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Heartless Lord (Lords of Stonewall
Stonewall University has two sets of rules.
The ones printed in the handbook…
And the ones whispered beneath the cliffside mansion where the Lords reign.
Killian Davenport is their favorite weapon, the beautiful devil every student fears. He looks like salvation, smiles like sin, and destroys like it’s an art form.
He destroyed me once.
After breaking my heart and walking away, he’s the last person I ever wanted to see again.
Naturally, fate disagreed.
Now we’re thrown back into each other’s orbit, and his hatred burns as hot as mine. He swears he’ll ruin me, drag me into his world of blood oaths, shadowed corridors, and secrets carved in stone.
But his threats don’t feel like war.
They feel like temptation.
His touch brands. His mouth promises ruin. Every time I push him back, the tension between us coils tighter. Sharper, darker, impossible to ignore.
And Killian isn’t the only danger.
The Serpents & Daggers mark me, and the closer I get to the truth, the tighter their grip becomes.
Now Killian has a choice.
Protect his brothers…
Or break every oath he’s sworn to keep me.
A dark, steamy enemies-to-lovers college romance with secret societies, obsession, ruthless devotion, and a hero who falls first and fights dirty to keep what’s his.
***Check content warnings inside the book.
The ones printed in the handbook…
And the ones whispered beneath the cliffside mansion where the Lords reign.
Killian Davenport is their favorite weapon, the beautiful devil every student fears. He looks like salvation, smiles like sin, and destroys like it’s an art form.
He destroyed me once.
After breaking my heart and walking away, he’s the last person I ever wanted to see again.
Naturally, fate disagreed.
Now we’re thrown back into each other’s orbit, and his hatred burns as hot as mine. He swears he’ll ruin me, drag me into his world of blood oaths, shadowed corridors, and secrets carved in stone.
But his threats don’t feel like war.
They feel like temptation.
His touch brands. His mouth promises ruin. Every time I push him back, the tension between us coils tighter. Sharper, darker, impossible to ignore.
And Killian isn’t the only danger.
The Serpents & Daggers mark me, and the closer I get to the truth, the tighter their grip becomes.
Now Killian has a choice.
Protect his brothers…
Or break every oath he’s sworn to keep me.
A dark, steamy enemies-to-lovers college romance with secret societies, obsession, ruthless devotion, and a hero who falls first and fights dirty to keep what’s his.
***Check content warnings inside the book.
448 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2026
About the author
Sienna Cross
10 books372 followersSienna Cross was kidnapped by mobsters, saved by her super-hot step-brother, then forced into an arranged marriage with a billionaire. From there, things got really interesting… She loves to write about dark, morally-gray alpha males and the captivating women that bring them to their knees. For all the inside info, join Sienna Cross’s Heartbreakers on Facebook, like her page, and follow her on Instagram and Tiktok. She has a thing for stalkers ;)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 26, 2026
Review of Advance Copy received from Author
Heartless Lord is the kind of dark romance that wraps velvet around your throat and pulls tighter with every chapter. Between the secret societies, the elite campus corruption, and the dangerously addictive tension, this book had me fully locked inside Stonewall University’s twisted world from page one.
And Lexi? She was exactly the kind of FMC this story needed. Strong without pretending to be fearless, wounded without ever feeling weak, and stubborn enough to stare down monsters even when her whole world is unraveling around her. Watching her go toe-to-toe with Killian was like watching a match thrown into gasoline. Every argument sparked. Every glance threatened combustion.
Killian Davenport is pure dark romance poison in the best possible way. Cold, brutal, possessive, and absolutely unraveling underneath all that control. He acts like Lexi is his enemy while orbiting her like she’s the only thing keeping him alive. The man threatens destruction but delivers obsession. And the deeper the story goes, the clearer it becomes that his hatred has always been tangled up with devotion so intense it borders on madness.
The chemistry between Lexi and Killian is viciously good. This isn’t soft romance. It’s sharp edges, bruised hearts, stolen touches, and tension so thick it practically fogs the pages. Every scene between them feels loaded with history, resentment, temptation, and the terrifying possibility that they could either save each other or burn everything down together.
The secret society plotline adds this gorgeous layer of danger over everything. Hidden rituals, blood oaths, shifting loyalties, whispers in dark corridors… the atmosphere feels drenched in storm clouds and candle smoke. It gives the romance this constant sense of looming disaster that makes the emotional payoff hit even harder.
And the spice? Absolutely sinful. Possessive. Emotional. Unhinged in all the right places. The kind of chemistry that leaves scorch marks on the storyline.
If dark academia and enemies-to-lovers had a beautifully corrupted love child, this book would be it. Lexi and Killian consumed me completely, and I already know this book is going to live rent-free in my head like a dangerous little curse.
Heartless Lord is the kind of dark romance that wraps velvet around your throat and pulls tighter with every chapter. Between the secret societies, the elite campus corruption, and the dangerously addictive tension, this book had me fully locked inside Stonewall University’s twisted world from page one.
And Lexi? She was exactly the kind of FMC this story needed. Strong without pretending to be fearless, wounded without ever feeling weak, and stubborn enough to stare down monsters even when her whole world is unraveling around her. Watching her go toe-to-toe with Killian was like watching a match thrown into gasoline. Every argument sparked. Every glance threatened combustion.
Killian Davenport is pure dark romance poison in the best possible way. Cold, brutal, possessive, and absolutely unraveling underneath all that control. He acts like Lexi is his enemy while orbiting her like she’s the only thing keeping him alive. The man threatens destruction but delivers obsession. And the deeper the story goes, the clearer it becomes that his hatred has always been tangled up with devotion so intense it borders on madness.
The chemistry between Lexi and Killian is viciously good. This isn’t soft romance. It’s sharp edges, bruised hearts, stolen touches, and tension so thick it practically fogs the pages. Every scene between them feels loaded with history, resentment, temptation, and the terrifying possibility that they could either save each other or burn everything down together.
The secret society plotline adds this gorgeous layer of danger over everything. Hidden rituals, blood oaths, shifting loyalties, whispers in dark corridors… the atmosphere feels drenched in storm clouds and candle smoke. It gives the romance this constant sense of looming disaster that makes the emotional payoff hit even harder.
And the spice? Absolutely sinful. Possessive. Emotional. Unhinged in all the right places. The kind of chemistry that leaves scorch marks on the storyline.
If dark academia and enemies-to-lovers had a beautifully corrupted love child, this book would be it. Lexi and Killian consumed me completely, and I already know this book is going to live rent-free in my head like a dangerous little curse.
May 25, 2026
If you like dark, twisted, angsty romance, then this book is for you!
Lexi is entering Stonewall University, but four years ago something horrible happened to her that changed her life forever. Four years ago she lost her best friend trying to be honest, and she never thought she’d see him again.
Enter Killian. He’s the king on campus. He also has a deep dislike of Lexi after she tried to ruin everything for him. He was not expecting to see her again, and yet, she’s here in Stonewall University, and everything starts to come back to the surface.
There is so much history between these two that gets dragged up, and many moments where these two clash due to that history. Will they ever get the chance to work through it?
I loved this they into the new Lords of Stonewall University series, and I can’t wait for book 2!
Lexi is entering Stonewall University, but four years ago something horrible happened to her that changed her life forever. Four years ago she lost her best friend trying to be honest, and she never thought she’d see him again.
Enter Killian. He’s the king on campus. He also has a deep dislike of Lexi after she tried to ruin everything for him. He was not expecting to see her again, and yet, she’s here in Stonewall University, and everything starts to come back to the surface.
There is so much history between these two that gets dragged up, and many moments where these two clash due to that history. Will they ever get the chance to work through it?
I loved this they into the new Lords of Stonewall University series, and I can’t wait for book 2!
Review of advance copy
✨ARC REVIEW: Heartless Lord
Heartless Lord
By: Sienna Cross and Ember St. Vincent
Book 1 in the Lords of Stonewall University Series
5 ⭐️ 5🌶️
🖤college romance
🖤dark romance
🖤enemies to lovers
🖤secret society
🖤childhood friends
🖤second chance
At first I was very hesitant to read Heartless Lord, I’m not huge on college romance but I love my girl Sienna Cross and I knew this was going to be a good book BUT good does not even begin to describe Heartless Lord. This book was hands down amazing! Wow is the only word that comes to my mind, this took dark romance to a whole new level and I LOVED every single page. This book had me hooked from page one of the prologue until the very last page. Lexi Vega, our fierce FMC, she is strong and a force to be reckoned with. Lexi received a scholarship to Stonewall University, one she worked hard for and came very well deserved. Four years before entering Stonewall University Lexi’s life changed, she went through a horrible experience and it cost her her best friend Killian, he was her person, her protector. She never thought she would ever see him again. Killian Davenport - tall, covered in tattoos, the campus king at Stonewall University. He has a strong dislike towards Lexi, he loved her and cared deeply for her and he is convinced that Lexi filled his head with lies four years before to keep him from leaving her. When he comes face to face with her on campus, the one person he thought he would never see again, he is determined to make her pay for her betrayal. Unfortunately, Lexi lands herself on the radar of his step brother Sebastian who is pure evil. Killian’s protective instincts kick in and he will stop at noting to make sure that Lexi is protected. While everything is happening and chaos is surrounding both Lexi and Killian, both are fighting their own demons.
❥The fire in her eyes had me in a chokehold. It was a far cry from the vapid debutantes and heiresses I’d been around for the past five years. My lungs constricted, unable to suck in the full breath. No other girl had dragged out so many reactions from em, so many damn emotions. I’d f**king missed her. And hated it. Hated her even more.
The chemistry between Killian and Lexi, the tension, the angst, is what made this enemies to lovers dark romance so good. Heartless Lord is the first book in this series and we hit the ground running and we did not stop until the very last page. It’s dark, it’s unhinged, it’s chaotic, it’s full of obsession and passion in all the best ways. Sienna Cross and Ember St Vincent created an exciting, dark twisted world that will keep you hooked throughout the whole book. This was such a strong start to this amazing series and I can’t wait for book 2! This is a MUST read and needs to be at the top of your TBR, I promise you will not be disappointed. ✨Please do check your trigger warnings✨ Thank you to Grey’s Promotions and authors Sienna Cross and Ember St Vincent for this opportunity to read this eARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
#enemiestolovers #TouchHerandDie #darkcollegeromance #secretsociety #HeartlessLord
May 25, 2026
Four years ago, Lexi’s life changed when her car broke down and she was picked up by the devil in disguise. costing her her best friend, her sense of safety, and her future. Now she finds herself on the campus at Stonewall University on full scholarship, and runs into the last person she ever wanted to see again. Her former best friend makes it clear that he hates her more than ever, and will do everything he can to ruin her, but when she hears something she shouldn’t, she realizes that there’s more happening on the campus than what’s on the surface.
Killian has never forgiven Lexi for the lies he’s convinced she told him to keep him from leaving 4 years ago, and hasn’t let anyone get close to him since. When she appears on campus, he’s determined to make her pay for the way she betrayed him, no matter the cost, but when he realizes that she’s made it onto the radar of people more dangerous that him, he can’t help his old protective instincts from kicking in. While he has no intention of falling for her again, he can’t resist the urge to touch, and possess her, even as he tries to keep the secret side of his life from her.
I received an early copy of this book from Grey’s Promotions and I absolutely loved it! The prologue had me hooked even when I read it at the end of Matteo’s book, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the full book. I will say that while this book deals with heavy subject matters (check trigger warnings), the authors handle the topics beautifully, weaving them into the story without glamourizing anything. I loved how they didn’t reveal the whole history between Lexi and Killian right away, feeding us bits and pieces until they revealed exactly how they fell apart when they were younger. The pull between them is stronger than ever, and as their darknesses call to each other, its clear that they were inevitable. I love that despite what she’s been through, Lexi finds her strength, and while overly protective, Killian doesn’t try to stifle her, but stands by her side. This book was dark and twisty in the best possible way, and I can’t wait to see what will happen next on this campus.
Killian has never forgiven Lexi for the lies he’s convinced she told him to keep him from leaving 4 years ago, and hasn’t let anyone get close to him since. When she appears on campus, he’s determined to make her pay for the way she betrayed him, no matter the cost, but when he realizes that she’s made it onto the radar of people more dangerous that him, he can’t help his old protective instincts from kicking in. While he has no intention of falling for her again, he can’t resist the urge to touch, and possess her, even as he tries to keep the secret side of his life from her.
I received an early copy of this book from Grey’s Promotions and I absolutely loved it! The prologue had me hooked even when I read it at the end of Matteo’s book, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the full book. I will say that while this book deals with heavy subject matters (check trigger warnings), the authors handle the topics beautifully, weaving them into the story without glamourizing anything. I loved how they didn’t reveal the whole history between Lexi and Killian right away, feeding us bits and pieces until they revealed exactly how they fell apart when they were younger. The pull between them is stronger than ever, and as their darknesses call to each other, its clear that they were inevitable. I love that despite what she’s been through, Lexi finds her strength, and while overly protective, Killian doesn’t try to stifle her, but stands by her side. This book was dark and twisty in the best possible way, and I can’t wait to see what will happen next on this campus.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Oh Wow! this story is dark with a capitol D, disturbing with a capitol D, depraved with a capitol D and it had me gripped from the first page.
Lexi Vega had worked hard to earn a scholarship to Stonewall University, Stonewall, where only the offspring of the super rich could afford to study, Stonewall where probably most of the elite that ran the country had attended, Lexi knew that she wouldn't fit in with the ultra wealthy, she just wanted to keep her head down, study hard and achieve her dream of becoming a doctor, but..........
Lexi's world shattered when she saw Killian Davenport, the same Killian that she had grown up with , the same Killian who had been her best friend, the same Killian who had betrayed her and broken her heart.
Killian Davenport wasn't the boy that had adored Lexi Vega when they were growing up, she had changed him, she had broken his heart, it was now time for her to pay.
It is difficult to review this book without giving away spoilers but as the story unfolds, secret sects are uncovered, sects with their own depraved initiations and rules, Killian's powerful and ruthless stepfather, Senator Sanford Davenport and his equally degenerate stepbrother, Sebastian were up to their necks in this vetted club where fear reigned.
Lexi's life was in danger, who would stand in her corner ? the hatred between Lexi and Killian was palpable but could he watch her die ?
This story is one of deception, of control, of lost innocence, of jealousy, of domination and of deep love and passion.
Thank you Grey's Promotions for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.
Lexi Vega had worked hard to earn a scholarship to Stonewall University, Stonewall, where only the offspring of the super rich could afford to study, Stonewall where probably most of the elite that ran the country had attended, Lexi knew that she wouldn't fit in with the ultra wealthy, she just wanted to keep her head down, study hard and achieve her dream of becoming a doctor, but..........
Lexi's world shattered when she saw Killian Davenport, the same Killian that she had grown up with , the same Killian who had been her best friend, the same Killian who had betrayed her and broken her heart.
Killian Davenport wasn't the boy that had adored Lexi Vega when they were growing up, she had changed him, she had broken his heart, it was now time for her to pay.
It is difficult to review this book without giving away spoilers but as the story unfolds, secret sects are uncovered, sects with their own depraved initiations and rules, Killian's powerful and ruthless stepfather, Senator Sanford Davenport and his equally degenerate stepbrother, Sebastian were up to their necks in this vetted club where fear reigned.
Lexi's life was in danger, who would stand in her corner ? the hatred between Lexi and Killian was palpable but could he watch her die ?
This story is one of deception, of control, of lost innocence, of jealousy, of domination and of deep love and passion.
Thank you Grey's Promotions for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dark, addictive, and packed with tension, Heartless Lord completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. The elite campus setting was the perfect backdrop for all the secrets, danger, and twisted power plays woven throughout the story. Every hallway, every interaction, felt like something explosive was waiting to happen.
Killian and Lexi’s history added so much depth to the story. Growing up together created a bond that never truly broke, no matter what stood between them. Their chemistry, emotional tension, and complicated past made every scene between them intense and unforgettable.
Sienna Cross and Ember St. Vincent created a dark and exciting world that keeps you hooked the entire time. The mystery, drama, and relationships all blended perfectly, and now I’m desperate to see where this series goes next. Definitely a must-read for dark romance fans who love elite schools, secrets, and powerful characters with messy histories.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
First and foremost, thank you to Grey’s Promotions for the ARC! Heartless Lord is a strong start to this series and instantly pulls you in. It’s dark, slightly unhinged, and full of obsession in the best way.
Lexi’s life gets thrown into chaos early on, and that tension never really lets up. When she reconnects with Killian at Stonewall University, things get even more intense with secrets, power, and a dangerous kind of chemistry between the two of them.
The masquerade scene really sets the tone. Bold, impulsive, and very “fuck it” energy that pretty much defines the whole book.
Each chapter ends with just enough tension that keeps you hooked until the end. Can’t wait for the next story! 😮💨
Lexi’s life gets thrown into chaos early on, and that tension never really lets up. When she reconnects with Killian at Stonewall University, things get even more intense with secrets, power, and a dangerous kind of chemistry between the two of them.
The masquerade scene really sets the tone. Bold, impulsive, and very “fuck it” energy that pretty much defines the whole book.
Each chapter ends with just enough tension that keeps you hooked until the end. Can’t wait for the next story! 😮💨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy of this book, thank you! I wish we could give half stars. I would give this a solid 3.5. It was a good story line and I enjoyed the read. I would say this was on the lighter side of dark romance personally and would be a great starter for those wanting to see if they would enjoy this side of reading 😉 personally it was just a little too vanilla for me with the dark aspect, but that is totally a personal thing. Like I said I still enjoyed it and the way the story progresses and finished did make me smile and find satisfaction. I would still definitely recommend giving this book a go! Happy reading all!
Review of advance copy
Tied with second chance and love triangle, secret society has to be my least favorite trope ever. With that said, I adore everything I have ever read by Sienna Cross, so I decided to give this book co-written with Ember St. Vincent a chance. One thing that really stood out for me is the world building and the character development of the side characters. I am still not necessarily sold on these “lords” but if this is a trope you love, you will likely devour this book. Since it is only the first book in the series, I definitely plan on sticking around to see what else this talented author duo has to offer.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can't resist a dark academia romance and 'Heartless Lord' was not the exception. This book hooked me from the first page and didn't let go. This book had it all secret societies, a morally gray MMC, a bad ass FMC, drama, secrets and all the spice my heart desires. The story follows Killian and Lexi, who were childhood friends until a disagreement estranged them. Years later, their paths cross again, revealing that their connection never truly faded. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the tension built from them resisting that connection was simply delicious. This book is a must read!
May 21, 2026
⭐️4.5 out of 5 !
Thank you to grey’s promotion for the free copy in exchange for my review!
There is a lot to unpack in this book and honestly I would love to go through the whole thing but I hate giving spoilers but just know you got to take your time on this one. Also the one bed trope was so good! Also if you love spice in your books this one has a lot of it ! Can’t wait to continue reading from the series !
Thank you to grey’s promotion for the free copy in exchange for my review!
There is a lot to unpack in this book and honestly I would love to go through the whole thing but I hate giving spoilers but just know you got to take your time on this one. Also the one bed trope was so good! Also if you love spice in your books this one has a lot of it ! Can’t wait to continue reading from the series !
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 1 in Lords of Stonewall University series
A deep dive into the dark side of academia with secret societies, uncovered secrets, forbidden desires, and so much more in this second chance dark romance. This one hits on all the emotions. Both characters have demons in their past that they must overcome, and those have been represented well in the storyline.
"Arguing with you has become my favorite pastime."
Be sure to read the content and trigger warnings before reading the book.
A deep dive into the dark side of academia with secret societies, uncovered secrets, forbidden desires, and so much more in this second chance dark romance. This one hits on all the emotions. Both characters have demons in their past that they must overcome, and those have been represented well in the storyline.
"Arguing with you has become my favorite pastime."
Be sure to read the content and trigger warnings before reading the book.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Killian is pure definition for enemies to lovers and yet wanting her. Leaving off on childhood where he didn’t believe her, but when she comes back into her and takes a spin on everything that he knows. This is dark and twisted, hot and steamy, with everything in between! Loved every second of this!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review, thank you Greys promotion and Sienna for having me read for the free review.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review, thank you Greys promotion and Sienna for having me read for the free review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a great beginning. This is the first book by both authors that I have read and I be reading more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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