, and forced proximity pull them closer than either of them is prepared for. Their chemistry ignites. Logan begins to heal, while Blake finally starts to unravel. As their relationship deepens, Logan must decide whether she can trust the man who would risk everything for her.
When the danger Logan has been desperately trying to avoid crashes into her world, every boundary Blake has snaps. Protecting her means crossing lines he’s held firm for years and risking everything he’s built. As buried wounds rise to the surface, they’re forced to face the demons that haunt them both—and the truth they’ve denied for years.
He was always hers.
She just didn’t know it.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 14, 2026
5 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
S. Belle
1 book9 followersS. Belle is an American dark romance novelist and poet whose work is rooted in telling honest stories about life’s messier truths. No frills, no illusions, and no easy endings. Her work is often dark, always intentional, and meant to make you feel something real.
https://www.sereinliterarystudio.com
https://www.sereinliterarystudio.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
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January 14, 2026Quick, easy read for me! Kept me engaged. Can't wait to see where the story goes!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 24, 2026
A lot of readers will probably be yelling PEACHES early on while reading this, but if you make it far enough to find out what that even means, you might as well hold on and finish it out—because it does pick up the pace.
I wasn’t too sure about this one in the first couple of chapters. There was A LOT of dialogue, and at first I couldn’t tell if it was just the writing style or the fact that I started reading late at night while tired. I set it down, came back to it the next morning, and then proceeded to read the next 80% in a single sitting.
I really enjoyed the sibling relationship and their friendships, and I can already see how future books in the series could easily highlight some of the other characters. This is a suspense story with stalking and organized crime undertones, both of which were clearly set up to be bigger plot points later—especially since they were left unfinished with that cliffhanger ending.
Blake and Logan’s relationship was…interesting. There is a lot of spice, and they do have a history, which makes it slightly easier to accept. Slightly. He’s intense. Logan is stronger than I am because I absolutely would have left him. Especially after that bathroom scene.
Honestly, who am I kidding? I would’ve been out on day one. 🏃♀️ I’d have been yelling PEACHES and blocking him immediately.
So yes, the spice was spicing if you can hang. It takes a bit to get going, and the balance between dialogue and story-building could be smoother, but once the action hits, I was locked in and not putting it down. I’m definitely curious to see where the next installment takes this.
Thank you to S. Belle for sharing this advanced readers copy, this is my honest opinion: I enjoyed it and look forward to what’s next.
I wasn’t too sure about this one in the first couple of chapters. There was A LOT of dialogue, and at first I couldn’t tell if it was just the writing style or the fact that I started reading late at night while tired. I set it down, came back to it the next morning, and then proceeded to read the next 80% in a single sitting.
I really enjoyed the sibling relationship and their friendships, and I can already see how future books in the series could easily highlight some of the other characters. This is a suspense story with stalking and organized crime undertones, both of which were clearly set up to be bigger plot points later—especially since they were left unfinished with that cliffhanger ending.
Blake and Logan’s relationship was…interesting. There is a lot of spice, and they do have a history, which makes it slightly easier to accept. Slightly. He’s intense. Logan is stronger than I am because I absolutely would have left him. Especially after that bathroom scene.
Honestly, who am I kidding? I would’ve been out on day one. 🏃♀️ I’d have been yelling PEACHES and blocking him immediately.
So yes, the spice was spicing if you can hang. It takes a bit to get going, and the balance between dialogue and story-building could be smoother, but once the action hits, I was locked in and not putting it down. I’m definitely curious to see where the next installment takes this.
Thank you to S. Belle for sharing this advanced readers copy, this is my honest opinion: I enjoyed it and look forward to what’s next.
Review of advance copy
This is a quick story to read, although I found it slow to start with, it does hold up to be worth reading. Logan had got over her feelings for her brother's best friend. It had been easy with him leaving for college then work. However he is now back and shes not sure how she feels about it. Blake always knew he'd return to his hometown, but he's not sure how his return will be welcomed. Can he actually repair the damage he caused when he left. He knows he'd hurt Logan, but it was for the best. But now he's back and intends to make sure she finally knows how he feels about her. Can the past be forgotten. Will more secrets be uncovered. How will Logan rebuild her friendship with Blake, can it ever be more than friendship. This is the first book I've read from this author but I hope to read more.
Review of advance copy
“I’ve loved her since we were 13.” – Blake
*Received an early copy through BookSirens
🌶🌶🌶🌶
The spice is immaculate! This friends-to-lovers romance had me hooked from the start. I’m such a sucker for a spicy romance, and I absolutely devoured this book — only to be left completely upset over the cliffhanger. 😩
If you’re looking for something spicy with a touch of dark elements, this is a must-read. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
I seriously can’t wait for the next book! 🔥📚
*Received an early copy through BookSirens
🌶🌶🌶🌶
The spice is immaculate! This friends-to-lovers romance had me hooked from the start. I’m such a sucker for a spicy romance, and I absolutely devoured this book — only to be left completely upset over the cliffhanger. 😩
If you’re looking for something spicy with a touch of dark elements, this is a must-read. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
I seriously can’t wait for the next book! 🔥📚
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm really conflicted about this book!
On one hand i flew through it and it kept my interest well as the story flowed brilliantly.
I felt though that the relationship between Blake and Logan just lacked a little depth for two people that had known and loved each other for so long.
Also the D/s relationship was a little different as no boundaries were ever set out or agreed to, which made it feel a little less consensual at times.
Definitely read the TW for this book!
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC to review.
On one hand i flew through it and it kept my interest well as the story flowed brilliantly.
I felt though that the relationship between Blake and Logan just lacked a little depth for two people that had known and loved each other for so long.
Also the D/s relationship was a little different as no boundaries were ever set out or agreed to, which made it feel a little less consensual at times.
Definitely read the TW for this book!
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC to review.
February 5, 2026
This romance was definitely spicy & loaded with triggers, as advertised. However, I’m torn about this review bc it’s not really romantic suspense, it’s more erotic. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have selected it if that’s how it’d been listed. Empirically, I had a decent time reading it. It was wildly spicy, and I’ve read my fair share of spicy books. But it lacked emotional depth & had plot holes. As an interconnected book, I’m assuming they’ll get worked out in future books but I was just looking for more connection.
As a romantic suspense, I wanted to know more about Blake as a lawyer, Royce’s criminal job & the whole family background. I felt like there was so much potential in this book that never really manifested. I loved the idea of their “always been you” backstory and the unfolding of their shared trauma, but I never learned enough to be fully invested.
There wasn’t enough tension for me to be connected to their bedroom relationship. Their type of intimacy is not my cup of tea but I could feel their attraction & even their need for control & submission. The hotness is indisputable. Unfortunately, I never felt the emotional connection or even plot-based connection until the last few scenes. I wanted to feel his agony.
If I’d gone in expecting erotica, I would still have the same issues regarding connection, but I would have lower expectations for both plot and character development.
Since there’s a heavy focus on B—- Ddddd—— Sm, humiliation & consent, the spice was much more up front than the plot. Even some of those scenes felt like spice for spice’s sake. I chose this ARC thinking it was a dark romantic suspense, maybe even a bully romance. However, it was much, much closer to erotica. My stars are based on my expectations. If it was marketed as erotica, I might have given it another star bc she’s a debut author, & I tend to be more lenient with a first novel bc ultimately, I want to see new authors succeed. Sorry. It was 100% spicy though. 3 stars. Five pepper spice.
Thank you Booksirens for the review copy. My review is completely voluntary
As a romantic suspense, I wanted to know more about Blake as a lawyer, Royce’s criminal job & the whole family background. I felt like there was so much potential in this book that never really manifested. I loved the idea of their “always been you” backstory and the unfolding of their shared trauma, but I never learned enough to be fully invested.
There wasn’t enough tension for me to be connected to their bedroom relationship. Their type of intimacy is not my cup of tea but I could feel their attraction & even their need for control & submission. The hotness is indisputable. Unfortunately, I never felt the emotional connection or even plot-based connection until the last few scenes. I wanted to feel his agony.
If I’d gone in expecting erotica, I would still have the same issues regarding connection, but I would have lower expectations for both plot and character development.
Since there’s a heavy focus on B—- Ddddd—— Sm, humiliation & consent, the spice was much more up front than the plot. Even some of those scenes felt like spice for spice’s sake. I chose this ARC thinking it was a dark romantic suspense, maybe even a bully romance. However, it was much, much closer to erotica. My stars are based on my expectations. If it was marketed as erotica, I might have given it another star bc she’s a debut author, & I tend to be more lenient with a first novel bc ultimately, I want to see new authors succeed. Sorry. It was 100% spicy though. 3 stars. Five pepper spice.
Thank you Booksirens for the review copy. My review is completely voluntary
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2026
🌟🌟🌟
“I hadn’t realized how comfortably numb I’d gotten, but she’s reminding me what it feels like to feel have sunlight in my soul again.”
First ARC of the year, and my first one from this author. A brother’s best friend, childhood friends, longing from both MC, been in love with each other since teenagers.
TW needs to be read, as this is a dark romance and a dom x sub relationship.
The book was fast paced but was easy to follow, my only issue was near the ending it did start to feel slightly rushed when certain events were happening. Overall, I enjoyed the chemistry between the MC, the longing and pleading from the MMC as he’s been wanting and thinking of Logan for so many years.
“I hadn’t realized how comfortably numb I’d gotten, but she’s reminding me what it feels like to feel have sunlight in my soul again.”
First ARC of the year, and my first one from this author. A brother’s best friend, childhood friends, longing from both MC, been in love with each other since teenagers.
TW needs to be read, as this is a dark romance and a dom x sub relationship.
The book was fast paced but was easy to follow, my only issue was near the ending it did start to feel slightly rushed when certain events were happening. Overall, I enjoyed the chemistry between the MC, the longing and pleading from the MMC as he’s been wanting and thinking of Logan for so many years.
Review of advance copy
ARC review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
While I loved this storyline and all of the characters and their personalities, I found it hard to understand what some of their roles are (like jobs and such).
I loved Blake and how confident he was in how much he wanted Logan, he has a lot of past trauma and insecurities to move on from. This story was very past paced but makes up for it with the flashbacks.
I can’t wait to read the next one in the series! ❤️
Check your TW before reading…
Thank you to SookSirens and S. Belle for letting me read this ARC. I received for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
While I loved this storyline and all of the characters and their personalities, I found it hard to understand what some of their roles are (like jobs and such).
I loved Blake and how confident he was in how much he wanted Logan, he has a lot of past trauma and insecurities to move on from. This story was very past paced but makes up for it with the flashbacks.
I can’t wait to read the next one in the series! ❤️
Check your TW before reading…
Thank you to SookSirens and S. Belle for letting me read this ARC. I received for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely loved this story!! Logan has her walls up when it comes to Blake and honestly I don’t blame her, they have some complicated issues from their past. Blake however has wanted Logan for years and is sick of her pushing him away so once he moves back home he takes matters into his own hands. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop and think the brothers best friend trope was well done in this case. I was prepared for the slight cliffhanger at the end but it still had me wanting to throw my kindle across the room because I want to know more lol
*Honored to have received an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
*Honored to have received an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
Review of advance copy
I recieved an ARC for this book for my honest review.
This book had it all for me. Plot with spice and a tension between the characters but a bond that was unbreakable. Logan and Blake's story started as young kids and I loved that you got to experience their back story as well. They were bonded through a shared trauma and their relationship grew from there. I absolutely loved that he never faltered on his love for her and was very straightforward of how much he wanted to be with her and wanted it all WITH HER. The plot was plotting and the spice was spicing and I can't wait for book 2!
This book had it all for me. Plot with spice and a tension between the characters but a bond that was unbreakable. Logan and Blake's story started as young kids and I loved that you got to experience their back story as well. They were bonded through a shared trauma and their relationship grew from there. I absolutely loved that he never faltered on his love for her and was very straightforward of how much he wanted to be with her and wanted it all WITH HER. The plot was plotting and the spice was spicing and I can't wait for book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a dark, twisted sort of story with a slight Mafia theme and friends to lovers.
Logan a manager of a club has a stalker and a brother who isn't legit in his dealings with the Cartel, but when long time crush lawyer Blake comes back to town, his interest in hey isn't the least but platonic.
Great chemistry between Blake and Logan but Blake's interests are very much into bdsm which is an education for Logan. But that attraction and his rough dealings are everything Logan wants.
So well done. Danger, drama, friction and suspense wrapped in an unusual romance.
Fantastic book!
Logan a manager of a club has a stalker and a brother who isn't legit in his dealings with the Cartel, but when long time crush lawyer Blake comes back to town, his interest in hey isn't the least but platonic.
Great chemistry between Blake and Logan but Blake's interests are very much into bdsm which is an education for Logan. But that attraction and his rough dealings are everything Logan wants.
So well done. Danger, drama, friction and suspense wrapped in an unusual romance.
Fantastic book!
Review of advance copy
This dark romance book was pretty good and definitely spicy. The story had some strong emotions and interesting characters. It was a bit boring at times and dragged in places, but the intense moments kept me hooked. If you like dark, steamy romances and don’t mind a slow pace sometimes, this one’s worth a try.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This is Logan and Blake's story.
Growing up together Blake was Logan's brothers best friend and they basically grew up together.
Blake is away for 10 years and returns wanting Logan for his own.
Meanwhile what is Royce upto?
Growing up together Blake was Logan's brothers best friend and they basically grew up together.
Blake is away for 10 years and returns wanting Logan for his own.
Meanwhile what is Royce upto?
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews