Sinful Serenity (An Arranged Marriage Rivals-to-Lovers Romance)

by Mary C. KIM

In Emberwick, when two families go to war, nobody interferes.

But when the Korvens and Veylors nearly wipe each other out, the Big Six break that rule. Konflict Korven and Serenity Veylor, the only surviving heirs, are forced into marriage. A union meant to restore peace and end the bloodshed.

But Konflict has no desire to bind himself to the daughter of the man who murdered his mother in cold blood. What he wants is to bury every last Veylor in the ground.

Since he has no choice but to obey the council’s order, he decides to wait twelve months without consummating the marriage. All he has to do is stay out of her bed. Not look at her. Not touch her. Not crave her. Until the marriage dissolves.

Then he can finally have his revenge.

But twelve months is long enough for everything to change. Long enough for the one thing he never expected to consume him completely.

And when the time comes, he’ll have to decide whether to avenge his family… or surrender to what his heart truly wants.

• Arranged Marriage

• Rivals to Lovers

• Touch Her and Die

• Erotic Romance

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 16, 2026

Reviews

[Des · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know how people say, "She put her foot in this" when something is just that good? That's exactly how I feel about this book. From beginning to end, Mary C. KIM delivered.

The pacing was excellent, the story flowed effortlessly, and the plot twists had me playing detective the entire time—only to realize I was completely wrong. The reveal was genuinely unexpected.

I loved the FMC's determination and confidence. She was going to do what she wanted, and anybody who disagreed could get out of her way. As for the MMC? Completely unhinged in the best way possible. I wanted to strangle him at first, but once the truth came to light, he quickly earned a spot on my book boyfriend list.

That ending has me hoping for a book two because I feel like there's a major shift coming to Emberwick, and I need to know what happens next. And if Mary C. KIM decides to give us another Mr. "Talk You Through It"? Even better.

Make sure you grab this one when it releases—you won't regret it.

[Yvonne Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!

I honestly did not know what to expect when I received this book.

But to say I was so so pleased with it is an understatement.

Both the MMC and FMC we strong willed, I loved how the FMC wanted to do things in her own way (don't want to give too much away) once you read this book you will understand.

I love the two sides to the MMC, but the plot twist, was plot twisting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I highly recommend this book, it flowed well, the pace of the story kept you on the edge of your seat and after all is said and done you get your HEA!!!

[Vanessa Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word!! Phenomenal!! I loved every second of this book!! This author quickly became one of my favorites from the start!! Although the spice was spicing, this book also offered suspense and action!! Just read it!! You won't want to put it down!! Also Konflict may be my new book boyfriend!! I love him!!🥰❤️ This is a must-read!! Mary C. Kim did it again!! Chefs kiss🥰

[Isyces Cubes · Rating 5 out of 5]

@mary_c_kim_author #ARCREVIEW 10/10.
This book was LOUD AND LOVELY AND 🌶🌶🌶🌶!!! The editing, chef's 💋, the Characters: Perfect! The names! loved them all! ALL THE PLOT TWISTS AND BANTER 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🧡🧡🧡🧡🖤🤎🖤🤎🖤🤎. Spicy Scenes! I wanna make a clay pot! Ikyky!!! This book had me invested frfr!!!

[Ayanna S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow . The chemistry and passion . The possessive mmc , the way he fought her and for her whew Chile . Everything about this was nothing short of amazing.