Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Hillside Kings #4

Hidden Truths

Rate this book
The return of her boyfriend almost destroyed her. After five years, the young teenager that went to prison has changed for the worst, a ruthless monster she doesn’t recognize and the leader of a Mexican gang from El Paso, Texas. Katalia Vega decides to run from her past and transfer to the exclusive Hillside University in Arizona to ensure her future and to help provide for her mother and little brother. While she finishes her senior year, keeping a low profile is her priority but trying to fit in is a challenge.

The last thing she needs is someone at school to figure out where she is from, or worse, her ex-boyfriend finding her. When she runs into the popular guy on campus, she cannot help how she responds. Each encounter with the campus King ignites a firestorm that cannot be extinguished but must resist.

The unattainable, sinfully hot Leo Santos-Jameson takes note of the sexy new girl everyone is talking about on campus. The mystery girl doesn’t date and is unaffected by his good looks and charisma. One thing he is sure of is that he desires her. The more he wants her, the harder it is to hide the fact that he is a cartel King.

Once the Hidden Truths are revealed, will Katalia trust Leo to save her from her past? Will they find love, or will the truth destroy them both?

This is book 4 of the Hillside King Series and is intended for readers 18+. *Please note this is a dark romance with dark themes. Please read the T/W.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2023

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Carmen Rosales

48 books695 followers
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



Follow Author Carmen Rosales

Website www.carmenrosales.com

Instagram>>https://www.instagram.com/carmenrosal...

TikTok >>https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRKBTbxY/

Twitter >> https://twitter.com/AuthorCRosales
Facebook>>https://www.facebook.com/crosales39

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
253 (60%)
4 stars
112 (26%)
3 stars
36 (8%)
2 stars
11 (2%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
555 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2023
An intense story, compellingly written. After a terrible experience, Katalia Vega flees with her mother and little brother in the hopes of building a new life. Working hard, concentrating only on her studies and family, she hopes to attract as little attention as possible. Unfortunately, she looks too beautiful and interesting, and soon she attracts the attention of Leo, not exactly the average high school student, filthy rich and cartel member. Soon she isn’t able to keep her past a secret, and danger threatens again. Not knowing who to rely on and who to trust, she makes her own choices.

Good character development, intense events, fast pace, steamy scenes, and my vocabulary has expanded. Although I don't always understand the choices that both main characters make, and I would have liked to know more about Katalia’s ex, a good entertaining story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jena .
2,313 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2023
I got so sick of hearing how terrible it was to be a Mexican living in the US. This point is shoved down your throat every other chapter. Poor people have tough lives period, it has nothing to do with your skin color.
DNF


Trigger
Cheating ex.
h was gang raped. Graphic scene.
H molested by his mother.
H not celibate after meeting h.
He gets a BJ by ex f buddy, fucked 3 different women at his club, and girls throw themselves at him constantly. He basically goes from fucking ow to being intimate with the h within a day, he was never celibate. Not safe for safety readers.

A Senior - a high school boy of 17 - owns Sex club. Really?🤦🏼‍♀️🙄

Dom and sub relationship ( did I mention this girl was anally gang raped 3 months before, so brutally that she needed 30+ stitched inside? And she’s ok to be a sub to a boy she just met?)
- but it must be a romance novel, because she is a virgin. Only her ass been taken.🙄🙄🙄🙄
Profile Image for I’m a Paula too… Thompson.
1,656 reviews10 followers
February 23, 2025
Whoa, that got weird…

Ok, this is just my opinion, but the first chapter or so was extremely traumatic. Then there was too much push/pull between the two. And then it got really weird with adding in Khalani. Sorry but this one didn’t do it for me.

KU read, and there’s one more to read. I hope it’s better than this one.
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
April 9, 2023
I loved Katalia cause I love a strong heroine and she was strong!!! She’s no one’s pushover so when Leo sets his sights on her it’s not going to be as easy as he may think
Profile Image for Amee.
947 reviews65 followers
September 23, 2023
I was excited to get to Leo’s story and Katalia was his perfect match. The suspense ramped up with this one and I was there for it.
Profile Image for Ashley.
236 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2023
Honestly I really enjoyed this read. It grabbed and kept my attention from beginning to end. Both Katalia and Leo's stories were heartbreaking. Definitely read the trigger warnings. There is non-con/SA. Nothing was discussed in detail just enough to know and understand what happened but there wasn't a play by play if that helps some. For those like me who aren't necessarily into same sex scenes, there is some light f/f. Not heavy at all, but it is in there. I loved both the main characters and despite the misunderstandings, the ups and downs and sometimes the flat out idiocy whether due to non communication or not being honest about their feelings, their love story. I liked that Katalia wasn't completely defenseless and had her own rep. Her little brother was the cutest. Not going to lie, I was kind of hoping it would turn into a why-choose menage. I like Dimitri and think between both him and Leo, the alliance with the cartel and bratva would be unstoppable also as far as personal protection and relationship, way hot with a mfm relationship. Also because I hate the idea of him not being able to keep Nico with him. I understand he thinks it's too dangerous but it's dangerous irregardless. I'm still confused why he can't find someone for himself and raise Nico with him. I think it's weird to let Kat and Leo raise him as their own and turn around and marry him off to their future daughter who would practically grow up like a sibling. I don't mind a stepbrother/foster sibling romance but usually they don't grow up from babies together as siblings. I'm just curious how it'll play out. I'm assuming that will be a future 2nd generation book. I know we'll see their wedding in the next book but it'll be with a different couple. I would have liked a duet with this couple with all they're taking on, at the least a extended epilogue to see how things play out raising nico, whats the sex of the baby they're having? How they handle parenthood while running the businesses legal and illegal and the cartel. Will Dimitri still play a parental role and be around despite giving nico up? Will Kat play a more or less active role with the cartel, continuing to be the black Widow? My vote is definitely for this couple to have another book of their own. Maybe after the next one. A few minor misspellings, but didn't distract from the storyline. There was a point towards the end where leo and Kat discuss the events and situations theyve been through and leo talks about planning and conducting them, and it was confusing. Atleast for me because it seemed like he was alluding to things from the beginning, orchastrating practically everything. Not sure if i read that wrong or misunderstood. Otherwise, Awesome job! Look forward to reading more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Liz.
2,260 reviews15 followers
April 1, 2023
Another addictive read from Carmen Rosales as Katalia moves her family to a safer area and enrols at Hillside University where she immediately catches the eye of Leo Santos, the last King standing. Kat is still traumatised from a betrayal that cut deep leading to a brutal assault and all she’s interested is hiding out while building a better life for her mother and brother away from the barrio but Leo used to girls falling at his feet, she’s her as a challenge and isn’t about to let her get away so easily.

Kat’s story in Hidden Truths will break your heart but despite everything she is such a strong character who takes everything life throws at her and faces the world head on with a “bring it” attitude. Leo is just as damaged and if anything his story is more heartbreaking as his betrayal came at the hands of someone who should’ve been willing to die before hurting him. I’m not saying this excuses his behaviour towards Kat but does explain his lack of trust and jumping to the wrong conclusions. Something about Kat draws him back time after time but Kat has difficulty handling his well earned reputation and the harem of women ready to fall at his feet not withstanding she’s been down the whole bad boy route before and look how that turned out! Despite the sizzling chemistry their romance is a slow burner but one with some wickedly sensual dialogue between them. With fantastic character development throughout and a gripping style of writing that sucks you right in, I’m so glad I discovered Carmen Rosales books this year.

Profile Image for Stephanie.
937 reviews53 followers
March 30, 2023
Please heed trigger warnings!

Katalia is trying to move away from her Pat and make a better life for herself and her family. She attends Hillside University where she meets the Kings, and catches the eye of one King in particular.

Katalia is so brave and strong! She is betrayed in one of the worst ways possible and while this betrayal impacts her current choices, she still works hard to provide for her younger brother and mother. She does have vulnerable moments where you want to hug her tight, but she also proves she is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to those she cares about.

Leo definitely is a charmer but you realize exactly why when you learn about his past. While he doesn’t do relationships and can be a bit bull-headed, he does cherish the friendships he has and shows he cares for others. He is also someone you don’t want to cross as he can be ruthless to his enemies.

The two of them are a good pair. Leo breaks down Katalia’s walls and while he does do a hot and cold dance with her at times, deep down he is afraid he is not good enough for her. Yet he is also very protective and possessive and has a good heart, making up for his mistakes. He understands her struggle. Katalia herself accepts Leo as he is, and even though she was afraid of being hurt, she wants to find true happiness. They each help each other open up and grow as individuals.

We also see the return of familiar faces and how they help push our couple together even inadvertently. While you could jump into this book without having read the others, I think reading those will provide fuller enjoyment about who these characters are and how they are interconnected. Since the first book begins when they are in high school and this one takes place while they are in college, it definitely feels like a journey and almost like coming home to these characters, seeing how they have changed over time. And this is definitely true with Leo since we met him in Book 1. Additionally, we meet new characters, with potential for future stories. Shoutout to our little man Miguel for looking out for his big sister!

We also have some suspense and action concerning why Katalia has run and who is affecting the King’s business, and this also factors into the choices Katalia and Leo make. I actually wish we got a little bit more from the villain, like what motivated his actions and what his end goals were. While I thought the pacing went a bit quick at some points, I was still eager to know what happens.

Overall, this was an engaging read and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emma.
2,864 reviews39 followers
April 9, 2023
WOW!!! JUST WOW!!! Carmen Rosales is a new author to me and now one of my favorites. I love the gritty, raw, in your face type of reality. Her characters are amazing. They are the salt of the earth type who live dangerous lives and yet revere life itself. Katalia Vega is a tough barrio young woman who has a heart of gold. She would do anything for her family and she has. When the love of her life betrays her in a way that puts her in the hospital needing surgery, Andreas 2nd in command tells her to run and never come back. She does. At her new college she meets the campus king Leo Santos and literally dismisses him. After what happened at the hands of Andreas she cannot trust a man again. The story covers this unique Mexican-American romance of a poor young woman and the rich important and influential cartel heir. EXCELLENT STORY!!! A Must Read. I highly recommend the cultural view book.

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

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Haunting
Informative
Inspirational
Original
Page-turner
Realistic
Scary
Steamy
Tragic
Twisted
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
Profile Image for Momma Eureka .
581 reviews2,500 followers
May 27, 2024
4.75⭐️

I’ve been waiting for Leo’s book. Out all the Kings he is my favorite and the sexiest 🔥 and let me tell you he didn’t disappoint it.
Just like the other Kings he does make you mad. But what makes me more mad in this series is the fact that the “jersey chasers” are always the same problem and NONE of them deal with them in time. If they are nothing and means nothing, why allow them to be in the same circle and touch them and etc ? That’s stupid, it makes the stories that are serious have a childish tone to it and I don’t like it. I think it’s ok to have other woman or other man drama, but make it more adult and accordingly to the seriousness that the book portrays. Other than that Katalia is my favorite girl this far. She is A BAD BITCH, not that the others aren’t but she’s in another level. I just felt so bad for her story……
Leo is the sexiest unattainable King, the one everyone wants to tie down and nobody can, but one glance at Katalia and he was a goner. I love Dimitri and I would read a book just about him. Maybe she has and I don’t know. But it was a cool little addition to the story. Overall I loved ! Now I can wait for Alex story, getting into right now !
Profile Image for Brandi-Lynn Weiser.
2,310 reviews74 followers
April 18, 2023
Hidden Truths was absolutely phenomenal! It’s the type of book I’ve been looking for for awhile now! A girl who’s in love with a bad boy, he does her wrong and she runs, only to catch the attention of another bad boy! Only this was SO MUCH BETTER than I imagined! I didn’t want it to end. Right from the beginning I was hooked and couldn’t put it down for a second. Everything Katalia has been through, she is one strong, tough and amazingly beautiful woman. She does what she has to to provide for her mom and brother. I loved her. And I loved Leo. Even though he did things I didn’t like, he really came through for Katalia! And how he even stepped up to take care of her mom and brother- oh my heart!
I would’ve liked to have seen Josey get handled better, she deserved more of Katalia’s wrath, and it would’ve been nice had Leo set her straight instead of letting her hang on him, especially that scene at the football game. I really hated that girl.
But I loved everything about this book and honestly can’t recommend it enough! I sooo didn’t want it to end! It was over to quickly!
Profile Image for Ms Cat's World.
997 reviews13 followers
April 4, 2023
Leo 😕💔

Katalia Vega, running from a painful and heartwrenching past, hiding out her last year at Hillside University. Trying to keep a low profile. Hiding truths to survive, unknowing they are linked to The Hillside Kings. Strong FMC 💔❤️

Leo-Santos-Jameson, cartel king, the unattainable. His character actually surprised me and was 180 out of the moments that highlighted his good nature side. 😕

While each book in the series definitely does not shy away from dark choices and predicaments. Plus, they tug on every emotion, this installment felt so much deeper though. There were quite a few moments, just like the rest of the books in the series, in which I read with misty eyes 😪 and felt my heart clenching from the emotions that the author pulls from the writing.

Yay Alex is getting his own novel in the series - Hidden Scions with Alina
Profile Image for Iskra Dimitrova.
491 reviews27 followers
April 1, 2023
This is my first read by the author, and here are my thoughts.


We begin with a look into the past, where our FMC is, and where circumstance leaves her.

I was instantly drawn to Katalia, because she is written with such depth, her development through out the book, is felt in each chapter.

Then we come to see Leo, the unattainable, and what's not to love about an alpha possessive hole, who falls harder?

I literally could not put this down, it tugged on my heartstrings, throughout the entire duration of their journey. Leaving me wanting more.


5/5 stars and the spice was great.

So proud of our leads, and I can't wait to read more. I am starving to fall deeper into the Hillside King's world.


I received a free copy of this book via book-sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda Santana.
7 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2023
WOW!! I HAVE SO MUCH LOVE FOR THIS BOOK
I won't lie the first few chapters were really hard for me to get through because of the sheer amount of mental and physical pain Katalia endured. Carmen always gives us the rawest and most emotionally charged situations. Her books are more than the happiest moments in life. She gives us a sense that no matter what you go through you are a fighter and you can overcome. She creates badass female leads who take zero shit from anyone. The spicy scenes are next level! I enjoyed this installment so much. I laughed, I screamed, and I may have died during the SUV sex scene. If you want all the emotions READ this series! You won't regret it ;) I can't wait for Smiley's story in June.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.6k reviews260 followers
April 2, 2023
This is the 4th book in this amazing series, and this is Leo and Katalia’s journey. After a traumatic event Katalia moves her family to a safer place, and enrols in Hillside University in Arizona, hoping to escape her past, where she plane to fly under the radar. Leo is the popular king on campus, and he in intrigued with the mysterious new girl on campus that everyone is talking about. This is a well written story which is an emotional action packed roller coaster, with undeniable chemistry, betrayal, tragedy, witty banter, and leads to an unpredictable and entertaining thrilling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Tiffany_queen_of_books.
495 reviews9 followers
April 5, 2023
Talk about a wild ride!!! This series has gotten better with each couple, but Leo and Katalia are something else. Leo, the hot, funny, unattainable guy of the group finds a girl who doesn’t care about anything that he has. Katalia is one of the strong female in this series. The things that tried to break her and the past she has over come to get to where she is now is remarkable. Their chemistry and banter is definitely a plus in this book. The spice didn’t hurt either. I read this book fast! From the first page I was hooked and didn’t want to put it down!!!
Profile Image for Holly Rife.
508 reviews9 followers
August 8, 2023
Wow! Katalia and Leo have so much to untangle, both independently and as a couple. Katalia and Leo both have been through personal traumas that are heartbreaking.

I do wish the book specified more mental health treatment for trauma as Katalia was trying different adventures within her love life. This book definitely comes with content warnings and it's very important to heed them, dear readers.

This is book 4 of Hillside Kings, but it can be read as a standalone.
9,315 reviews66 followers
March 31, 2023
Katalia is hoping for a fresh start at Hillside only she doesn't count on the kings of the campus and especially Leo. Leo is drawn to Katalia but will his standing as a cartel king be the thing to push her away. well written steamy twists and turns, protective, dark themed romance. a great addition to the series.
112 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2025
Hidden Truths

Loved the book! I'm only sorry there aren't more king brothers to read about! I can't wait to start to read Alex and Alinas story. I'm sure it will be as good as the other stories! Carmen is a fantastic author! Each of her stories really hold your interest throughout the book. When I finish this series I look forward to reading her other books.
Profile Image for H E.
7 reviews
October 20, 2025
I’m sorry I could not get past the wrong way they wrote veinte (viente) someone please tell the writer to please do the research on how to spell also I know no one forces people to read this books but seriously if the author was trying to shine light on her culture then she is doing it the wrong way highlighting everything that the world acuses them to be 🤦🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for BookKraves.
494 reviews104 followers
April 3, 2023
Best ever

OH GOSH, This book has me spellbound, and the series has exceeded my expectations. Hidden truths is my favorite in the series thus far and I have read all four books. Leo fell hard for Katalia and didn't even know and couldn't handle it. This man would burn the world for her. Seeing the badest and coldest of the four friends lose his mind and fall hopelessly in love is epic.
208 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2023
Loved it

I have loved this author since the first book I stumbled on. This series has been one of my favorites. I hope to see a book for the unborn children the arrange marriage for Dimitri son and their daughter. Oh the possibilities are endless.
Profile Image for Nineette.
855 reviews16 followers
June 14, 2023
Katalia and Leo

What an intense emotional ride with katalia. I felt for her with all the stuff that happened to her, and leo wrestling with his demons he almost lost her. Heed the content warning of the writer.
Profile Image for Linda ( Clary_Starfall ).
765 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2023
Katalia & Leo

Notes 📝
Pain, hunting, past, crazy ex, the last king, friends, murder, abuse, rape, memories, drama, love wins.

This was an dark drama maffia spicy book 📕
Loved it 🥰

A 5 star 🌟 read for me
Profile Image for CYNDY.
1,150 reviews34 followers
April 8, 2023
Loevd

This series is dark and not faint for the heart. This girl hasn't had it easy, and the come out ready to fight.
19 reviews
April 26, 2023
Wished it was longer, but that's ok

Love Carmen's writing. This book had me in my feels. Can't wait for book 5. Only good things can happen on the next book.
Author 2 books
April 29, 2023
Okay it was promising but it kept fading to black which ruined it for me to find out later what happened but not tell it.
293 reviews
July 6, 2023
hidden truths

Really good book please read TWS,
The dynamics of the couple , the betrayal, hurt and then a HEA.
Book 4 in series, recommend.
Profile Image for Janee.
2,734 reviews12 followers
December 26, 2023
Fast and furious

Leo is the last and hardest to fall. Katalia knock him off his butt.

This was a fast and furious read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews