Book two in the Alarie Heirs series is here!
Thank you to the author and Grey’s Promotions for the gifted ebook copy and having me on the tour
BETRAYED IN THE DARK – Ashley Elizabeth (Released October 21st, 2025)
You can see my thoughts on book one, BROKEN IN THE DARK, here!
Book Description:
Betrayed. With one letter, that’s what he did to me, irrevocably splitting my heart down the middle, causing everything we once shared in secret to become nothing more than a distant memory. One I try desperately to forget. So, imagine my shock when my brothers stood before me to tell me who my new bodyguard would be while I fought back tears, pretending my heart had never belonged to him. And only him.
Especially since another man’s ring now rests on my finger. Yet, every moment spent in his presence makes it harder to stay away. Every secret embrace makes it nearly impossible to remember why I should hate him. Even though I never could. But as lines get crossed and feelings threaten to unravel everything, there’s one thing I must remind myself: This wedding is happening, whether I want it to or not. There’s just one problem. The same man who is doing everything in his power to stop me from walking down the aisle is the one I’m ultimately doing it all for: Eli Lyon.
My Thoughts: 4/5 stars
We get Madeleine and Eli’s story this time, and I was not prepared for the emotion. I probably should have been because book one, BROKEN IN THE DARK, was equally emotional. It’s only book two in the Alarie Heirs series and I’m hooked. While you don’t *have* to read book one, I would highly recommend it. It’s phenomenal and really helps give you some information and background on the dynamic for this family and those involved with them. More mafia/crime family drama and the accompanying violence (so keep that in mind when starting).
After the way book one ended, I was incredibly curious about what was going on between Madeleine and Eli, I think we all were. Madeleine is the only daughter of the Alarie family and has four brothers – we got to meet Leo in book one. He and Eli are best friends and practically grew up together on their estate. Years later, Eli is back from his time serving in the military as a Navy Seal and is tasked with being Madeleine’s bodyguard. The problem? She’s engaged to another man and there are numerous questions surrounding the surprise engagement. With Eli back, he complicates things and brings up old feelings that never really went away.
I loved this book. The chemistry between them is incredible and the author brings you on a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish. Plenty of tension, secrets, drama, and spice to keep you glued to the pages. I’m very excited that we have 3 more brothers to meet of the Alarie Heirs and will be anxiously waiting for book three to come out!
About the Author:
Ashley Elizabeth is an author of steamy contemporary romance. Her books will always tell a love story with just the right amount of spice and, most importantly, end with a happily ever after. When she’s not reading a romance novel or overthinking everything, you can find her at Starbucks, keeping them in business, or watching Jurassic Park for the thousandth time with her fur baby, Bailey.
Connect with Ashley:
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