Their Hollow King

Bleed for You Duet #1

by Marie Socray

Kingsley Beaumont

From the moment I could walk, I was meant to be a king.

The authority, the organization, even the woman I was promised to. It has always been mine.

But that came to a halt the day my fiancé was murdered before me at the altar.

She died, and a part of me died with her, leaving behind nothing but a pathetic shell of myself and a sorry excuse for the man I used to be.

It’s been a year since that day, and now I’ve been assigned to work with a new hire at my family’s hotel chain. A hot-headed, beautifully inked, dangerously attractive man who has no business being anywhere near my world: Rip Wright.

I should be focused on the mole infiltrating my family’s empire, not babysitting the new social media manager.

And yet, there’s something about him. Something in the way he forces me to react, to feel, in ways no one else ever has.

And I have a feeling he’s going to make me regret feeling anything at all.

Rip Redgrave

I always protect my family.

I take the jobs no one else wants. The ones that end in threats, blood, and broken bones. I don’t mind. I’ve always had a temper, and I’ve never been afraid to use it.

So being sent undercover to infiltrate an opposing organization, posing as a boring social media hire while gathering intel on a quiet mafia prince who’s been out of the public eye for a year, is not exactly what I’m used to.

Kingsley Beaumont is nothing like me. He is dry, detached, and doesn’t lash out when he absolutely should. I don’t get it. How is someone like him supposed to inherit an empire when he won’t even stand up for who he is?

But the more I watch him, the less sense he makes. There’s something beneath all that silence, and the longer I stay, the harder it is to remember why I came here in the first place.

Because I definitely wasn’t sent here to protect him.

Or make him mine.

Their Hollow King is an 18+ MM mafia romance following a possessive mafia enforcer and the mafia prince he's been assigned to watch. Full list of content warnings provided inside.

Genres: M M Romance

Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 10, 2026

About the author

Marie Socray is the author of Effortless. Growing up she spent a lot of her time daydreaming and putting those dreams onto paper for her close friends to read. Now, she shares them with the world.

A hopeless romantic at heart, she writes emotional, character-driven romances that explore love, growth, and everything in between.

Reviews

[Spice_and_Spine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to receive this book as an ARC, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations.

The tropes include MM romance, mafia romance, touch him and die, opposing crime families, lies and secrets, mental health representation, a possessive MC, and opposites attract—basically a combination that was made for me.

This is Rip and Kingsley's story. Kingsley is the heir to a powerful crime family in New Orleans. After witnessing his fiancé's murder on their wedding day, he's become a shell of the man he once was. Determined to pull him back into the family business, his parents assign him to work with the marketing team handling a campaign for their hotel... and that's where Rip comes in.

I don't want to say too much because so many of the twists and turns are best experienced blind, but the chemistry between Rip and Kingsley was electric. The slow burn was incredibly well done, building the tension perfectly without ever feeling rushed.

One of my favourite things about this book was that the romance never overshadowed the plot. The spice that is on the page feels meaningful and serves the story rather than existing for shock value. We know their relationship develops further off-page, but this is very much a plot-driven romance, and I loved that balance.

Rip and Kingsley completely broke my heart. By the end, I was so emotionally invested in them that I'm genuinely devastated I don't have book two sitting on my shelf ready to start. The ending is bittersweet, and I'm still heartbroken for both of them.

The supporting cast is just as well developed. Thomas, Rip's brother, Kingsley's two sisters, both sets of parents, and Shawn (who I definitely have a love-to-hate relationship with) all felt like real people with their own motivations. Even characters who disappeared for a while were memorable enough that I always knew exactly who they were when they returned.

This book took everything I love—mafia romance, MM romance, complex characters, and a plot full of twists—threw it all into a blender, and somehow created something that completely ripped my heart out. I cannot wait for the next book.

[Gueva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an arc of this book in exchange of an honest review.

This is a mafia romance with the mafia heir and an enforcer. I ate this book up in one day; it was literally so entertaining. The chapters were short, so the book was really easy to read, and it didn't use that cringey mafia language that some authors use. So it was such a fun read. I cannot wait for the second book.

First I like the relationship that Kingsley entertains with his family; I enjoyed the dynamic between them even if it wasn't sunshine and rainbows all the time. I also really enjoyed his character; I feel like he was different from what you see from the typical guy. It was very refreshing. I also enjoyed Kip's character; he was so protective and possessive. Their romance had me giggling; I wish we got more of them.

The mafia plot was interesting enough; I was very frustrated that none of the questions that I had were answered, but that just made me more excited for the second book.

Would recommend this book if you want a quick, fun mafia romance with interesting characters.

[Dan D. Lion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading " Their Hollow King " and let me just say: I'M OBSESSED. Even though I don't usually read mafia romance, I trusted that Marie Socray will write the kind of emotional story I prefer, AND THAT SHE DID! Honestly, I absolutely loved the story and adored the protagonists. Kingsley and Rip are literally a match made in he(aven)ll and that's why it's so moving to see their story unfold. It's baffling how they would literally kill anyone that hurts the other, but it somehow takes them so long to understand just how much in love they are. Though, this is what makes this story amazing...I don't need to hear them say these 3 words to understand their feelings, I can already feel it. Seeing how they slowly help each other heal and find a place to belong (each other's arms <3) was so touching... I'm cheering for them! I literally can't wait to read Book #2 of the " Bleed For You Duet ", where I hope to see them get the happy ending they deserve.

P.S. Literally dying over here to read the second part of the story :⁠,⁠-⁠)

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying the worst thing about this story is that I finished it and now have to wait for book two.

Rip and King's relationship goes to show that opposites do infact attract. Each giving each other something that both need. For King it's someone he can be true self around and not have to put on show while still attempting to cope with what happened to ex. For Rip King is the calm to his storm, he always knows how to keep Rip level.

While this relationship was built on a series of lies they both effected each other in postive way weither they choose to admit it or not.

While this story focuses mostly on Rip and Kings story I can't help but think that Shawn is going to play a larger roll in book two maybe? His behavior is borderline sus and leads me to believe he has secrects of his own.

With that said i wouldn't say this is slow burn,but just the temp and look foward to book two.

[Otakish Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

***I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***

Before I begin please note that when I rate something a 3⭐️ it means I read it completely but it’s not something I would read again.

This was a decent read but I struggled with it. I couldn’t connect to the characters as much as I wanted. The beginning 30% I liked but once we started getting to the plot and the start of their attraction around the 40% mark I just kinda fell out of it.

Kingsley’s mental health rep 💯 enjoyed this part. Rip being that “touch him and die” vibe is what I love in mafia romances but again I just couldn’t connect to them when they started their sexual journey.

I appreciated being able to ARC read this and if you love MM Mafia Romances and looking for something fresh absolutely give it a try, just wasn’t an easy read for me 🥹

[Beesbooks02 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Their Hollow King By Marie Socray 💙
Release Date: 10th July 2026
Spice Level: 🌶

🅃🅁🄾🄿🄴🅂
💙 MM Romance
✨️ Opposing Crime Families
💙 Mental Health Rep
✨️ Lies & Secrets
💙 Possessive MMC

An MM mafia romance that you can literally read in one sitting, I mean what more could you want. Its filled with some serious tension that begins from the very beginning, it's also got a lot of twists that will leave you wondering. One of the aspects I enjoyed with this book is the mental health rep, I believe it was written extremely well and what boosted how I felt about this book.
If you want a book where the plot actually keeps on giving, and the romance is just enough. Add this to your tbr.

Thank you to the author for gifting me this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book and they were met!!

I was at the edge of my seat reading Rip and Kingsley's journey of falling for each other, and it is only the surface of those strong feelings so far, I feel we will see so much more develping between them and I'm so freaking excited!

It was a rollercoaster of twists, possessivenes, and secrets being unravaled. I anjoyed the pacing, it made sense how the story went when you think about each main character tajectory so far in their lives.

I'M DYING FOR THE NEXT BOOK - literally gasped when it ended because I wasn't following the % and thought I would have more time with them!

[Isabela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC, and overall I really enjoyed it. The story kept me engaged from start to finish, and I found it easy to settle into the world and follow the characters' journey.

There was a nice balance between atmosphere, intrigue, and character development that kept me turning the pages.

While it didn't quite reach 5★ territory for me, it was a solid and enjoyable read throughout.
The writing flowed well, the pacing worked for the most part, and there was enough mystery and tension to keep me invested in what would happen next.

[Edna Strange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were interesting if a bit annoying at times. It had its humourous side, as well as its sad side and the author dealt with the MM aspect sympathetically. I haven’t read any other books by this author and look forward to reading the second book in this series. I was disappointed though to read that only those who paid a subscription to the author were privileged to read the bonus chapters!

[Moon Side Sun · Rating 5 out of 5]

King and Rip are so made to be. King is heir to the mafia, publicly cold and detached, but behind closed doors, and for Rip only, he is someone who wants to be loved, looked after and cherished.
Rip at first comes off as more down-to-earth and gentler, but truly he might be even more violent, than King.
Their relationship starts as huck ups, and ends up being the most important thing in their lives.
I absolutely loved this book, all the characters are distinct, and the MCs have enough development, knowing their story is not ended just yet. The story itself does not feel rushed and flowy.

[Mikayla Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely could not put this book down! The plot was everything and the romance and spice were the perfect amount! Every detail in the book supported the plot and romance and spice! I would definitely recommend this book to anybody that wants a 5 star read! I wish I could read this for the first time again! I cannot wait until book 2 is out!

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I struggled a little to get into this at first, it's definitely a slow burn, more plot driven. There are a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming! I guess I was expecting something darker maybe for it being a Mafia romance, not sure what didn't hit for me. Overall it's a good story though! I have a lot of questions though so maybe those will be answered in book 2?

[danie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Marie for the arc opportunity!

This was a solid read for me. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the overall story. The writing was great with a solid plot, fluid story, and great pacing. I am excited to read the next one!

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way the book is structured really appeals to me.
A good plot and enough romance that doesn't get in each other's way.

However, I would have liked a bit more depth regarding the characters.

💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review

I struggled in the beginning. It's well written but some parts where dragging and I missed somed action and I got stuck a few times.

The last 20% where easier to read for me.

The story itself is great and will definitely read the second book.

[Kayla Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked! I am utterly addicted to these characters. I could not put this down and I am feral for part 2! This was a new to me author and they did not disappoint! Fantastic read!

[kellyjo walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review. …

I got stuck straight in but got bored towards the end

Spicy if you like MM romance

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was AMAZING, i loved how the story kept the same momentum from start to finish. King & Rip are my babies and i CANT WAIT to see what the author has in store for them next.