She was never supposed to survive. At seventeen, Ember Calloway learned the world doesn’t save girls like her—it buries them. Now, eight years later, the street artist the Syndicate tried to erase has returned with paint on her hands, blood in her teeth, and five masked kings at her back.
When the ghosts of her past crawl out of the dark—the handler who silenced her, the man who broke her brother, the system that fed them both to the fire—Ember doesn’t run. She builds her own pyre.
Because this time, the hunted became the executioner. And when the rain falls, London will kneel.
Dark. Gritty. Obsessive. A cinematic mafia romance where vengeance is a love language and the Queen always gets the last word.
This book didn’t just hook me, it dragged me under from the very first page with its slow-burn tension, dark mafia grit, sharp banter, and a plot that actually hits, the kind that keeps your pulse racing long after you swear you’ll read “just one more chapter”. The FMC is an absolute force of nature that is fierce, feral, brilliant, and written with such fire she scorched every scene she touched and honestly, who can resist masked biker men stalking through the shadows like living threats and promises all at once? Add in a story that drips with vengeance, obsession, and cinematic intensity, where survival turns into retribution and power is reclaimed in blood and fire, and you’ve got a dark, gritty romance that feels like a war cry wrapped in desire.
Long Live the Queen is written incredibly well! The author has a genius level with words and an incredible talent of "painting a picture." I'm even close to saying she may be the 'best with words' author I've read. Definitely top 3!
Where I got a little torn with my rating is; I feel there was so much opportunity missed in the actual telling of the story because there was (imo) too much description of every scene.
It's DEFINITELY more than a 3 star book, but I can't give it 4 because of my personal preference to wanting more story. After the 1st half I found myself struggling to keep my attention engaged, and finding myself starting to skim "pictures being painted" that had already been painted in my head.
Overall, I do recommend reading! Especially if you need a palate cleanser.
I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Long Live the Queen by B Wills. I gave this book 4.5 stars. This book was everything I wanted Den of Vipers to be. The book had good pacing, well written plot, and a good sprinkling of spice. The mmc’s alternate between nicknames and real names which can be slightly confusing, but it felt necessary to the plot. If you are looking for a book with 5 mmc’s who would burn the world down for her, a strong fmc, and an intro into dark romance, I would highly recommend giving this book a read.
I received this book as an ARC from the author. This book is fantastic. Ember is a badass who just wants to find out what happened to her brother. She finds that and so much more when she is taken by 5 masked men. Turns out, thats just what she needed and she uncovers all the details. These characters are so amazing. This slow burn, why choose story is addicting and you won't want to put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Slow burn central, if you love a why choose reverse Harem, slow burn. Your in for a good time; We meet Ember a no nonsense kinda girl, that has plenty of secrets, she crosses the path of Londons' Under world King and his crew. Between secrets and lust who's going to fall first is the real question and whether or not it'll destroy them. Absolutely ate this up
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. If you love slow burn, dark mafia romance, with suspense, banter and definitely plot you will love this story. It had me hooked from the very beginning and I didn’t want to put it down. The FMC was on fire she was fierce, feisty, and intelligent and well written and who doesn’t like masked biker men? Absolutely loved this book!! Chefs kiss B!!
“She was never supposed to survive. At seventeen, Ember Calloway learned the world doesn’t save girls like her—it buries them. Now, eight years later, the street artist the Syndicate tried to erase has returned with paint on her hands, blood in her teeth, and five masked kings at her back.
When the ghosts of her past crawl out of the dark—the handler who silenced her, the man who broke her brother, the system that fed them both to the fire—Ember doesn’t run. She builds her own pyre.
Because this time, the hunted became the executioner. And when the rain falls, London will kneel.
Dark. Gritty. Obsessive. A cinematic mafia romance where vengeance is a love language and the Queen always gets the last word.
***** ARC Read 3.75 Stars ⭐️ ***** This was better than some other dark mafia romance books I've read. Ember is trying to get revenge and figure out what happened to her brother and she is captured by five masked men who happen to be exactly what she needed in more ways than one. I love that she is a bad ass and can definitely hold her own. I appreciate the plot, it wasn't overly gory to me, but check the trigger warnings for sure. The romance is a little bit of a slow burn. The five MMCs are all completely different and she is in the best why choose position. She grows to love them all and they would burn down the world for her. The spice, soooo good. I think at times it was a little overly descriptive. And I also got confused with all their name changes. From nicknames, to real names, it was a little confusing for me. Aside from that, a great mafia dark romance read with reverse harem and why choose sub plots. Thank you to Golden Light Publishing for providing me with an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
Absolutely INCREDIBLE!! This isn't just a book...this is a total immersion into a dangerously irresistible world of shadows and vengeance!!
🥰❤️📖🥀🖤🥀📖❤️🥰
A fierce, fearless, and powerful FMC who owns the entire plot like a boss and burns through every chapter like the feral vixen she is...and not one...not two...not even three...but five...yes, five...MMCs who would burn the world down without a second thought just to protect their queen...and did I mention they're also all masked men...? *SWOON* 😍❤️🔥😍
On a mission to find out what happened to her brother, Ember (FMC) definitely gets more than she bargained for when she finds herself captive to these five dark kings of the night...and they may just have the answers she's looking for...
Dark, gritty, and absolutely PERFECT!! LOVED IT from beginning to end!!
🥰❤️📖🥀🖤🥀📖❤️🥰
An absolute MUST read and definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!! Be sure to order and check out "Long Live the Queen," available now!!
I absolutely love a good why-choose romance—and this one? This one hit the spot in every way imaginable. The dark why-choose dynamic was so mesmerizing, so addictive, and written with such intensity that I couldn’t tear myself away. I’m picky when it comes to darker poly romances because the chemistry, the balance, and the emotional bonds all have to feel right… and this book nailed every single one of those elements.
I loved each and every bond within this relationship. Every connection felt distinct but equally important—different flavors of love, loyalty, tension, and devotion woven together into a beautifully tangled web. Each character brought their own energy, their own shadows, and their own heart to the group, and watching those pieces click together was chef’s kiss perfection.
From page one, I was hooked—completely absorbed, totally invested, and absolutely unwilling to stop reading. The pacing was perfect: dark, seductive, emotional, and gripping without ever losing momentum. I flew through chapters because I just had to know what happened next, and before I knew it, I hit that 100% mark and sat there wishing there was more.
This is my very first book by B. Willis, and let me tell you… I am HOOKED. The writing, the atmosphere, the character dynamics, the emotional depth—this author knows how to pull a reader in and keep their heart in a tight grip the entire time.
If you love dark why-choose, intense bonds, addictive pacing, and characters who draw you in from the very beginning, this is absolutely one you need on your TBR. I’m already ready to dive into more from this author
Ember has spent her life trained and considered an asset. When she works to exact revenge on her brother's death and ends up captured by five of the top criminal masterminds London has to offer, she doesn't expect to feel safe. And when she falls for them all? Heaven help anyone who crosses them, or her.
I love love love LOVE a solid why choose. This was exactly what I needed and when I needed it. The passion? Exquisite. The plot? Divine. The characters? Hot. As. Hell. You'll find yourself in love with all the characters within pages. You'll also find yourself wanting to exact revenge for everything Ember has endured yourself. Wills can definitely make you want the best for all her characters in all her books and you won't remember that this isnt real life - and you will REALLY want it to be your real life, danger and all. Obsessed yet again with this author.
Brilliant absolutely brilliant. Now this is a change of pace than what I was expecting given the cover and title. I thought maybe a fairy tale retelling of snow white or the evil queen. I expected fantasy but thats what I get for not reading anything in the synopsis. However, I'm not at all disappointed. From the start, I was pulled in and entranced by Ember and the guys. Ember is so intelligent and wonderful. But her past and secrets are so entangled in the mess that happens along with the guys. The plot is not the only thing I love about this book. Its how the author combines it all with a wonderful why choose. Every guy was something special. Every secret revealed brought each of them closer. Ember truly is a queen and the men had no idea what was coming. I dont want to give spoilers because this book should be read blind. Love this author and I need to read everything she's written.
I am not normally a why-choose romance girlie — but when B announced she was going to be writing a why-choose dark romance, I figured I would give the ARC a shot.
I could not put this book down, I literally finished it in less than 48 hours. Yes, I know how concerning that fact is given the book is nearly 500 pages, but it never felt that way. I loved the found family this story showcased and how these five very different, incredibly complex men help to support our FMC, Ember, grow into the character she needed to be on her own. It was spectacular!!!
It was so good!! The characters were all unique and the character growth was amazing! Ember seems so weak in the beginning but as the book ends she's a different person! The 5 male characters all change too and it was good to see all the different personalities and how they all thrive together!
The book is definitely a slow burn and has some spice. I would recommend as a beginner dark romance to dip your toes to see if you like it. I am hopeful there will be a second book to see how the story continues! Once I started reading it I couldn't stop!
This is a why choose of Woman Empowerment. Embry is looking for revenge and answers on her brother's murder. The Masked Riders were responsible for his death and she wants to know why. The five men of Masked know she wants them dead. She stumbled on a murder while trying to steal information from them. They show her what happens when you take what's theirs, but Embry is more than what they perceive. This is an epic tale of revenge, lust, Empowerment, murder and through it all respect. Respect for choices, for answers, for everything you need or want. Embry teaches 5 men that she's a QUEEN and what she says goes.
Long Live The Queen by B Wills was such a phenomenal read, I couldn't put this book down! Getting to know each of the 5 men in this book was a journey in itself right alongside watching Ember just blaze her way through this book. I am enamored with the writing style of this book, it's very engaging and B Wills knows exactly how to make you feel everything.... the settings, the locations, the feeling, the slow burns, the sensual feelings, the spicy feels, the temperature drop when each man has their moment..... it truly is her super power! If you are looking for your next powerful read Long Live The Queen is definitely it!! I sure hope there is more to be told in this story!
I can already tell this is going to be one of my favorite books of the entire year. I love how detailed the writing is in this book. It helps picture everything perfectly in your mind. Embers growth and realization that she can trust and work with others is really well explored. I like how well suited she is with each guy. She gives them the individual kind of attention they need. My favorite so far is definitely Ash. I can’t wait to see the relationship grow! So looking forward to the next one!
I read this dark romance as part of the author's ARC team in January. I absolutely loved the why choose trope, especially after reading Wills' other books, I think she presented the opportunity and the dynamics of the FMC and each MMC well. my one slight irritation was how repetitive some of the descriptions were. One of my favorite aspects of Wills' writing is how she is able to pull the reader into the scene with all senses, but for some reason I found myself saying "yes I know he smells like gun oil" far too many times. Otherwise, this was a great read with some trigger warnings to round out the dark romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Long Live the Queen by B. Wills is dark, gritty, and utterly addictive. Ember Calloway’s return from the brink — with paint on her hands and vengeance in her eyes — sets the tone for a story where danger feels constant and the stakes never drop. The writing is cinematic in its energy, blending ruthless ambition with emotional intensity and a fierce female lead you can’t help but root for. 
This book balances fierce revenge with powerful connection, plunging you into Ember’s world of shadows and masked figures who are as dangerous as they are magnetic. Every twist feels intense, every challenge feels heavy, and the way the narrative unfolds makes you need the next moment before you’re ready for it. It’s bold, compelling, and impossible to put down — a must-read for fans of dark, obsessive romance with teeth
I think I’m gonna have to jump into some mafia romances after this one 🤭
Honestly, I’m not that much of a mafia romance reader or even a why choose gal but this one did it’s big one and flipped me on my back and took me on a wild adventure.
If you love found family, addictive banter, and delicious chemistry this will be your one way ticket to paradise.
MY GIRL NEVER MISSES (I’m definitely rereading this in the future!!!)
This book is amazing from start to finish! Masked men and a strong FMC who wants revenge? Literally cannot get better than that. Ember is a strong FMC who wants to get revenge for her brother who was killed and goes after the group The Masked Raiders to do it. Soon we learn more and more that the truth isn’t what it seems and the Masked Raiders help Ember discover what really happened. Amazing writing and an amazing book. Long live the Queen!
TBH I have not read a lot of Mafia Romance, only 1 actually! But I read this book down, honeyyy!! I am hooked & need more! Dark, gritty, raw, high octane!!
I wholeheartedly love Ember! I totally fell for every single one of the Masked Riders, Kings all of them! I personally enjoy getting to know each person & they all grew as the story progressed and the dynamic was very entertaining! Ash & Vale are definitely my favorite 🤭🤭 But in all honesty each has such a distinct personality you'll adore every one of them!
The angst was charged! Emotions were HIGH! The action was hype & hope to get much more of it! The break was very deep & the rise was hot! The spice was filthy!!!!! The building was intense, the revelation & reckoning absolutely had me on the edge & had me tearing up & the ending was FUCKING AMAZING!!
B does it again! Her writing is sooo smooth and engaging. This one had me hooked from page 1. There is plot, suspense, banter, and its a dark mafia romance so... yes, there is spice, but its beautifully written and only a small slice of the overall story. Love a feisty, fierce, confident, and intelligent FMC 🙌 B delivered! Loved the mystery and angst in this one. You knew there was going to be something that went down, but she gives you little bite sized pieces to keep you engaged. Who doesnt love 5 gorgeous mafia, masked bike riders who claim her (oh she's willing) as their queen and help her exact vengeance? 🥵
Favorite quotes "Because if she's the fire that consumes us all- I'll burn willingly."
"You made her queen, Rook. Queens don't take orders-they give them."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Long Live the Queen is dark, gritty, and unapologetically savage. Ember’s return to London isn’t about healing—it’s about vengeance. Backed by five masked kings, she’s no longer the girl they tried to erase… she’s the executioner, and she comes for what’s hers.
This reverse harem blends mafia power plays, masked bikers, and ruthless devotion into a fast-paced, addictive read. Ember is sharp, calculating, and absolutely owns her rage, while the kings bring intensity, loyalty, and danger in equal measure. The masks? Iconic. The chemistry? Immediate and consuming.
I’m giving this four stars because while the plot and vibes hit hard, I would’ve loved a bit more depth and tension build in certain moments. Still, if you love morally gray men, a powerful FMC, and revenge-fueled chaos, this one delivers.
This book hit me right in the chest. Long Live the Queen is beautifully written, emotionally raw, and deeply powerful. The FMC’s journey of surviving and overcoming years of abuse is heartbreaking but so inspiring to read. The reverse harem dynamic is intense, the enemies-to-lovers tension is delicious, and the found-family energy is everything.
Dark, touching, healing, and unforgettable—this story stayed with me long after I finished it. 💔👑
Incredible read. The tension in this book had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. Slow burn, why choose, RH and masked men, what more can you ask for. Ember is such a a formidable character I loved her no nonsense attitude to cover what she needed. And the men were all delicious individuals.
I was sold. B is always good for writing a strong heroine. Throwing in RH and masked men into the mix makes this dark romance unable to put down. It's definitely going to be a reread for me!
The book defined “burn it all down for her”. The slow burn and mafia ties had me from the first page wanting more!! It had a little bit of everything and so descriptive I could picture everything in my brain while reading!! Can’t wait for more from this author/ story line.
I love this book. I don't usually gravitate toward why choose tropes but this one had me hooked from page 1. I couldn't put it down. Action and romance blended so well. I can't wait to read more from B. Wills.
A why choose romance with plot and great characters. Love a good found family with a strong FMC and the MMCs are willing to do anything for her....The spice was just enough not to take away from the storyline but let you know they are in love with the FMC... Overall a really good book...
I received this as an ARC. I love a good why choose, and this was one of them. Slow burn if you are not into that, that is understandable, but worth the wait.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.