What do you think?
Rate this book
Sinful Serenity (An Arranged Marriage Rivals-to-Lovers Romance)
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
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
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
June 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sinful Serenity had me completely invested from beginning to end.
Imagine being forced to marry the person who blames your family for everything they've lost and then having only one year to convince them you're not their enemy. That's the impossible situation Serenity finds herself in, and the emotional tension is relentless.
This story delivers so much more than romance. It's packed with family politics, long-standing grudges, power plays, betrayals, secrets, and a marriage neither character wants but neither can escape. Every interaction between Serenity and Konflict felt like a battle between duty and desire.
What stood out most was the chemistry. The push-and-pull between these two had me hooked. One moment they're at each other's throats, the next you're catching glimpses of something softer beneath all the resentment. The tension was absolutely delicious, and when things started heating up? Whew. This book was incredibly erotic, sensual, and addictive without losing sight of the story. The way Mary C. Kim built the anticipation had me hanging on every page.
I also loved how she introduced the world of Emberwick and the powerful families who control it. By the end, I wasn't just invested in Serenity and Konflict I wanted to know more about everyone.
And can we talk about the French? Because between the romance, the tension, and those swoon-worthy moments, I think this book may have convinced me that I need to learn French now. 😮💨🇫🇷
If you enjoy:
✨ Arranged Marriage
✨ Enemies-to-Lovers
✨ Family Feuds
✨ Possessive & Protective Hero
✨ High Stakes Romance
✨ Dark Romance with Strong World-Building
then Sinful Serenity deserves a spot on your TBR.
And that ending? Let's just say I'm already waiting for the next book. 📚🔥🖤
Sinful Serenity had me completely invested from beginning to end.
Imagine being forced to marry the person who blames your family for everything they've lost and then having only one year to convince them you're not their enemy. That's the impossible situation Serenity finds herself in, and the emotional tension is relentless.
This story delivers so much more than romance. It's packed with family politics, long-standing grudges, power plays, betrayals, secrets, and a marriage neither character wants but neither can escape. Every interaction between Serenity and Konflict felt like a battle between duty and desire.
What stood out most was the chemistry. The push-and-pull between these two had me hooked. One moment they're at each other's throats, the next you're catching glimpses of something softer beneath all the resentment. The tension was absolutely delicious, and when things started heating up? Whew. This book was incredibly erotic, sensual, and addictive without losing sight of the story. The way Mary C. Kim built the anticipation had me hanging on every page.
I also loved how she introduced the world of Emberwick and the powerful families who control it. By the end, I wasn't just invested in Serenity and Konflict I wanted to know more about everyone.
And can we talk about the French? Because between the romance, the tension, and those swoon-worthy moments, I think this book may have convinced me that I need to learn French now. 😮💨🇫🇷
If you enjoy:
✨ Arranged Marriage
✨ Enemies-to-Lovers
✨ Family Feuds
✨ Possessive & Protective Hero
✨ High Stakes Romance
✨ Dark Romance with Strong World-Building
then Sinful Serenity deserves a spot on your TBR.
And that ending? Let's just say I'm already waiting for the next book. 📚🔥🖤
June 16, 2026
✨ ARC Review: Sinful Serenity by Mary C. Kim ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mary C. Kim absolutely delivered with Sinful Serenity.
This captivating erotic romance pulled me in from the very first chapter and refused to let go. Set against a backdrop of family feuds, grief, revenge, and duty, this story masterfully balances emotional depth with undeniable passion.
Konflict and Serenity’s journey had me completely invested. Their arranged marriage may have been forced, but the tension between them was anything but. Every interaction crackled with emotion, longing, and conflict, making their slow-burning connection impossible to resist. Konflict’s struggle between honoring his family’s pain and confronting his growing feelings added so much complexity to his character, while Serenity’s strength, grace, and resilience made her shine on every page.
The chemistry? Intense. The tension? Delicious. The romance? Equal parts emotional and steamy. Mary C. Kim expertly delivers an erotic romance that never sacrifices character development or storytelling for spice. Instead, the passion enhances the emotional stakes and makes every moment between these two feel earned.
I also loved the atmosphere of Emberwick. The world felt rich with history, secrets, and danger, creating the perfect setting for a love story born from the ashes of rivalry and loss.
If you love arranged marriage, rivals-to-lovers, possessive hero energy, “touch her and die” vibes, and erotic romances filled with angst, tension, and heart, Sinful Serenity belongs on your TBR.
A beautifully layered story that proves love and vengeance can never comfortably occupy the same space.
Thank you to Mary C. Kim for the ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mary C. Kim absolutely delivered with Sinful Serenity.
This captivating erotic romance pulled me in from the very first chapter and refused to let go. Set against a backdrop of family feuds, grief, revenge, and duty, this story masterfully balances emotional depth with undeniable passion.
Konflict and Serenity’s journey had me completely invested. Their arranged marriage may have been forced, but the tension between them was anything but. Every interaction crackled with emotion, longing, and conflict, making their slow-burning connection impossible to resist. Konflict’s struggle between honoring his family’s pain and confronting his growing feelings added so much complexity to his character, while Serenity’s strength, grace, and resilience made her shine on every page.
The chemistry? Intense. The tension? Delicious. The romance? Equal parts emotional and steamy. Mary C. Kim expertly delivers an erotic romance that never sacrifices character development or storytelling for spice. Instead, the passion enhances the emotional stakes and makes every moment between these two feel earned.
I also loved the atmosphere of Emberwick. The world felt rich with history, secrets, and danger, creating the perfect setting for a love story born from the ashes of rivalry and loss.
If you love arranged marriage, rivals-to-lovers, possessive hero energy, “touch her and die” vibes, and erotic romances filled with angst, tension, and heart, Sinful Serenity belongs on your TBR.
A beautifully layered story that proves love and vengeance can never comfortably occupy the same space.
Thank you to Mary C. Kim for the ARC.
June 24, 2026
Late ARC Review
Warning ⚠️ If erotica isn’t your thing, this book probably isn’t for you.
“You quiet every heartfelt conflict in me because you’re my Sinful Serenity.” - Konflict Korven
I won’t lie, I was nervous about how this story was going to play out. It opens in the aftermath of a devastating war between two families, leaving the only surviving heirs, Konflict Korven and Serenity Veylor, forced into an arranged marriage to restore peace.
Konflict is still consumed by grief, anger, and resentment. Not only did the war destroy his family, but his mother was killed by Serenity’s father. For the first year of their marriage, he carries that hatred with him, while Serenity, an innocent casualty in it all, simply longs to be with the man she’s admired for years. Meanwhile, Konflict is fighting the urge to do the very thing that would destroy everything.
This book ATE.
The romance? Amazing. The spice? Top tier. The action, betrayal, tension, and emotional development kept me hooked from beginning to end. Yes, there’s a lot of sex, but it never takes away from the story. If anything, it enhances the connection between the characters and pushes the plot forward.
And that plot twist? I genuinely didn’t see it coming.
Every book I’ve read from Mary C. Kim has pulled me in, and Sinful Serenity was no exception🔥
Warning ⚠️ If erotica isn’t your thing, this book probably isn’t for you.
“You quiet every heartfelt conflict in me because you’re my Sinful Serenity.” - Konflict Korven
I won’t lie, I was nervous about how this story was going to play out. It opens in the aftermath of a devastating war between two families, leaving the only surviving heirs, Konflict Korven and Serenity Veylor, forced into an arranged marriage to restore peace.
Konflict is still consumed by grief, anger, and resentment. Not only did the war destroy his family, but his mother was killed by Serenity’s father. For the first year of their marriage, he carries that hatred with him, while Serenity, an innocent casualty in it all, simply longs to be with the man she’s admired for years. Meanwhile, Konflict is fighting the urge to do the very thing that would destroy everything.
This book ATE.
The romance? Amazing. The spice? Top tier. The action, betrayal, tension, and emotional development kept me hooked from beginning to end. Yes, there’s a lot of sex, but it never takes away from the story. If anything, it enhances the connection between the characters and pushes the plot forward.
And that plot twist? I genuinely didn’t see it coming.
Every book I’ve read from Mary C. Kim has pulled me in, and Sinful Serenity was no exception🔥
June 17, 2026
Mary C. Kim delivers a captivating erotic romance in Sinful Serenity. Blending family feuds, grief, revenge, and duty, the story balances emotional depth with intense chemistry.
Konflict and Serenity’s arranged marriage creates a compelling slow-burn romance filled with tension, longing, and conflict. Their emotional growth and undeniable connection kept me invested from start to finish.
I also loved the rich atmosphere of Emberwick, which added layers of history, danger, and intrigue to the story.
If you enjoy arranged marriage, rivals-to-lovers, possessive hero energy, and emotional yet steamy romances, Sinful Serenity is must-read.
Thank you to Mary C. Kim for the ARC.
Konflict and Serenity’s arranged marriage creates a compelling slow-burn romance filled with tension, longing, and conflict. Their emotional growth and undeniable connection kept me invested from start to finish.
I also loved the rich atmosphere of Emberwick, which added layers of history, danger, and intrigue to the story.
If you enjoy arranged marriage, rivals-to-lovers, possessive hero energy, and emotional yet steamy romances, Sinful Serenity is must-read.
Thank you to Mary C. Kim for the ARC.
June 19, 2026
4.5 ⭐️. I ate this up. I had a good time reading this and it came at the perfect time because it was giving slump. Loved the spice even though there was potential to shine more light on Serenity’s desires after they made up. Konflict is exactly what his name states but ima stick beside him lol. That baby held onto that grudge thinking he would fail his family if he didn’t. One thing he did was protect his wife. I loved the spiraling, the claiming and the groveling when he messed up. The plot twist! This was giving series but no cliffhanger for serenity and Konflict. I would recommend.
June 30, 2026
I loved this story! While Sinful Serenity is definitely an erotic romance, it delivers a full, engaging plot, which is exactly why I enjoyed it so much. The spice was beautifully done (that pottery scene… if you know, you know 😮💨🔥), but it never overshadowed the story.
What really pulled me in was the world-building. This isn’t your typical romance. After a devastating war, the remaining powerful families are bound by arranged marriages to preserve their bloodlines. The catch? If the marriage isn’t consummated within 12 months, it’s dissolved.
Serenity and Konflict’s relationship is the definition of love-hate. Eleven months into their marriage, with Serenity’s life hanging in the balance, she decides she’s done waiting for her husband to love or even want her. Since she’s never experienced true pleasure from a man, she plans to change that… with anyone but him. Konflict, however, isn’t about to let that happen. Instead, he takes it upon himself to “fix” her problem, introducing her to the Fontaine de Jouissance—and from there, things take OFF.
What starts as an intense battle of wills quickly spirals into shocking twists, dangerous secrets, betrayals, and bloodshed. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, Mary C. Kim threw another curveball.
If you’re looking for an erotic romance that gives you both incredible chemistry and a plot that keeps you turning the pages, Sinful Serenity absolutely delivers. I had such a great time with this one and can’t wait to see what happens next.
What really pulled me in was the world-building. This isn’t your typical romance. After a devastating war, the remaining powerful families are bound by arranged marriages to preserve their bloodlines. The catch? If the marriage isn’t consummated within 12 months, it’s dissolved.
Serenity and Konflict’s relationship is the definition of love-hate. Eleven months into their marriage, with Serenity’s life hanging in the balance, she decides she’s done waiting for her husband to love or even want her. Since she’s never experienced true pleasure from a man, she plans to change that… with anyone but him. Konflict, however, isn’t about to let that happen. Instead, he takes it upon himself to “fix” her problem, introducing her to the Fontaine de Jouissance—and from there, things take OFF.
What starts as an intense battle of wills quickly spirals into shocking twists, dangerous secrets, betrayals, and bloodshed. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, Mary C. Kim threw another curveball.
If you’re looking for an erotic romance that gives you both incredible chemistry and a plot that keeps you turning the pages, Sinful Serenity absolutely delivers. I had such a great time with this one and can’t wait to see what happens next.
June 18, 2026
“The world would stop before I ever laid a finger on you. I will never touch you, Serenity. This marriage will stay unconsummated until the day the law dissolves it. And when that day comes, I will kill you.”
If you are looking for an enemies-to-lovers romance:
-27 y/o virgin FMC
-30 y/o “touch her & die” bilingual MMC
-arranged marriage
-familial wars
-sexual exploration
-light BDSM
-violence, murder & crimes
-strong villains
-found family
-hate laced revenge
-4/5 spice level
-fast paced chaos
-strong ending
-double epilogue
-book 1 of a future series
-under 400 pages
THIS is how you write the enemies to lovers trope!
One sided hate becomes two sided that burns into hate from the other side? Sold.
Serenity is a character that I can stand behind.
Usually with virgin centered FMCs, she’s demure and almost timid toward sex. But, Miss. Flower adoring Serenity said I think not. & I love that refreshing change with a common trope.
Konflict is such a complex character. I found myself disliking him then liking him then disliking him again.
The grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract energy between him and Serenity made this an enjoyable balance to read.
If you enjoy heavy spice that is laced with different chaotic plots then this is the book for you!
If you are looking for an enemies-to-lovers romance:
-27 y/o virgin FMC
-30 y/o “touch her & die” bilingual MMC
-arranged marriage
-familial wars
-sexual exploration
-light BDSM
-violence, murder & crimes
-strong villains
-found family
-hate laced revenge
-4/5 spice level
-fast paced chaos
-strong ending
-double epilogue
-book 1 of a future series
-under 400 pages
THIS is how you write the enemies to lovers trope!
One sided hate becomes two sided that burns into hate from the other side? Sold.
Serenity is a character that I can stand behind.
Usually with virgin centered FMCs, she’s demure and almost timid toward sex. But, Miss. Flower adoring Serenity said I think not. & I love that refreshing change with a common trope.
Konflict is such a complex character. I found myself disliking him then liking him then disliking him again.
The grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract energy between him and Serenity made this an enjoyable balance to read.
If you enjoy heavy spice that is laced with different chaotic plots then this is the book for you!
June 28, 2026
thank you so much Mary C. Kim for this ARC of Sinful Serenity I really enjoyed this forbidden lovers story between serenity and konflict. i love an arranged marriage and i couldn’t put this book down. the suspense elements were so good and the plot twist reveal caught me off guard because i wasn’t expecting the betrayal to come from that person.
konflict and serenity being in love with each other since they were young but never voicing it due to their families being at war was such an interesting dynamic to see them explain.
everyone knew konflict loved serenity and that’s why they pushed them to get married. it felt like the scene from greys anatomy “the only two people that don’t know that derrick loves meredith is derrick and meredith”
valery was crazy asf and dead wrong for what she did. i felt for her because of the pain and abuse she went through growing up serenity but that didn’t give her the right to try and end serenity and konflict since they weren’t involved and didn’t know anything about it.
konflict and serenity being in love with each other since they were young but never voicing it due to their families being at war was such an interesting dynamic to see them explain.
everyone knew konflict loved serenity and that’s why they pushed them to get married. it felt like the scene from greys anatomy “the only two people that don’t know that derrick loves meredith is derrick and meredith”
valery was crazy asf and dead wrong for what she did. i felt for her because of the pain and abuse she went through growing up serenity but that didn’t give her the right to try and end serenity and konflict since they weren’t involved and didn’t know anything about it.
July 1, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This book was a 5 course meal of deliciousness. My goodness I was held captive from start to finish. The author did an amazing job capturing the thoughts and emotions of Serenity and Konflict. (Even though his fake shenanigans damn near pushed me over the edge). It broke my heart how he did her in the beginning and yet his fight & love for her had my heart full.
The balance between love and hate was illustrated so eloquently in this book, I couldn’t keep up. The only reason why I didn’t give it all 5 stars because I found myself a bit too anxious during the secret escort phase.
After the first 4 or 5 times of them meeting up, I was ready to move along with the rest of the story line. I was ready for the truth to come out. But darling…when the truth came out!! Ohhh my goodness….it did NOT disappoint.
Besides his fake shenanigans in the beginning, I believe every woman should be loved, protected, sexed down and admired how Serenity was by Konflict.
This book was a 5 course meal of deliciousness. My goodness I was held captive from start to finish. The author did an amazing job capturing the thoughts and emotions of Serenity and Konflict. (Even though his fake shenanigans damn near pushed me over the edge). It broke my heart how he did her in the beginning and yet his fight & love for her had my heart full.
The balance between love and hate was illustrated so eloquently in this book, I couldn’t keep up. The only reason why I didn’t give it all 5 stars because I found myself a bit too anxious during the secret escort phase.
After the first 4 or 5 times of them meeting up, I was ready to move along with the rest of the story line. I was ready for the truth to come out. But darling…when the truth came out!! Ohhh my goodness….it did NOT disappoint.
Besides his fake shenanigans in the beginning, I believe every woman should be loved, protected, sexed down and admired how Serenity was by Konflict.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2026
I had a BALL reading this book, and I want to give Mary C. Kim all the flowers for keeping me hooked with tension, suspense, organized crime, plot twists, and pure nasty work. That’s talent right there. I loved the multicultural aspect of this story. Black Canadians? Yes, please. Mary pulled us into Emberwick and said, “Welcome to death row,” because I didn’t want to leave Canada. And that plot twist? Baby. It knocked me completely off my feet. The enemies to lovers and forced marriage chaos was a vibe. The push and pull between Serenity and Konflict made for an addictive slow burn. They stayed so at odds that I kept wondering how they were ever going to get to their HEA. And baby, whenever Serenity decided to stand on business, you can probably guess how well that went over with Konflict’s hateful ass. This book is absolutely in the right category because it is, indeed, erotic. Kinks and toys entered the chat, and this couple was getting it IN. Their road to love wasn’t easy, and thankfully, it included some groveling. While I enjoyed the book overall, I do think the secondary storyline could have been developed a bit more. As much as I love good erotica, the crime family aspect had me wanting more details. I didn’t penalize the book for that, it delivered exactly what it promised. I was just invested in the crime family mess and wanted all the tea. LOL. Some of the sex scenes also felt a bit long and overly descriptive. Overall, Mary took me on a journey of love, vengeance, obsession, and yearning. I cannot wait for the next book because if it’s anything like this one, I already know it’s going to hit.
June 22, 2026
3.75 - Thank you Mary C. Kim for the arc opportunity. First read by you and i definitely had a good time. The spice, f*#king, and bdsm was getting it done *wink wink. My favorite thing about the book was the overall plot. The structure of the Big Six families, the action, betrayal and twist are what really captured me in the book. Serenity was so sweet and too innocent to let Konflict play her like that for a long time. One thing for sure baby girl talked her ish when she over the bs. Now Konflict was hell. I would’ve been put him in a headlock. However, the way he flipped when Serenity put her foot down was good. He started begging and pulling out all the stops. Damn right sir.
Bonus fav: Anything with Serenity and Mama Kate.
Bonus fav: Anything with Serenity and Mama Kate.
June 17, 2026
ARC review
This is my second book by Mary C. Kim, and she did not disappoint! I had the pleasure of meeting her at the Cali Takeover Book Event this year, and she was so sweet, kind, and welcoming.
Sinful Serenity had me hooked from the beginning. The tension, chemistry, and emotional depth between Konflict and Serenity kept me turning the pages. If you love arranged marriage and enemies to lovers romance, this book is a must read! I can’t wait to read more from this author.
This is my second book by Mary C. Kim, and she did not disappoint! I had the pleasure of meeting her at the Cali Takeover Book Event this year, and she was so sweet, kind, and welcoming.
Sinful Serenity had me hooked from the beginning. The tension, chemistry, and emotional depth between Konflict and Serenity kept me turning the pages. If you love arranged marriage and enemies to lovers romance, this book is a must read! I can’t wait to read more from this author.
June 26, 2026
Worth every word!
This man KONFLICT!!!! Was mean and I was shocked and loved every second of it! I thought this was going to be a grumpy sunshine and it kinda was but oh boy was he serious about getting rid of her for more than half the book. I just knew nothing was gone change his mind! Serenity definitely was a shock to me because she wasn’t a push over and I loved that. I feel like lately all the FMC’S be so weak and fragile, my girl said I’m done taking your mess and I’ll be waiting in the living room for you!!!! Overall a really good story and I’m curious to know if there will be a book 2. There were a lot of secret family members revealed and the showing up of Viper raises a lot of questions so I definitely intrigued and wanting more.
This man KONFLICT!!!! Was mean and I was shocked and loved every second of it! I thought this was going to be a grumpy sunshine and it kinda was but oh boy was he serious about getting rid of her for more than half the book. I just knew nothing was gone change his mind! Serenity definitely was a shock to me because she wasn’t a push over and I loved that. I feel like lately all the FMC’S be so weak and fragile, my girl said I’m done taking your mess and I’ll be waiting in the living room for you!!!! Overall a really good story and I’m curious to know if there will be a book 2. There were a lot of secret family members revealed and the showing up of Viper raises a lot of questions so I definitely intrigued and wanting more.
June 20, 2026
ARC Review
Baby this one here was something different and I loved every part of it! Who would’ve thought that a man who hated you so much really loved even more deep down inside and the roles would be reversed with someone you thought was your best friend? If you love family secrets, rival families, plot twists, spice, and men who don’t play about their women. This one is for you.
Baby this one here was something different and I loved every part of it! Who would’ve thought that a man who hated you so much really loved even more deep down inside and the roles would be reversed with someone you thought was your best friend? If you love family secrets, rival families, plot twists, spice, and men who don’t play about their women. This one is for you.
June 27, 2026
Such a great read!!
Whewww!! I ate this book up! I really enjoyed reading this book! The plot was there, the suspense, the yearning, I was on edge and I am so glad this played out beautifully!!! Def a 5 star read, I can’t wait to get this in paperback!
Whewww!! I ate this book up! I really enjoyed reading this book! The plot was there, the suspense, the yearning, I was on edge and I am so glad this played out beautifully!!! Def a 5 star read, I can’t wait to get this in paperback!
July 4, 2026
Now that’s how you write a MF book! This book was good af. GREAT ACTUALLY. It was spicy, had some bang bang shoot’em up going on, and the plot twist!! MY GOD…..wasn’t expecting that. This is one of my favorite books of 2026. Highly Highly Recommend!
July 6, 2026
baby what a ride
If you are looking for a an arranged marriage with a whole bunch of hunching… this is it. 🚬 That man don’t play but do play about his wife throughout the entire book 😩
If you are looking for a an arranged marriage with a whole bunch of hunching… this is it. 🚬 That man don’t play but do play about his wife throughout the entire book 😩
June 25, 2026
The sex scenes would’ve been amazing had the emotional connection made sense. It wasn’t for me. I won’t discourage others from giving it a try.
June 29, 2026
Great Read
This book was nothing short of AMAZING!!!! The storyline and characters were all on point. I loved both the MMC and MFC, now did they both have me rolling my eyes at them at 1am in the morning YESSSS. Did they make up for it...YESSS. Now the source was very spicy just how I like it. I recommend this book for erotic lovers.
This book was nothing short of AMAZING!!!! The storyline and characters were all on point. I loved both the MMC and MFC, now did they both have me rolling my eyes at them at 1am in the morning YESSSS. Did they make up for it...YESSS. Now the source was very spicy just how I like it. I recommend this book for erotic lovers.
June 21, 2026
Decent intro
A pretty good read, but I was just blown away by how Serenity is just so blasé about the probability of her life ending when she admitted in the book to having the skills to save herself.
A pretty good read, but I was just blown away by how Serenity is just so blasé about the probability of her life ending when she admitted in the book to having the skills to save herself.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🥃 ARC Review: SINFUL SERENITY
War, Resentment, and the Slowest of Burns — Aged to a Dangerous Perfection
Author: Mary C. Kim
Genre: Dark Erotic Romance / Crime Family Romance
Tropes: Forced marriage, enemies to lovers, childhood connection, slow burn, hate-to-love, crime family / mafia-adjacent, one-bed (emotional edition), second chance at the altar
Format: ARC — received directly from author
Series: Standalone — Book 1 (Emberwick universe, Viper Veylor's story incoming)
Drink Pairing: Smoky Maple Old Fashioned
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (No, that is not a typo.)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5) — "Worth Every Dangerous Drop"
🥃 The Pour
Mary C. Kim did not come here to play.
Sinful Serenity opens with guns still smoking, families freshly buried, and two enemies being told — not asked, told — to get married in forty-eight hours or die. And that's page one, honey. Before the first chapter ends, we have a forced union between the last Korven and the last Veylor, a man who would rather pull a trigger than say "I do," and a woman walking down the aisle like it's her own funeral. Because it just might be.
Set in Emberwick — a fictional Canadian city built on the bones of six founding crime families, operating by its own rules entirely outside the reach of Canadian law — this is a world-building flex wrapped in a romance and drenched in heat. Mary C. Kim writes in French first and translates to English, and while a few expressions land a touch awkward (the author's own foreword is refreshingly upfront about this), the emotional punch is never lost in translation. Not even a little.
Pour yourself something dark. We're going in.
A Full Glass of Unforgettable Characters
Serenity Veylor gets introduced first, and thank God for that, because she is the backbone of this entire story. With her honey-brown complexion and bronze-sheened skin, her natural afro pinned up with soft coils framing her face, Serenity walks into this marriage with her chin up and her spine intact — even knowing the man at the altar promised to put her in the ground the moment the law releases him. She was raised sheltered, groomed for political alliance, and then thrust into a brutal war she had no hand in starting. In the eleven months of cold, hostile marriage that follow, she doesn't fall apart. She builds. She runs the Veylor Casino. She manages the Korven estate. She shows Emberwick that a Veylor is still standing.
She is the kind of woman who keeps her composure in public and lets herself grieve in private, and I love her for it.
Konflict Korven is the man who smells like grief, power, and a grudge he cannot let go of. Tall, broad-shouldered, chestnut-copper skin, dark brown eyes that do entirely too much — he is gorgeous in the way a barrel-aged bourbon is gorgeous: complex, dangerous, and capable of burning you from the inside out. He watched his mother get murdered. He blames Serenity's bloodline. He means every threat he makes.
And yet.
He also pulled a drowning eight-year-old girl out of a pool at a summer gathering decades ago, watched her grow up at council events from a respectful distance, and apparently fell hard for her at the ripe age of twelve. He just didn't know it was her. The man has been marinating in love and hatred for the same woman for nearly two decades without realizing it, and when the truth catches up to him — it wrecks him.
That's not a mid-shelf character arc. That's top-shelf, aged to perfection.
What I Savored 🥃
The wedding night cruelty that made me gasp out loud — Serenity waits in silk. Konflict shows up. Tension builds. He cups her face. He leans in. She thinks he's going to kiss her. And then he puts his mouth to her ear and says, "The world would stop before I ever laid a finger on you." Then he walks out and leaves her crying on the bed. It was devastating. It was the right call for the story. It physically hurt me. Chef's kiss.
The childhood thread — exquisitely laid — He pulled her from that pool at eight. She watched him from afar for years. He fell in love with a girl at twelve without knowing her name. The moment this all snaps into place — for him, for us — lands exactly as hard as it should. The payoff on that thread alone is worth the whole bottle.
Serenity's quiet dignity under siege — She doesn't beg. She doesn't collapse. She builds herself a full life inside a marriage meant to cage her, and she carries the weight of two broken families while the man who hates her can barely look at her face. Her composure is not weakness. It is an act of war, and I saw that.
Konflict's wedding vows — This man stood in front of a priest, God, and the entire Big Six council and said — out loud — that he had been counting his wife's eyelash flutter rate for years and knows the exact number that means she wants the dick. In a real wedding ceremony. The priest looked horrified. The crowd lost it. I nearly spit out my drink. It was unhinged and wildly romantic and completely in character and I will be thinking about it for weeks.
The world-building is doing something — Emberwick as a concept is genuinely compelling. A sealed crime city operating outside Canadian law, built and divided between six founding families, with its own judge, its own rules, its own ancient laws that even the most powerful men can't overrule. The forced marriage isn't just a plot device — it's Emberwick law. The consummation clause that drives Konflict's plan to wait her out? Emberwick law. This world has internal logic and it holds.
What I Side-Eyed 🥃
The Valery betrayal needed more barrel time — Valery is Serenity's lifelong assistant, practically family, and she turns traitor in a way that clearly devastated Serenity deeply. But we mostly experience the aftermath rather than the buildup. For a betrayal this personal — this is the woman who survived the war with her — I wanted more of their dynamic before the fracture. It would've hit like a second gut punch if we'd been given the full slow pour.
The pacing in the middle shift — The first half is tense, ice-cold, and immaculately constructed. The transition from "I will kill you on sight" to "let me hold you while you sleep" happens in a compressed window that works emotionally but occasionally felt like a scene or two was missing. A little more time in the barrel between the thaw and the full melt would've been exquisite.
Viper Veylor arrives at the epilogue and blows the whole thing up — Listen. I understand what's happening here. This is a universe setup. Viper is clearly getting his own book. But dropping a mysterious half-brother with a gun, a secret agenda, and the line "because it's time to find her" into the last three pages of what was otherwise a complete love story? That's the cliffhanger choosing violence. My emotions were already stretched thin, and now I have to wait? Rude. (I'll be first in line for Book 2. But still. Rude.)
The Finish
Sinful Serenity is the kind of dark romance that earns its heat — not just because the explicit scenes are scorching (and they are, abundantly, in ways the author's own foreword warns you about), but because the story underneath them is genuinely built. A love that started when they were children and neither of them knew it. A man who made every wrong choice for the right grief. A woman who refused to let a cold marriage shrink her. An ending where the same question from the cruelest wedding night becomes the sweetest one on the second.
Mary C. Kim writes with raw emotional intensity and the courage to go dark before she goes light. The translation from French adds a particular texture to Konflict's expressions that feels distinct and real in a way that grew on me.
This is not for the faint of heart, the spice-averse, or anyone who needs their heroes to be gentle. But if you like your fiction the way I like my bourbon — full-bodied, a little dangerous, and with a finish that stays with you?
Grab your glass. Grab your fan. And don't say I didn't warn you.
🥃 The Drink Pairing: Smoky Maple Old Fashioned
Because Emberwick sits on the edge of British Columbia and every inch of this story has a dark, complex sweetness hidden under smoke and danger.
🥃 2 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon — the backbone. Powerful, doesn't apologize, carries the whole glass.
🍁 ½ tsp pure maple syrup — the sweetness Serenity carries, buried under everything hard.
🖤 2 dashes aromatic bitters — grief and resentment, threaded through every single interaction.
🧂 Pinch of smoked sea salt on the rim — the Canadian edge. The bite you don't see coming.
🍒 1 Lazzaroni Amaretto cherry, for garnish — the childhood thread. The thing that was always there, even before either of them knew it.
🧊 One large ice cube — the eleven months of cold, deliberate distance. It melts. Eventually.
Tasting Notes
🍷 Aroma: Warm vanilla and smoked wood — the Korven estate at midnight
🥃 Palate: Rich maple sweetness cut through with bourbon fire — love and war in the same sip
✨ Finish: Long, low heat that lingers — exactly like Konflict's dark brown eyes and all the promises he makes when he finally decides to keep them
I received an advance review copy directly from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you, Mary C. Kim, for the ARC and for this absolute chaos wrapped in a silk wedding dress.
Recommended for fans of: dark crime family romance, forced marriage done right, heroes who are genuinely unhinged in love, and heroines who refuse to break.
✨ If you enjoy: explosive worldbuilding ✨ childhood-connection slow burns ✨ heroes who count your eyelashes ✨ heat that requires a cooling-off period — this will absolutely scratch that itch.
War, Resentment, and the Slowest of Burns — Aged to a Dangerous Perfection
Author: Mary C. Kim
Genre: Dark Erotic Romance / Crime Family Romance
Tropes: Forced marriage, enemies to lovers, childhood connection, slow burn, hate-to-love, crime family / mafia-adjacent, one-bed (emotional edition), second chance at the altar
Format: ARC — received directly from author
Series: Standalone — Book 1 (Emberwick universe, Viper Veylor's story incoming)
Drink Pairing: Smoky Maple Old Fashioned
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (No, that is not a typo.)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5) — "Worth Every Dangerous Drop"
🥃 The Pour
Mary C. Kim did not come here to play.
Sinful Serenity opens with guns still smoking, families freshly buried, and two enemies being told — not asked, told — to get married in forty-eight hours or die. And that's page one, honey. Before the first chapter ends, we have a forced union between the last Korven and the last Veylor, a man who would rather pull a trigger than say "I do," and a woman walking down the aisle like it's her own funeral. Because it just might be.
Set in Emberwick — a fictional Canadian city built on the bones of six founding crime families, operating by its own rules entirely outside the reach of Canadian law — this is a world-building flex wrapped in a romance and drenched in heat. Mary C. Kim writes in French first and translates to English, and while a few expressions land a touch awkward (the author's own foreword is refreshingly upfront about this), the emotional punch is never lost in translation. Not even a little.
Pour yourself something dark. We're going in.
A Full Glass of Unforgettable Characters
Serenity Veylor gets introduced first, and thank God for that, because she is the backbone of this entire story. With her honey-brown complexion and bronze-sheened skin, her natural afro pinned up with soft coils framing her face, Serenity walks into this marriage with her chin up and her spine intact — even knowing the man at the altar promised to put her in the ground the moment the law releases him. She was raised sheltered, groomed for political alliance, and then thrust into a brutal war she had no hand in starting. In the eleven months of cold, hostile marriage that follow, she doesn't fall apart. She builds. She runs the Veylor Casino. She manages the Korven estate. She shows Emberwick that a Veylor is still standing.
She is the kind of woman who keeps her composure in public and lets herself grieve in private, and I love her for it.
Konflict Korven is the man who smells like grief, power, and a grudge he cannot let go of. Tall, broad-shouldered, chestnut-copper skin, dark brown eyes that do entirely too much — he is gorgeous in the way a barrel-aged bourbon is gorgeous: complex, dangerous, and capable of burning you from the inside out. He watched his mother get murdered. He blames Serenity's bloodline. He means every threat he makes.
And yet.
He also pulled a drowning eight-year-old girl out of a pool at a summer gathering decades ago, watched her grow up at council events from a respectful distance, and apparently fell hard for her at the ripe age of twelve. He just didn't know it was her. The man has been marinating in love and hatred for the same woman for nearly two decades without realizing it, and when the truth catches up to him — it wrecks him.
That's not a mid-shelf character arc. That's top-shelf, aged to perfection.
What I Savored 🥃
The wedding night cruelty that made me gasp out loud — Serenity waits in silk. Konflict shows up. Tension builds. He cups her face. He leans in. She thinks he's going to kiss her. And then he puts his mouth to her ear and says, "The world would stop before I ever laid a finger on you." Then he walks out and leaves her crying on the bed. It was devastating. It was the right call for the story. It physically hurt me. Chef's kiss.
The childhood thread — exquisitely laid — He pulled her from that pool at eight. She watched him from afar for years. He fell in love with a girl at twelve without knowing her name. The moment this all snaps into place — for him, for us — lands exactly as hard as it should. The payoff on that thread alone is worth the whole bottle.
Serenity's quiet dignity under siege — She doesn't beg. She doesn't collapse. She builds herself a full life inside a marriage meant to cage her, and she carries the weight of two broken families while the man who hates her can barely look at her face. Her composure is not weakness. It is an act of war, and I saw that.
Konflict's wedding vows — This man stood in front of a priest, God, and the entire Big Six council and said — out loud — that he had been counting his wife's eyelash flutter rate for years and knows the exact number that means she wants the dick. In a real wedding ceremony. The priest looked horrified. The crowd lost it. I nearly spit out my drink. It was unhinged and wildly romantic and completely in character and I will be thinking about it for weeks.
The world-building is doing something — Emberwick as a concept is genuinely compelling. A sealed crime city operating outside Canadian law, built and divided between six founding families, with its own judge, its own rules, its own ancient laws that even the most powerful men can't overrule. The forced marriage isn't just a plot device — it's Emberwick law. The consummation clause that drives Konflict's plan to wait her out? Emberwick law. This world has internal logic and it holds.
What I Side-Eyed 🥃
The Valery betrayal needed more barrel time — Valery is Serenity's lifelong assistant, practically family, and she turns traitor in a way that clearly devastated Serenity deeply. But we mostly experience the aftermath rather than the buildup. For a betrayal this personal — this is the woman who survived the war with her — I wanted more of their dynamic before the fracture. It would've hit like a second gut punch if we'd been given the full slow pour.
The pacing in the middle shift — The first half is tense, ice-cold, and immaculately constructed. The transition from "I will kill you on sight" to "let me hold you while you sleep" happens in a compressed window that works emotionally but occasionally felt like a scene or two was missing. A little more time in the barrel between the thaw and the full melt would've been exquisite.
Viper Veylor arrives at the epilogue and blows the whole thing up — Listen. I understand what's happening here. This is a universe setup. Viper is clearly getting his own book. But dropping a mysterious half-brother with a gun, a secret agenda, and the line "because it's time to find her" into the last three pages of what was otherwise a complete love story? That's the cliffhanger choosing violence. My emotions were already stretched thin, and now I have to wait? Rude. (I'll be first in line for Book 2. But still. Rude.)
The Finish
Sinful Serenity is the kind of dark romance that earns its heat — not just because the explicit scenes are scorching (and they are, abundantly, in ways the author's own foreword warns you about), but because the story underneath them is genuinely built. A love that started when they were children and neither of them knew it. A man who made every wrong choice for the right grief. A woman who refused to let a cold marriage shrink her. An ending where the same question from the cruelest wedding night becomes the sweetest one on the second.
Mary C. Kim writes with raw emotional intensity and the courage to go dark before she goes light. The translation from French adds a particular texture to Konflict's expressions that feels distinct and real in a way that grew on me.
This is not for the faint of heart, the spice-averse, or anyone who needs their heroes to be gentle. But if you like your fiction the way I like my bourbon — full-bodied, a little dangerous, and with a finish that stays with you?
Grab your glass. Grab your fan. And don't say I didn't warn you.
🥃 The Drink Pairing: Smoky Maple Old Fashioned
Because Emberwick sits on the edge of British Columbia and every inch of this story has a dark, complex sweetness hidden under smoke and danger.
🥃 2 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon — the backbone. Powerful, doesn't apologize, carries the whole glass.
🍁 ½ tsp pure maple syrup — the sweetness Serenity carries, buried under everything hard.
🖤 2 dashes aromatic bitters — grief and resentment, threaded through every single interaction.
🧂 Pinch of smoked sea salt on the rim — the Canadian edge. The bite you don't see coming.
🍒 1 Lazzaroni Amaretto cherry, for garnish — the childhood thread. The thing that was always there, even before either of them knew it.
🧊 One large ice cube — the eleven months of cold, deliberate distance. It melts. Eventually.
Tasting Notes
🍷 Aroma: Warm vanilla and smoked wood — the Korven estate at midnight
🥃 Palate: Rich maple sweetness cut through with bourbon fire — love and war in the same sip
✨ Finish: Long, low heat that lingers — exactly like Konflict's dark brown eyes and all the promises he makes when he finally decides to keep them
I received an advance review copy directly from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you, Mary C. Kim, for the ARC and for this absolute chaos wrapped in a silk wedding dress.
Recommended for fans of: dark crime family romance, forced marriage done right, heroes who are genuinely unhinged in love, and heroines who refuse to break.
✨ If you enjoy: explosive worldbuilding ✨ childhood-connection slow burns ✨ heroes who count your eyelashes ✨ heat that requires a cooling-off period — this will absolutely scratch that itch.
June 23, 2026
TRUE ENEMIES TO LOVERS THAT PUTS THE PLOT & ROMANCE IN EROTICA
I LOVED this book. The plot was so interesting and intriguing. Konflict & Serenity were slapping skin like feral animals. And the love and romance had me giggling and kicking my feet!
⚠️SPOILERS AHEAD ⚠️
Konflict and Serenity are the surviving members of their respective families who had been at war with one another for generations. As such, the judge of the council their families were apart of orders them to marry one another. Problem is—Konflict can’t stand Serenity. He wishes he killed her when he wiped out the rest of her family but something about her wouldn’t let him pull the trigger. He decides to let their marriage stand for one year but at it’s conclusion, he’s putting a bullet to her brain bc not consummating will dissolve the marriage and he’ll no longer be legally bound to her.
Sounds like a good plan until Serenity comes up with an idea for her final month of life—to FINALLY get her back cracked after never having it cracked before. And she wants it cracked by as many men as she can get. Once Konflict gets word of this plan, he decides to take matters into his own hands and join the fray because…for the last 19 years, he’s had a serious crush on Serenity! He can’t crack her as himself though, so he has to go in disguised. And once he gets a taste AND learns that Serenity had never been touched by a man before, it’s over. lmboooo That man became an addict and prohibited Serenity from sleeping with anyone else like she originally intended. Their feelings for one another grew in their sessions, despite Konflict’s hidden identity. But in the real world, Serenity’s hate for Konflict grew. Now that Konflict realizes she’s not who he made her up to be in his head, he has to do whatever it takes to win her heart forreal and as himself.
This is for the girls who love enemies to lovers, touch her and die, “my wife my wife my wife” & good plot in their smut. I am sooooo looking forward to the next book in this series!
I LOVED this book. The plot was so interesting and intriguing. Konflict & Serenity were slapping skin like feral animals. And the love and romance had me giggling and kicking my feet!
⚠️SPOILERS AHEAD ⚠️
Konflict and Serenity are the surviving members of their respective families who had been at war with one another for generations. As such, the judge of the council their families were apart of orders them to marry one another. Problem is—Konflict can’t stand Serenity. He wishes he killed her when he wiped out the rest of her family but something about her wouldn’t let him pull the trigger. He decides to let their marriage stand for one year but at it’s conclusion, he’s putting a bullet to her brain bc not consummating will dissolve the marriage and he’ll no longer be legally bound to her.
Sounds like a good plan until Serenity comes up with an idea for her final month of life—to FINALLY get her back cracked after never having it cracked before. And she wants it cracked by as many men as she can get. Once Konflict gets word of this plan, he decides to take matters into his own hands and join the fray because…for the last 19 years, he’s had a serious crush on Serenity! He can’t crack her as himself though, so he has to go in disguised. And once he gets a taste AND learns that Serenity had never been touched by a man before, it’s over. lmboooo That man became an addict and prohibited Serenity from sleeping with anyone else like she originally intended. Their feelings for one another grew in their sessions, despite Konflict’s hidden identity. But in the real world, Serenity’s hate for Konflict grew. Now that Konflict realizes she’s not who he made her up to be in his head, he has to do whatever it takes to win her heart forreal and as himself.
This is for the girls who love enemies to lovers, touch her and die, “my wife my wife my wife” & good plot in their smut. I am sooooo looking forward to the next book in this series!
June 18, 2026
“Whoever thought winning a woman back was easy had never tried it after being a bastard for a year.”
— Konflict Korven
Ya girl had another ARC opportunity. 💕
Imagine surviving a war between two powerful families, losing everyone you love, becoming the last living person in your bloodline… and then being forced to marry the man responsible for it all.
Yeah. Serenity Veylor-Korven never stood a chance.
What got me with this story wasn’t even the spice (and trust me, it’s SPICING 🥵😮💨). It was Serenity.
For the majority of her marriage, she paid for wounds she didn’t create and sins she didn’t commit. Watching her finally get tired of accepting less than she deserved and start moving accordingly? Whew. Satisfying doesn’t even begin to cover it. Every time she stood on business, I was right there cheering her on. Had Konflict stressed, confused, and fighting for his life. As he should’ve been. 🤭
And listen…
I love a good grovel.
Not the little “I’m sorry” grovels either. I’m talking about the kind where a man has to sit in the consequences of his actions, realize love isn’t enough, and understand that forgiveness is a privilege…not a right.
This book did that beautifully.
Watching Konflict slowly realize that he couldn’t bully, demand, or love-bomb his way back into Serenity’s heart was everything. He had to earn her trust. He had to prove he was worthy of another chance. And seeing him peel back the layers of the man he’d become to finally show up as the man Serenity deserved? That’s what kept me invested.
The emotional tension was tensioning. The accountability was accountability-ing. And Serenity? Baby, she was THAT GIRL from beginning to end. 💐😏
Trust me, add this one to your list.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
• NeiNey Reads 📚💕
— Konflict Korven
Ya girl had another ARC opportunity. 💕
Imagine surviving a war between two powerful families, losing everyone you love, becoming the last living person in your bloodline… and then being forced to marry the man responsible for it all.
Yeah. Serenity Veylor-Korven never stood a chance.
What got me with this story wasn’t even the spice (and trust me, it’s SPICING 🥵😮💨). It was Serenity.
For the majority of her marriage, she paid for wounds she didn’t create and sins she didn’t commit. Watching her finally get tired of accepting less than she deserved and start moving accordingly? Whew. Satisfying doesn’t even begin to cover it. Every time she stood on business, I was right there cheering her on. Had Konflict stressed, confused, and fighting for his life. As he should’ve been. 🤭
And listen…
I love a good grovel.
Not the little “I’m sorry” grovels either. I’m talking about the kind where a man has to sit in the consequences of his actions, realize love isn’t enough, and understand that forgiveness is a privilege…not a right.
This book did that beautifully.
Watching Konflict slowly realize that he couldn’t bully, demand, or love-bomb his way back into Serenity’s heart was everything. He had to earn her trust. He had to prove he was worthy of another chance. And seeing him peel back the layers of the man he’d become to finally show up as the man Serenity deserved? That’s what kept me invested.
The emotional tension was tensioning. The accountability was accountability-ing. And Serenity? Baby, she was THAT GIRL from beginning to end. 💐😏
Trust me, add this one to your list.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
• NeiNey Reads 📚💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Mary C. KIM for the opportunity to review this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!!! It's Romeo and Juliet, if they wanted to kill each other instead of themselves. I didn't know if I needed a Kleenex or a cigarette on this journey & I'm not mad about it.
Firstly, this is an EROTICA, it is not for a reader that doesn't enjoy lengthy and detailed spice scenes.
The plot is intriguing and gives us a lot:
♟️Family feuds
👑Power struggles
Forced Proximity
👰🏾♀️Arranged Marriage
🔗Kidnapping
Action
🐍Betrayal
🥷🏾Secret Identity
🪐Possessive & Protective MMC
🫦🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵
😮💨High tension as we wait to see if these Starcrossed lovers can turn it around to find their HEA
This is the first book of the series, it opens the door to the world of Emberwick. It is run by The Big Six--six families with all the power. They just finished a war that left a vacancy in the Big Six. This book gives the lore of the Korven and Veylor families and their remaining heirs, Konflict Korven & Serenity Veylor. They've known each other for a lifetime, but from a mandated distance. Until now, they are forced to marry to stabilize The Big Six. Konflict blames Serenity (her family) for the loss of his family in the war so he makes a vow to not only never consummate this marriage but to kill Serenity in a year when the marriage is dissolved. Does Serenity accept her fate or can she change his mind in a year?
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride. And I loved it. A Iethal MMC that will put you through the mattress and talk to you through it in French! I enjoyed the black, French Canadian experience. I'm ready for more, eh?! (I'm still working on how to use "eh" lol 🤣 🤣)
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!!! It's Romeo and Juliet, if they wanted to kill each other instead of themselves. I didn't know if I needed a Kleenex or a cigarette on this journey & I'm not mad about it.
Firstly, this is an EROTICA, it is not for a reader that doesn't enjoy lengthy and detailed spice scenes.
The plot is intriguing and gives us a lot:
♟️Family feuds
👑Power struggles
Forced Proximity
👰🏾♀️Arranged Marriage
🔗Kidnapping
Action
🐍Betrayal
🥷🏾Secret Identity
🪐Possessive & Protective MMC
🫦🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵
😮💨High tension as we wait to see if these Starcrossed lovers can turn it around to find their HEA
This is the first book of the series, it opens the door to the world of Emberwick. It is run by The Big Six--six families with all the power. They just finished a war that left a vacancy in the Big Six. This book gives the lore of the Korven and Veylor families and their remaining heirs, Konflict Korven & Serenity Veylor. They've known each other for a lifetime, but from a mandated distance. Until now, they are forced to marry to stabilize The Big Six. Konflict blames Serenity (her family) for the loss of his family in the war so he makes a vow to not only never consummate this marriage but to kill Serenity in a year when the marriage is dissolved. Does Serenity accept her fate or can she change his mind in a year?
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride. And I loved it. A Iethal MMC that will put you through the mattress and talk to you through it in French! I enjoyed the black, French Canadian experience. I'm ready for more, eh?! (I'm still working on how to use "eh" lol 🤣 🤣)
June 19, 2026
Sinfully Good
*ACR Book Review courtesy of author Mary C. Kim*
Sinful Serenity is an erotic, dark forced-marriage romance, and Mary C. Kim delivers on every aspect of that premise.
Konflict Kroven and Serenity Veylor are fated mates, but a brutal war between their families leaves Konflict craving revenge rather than love. As the last remaining heirs of two powerful bloodlines, the other four ruling families force them into marriage to preserve the balance among the factions.
I thoroughly enjoyed Konflict and Serenity's journey. Their relationship is filled with tension, resentment, and undeniable chemistry, all of which are amplified through their passionate encounters. Add in an underlying plot of deception, and you have a compelling read that keeps you turning the pages.
At times, I found Serenity a little frustrating. There were moments when I wanted to yell, "Girl, you really couldn't tell they were the same person?!" However, she ultimately redeemed herself because she wasn't weak or easily intimidated. She stood her ground when it mattered most.
Konflict, on the other hand, is every bit the boss he is portrayed to be. He commands attention whenever he's on the page, and his presence is impossible to ignore.
That plot twist had me completely gagged. I did not see events unfolding the way they did, and I was genuinely surprised by how everything came together.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series. Overall, this was a strong 3.5⭐ read, and I would absolutely recommend it to readers who enjoy dark romance with forced-marriage tropes, family feuds, and plenty of drama.
*ACR Book Review courtesy of author Mary C. Kim*
Sinful Serenity is an erotic, dark forced-marriage romance, and Mary C. Kim delivers on every aspect of that premise.
Konflict Kroven and Serenity Veylor are fated mates, but a brutal war between their families leaves Konflict craving revenge rather than love. As the last remaining heirs of two powerful bloodlines, the other four ruling families force them into marriage to preserve the balance among the factions.
I thoroughly enjoyed Konflict and Serenity's journey. Their relationship is filled with tension, resentment, and undeniable chemistry, all of which are amplified through their passionate encounters. Add in an underlying plot of deception, and you have a compelling read that keeps you turning the pages.
At times, I found Serenity a little frustrating. There were moments when I wanted to yell, "Girl, you really couldn't tell they were the same person?!" However, she ultimately redeemed herself because she wasn't weak or easily intimidated. She stood her ground when it mattered most.
Konflict, on the other hand, is every bit the boss he is portrayed to be. He commands attention whenever he's on the page, and his presence is impossible to ignore.
That plot twist had me completely gagged. I did not see events unfolding the way they did, and I was genuinely surprised by how everything came together.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series. Overall, this was a strong 3.5⭐ read, and I would absolutely recommend it to readers who enjoy dark romance with forced-marriage tropes, family feuds, and plenty of drama.
June 21, 2026
This is an arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, touch her and you die, erotic book. I know when you hear erotica you think a lot of sex without a purpose or just to be sexy. Or you think BDSM or kinky sex is why the book was written.
Usually I steer away from erotica novels because they have so much unnecessary sex to me and don’t always move the storyline forward. Just my preference not judging anyone else’s. So why did I read this book? Because the sex is an integral part of the story. I don’t want to spoil the storyline just know that those 30 days of sex is necessary and enhances the story.
The story:
Emberwick is a Canadian town that’s ruled by 6 Black families that deal in legal and illegal activities. One of the bylaws states that if 2 families are beefing, the council doesn’t step in. They let them resolve the beef.
This has lead to the Korven and Veylor family ending up with one surviving relative each - Konflict Korven and Serenity Veylor. The council steps in and orders them to marry each other to save the six families.
The council has one other rule that’s important to the story. If a marriage remains unconsummated after a year, the parties can divorce. Konflict plans on using that rule to divorce and murder Serenity. But something happens in their 11th month of marriage that changes everything. That’s the story this book tells. That 30 days and what happens after.
And that story is AMAZING! Yes there’s a lot of spicy sex, but there’s also intrigue, backstabbing, some violence and a HEA for Konflict and Serenity. It was a thrilling, all encompassing read that I throughly enjoyed.
Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
Usually I steer away from erotica novels because they have so much unnecessary sex to me and don’t always move the storyline forward. Just my preference not judging anyone else’s. So why did I read this book? Because the sex is an integral part of the story. I don’t want to spoil the storyline just know that those 30 days of sex is necessary and enhances the story.
The story:
Emberwick is a Canadian town that’s ruled by 6 Black families that deal in legal and illegal activities. One of the bylaws states that if 2 families are beefing, the council doesn’t step in. They let them resolve the beef.
This has lead to the Korven and Veylor family ending up with one surviving relative each - Konflict Korven and Serenity Veylor. The council steps in and orders them to marry each other to save the six families.
The council has one other rule that’s important to the story. If a marriage remains unconsummated after a year, the parties can divorce. Konflict plans on using that rule to divorce and murder Serenity. But something happens in their 11th month of marriage that changes everything. That’s the story this book tells. That 30 days and what happens after.
And that story is AMAZING! Yes there’s a lot of spicy sex, but there’s also intrigue, backstabbing, some violence and a HEA for Konflict and Serenity. It was a thrilling, all encompassing read that I throughly enjoyed.
Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Konflict and Serenity are forced into an arranged marriage by the heads of the mafia comglomerate. Their families were in a brutal war and this marriage is the only way to set things right. However, Konflict wants Serenity dead. She is the daughter of the man that killed his mother and forced him to watch as she died in his arms. Konflict vows to not touch one hair on Serenity. Without consummating the marriage, it will be dissolved. Then he can kill her! But Serenity has her own secret plans.
This book was something! My first by this author and she brought the heat, and I mean literal heat. The book is full of twists and turns, kept me hanging on all through the night and had me late for work the next day. I suggest reading on the weekend because you will want to finish this one quickly.
Kim turned the spice level up to ridiculously hot, she put it all in here- toys, bondage, anal, whips, etc. If you can think it, she had it in here (tastefully). I loved that Serenity took control over her life and demanded more for herself. Serenity is no one's fool and quick to let them bullets fly. Konflict is unhinged on his best day. The man has no idea of love, but he demands Serenity be his, even if he wants her dead. I enjoyed him struggling with his feelings for his wife. Kim did a great job with her characters, I was invested in how they would overcome their challenges and was rooting for them to make it. I could see the direction the story was going, yet the ending took me by surprise. There has to be a book 2, no way is their story over.
Thanks to the author for providing me with the ARC. I appreciate you allowing me to read your work before release.
This book was something! My first by this author and she brought the heat, and I mean literal heat. The book is full of twists and turns, kept me hanging on all through the night and had me late for work the next day. I suggest reading on the weekend because you will want to finish this one quickly.
Kim turned the spice level up to ridiculously hot, she put it all in here- toys, bondage, anal, whips, etc. If you can think it, she had it in here (tastefully). I loved that Serenity took control over her life and demanded more for herself. Serenity is no one's fool and quick to let them bullets fly. Konflict is unhinged on his best day. The man has no idea of love, but he demands Serenity be his, even if he wants her dead. I enjoyed him struggling with his feelings for his wife. Kim did a great job with her characters, I was invested in how they would overcome their challenges and was rooting for them to make it. I could see the direction the story was going, yet the ending took me by surprise. There has to be a book 2, no way is their story over.
Thanks to the author for providing me with the ARC. I appreciate you allowing me to read your work before release.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2026
This book was hot. And I mean the spice was SPICE-ING. 🔥 But what I appreciated most was that this wasn’t just an erotic novel relying on steam alone. It had an actual plot, and that plot held my attention from beginning to end.
Mary C. Kim introduces readers to Emberwick, a world ruled by The Big Six, six powerful families. Two of those families, the Korvens and the Veylors, are at war. When the dust settles, only two immediate heirs remain: Konflict Korven and Serenity Veylor, who are forced into marriage. The catch? Konflict has sworn to kill Serenity to avenge his mother’s death, believing her father was responsible.
That premise alone had me hooked, but the twists? I did not see them coming.
Konflict was such an interesting character. I did not like him at first because of how he treated Serenity and the hatred he carried toward her. But as the truth started unfolding and I understood the “why” behind his actions, I found myself rooting for him and hoping Serenity would see the man beneath the anger.
And Serenity? I loved her. She wasn’t written as a helpless damsel in distress. She was fierce, determined, and unafraid to take matters into her own hands when she realized her marriage wasn’t giving her what she needed. I admired that strength.
Well-written, fast-paced, spicy, emotional, and full of surprises, this book was so good. And that ending? I’m absolutely waiting for the next one.
Thank you to Mary C. Kim for the advance reader copy! This is my honest review.
Mary C. Kim introduces readers to Emberwick, a world ruled by The Big Six, six powerful families. Two of those families, the Korvens and the Veylors, are at war. When the dust settles, only two immediate heirs remain: Konflict Korven and Serenity Veylor, who are forced into marriage. The catch? Konflict has sworn to kill Serenity to avenge his mother’s death, believing her father was responsible.
That premise alone had me hooked, but the twists? I did not see them coming.
Konflict was such an interesting character. I did not like him at first because of how he treated Serenity and the hatred he carried toward her. But as the truth started unfolding and I understood the “why” behind his actions, I found myself rooting for him and hoping Serenity would see the man beneath the anger.
And Serenity? I loved her. She wasn’t written as a helpless damsel in distress. She was fierce, determined, and unafraid to take matters into her own hands when she realized her marriage wasn’t giving her what she needed. I admired that strength.
Well-written, fast-paced, spicy, emotional, and full of surprises, this book was so good. And that ending? I’m absolutely waiting for the next one.
Thank you to Mary C. Kim for the advance reader copy! This is my honest review.
June 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4/5
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was my very first ARC, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
The cover completely catfished me—in the best way possible. I went in expecting a soft, sweet romance, but what I got was action, family drama, secrets, betrayals, plot twists, and plenty of spice.
Serenity and Konflict’s story begins when they’re just 12 years old, but years later they’re forced into an arranged marriage meant to unite two rival families. From there, the story kept me guessing. Every time I thought I had everything figured out, another secret or betrayal completely changed the direction of the story.
One of my favorite parts was the character growth, especially Konflict’s. Watching him grow into himself while navigating loyalty, family expectations, and love made him such an enjoyable MMC. I also loved seeing Serenity find her own strength through everything she endured.
The pacing kept me invested, the chemistry was there, and the twists had me turning pages to see what happened next.
Tropes & Vibes:
✨ Arranged marriage
✨ Mafia romance
✨ Family rivalry
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Hidden identity
✨ Protective MMC
✨ Plot twists
✨ Secrets & betrayal
✨ Open-door spice
If you’re looking for a romance that’s just as plot-heavy as it is spicy, I’d definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was my very first ARC, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
The cover completely catfished me—in the best way possible. I went in expecting a soft, sweet romance, but what I got was action, family drama, secrets, betrayals, plot twists, and plenty of spice.
Serenity and Konflict’s story begins when they’re just 12 years old, but years later they’re forced into an arranged marriage meant to unite two rival families. From there, the story kept me guessing. Every time I thought I had everything figured out, another secret or betrayal completely changed the direction of the story.
One of my favorite parts was the character growth, especially Konflict’s. Watching him grow into himself while navigating loyalty, family expectations, and love made him such an enjoyable MMC. I also loved seeing Serenity find her own strength through everything she endured.
The pacing kept me invested, the chemistry was there, and the twists had me turning pages to see what happened next.
Tropes & Vibes:
✨ Arranged marriage
✨ Mafia romance
✨ Family rivalry
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Hidden identity
✨ Protective MMC
✨ Plot twists
✨ Secrets & betrayal
✨ Open-door spice
If you’re looking for a romance that’s just as plot-heavy as it is spicy, I’d definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world!
July 1, 2026
4 ⭐️’s b/c for the most part I did eat this book up. An arranged marriage is going to get the job done. Finished it in 3 days which for me is fast.
The storyline was enjoyable, easy to follow and there were multiple twists toward the end.
The enemies to lovers was eating for me in this one. The tension in the chapters where she really hated him and he didn’t know how to win her back is what really kept the pages turning for me at one point. Especially b/c I was on the edge of my seat to see what would happen once she found out who the escort was.
Also, the ones on the yacht where Konflict decided to actually share and show more of himself were really sweet.
Now…the smut was….a bit much for me. Idk if I felt like it overpowered the book but it justtttt, had a lot going on. I found myself skimming over a lot of it. Like the activities Serenity was getting into definitely emphasized that punanny was built ford tough becauseeeee….
There also was soooo much repetitive talking during those scenes and it was soooo cringe!!! All of the french! The use of bèbè kept pissing me off. 😂 And then talking about sex in the vows. Like you gotta chill!!!
I know the book genre is erotica and the author made it aware, it would be going down in the warnings but I definitely was still not prepared for all of that. lol
Overall, not a bad book but I’m going to need to read something cutesy and PG-13 after this.
The storyline was enjoyable, easy to follow and there were multiple twists toward the end.
The enemies to lovers was eating for me in this one. The tension in the chapters where she really hated him and he didn’t know how to win her back is what really kept the pages turning for me at one point. Especially b/c I was on the edge of my seat to see what would happen once she found out who the escort was.
Also, the ones on the yacht where Konflict decided to actually share and show more of himself were really sweet.
Now…the smut was….a bit much for me. Idk if I felt like it overpowered the book but it justtttt, had a lot going on. I found myself skimming over a lot of it. Like the activities Serenity was getting into definitely emphasized that punanny was built ford tough becauseeeee….
There also was soooo much repetitive talking during those scenes and it was soooo cringe!!! All of the french! The use of bèbè kept pissing me off. 😂 And then talking about sex in the vows. Like you gotta chill!!!
I know the book genre is erotica and the author made it aware, it would be going down in the warnings but I definitely was still not prepared for all of that. lol
Overall, not a bad book but I’m going to need to read something cutesy and PG-13 after this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews