Hidden Lies

Hillside Kings #2

by Carmen Rosales

Daughter of a cartel leader, Lucy Sincere is ready to make the most of her college years. But a night of forbidden passion in high school with football star Mason Montgomery just may ruin everything for her. Suddenly, she’s off-limits to every eligible guy on campus. Nobody will risk their reputation–or lives–by touching her.

Mason knows what he wants–and he craves the sexy and off-limits Lucy Sincere. But he can’t possibly pursue his friend’s sister. He knows the boundaries and rules. When she starts dating someone else, Mason worries for her safety. Determined to get her back in his arms–and his bed, he sets out to take down anyone who stands in his way. Will the hidden lies between Lucy and Mason destroy any chances they have for a future together?

Genres: Dark Romance, Second Chance, Dark, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers

294 pages, ebook

First published July 26, 22

About the author

Carmen Rosales is a best-selling Dark Romance and Latinx author. She loves to write in different genres of Romance and erotic horror under her alter ego, Delilah Croww. Beyond her writing, Carmen is a devoted mother who loves spending time with her loved ones. Join her VIP list to hear about her latest releases and giveaways at www.carmenrosales.com



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Reviews

[Van nee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one follows a very similar premise to Aidan and Khalani's story. Many events seem very contrived. Alex falling in love with Lucy after 3 dates and for no significance reason other than her saving his life once when he is immersed in cartel culture seems very contrived. Gloria's motivation was totally out of left field and incredibly far fetched and another contrived plot element that had me rolling my eyes. The ultimate contrived scene was the MFM which was a complete wtf moment. It was undoubtedly out of character for the h and H. Another left field moment that felt completely disingenuous and fabricated. This couple had potential but unfortunately they had too much ridiculous drama and their story was too far fetched and contrived for my liking.

[BookKraves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me on the edge of my seat. The emotional turmoil experienced by Lucy and Mason is gripping, and it keeps you glued to the book. When I say, the story is angsty....I'm not playing. Lucy and Mason are Friends to lovers that are torn apart by hidden secrets and loyalty to friends and family.

This story is juicy, spicy and has the right amount of groveling, with a totally unexpected love freaking triangle. Hidden Lies, I devoured in one go because I was enamored by the plot, the tension, and the way Lucy didn't easily give Mason a second chance for his transgressions.

I forgot to mention that this can be read as a standalone but always better to read book one first.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy was Mason have always had a bit of crush on each other but also knew they were off limits completely to each other until one night changes a lot and so many things spiral out of control cause of it. This book a bit of everything I need to keep my attention going

[Chandra Armstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know who I love/hate more Aiden or Mason. Lol both are book bae so I can’t really decide. What I have lived about this series so far is that the men will do any and everything for the woman they love even if it’s something they would NEVER do otherwise. BUT at the same time the queens they fall in love with don’t take just anything from him. I loved see Lucy for who she has become. It hurt my heart to see all she had to deal with on her own, but they say if you love someone set them free and if they come back then you’re meant to be. That’s so true with the series and you can’t help but love that. The one thing that I hate was Aiden and Lucy’s dad like dude get you’re whole life, you’re hurting you’re kids for your own entertainment and greed that just not cool, but then again maybe that’s the whole point. Again great job and I can’t wait to read the next story in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CYNDY · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****4.5 Swoon Stars*****
I enjoyed this book I couldn’t not wait to get Mason and Lucy’s story. Mason and Lucy are explosive together. Lucy’s has secrets that can destroy her and Mason. Mason gave into one night of forbidden passion in high school with Lucy and had to lock everything back up after that and killing his and Lucy friendship. Lucy is more than ready to make the most of her college years and put High School and Mason behind her. When Mason gets the whiff that Lucy is free to date Mason won’t hold back anymore no matter what he was told to do. I’m leaving so much out because when all the secrets come to light sh** hits the fan. I need so much more from this crew; I need Smiley book. I’m leaving tons’ out

*****ARC from Book Sprout for review*****

[Camryn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh so I loved this loll but definitely would’ve been happy about an MFM *wink wink* and since that didn’t happen I can’t wait for Alex hea

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I loved this book like I did book 1 & 4 would be a huge understatement. Lucy and Mason’s story was so much more. It was raw and gritty. The emotional angst and turmoil in this book was high. My heart broke and shattered into a million pieces for Lucy and what she lost, and then everything she went through regarding Mason afterwards. She cried, mourned her losses and watched for a year while he had his fun with other girls and then got the best revenge and the roles were completely reversed - she gave him a taste of his own medicine and made him feel the hurt she felt.
It was so damn nice for once to see guy grovel for the entire book, not play around with other females and from start to finish have eyes only for one girl- in this case Lucy. Mason f***** up big time and he knew it, but he didn’t realize how bad until the full truth came out and he realized he was real close to losing everything that truly mattered. He had a lot of groveling and making up to do, but I think he proved himself by the end.
It was especially great to see the FMC not sit around waiting for the guy. Lucy had her fun with Alex and let me say this- that man was the absolute best thing for her. He made her see that someone else could give her the same pleasure that Mason could. Just like Leo was the best thing for Khalani in book 1, Alex was that and more for Lucy. I loved seeing her with Alex, and even though I was rooting for her and Mason to be endgame, I felt bad for Alex too. When he admitted his love for Lucy and how she had his heart, mine broke because I knew Lucy was meant to be with Mason. I am going to be so happy to see Alex get his HEA in his book.
This book definitely emotional at times and I had tears for Lucy, and at the same time I loved seeing her make Mason crazy with jealousy and his darkness come out!
Diving into Colton and Linda’s story now because just like Alex, I want this girl to get her happiness too.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Daughter of cartel leader, Lucy Sincere is ready to make the most of her college years. But a night of forbidden passion in high school with football star Mason Montgomery just may ruin everything for her. Suddenly she's off limits to every eligible guy on campus. Nobody will risk their reputation or lives by toughing her. Mason knows what he wants and craves the sexy and off-limits Lucy Sincere. But he can't possibly pursue his friend's sister. He knows the boundaries and rules. When she starts dating someone else, Mason worries for her safety. Determined to get her back in his arms-and his bed, he sets out to take down anyone who stands in his way. Will the hidden lines between Lucy and Mason destroy any chances they have for a future together?

Hidden lies is the second book in the Hillside Kings Series. This is the story of Lucy and Mason and a brother's best friend story. There are so many twists and turns going on in this book that I feel like if I say to much about it I am going to give something away. She is his best friends sister and off limits but one nigh of crazy passion and he knows what he wants and Lucy is it for Mason. However she wants to date all the boys and have fun and when she starts dating another guy, Mason is coming up with a plan and setting it in motion. I really loved these characters and the story they had to tell. It kept me on my toes and reading well past bedtime.

[Lorena Garcia -- Brittany's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I stumbled upon Carmen Rosales, I knew that I was going to fall in love with her writing and so far...every book I've read - I've loved.

Hidden Lies is the 2nd book in the Hillside Kings series and it's about Luciana and Mason. Mason happens to be Lucy's brother's best friend and these two have known each other since children. Actually they've all been friends forever. But Mason and Lucy have always had a special bond that went beyond friendship that they both refused to cross because they knew that it was forbidden....until they both couldn't take it anymore.

Due to her and Mason crossing the line they weren't supposed to, things started changing, they started changing and things just started going haywire.

They also had to deal with their gang business and she was the mafia princess so there's that. So much was involved in this story but mainly it was a second chance romance that left my heart feeling all kinds of emotions because it took a lot for Lucy to forgive Mason and Mason really showed Luciana that he would go through the ends of the world to show her that she was it for him forever and ever!

I can't wait to read the rest of the stories from the guys in this group!

5 Stars

**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

[Stacey Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal you can't get any better when you are on the edge of your seat the whole book waiting to see if these two will give in and show the world they love each other. What one night of passion and a years of friendship bring out the truth and how they each feel about each other. When a lose happens and he pushes her away and throws women in her face things start getting even better. The push and pull is off the charts. He is so possessive and protective that he just can't move on. When Lucy starts to find interest in Alex who is drawn to her strength and independents. She is not what she seems and has secrets involving what she does for her father. She is a beast and no one knows. Mason can't take being away from her and starts to go against what his father is telling him and when he finally gives in and decided she is him things get even more interesting. What a well written phenomenal story. These characters will pull you into their world and you feel what they do. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being the daughter of a cartel leader isn't as glamorous as you might think especially if you have a brother. Every guy is warned she's off limits.
Mason and Lucy have been inseparable since childhood. He's always been there to protect his best friend's twin. One night in the heat of passion neither would be the same again.
My heart went out to Lucy and she secrets she carried. The tragedy and pain she kept close to her heart. Little does anyone know just how dangerous she really is except El Diablo.
Poor Alex. The one time a woman actually catches his heart he knows deep down that she will never be his.
Lucy like Khalani is stronger than she realizes. When Mason learns of one Lucy's secrets he is devastated and his heart is filled with so much grief while the other secret fills him with pride. Nothing and no one will stop him from going against his and her fathers of the cartels.
The one time thing of mfm I'm assuming is burned into these guy's minds as a reminder of what they could have lost to another.
Can't wait for next installment Hidden Secrets !!

[Catherine Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh so good!

I loved this book, being the 2nd book of the series we already know most characters and their back stories.
This book focuses on Lucy, she is definitely not what she seems. She has a hidden life no one knows about and also hidden pain.
Mason is a player, who has been in love with Lucy since he was a child. He father has forbidden his love for Lucy, Mase tries to follow his fathers wishes which just causes devastation.
The action, mystery and suspense in this book were fantastically written with so much emotion and detail. Loved the full on action/gang battles and the stupid girls that underestimate Lucy.
The steamy scenes are extremely hot AF.
Yet again this book had me in tears numerous times and also sitting at the edge of my chair in suspense white knuckling my kindle.
I’m so fascinated by the Kings (and queens) and how they are taking ownership of their fathers businesses and manipulating them to suit their future aspirations.
Absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read Linda’s story next.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

OMG! Wow what an amazing book it was great, I really could not believe the twist and turns, lies, secrets, pain, betrayal, enemies, violence, anger, fear, trauma, blood, killings, sorrow. The author Carmen Rosales keeps bringing these fantastic stories into our lives with imagination and dreams. The characters were mesmerising Lucy and Mason, Lucy is the princess to a Cartel her twin brother is one of the Horseman and Mason is her twins best friend and another one of the Horseman. Mason and Lucy have had this infatuation with each other they usually hang around each other because Mason thinks he has to protect her. He hurt her really bad so she has moved on with another Cartel boss called Smiley (Alex) Mason is still trying to be overprotective, he has this notion that Lucy his girl but his father is stopping him having her. Wow I never seen that coming.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy and Mason have been close growing up but after one fateful night, Mason pulls away and doesn’t want to risk them being in a relationship. Lucy goes through her own type of heartache and loss and decides to forget Mason. A year later Mason decides he wants to rekindle what they had and not listen to those who pressured him not do, but Lucy can’t accept it after the hurt she’s been through. This book really pulled at the heart strings and you really felt for Lucy. You wanted to knock some sense into Mason. I’m glad they got a second chance though and have come out stronger because of it. It was also great seeing characters from the previous book and hints at new story lines for the next couple. Overall, a good read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ms Cat's World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts Split Asunder

The premise behind Hillside Kings:
Aiden, Mason, Leo and Colton are trained killers who will one day take over their respective families' legacy as head cartel leaders.

Mason Montgomery, battling between right and wrong, Lucy grounds his inner turmoil as they are both trapped in their family's expectations. The opening to Hidden Lies reveals the gut wrenching reason behind Lucy's hatred towards him during the first book, Hidden Scars, before their senior year of high school.

Present day is during their freshman year of college as Mason starts to come to terms with wanting her, while Lucy starts coming to terms with loss and moving forward. Secrets 🧐 Lucy being her father's hidden ace, hidden lies layered between others.

Feeling Colton & Linda are next, I'm really waiting on pins and needles for Leo's installment 💕

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy was quite a surprise in this book. She seemed a little timid in the previous book. Wait until all her secrets are revealed!
Another king gets his queen. This time it is Mason and Lucy. It is never an easy journey. Mason and Lucy have always had secret feelings for each other. They were best friends until they crossed the line senior year. Mason broke Lucy. She lost more than her heart.
Lucy is ready to move on. She does not want to wait around for love. Now Mason sees the error of his ways. He has a lot to make up for. He has to do a lot of groveling and deal with the threat of another man taking his place. His jealousy and possessiveness gets the best of him at times.
Mason will do everything in his power to win back Lucy. He stood up to family and friends, enemies and even Lucy to prove his love.
violence, steam and heartbreak

[I’m a Paula too… Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mason and Lucy…

This entry in the series is a solid 3 stars, maybe even 3.5. I got really unhappy about this part of the overarching story because these guys are basically cheaters. They meet the love of their lives, but then they get with some THOTs and totally disrespect their girl. What I did like about this one was that our FL moved on to someone else. It wasn’t love on her part. But she does have feelings for him.

Mason has totally messed up his life by actually listening to his father. He breaks up with Lucy and then proceeds to find other women to mess with. He’s not real smart…

The writing is good and the characters are good too. Not spectacular but as I said, a solid 3.

KU read, recommended.

SPOILER
I do need to say that I find it highly unlikely that a high school girl is an assassin…

[Basak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another perfect story in the Hillside Kings Series! Hidden Lies by Carmen Rosales has hit the mark in all the right places for me. It was hot, sensual, emotional and full of secrets and lies. Having both Alex and Mason fall for Lucy was priceless for a foolish romantic like me. Furthermore, all the angst and back and forth between Mason and Lucy built up the excitement and expectations sky high. The spice and heat level was easily at nuclear level, and especially one scene closer to the end, almost melted my kindle into a puddle. Definitely a must-read and I can’t wait for Hidden Secrets where we will be witnessing two enemies, Colton and Linda, fall in love. I hope it comes out sooner than October…

[Mrs A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this, gritty dark romance. 2nd part in a series which follow is different couples. This book is about Luciana and Mason. They’ve grown up together as kids and now adults, there was always chemistry between them both which they didn’t act on until they did. From then on it all goes downhill, Mason is tied by his family’s wishes and breaks things off with Luciana before their relationship progresses. Luciana is heartbroken, coupled with tragic events. Their story is a roller coaster of emotions about finding love, forgiveness and loyalty. The side characters are cool and there is plenty of witty banter. Can’t wait to read Colton and Linda’s story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claire Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden Lies is book two in Hillside Kings Series. A dark romance.
This is Mason & Lucy’s book. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this. I knew there was going to be a lot to story but I never could have predicted any of this. Carmen certainly knows how to bring you story that’s heartfelt and dark and gritty all at the same time.
I actually ended up really feeling for Mason. Non of their lives are what they particularly want but the lives they have to have can be devastating and lead to lots of mistakes.
This is a real rollercoaster and I found myself angry, sad, heart racing, it had it all.
Definitely can’t wait for the next book in series.
I’m just as intrigued by Colton & Leo!!
Absolutely 💯 recommend.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this incredible series, and this is Mason and Lucy’s story. Lucy is the daughter of a cartel boss, and she and Mason have known each other for a long time, and he is her brother’s best friend, and they know they are off limits to each other, even though their feeling for each other have changes over time. Now Mason is a football star, and Lucy is determined to make the most of college life. This is a well written story which is dark, raw, gritty, and an emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, action, twists, intrigue, secrets, lies, heartbreak, and love which leads to a steamy page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I could not put this book down and read it cover to cover. Mason and Lucy have always loved each other but danced around until they didn’t. However, Mason broke Lucy’’s heart and wants a second chance. The emotional upheaval on both parts just about broke my heart and had me teary. I loved how bada$$ Lucy is and how she is so much stronger than anyone thinks. Mason grew on me, and I loved how much he adored Lucy when he set his mind to it. And Alex…I hope there will be a story for him as well one day. I cannot to read the next installment!.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[Edie L · Rating 4 out of 5]

HIDDEN LIES by Carmen Rosales

This is Lucy and Mason’s story. They have been friends since they were kids and have had a bond since then. Lucy was Masons refuge after night that he had to do terrible stuff for his family. That same family is the reason that when they finally become adults and try for more than friends he has to let her go and break things off. This story will definitely take you on a journey of emotions. It is a story of finding and giving love. We see forgiveness and loyalty among the main as well as the side characters. It is a great book that I would highly recommend.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a page turner. You can't wait to find out what is happening next. Lots of action and steamy sex. This is the second book in the Hillside Kings series by Carmen Rosales. This author has a talent for putting together stories that grab you and pull you into the story. You get invested in the characters and can't wait to see what happens to them next. I found myself rooting for the main characters to finally find their HEA. If you are looking for a sweet contemporary romance this book is not for you. If you are looking for a dark romance with a hidden twist this is definitely the book for you.

I received this book as an Arc and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Trac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dunno how I stumbled upon this book, but I’m glad I did. It was a solid read, with characters that had time to develop over a period . The FMC was no pushover abd gave as good as she got. She was also not a pining, celibate mess either and that alone warranted a read! It’s rare you find authors writing FMC that not only had a backbone but was also determined to move on both emotionally and sexually!

The only dock I had on this book was a few of the unbelievable plot twists that had me scratching my head z(I.e. Gloria & female devil ) . Other than that solid read that I thoroughly enjoyed .

[Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book had me on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what was going to happen next. This is the second book in the Hillside Kings series by Carmen. I just found this arthur after reading the 1st book in this series Hidden Scars and if you haven't read it you definitely need to it was so good. This is Lucy and Mason’s story. They have been friends since they were kids and have had a bond that grows into more, but when they get older thing's start to change, and when something really bad happens he pushes her away. That's all I'm saying you'll just have to read it and find out.

I can't wait to find out what is happening next.

[Suzanne Scherer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost a 5 star

I loved everything about this book except that at 80% they decide to throw in a mfm sex scene while the f is really hurt. It went from jealousy to sex very fast and felt like it was randomly thrown in to fill the pages with steam but was insincere. I'm not a reverse harem girl though, so take that into consideration. This happened in 1 other book of another author and I quit reading them. Either have an rh or an mfm at the beginning. But not when she supposedly only loves the 1 guy. It lessens their love, not builds love from the other male. Everything else was great.

[Miia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series and it sure was as intense, dark and steamy as I expected but unfortunately, there is too much back and forth repeating the same theme that I honestly lost focus.
⠀
On occasion, I felt a bite embarrassing reading the story on behalf of the author I must say. Let me give you two examples of why:
Every time she mentions the hero's car she writes the brand of it...really?
A surprise trip to Abu Dhabi without passports? In a country where there are dress codes for women... please do your background check.
Nevertheless, some side characters caught my attention enough to want to read the next book in this series.
⠀

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much to swoon about in this story. Which is not to say there isn't any angst, because omg is there angst. But the interactions between Mason and Lucy? I was there for every one of them because when they were fighting each other, they were so fiery. Lucy has secrets that she is hiding, but Mason isn't going to let her or those secrets stop him from the pursuit of what he wants. This is a brother's best friend story so there is also that element playing into Lucy being "off-limits".

There is a resolution to this story and I will say that overall it's a positive resolution. I don't want to say too much more because I don't want to reveal any of the twists in the story.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I'm in the minority here, but as much as I love Carmen Rosales, this book just didn't do it for me. I felt like the H and h spent more time apart than together. And this may get me some haters, but I honestly felt like the h did too much by staying away from the H and not at the very least having a conversation with the H after everything first went down.

And the menage? It felt completely forced and unnecessary. I love a good menage, it worked really well and made sense in the previous book, but not here. By the end, I simply didn't care who the h ended up with - I was completely over it.