Burning Blood

Darkest Destiny Trilogy #2

by Pepper Winters

Lucien has three goals.
Escape Cinderkeep.
Ignore his feelings for Rook.
And drown in a sea of his enemies’ blood.

Rook only has one goal.
Stay alive.

But if she gives him what he wants…one of them will die.
And if one dies…the other follows.

Dark. Obsessive. Fated.
Perfect for readers who love morally grey villains, forced proximity, touch-her-and-die energy, and romance that becomes elemental.

Genres: Fantasy, Dark Romance, Dark, Paranormal, Romantasy, Romance, Enemies To Lovers

519 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2026

About the author

Pepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today International Bestseller.

She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.

After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.

Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.

Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.

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She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters@gmail.com

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Reviews

[Annica ⚡️ annica_reads_books ⚡️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Read: Holy crap, Pepper! The action and the stakes in this book are so much higher than book one, and that cliffy was a doozy! I loved this story, and couldn’t put it down. 🔥🐆🩸❄️

[💜VGreedyReader🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second instalment propels us into a universe so unique and full of wonders that I wished I could inhabit forever.

Rook and Lucien’s story is full of mystery and danger, as they try to flee one enemy new obstacles arise. Their bond becomes more and more complicated and they have to learn how to overcome their own fears.

Pepper draws a story filled with anticipation, a love that transcends all logic and two formidable characters whose lives are more intertwined than any imaginable scenario. The action moves into a territory that beaches the shores of fantasy, depicting new, beautiful worlds.

I was drawn to this story from the very first page, a gripping tale that begs to be devoured and savoured like a decadent forbidden fruit. This author isn’t done with this world and I’m so ready for more of Rook and Lucien.

[Irida · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I feared you’d be the one to finally kill me.” He sank in the barest inch. “And here you are...” He hovered his mouth over mine. “...killing me.”

To everyone who enjoyed the first book but wanted more fantasy in the storyline, Pepper Winters really said HERE YOU GO.

Where the first book was all about the slow burn, this book ramped up the spice and made it worth the wait.

The chemistry between the mc’s is so well written and if you love a grumpy possessive mmc you’ll love Lucien.

These books may not be absolute perfection but they’re a unique, fun time and Pepper Winters has such addictive writing you won’t be able to put them down.

[Kelly Lamont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omfg…. I had to be an adult and take care of responsibilities in between grieving the loss of my heart dog so I couldn’t binge this book like I wanted. It was at no fault of this book’s but my own personal problems. However thanks to this book I was able to dull my grief while I was reading.
This book takes off right where the first one ended. Nail biting anxiety took hold for the first few chapters then you could breathe a little then the mystery begins to cause even more questions to form. Then once again you’re tossed into nail biting anxiety again. Burning blood definitely keeps you mentally invested in the story and you will go through a roller coaster of emotions. I loved both books and the story line from the start.
Fated destiny to meet, find your soul’s mate who may be a little unhinged, find out you may not be what you thought you were, and finally when you think you can get a minute to yourselves, Hell breaks loose.
I can’t wait to read the next book to see the conclusion of all of Lucien and Rook’s fight for survival. If I could give this book a hundred stars, I would!

[TheBookPlatypus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am shook.

Lucien and Rook’s story took a turn I did NOT see coming. This is book two in the Darkest Destiny Trilogy.

And this review contains spoilers so be warned.

Lucien and Rook escape Cinderkeep and I’ll be honest, it seemed too easy. Like the entire plot shifted to something entirely different and I was doubting the storyline and kept reading and this plot is SO MUCH MORE than I thought it was. The last 50% of the book, I stayed on the edge of my seat.

We go to Lucien’s childhood home.

Lucien and Rook aren’t normal people and their pain and suffering have meaning. Fire and Ice.
It’s a romance, fated, and suspense on who they are. Why? How?
What if your the answer to give people immortality?

“Fate detonated. Blood to blood. Soul to soul.”

If you like:

Fated Mates
Elemental Magic 🔥 🧊 
High Stakes
The Burn is REAL
Dark Corruption
Soul Bonds
Modern to Epic Fantasy
Touch-her-and-Die

“I’m not afraid of what they’ve made me, Rook...but I am afraid of what I could become without you.”


It’s yet another agonizing cliffhanger and I have so many questions.
This is a high stakes, face paced, suspenseful romance. 5/5⭐️

[Melissa Crump · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Masterclass in Emotional Destruction

I don’t even know how to put my thoughts into words right now. My emotions were all over the place throughout this entire read—Burning Blood didn’t just touch my heart; it rocked me to my absolute core.

Pepper Winters is a literal genius. She has a way of crafting stories that are as visceral and haunting as they are brilliant. This book is an absolute rollercoaster of high-stakes tension and raw, beautiful angst.

It’s gripping, it’s intense, and it stayed with me long after I turned the final page. If you want a story that makes you feel every single heartbeat of the characters, this is it. 5 stars just isn’t enough.

[Mrs Spinna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What?! This book went in a direction I did not expect and I absolutely loved every second of it!
The development of this story was incredible and watching Lucien and Rook discover themselves as well as their soul deep love for each other was truly beautiful. The entire book was a roller coaster of emotion and action and every time I thought things would settle, chaos ensued!
And Whisper!! He is even better in Burning Blood! And I love the way he felt real in his fear of flying! I still desperately need a Panther in my life!

Pepper, you have absolutely done it again and I NEED to know where this is going to go next!!

[Kayla Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

BURNING BLOOD

Oh man, the deeper and deeper we fall into this story, the better and better is gets!

This is the kind of story that takes its time, beginning slowly and purposeful, dropping breadcrumbs and pulling you in gently until it slams into you, transforming into something far more consuming and epic. The turn this tale took is something I never could have imagined. Since the first book I kept trying to piece things together but nothing prepared me for this. I am now sitting here after book 2 like 😮🤯

[Ila Corsalini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful sequel for a beautiful trilogy.

Pepper continues with her amazing worldbuilding and gorgeous males.

I loved the chemistry between Rook and Lucien... i can't get enough of them.

I can't wait to read the third!!! Please, i need in it in my hands right now.

[Arielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This series is so good. Whisper is my new favorite book pet. I can't wait to read the final book and see where everything takes us. I do think this middle book seemed to take it's time more than needed like middles can do sometimes, thus the slightly lower rating than the first book. Personally, I enjoyed the extra time with these characters, but for the actual story line, I selfishly wish I got more in this book. This book is a stay up all night reading book for me.

[Sentranced Jem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Dark Fantasy Fusion Romance

Tropes:

✨Fated Mates

✨Powerful Connections

✨High Stakes, Elemental Magic

✨The Burn is REAL

✨Intense Journey

Burning Blood picks up right where we left off in Darkest Destiny. If Darkest Destiny was a mysterious slow burn, Burning Blood is the opposite. It's fast paced, filled with action and adventure. And the BURN is an all out inferno! The second book is intense and you're sucked into a world of twist and turns, it's still mysterious and gripping.

Massive thank you to the author for the ARC

[Kenia Coronado · Rating 4 out of 5]

this one felt more like a fantasy.

The first book was giving more dark romance vibes and this one definitely felt more like a fantasy. It did take a while to get the story going but i did enjoy learning more about what happened to the main characters and seeing their relationship build with so much trust was bittersweet.

[Patricia Chipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

review

This would’ve been a very good book if it was a single book. But you spent so much time with irrelevant frivolous stuff that couldn’t hardly even be understood so you could stretch it out into three books that it really ruined the whole thing. I tried to read the second book, but it was just too much crap and I’m not able to try the third book.

[✿ MrsRaloudi | A Bookholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take my entire soul because, right now, it is outside my body floating in pain.

If I could, I would rate this book a 10-star read <3

Since I finished this second part, I'm solely overpowering emotions that are soul-deep and no thoughts. I'm having an extremely hard time finding the correct words to describe what this book put me through.

Fate detonated. Blood to blood. Soul to soul.

Really, what the hell just happened? Honestly, I should be used by now to the mayhem and the emotional chaos that Winters creates every time with her stories, but apparently I'm not - and she is my top favorite author, mind you. Once again, my entire existence and everything I thought I knew got blown away. I was not at all prepared for what followed the moment I started it.

Burning Blood picks up exactly where Darkest Destiny left us back in February - with Rook and Lucien hot and desperate on escaping their golden prison. What follows is pure insanity. Adrenaline, suspense, and a burning love bond are at the forefront of this journey. This time, Lucien & Rook's characters have exploded - both metaphorically and literally. What we saw in the first book was simply 10% of what they are actually made of. Their evolution, both separately and, especially, as a couple is one of the greatest things.

Either I died or survived, but even dead I didn't stand a chance against her

After I hit its 50%, the entire story got to an entirely new level. Everything just skyrocketed, making me devour the remaining half in less than 12 hours. It sucked me deep into its core and didn't let me go until I reached the last chapter and another cliffhanger. And this cliffhanger? Destroyed me even more than the first. I actually burst into tears after I read the last word. All the emotions and intensity that had me hostage just got out.

"I knew you were the key to my freedom, Rook, but I never expected you to be the key to everything else."

And I can't not talk once again about Whisper. Damn, that majestic black panther!! With every book, he keeps getting even more amazing. He is the VIP at this point.

There is still one more book to go in this trilogy. May the force be with me for the finale.

[bookish206 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, Burning Blood blew me away. I thought I knew, but I apparently I know nothing! Never thought I could experience so many emotions in one book.

After spending 20 years in Cinderkeep, Lucien is ready to escape. He wants revenge on his enemies and to ignore his growing attraction to Rook.

Rook wants to stay alive and help Lucien escape Cinderkeep. However, Lucien wants her to do the unspeakable. Will Rook be able to follow through with his demands and live with the consequences?

The wait was worth it! The unbelievable yearning and incredible tension is finally culminated in Burning Blood. All that slow burn in Darkest Destiny (Book #1) is realized. The connection between Rook and Lucien is undeniable. They were truly made for each other. Destined to be together. As they say, the spice in this book is spicing! Although, Rook and Luciens' need for each other is more than sexual. (I won't say anymore.)

"Once you're bound, two hearts beat as on. Their revenge becomes your revenge. Their love binds with your love. And their death...is your death. Always."

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I'm in love with Lucien and Rook. Their relationship is nothing I have ever read or experienced. I'm obsessed with a man that is so possessive he doesn't want another man to breathe/look at his woman. (I'm looking at you Lucien.) Rook understands Lucien so well that this doesn't bother her. In fact, she's afraid for the man because she knows what Lucien is capable of.

I simply adore Whisper, Lucien's black panther. As Lucien's constant companion, he provides physical and emotional support to both Lucien and Rook. He is loyal and will not hesitate to unalive someone. Most of the time he thinks he is a house cat and sleeps in the bed with them.

This book has left me devastated and destroyed. It is agonizing and emotional in the best way. Really! I am hopeful Forsaken Fate (Book #3), will fill the aching in my heart. Pepper, you are amazing!

Thank you Pepper Winters and The Next Step PR for this ARC and the opportunity to leave my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4 1/2 Stars

[Nina ~ Meleth Bookaddicted ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I knew the general direction this story was going. I was so wrong. Ms. Winters took everything I thought I understood about Rook and Lucien and just... no. I can't even explain it properly. Watching these two find their way to each other, really find each other, soul deep, was something I was not prepared for.

Apart from that, their world just keeps expanding and getting stranger and more gorgeous and I did not want to leave it for a single second. There is danger everywhere and new obstacles keep coming every time you think Rook and Lucien might finally catch a breath. Action, emotion, chaos, repeat. My heart was all over the place the entire time and honestly, I loved every second of that feeling… even when it hurt.

And Whisper!! Listen, I already loved him but Burning Blood made me absolutely feral about this panther. The fear of flying detail? Destroyed me. I need a Whisper for myself.

The spice delivers, and then some, but what really got me was everything underneath it. These two are fighting their own fears just as much as everything the world keeps throwing at them and that combination just wrecks you. Every choice they make feels like it costs them something and yet they keep going. Rook and Lucien broke my heart repeatedly and I would let them do it again immediately.

My one selfish complaint is I just wanted MORE story. More world, more plot, and, yes, more time with them. Their story is clearly not done and honestly neither am I with it. I am so ready for whatever we will be facing alongside these two in the final instalment.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessive, Emotional, and Completely Consuming

“I hated how fast you ruined me…”
Burning Blood is dark, obsessive, and completely consuming in the way only Pepper Winters can deliver.
Lucien and Rook are trapped in a world where survival is never guaranteed, and every choice feels like it comes with consequences that cut deep. The tension between them is relentless—equal parts danger, desire, and something far more emotional than either of them wants to admit.
And when the spice hits? It hits.
But what really got me was the emotional unraveling beneath it all. That confession? Absolutely wrecked me. The kind of moment that shifts everything and makes you feel just how deep this connection runs.
This story is intense, addictive, and doesn’t hold back—especially when it comes to the emotional fallout.
And that cliffhanger? Brutal. I’m still recovering.
If you love dark, morally gray characters, obsessive tension, and romance that feels all-consuming, this one delivers.

[Shasta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even being to describe this book but amazing! 


I was hanging on word for word. Reading slowly, AGAIN, because I didn't want this book to end!


There is SO much action in the book. Packed with crazy intense moments and JUST when I think ooo okay it's good it gets CRAZY again!!


Rook and Lucien's story is amazing and there is nothing else out there like this story! Intest, hot, cold, and don't even look at her or you will DI E!


The spice is HOT in this one. 


I am mentally invested in the roller coaster of a book and I can't wait to see the thrills, twists, and turns in book #3!

[Ellie Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half & second half the book was incredible!!!! I am loving this world. I loved learning more about the why & how everything is happening.

I felt like it lost its self a bit in the middle for me & had a lot of repetitive things going on between the main characters & learning more about their relationship BUT it was needed to see their growthhhh💋

Absolute vibes!!! And the ending!!!! Another cliff hanger!!

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars....I really wanted to like this, as I love Pepper Winters. And I did like the middlish of the book. It felt like the plot was developing and Lucien and Rook were finding their way. However, I am having a hard time wrapping myself around the plot of this story. It's just extremely far fetched and the character and world building elements are lacking outside of the two main characters, making it very difficult to be invested. The ending of this second installment did it in for me. If the third book is not in KU, I likely will not make the investment to see how it ends.

[Reading with 2 book lovers Sarah P - · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is the second book in this trilogy and it kept me on my toes the whole story, I felt so many emotions during this read and it was a fantastic middle to this series. highly recommended

[Erin | the.gremlin.reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled with the miscommunication trope in the beginning of this book but found that it really hit its stride in the second half! I love our unhinged & possessive MMC and Whisper is one of my favorite animal companions! Looking forward to book 3!

[WinterberryE · Rating 5 out of 5]

What sacrifice do I need to make to get the next book bc there's no way I can wait until December 1st for book 3.

This book was so so so good. I binged both books in 7 hrs total 🫢

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crud this book... Pepper you're killing me ... I can't really review because it would give so much away. Just know this is so good and in Pepper fashion she keeps you on your toes!!! Read read read!!

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so in love with this world. With Lucien and Rook. With Whisper.
I loved them finally being together, their love and bond developing and growing. I made an obscene amount of highlights and I’m not even sorry 🤣
I desperately want Lucien to have his revenge and I want them to find a way to live happily ever after and find a way to live pain free.

I didn’t enjoy this one ‘quite’ as much as book one, which is why I gave 4 stars. I think I was hoping for a bit more action throughout the story. And I have to admit that for me personally there was too much emphasis on ‘what’ they are in this book. The lengthy descriptions about their conditions and the effects they were having on each other and the environment around them became quite repetitive.
The story definitely slowed down in the middle and then exploded at the end.
I also don’t understand why they are keeping everything a secret from those they DO trust? The scene with Lucien and Dillon was painful. Why on earth didn’t she just flat out tell Dillon that Lucien didn’t have anything at all to do with her abduction and captivity? But she wouldn’t say!

These points are just my personal opinion and very small little niggles. The book and this story is incredible and I still loved it. I will be counting down the weeks until the third and final part of the story is released!

[Carmen · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF over half way- lost interest.

[Maria Angie Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Darkest Destiny Trilogy and this series keeps getting better.
Gripping, haunting and utterly captivating, this installment catapulted me in a world I didn’t want to leave.
Room and Lucien’s story continues and their story continued to evolve and develop flawlessly. The author kicked it up a notch of a thousand with the gut wrenching characters and the high octane action.
Never mind the doozy of a cliffhanger that left me hungry for more!

[Stacia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book but wasn't able to finish this one bc I was SO confused. I would actually love it if someone posted a detailed chapter summary or a review w a ton of spoilers bc it WAS an interesting story, but it just went way past my tolerance on how long I can stay with a story that I don't understand what's happening before I get annoyed and frustrated and say eff it.

[Candace · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will give it two stars, but I pretty much hated the whole thing. The overly dramatic/gushing romance, the frozen fan fiction, and a storyline that was all over the place. I pictured a cartoon in my head while reading it. It is not dark in my opinion, I would slot it in YA or even younger.
There is a big cliffhanger, and I couldn't care less, and will not be continuing.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first book had potential where the mmc really felt like he was a strategist but the second book destroyed it all. I felt like I was reading two horny teenagers who couldn’t keep their hands off each other and no logical thinking other than sex. It’s a lot of repetitive dying and saving…