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I barely made it out of Thorn Valley alive.

My savage bestie and her lethal boyfriends are the only reason I have a second chance at life and I’m not going to waste it.

When I took the scholarship to CalArts, I didn’t know Daddy would cut me off, but it doesn’t matter. I’ll get a bus pass, a job, and an apartment. Easy, right?

Wrong. Enter my two shadows…

Kaleb. Hot as sin and he damn well knows it. Just ask the countless broken-hearted girls at Kilborn U.

Hardin. Kaleb’s quietly menacing older brother. He rarely says more than two words, but his watchful stare follows me everywhere I go, awakening a desire I thought I swore off for good.

They threaten to ruin everything I’ve built for myself. To break all my new rules. But even more dangerous than the Kings of Kilborn is their father, Damien St. Vincent, and the secret that could destroy us all.

Soulless Saint is a dark enemies to lovers romance where the main character will have more than one love interest and will not choose between them. It contains content that may be triggering to some readers.

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2023

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About the author

Elena Lawson

43 books1,141 followers
Elena lives in a small town in Canada with her family. She writes reverse harem fantasy romance stories full of feisty heroines, unforgettable heroes and spellbinding romance. When she comes out of her writing cave, she can be found obsessively rearranging her bookshelves, drinking wine somewhere sunny, or cooking overly fancy meals for her family and friends.

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlealately

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5 stars
632 (58%)
4 stars
299 (27%)
3 stars
118 (10%)
2 stars
13 (1%)
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12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
Profile Image for Katja.
436 reviews
February 2, 2023
This one was so good and can't wait to read next one. We met these characters in Boys of Briar Hall series but it was good to get to know them better. And it was good to see Ava Jade and her guys again. I liked Becca and I liked that she didn't give up to get what she wanted. I liked Kaleb and Hardin but I want to know more about them.




An ARC was provided in exhange for an honest review.
Profile Image for booklover1816.
345 reviews45 followers
February 7, 2023
I am OBSESSED with Elena Lawson’s new series!!

I loved seeing Ava Jade and her men, but I especially loved getting to know Becca on a more deeper level. When reading Ava Jade’s series- I thought I knew Becca, but boy was I wrong. Without spoiling, let’s just say that if you thought you knew Becca from Ava Jade’s series, you don’t.

“𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐠𝐮𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡. 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐠𝐮𝐲𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐠𝐮𝐲𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐝. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐬. 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝. 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦.“

Kaleb and Hardin are definitely not the good guys. They’re all-consuming, protective, and possessive. Most importantly though, they’re loyal.

Soulless Saints is not the typical enemies to lovers in some ways, but WOW! It is so much better. The characters are written to perfection and the balance between description, action, tension, and sex is on point!

I CANNOT WAIT for book 2! I need to see more of Aodhán and I need to see where this story is going!!!
Profile Image for Tamarra Lynch.
603 reviews5 followers
January 29, 2023
I received an ARC for an honest review

What an explosive start to this series

Becca is making a new life for herself in SoCal, away from her fathers machinations, determined to do things her way, herself, without his help, after being cut off financially, and barely making it out alive from Thorn Valley, for her this is a fresh start, with the scholarship to CalArts, she has a future worth looking forward too.

Or so she thought, when she meets the Kings of Kilborn, Kaleb and Hardin. They have been asked by their cousins the St. Crows to look out for her, at the behest of Ava Jade, who, despite distance, is very protective of her friend. But she is the least of there problems as the contend with a new threat determined to claim their territory as their own.

Becca’s aim is to keep a low profile, her focus is work and school, but her flat mats Kate and Toby are determined she balance her responsibilities with a social life, and Toby will take no for an answer. But fate has a way of making things happen as she gives into her desires with a stranger, but she comes face to face with Hardin.

Unbeknownst to her, Kaleb has set his sights on her, determined to make her his. Enter Aodhán, who subtly makes a play for Becca’s affections, unawares that he has ulterior motives of his own.

Hardin and Kaleb are a family unit, loyal to each other and the Saints, they look out for each other and their family, retribution swift should you cross them. They live underlining trauma from their childhood. It defines them on different levels making them who they are.

With Hardin’s focus elsewhere, Kaleb makes his play against Becca, making sure he is following her every move, for her safety, and this time it works in his favour when he catches her in the throes of self-pleasure, does his resolve snap, giving into his needs and quenching her desires, something they both needed, for she has become his newest obsession.

Racing gives Hardin the thrill seeking adrenaline rush he needs, it’s the one thing that keeps him sane. To Becca’s surprise she comes face to face with Rook and Grey, her girls boyfriends, and the Saints cousins, and Grey’s contender in the race. But when they are upstaged by a faceless contender, Hardin is seething and this something he will not stand for.

Becca is reunited with her girl Ava Jade and her guy Corvus, as their Primal Ethos tour brings them close to home. And aren’t they a sight for sore eyes. There catch up bittersweet. Becca throws caution to the wind and gives into her lust and feelings, as her and Hardin play a game of cat and mouse, and what Hardin wants he gets, and what he gets is her, as he unleashes the pent up rage of his emotions, succumbing to his need to claim her in a fury of pain and pleasure, which she meets, her darkness calling to him, consuming them both, his brand of pain seared into the very fibre of her being, something she tried so hard to escape, is the exact thing she needs.

But a dinner with the St. Vincent’s takes a turn that neither she or there family expected. For Hardin and Kaleb we’re warned repeatedly to stay away from Becca, Damien had his reasons, and those reasons are made clear when it is discovered that Becca is Damien’s daughter. This life was never what he wanted for her, but he had no choice but to bring her in, for they had made her complicit in there business, and she has now become a liability where her very existence could be used against them.

Becca’s mind begins to reel, her thoughts chaos, as she begins to deal with the fallout from the revelations. Everything inside her hurts, the only thing keeping her sane is work, Toby and Kate. Hardin and Kaleb insert themselves into her work environment, and she does everything in her power to push them away. The only thing she needs is time and space to heal, and they will not give it to her, for the threat that is looming has intensified, and they will protect her at all costs.

Kaleb is nothing if not persistent, when he is finally able to snag Becca’s attention, does he help her through the process of the pain she has ensured, helping her to make sense of her world, and how right she is for him and Hardin.

But there carefully laid plans begin to unravel, as they come face to face with the threat, making themselves known, the key player Seamus forcing there hand, forcing them to bend the knee, they have no choice but to acquiesce to his demands to protect there loved ones, and to mourn those of there family they have lost. But unbeknownst to all there is an ally who will make the unforgiving sacrifice, and go against his father, for if he is ever found out, he will pay the ultimate price, but the ultimate price will be paid, when he discloses Becca’s parentage, becoming a pawn in a dangerous game.

This book has it all enemies to lovers, dark why choose romance, possessive dominant alpha males, a fiery spitfire heroine who gives as good as she gets, friendship, murder, madness, mayhem, revenge, vengeance, violence, deception, adrenaline seeking suspense, jealousy, twists, turns, truths and betrayal.

This story is told from multiple POV, it will take you on a wild ride, having you turn page after page, this book had me from the beginning to the end. Reading this story, it enables the  readers to really connect with the characters. The author definitely knows how to write and I’ll be coming back for more.

And those s*x scenes, were steamy, yet sensual, dirty, hot, intense, physical, provocative, it had all the angry angst, hate, jealousy, pleasure and passion one would except when Hardin and Kaleb gives Becca the pain and pleasure she deserve, there possessive and obsessive need for control and dominance, it was off the charts and had all of the feels.

Now to anticipate what book two will bring our heroine and her guys!

Highly recommend both author and book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
1,751 reviews53 followers
January 23, 2023
I hate to call this a spinoff to the Thorn Valley Crows because Becca completely owned this book right along with the Kings of Kilborn. Soulless Saint has a totally different feel all the way around and I loved every second of it!

If you are coming into the Saint world blind, which you can jump into this book without having read The Crows, just know that Becca refers to her past from living in Thorn Valley and her friends do pop up a few times. Aside from that Becca Hart has pretty much shed everything from her time in Thorn Valley, leaving everything behind and starting over with a second chance at life in SoCal. Living life on her terms which also means no bad boys or bad decisions. However, bad boys and decisions seem to find her like a homing beacon. 

Hardin and Kaleb St. Vincent are the Kings of Kilborn and everyone follows what they say, everyone but Becca Hart that is. Becca is used to being around lethal men and when Hardin and Kaleb walk in and think they can upset her new life...well, she refuses to bow down to the kings. Call them intrigued and instantly infatuated. Their back and forth is great. Becca is one fierce girl having learned quite a bit from her bada$$ best friend, Ava Jade. Becca has come a long way from the naive, rich girl we all met back in AJ's first book and I am so here for it!

While this is still a dark, enemies-to-lovers, mafia book, it still had a brighter glow to it than the world Becca came from. I don't really know how to put a pin on what I mean, except to say this; there is basically an opposite to everything or everyone within this book which seemed to balance the darkness. For instance, Kaleb and Hardin are total opposites. Kaleb is very outgoing, playful and almost tenacious in his extravertiness. If he wants you, he will get you and you will enjoy every second of it. Hardin barely says two words to anyone, even his own brother, but he's loyal to almost a fault, hence his tenacity is focused inward. Spending time with him will be intense and you may make it out alive...but you also might be in a pleasure coma. Can you just imagine the reverse harem now!?! Fanning myself!!

The ending gave a great twist which totally left me panting for more. I can hardly wait for the next book!! 
Profile Image for shan.
99 reviews20 followers
July 6, 2023
i cant even begin to explain wtf i just read and the fury it left me with.

all the characters except toby and kate were so unlikeable.
dialogue. cringed.
hotel fcking trivago.

and i thought i was gonna have a tough time choosing which guy i liked better but they BOTH sucked.

THAT PLOT TWIST MADE ME WANT TO GAG. ITS NOT THE WORST THING EVER BUT WHAT WAS THE REASON FOR IT??

all that said, i did read this in a day so it was a quick read 😁
Profile Image for Torri Valderrama.
163 reviews10 followers
January 29, 2023
First, I absolutely loved the Boys of Briar Hall series by Elena and I am so happy to finally read Becca's story. I highly recommend reading that series first to better grasp things mentioned in this story. Becca had such a rough time in that series and I know I'm going to need brace myself for her to go through more now that we have her story.

I read this book in under 8 hours because I did not want to put it down. Kaleb and Hardin are the Kings of Kilborn University. Kaleb St. Vincent is outgoing and playful but has hidden darkness. Hardin St. Vincent is the opposite. He wears his darkness on the outside and barely talks to anyone. Becca has done a complete 360 from the rich girl we met in the Briar Hall series, and is becoming a fierce bada$$ like her best friend Ava Jade. I loved how she will stand up for herself and tell Kaleb and Hardin off when no one else will. She has sworn off bad boys and wants to move on from everything she left behind when she moved to SoCal... But if you know Becca, you know bad boys are her weakness. Throw in an unhinged psychopath and we are in for a wild ride!

This story is definitely worth the read and does leave off with a cliffhanger. I am so ready for the next to come out and will be sitting on the edge of my seat until it does. *Make sure you read the CW before starting the book as there is dark topics that might not be for you*
Profile Image for Laura (lady_h_reads).
517 reviews145 followers
January 26, 2023
Elena Lawson has done it again! Soulless Saint blew me away, kept me up late, and thrilled me. If you liked the Boys of Briar Hall, you are going to love the Kings of Kilborn University!
There are moments of levity, but overall, this book is darker and grittier than the initial books in the Boys series. While you need not have read the story of AJ and her Crows, I feel it makes reading Becca’s story a more fulfilling experience.

I love Becca. She isn’t a hardcore badass like Ava Jade. She has her own brand of strength -insisting on her independence from her father and refusing to bow to the wills of the St Vincent brothers, Hardin and Kaleb. They may be the kings of campus and the town, but they will not control her.

The brothers are the bad boys we love to hate. Or is it hate to love? Whatever it is, they have secured their spots as book boyfriends, knocking The Crows down a few rungs. I love their obsessive pursuit of Becca, even after being told to leave her alone.

This is a medium burn menage, with all scenes being MF only. The sex is not vanilla.

Those last few chapters were full of twists, culminating in a kicker of a cliffhanger. I look forward to seeing what happens to Becca and the boys in the next book.
Profile Image for Mysti.
557 reviews16 followers
January 27, 2023
Read as an Arc in exchange for an honest review.

Finally! Finally! My first 5 star in the new year! I loved Boys of Briar Hall and when I found out Becca would be getting her own series I was so excited. Though I wasn’t Becca’s biggest fan, I felt she would get redemption. And then I saw this was two brothers…oh holy hot d@mn I was sold.

Hardin: Big, tattooed, scary, dark and doesn’t speak, but has very specific tastes in the bedroom.
Kaleb: The younger brother but still big, dark, scary and is a known man whore.

Yep I’d be in to both if I was Becca.

Hardin and Kaleb are asked to watch over Becca by the St. Crow boys and Ava Jade, while she’s attending school at CalArts. Little do these damaged boys know she will become their new obsession. They may drive Becca crazy but only in the best ways. And then drop in a hot Irishman who seems to always be there. Rival gangs, murder, family secrets, spice and all the angst. I couldn’t get enough of this story. Absolutely can not wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Sophie Hircock.
247 reviews6 followers
January 29, 2023
3.5☆

'𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐠𝐮𝐲𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐠𝐮𝐲𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐝. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐬. 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝.'

Kaleb and Hardin was what made me want to read this book from their appearance in the Boys of Briar Hall series. In Crows, I didn't care for Becca too much, but I did grow to like her in Soulless.

I really really enjoyed the crossovers between both series and loved seeing my man Rook again.

Hardin is such an enigma to me because he's still so mysterious, but he was definitely my favourite between him and his brother Kaleb, and I still really don't know how I feel about Aodhàn.

I feel like some of the scenes were repeated from Crows and weren't dissimilar enough for me not to notice. Even though its been a while since I read the Crooked Crows.
Profile Image for Kaylee.
430 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2023
Calling this a spin-off is an injustice because this story is completely different and unique from the first series. While that one was dark, painful, and twisty, this one has a brightness that gave me hope.

We get one brother who is the epitome of golden retriever energy. And the other is touch her and you die! They balance each other out and it makes the story have a nice grey back and worth that the original story lacked.

The main character is fiesty, and hardheaded, and she doesn’t back down from a challenge. She completely reinvents herself and is a completely different person from who we originally met.

The steam had me grabbing a water bottle and wanting to toss myself in the snow! I couldn’t get enough.

That ending! It’s nearly did me in, when is the next one releasing?!
Profile Image for jenn_loves_2_read.
363 reviews6 followers
January 23, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

This story blew me away! Becca moves to Santa Clarita to attend an art school and ends up catching the attentions of the sons of one of the fiercest gang leaders on the West coast. She also catches the attention of their rival. Becca is determined not to get involved with gang life because of her past. But when secrets are exposed, her choices are once again taken away from her. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and cannot wait for the next book! Highly recommend reading Boys of Briar Hall series first as there are multiple references to the happenings in that story line, though it is not necessary. 🛑 As always: CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS!! 🛑
Profile Image for Rebecca Hawkins.
688 reviews17 followers
February 7, 2023
At first I didn’t know what to think about this book.... It sort of started slow and since I haven’t read the previous series from this author, I wasn’t as familiar with the characters as other avid followers.

However, after a couple chapters.... I was HOOKED because of one leading man.....

HARDIN....

He’s tattooed....
He’s an artist....
He’s possessive..
He’s kinky....
He’s demanding...

I’m freaking obsessed.

Also Aodhan and Kaleb were amazing too, but Hardin was the man that stole my heart first.

ALSO.... the main character’s name is Becca.... And she doesn’t suck.

This book is a winner for me.
Profile Image for Ms Cat's World.
991 reviews10 followers
January 26, 2023
Systematic Crumbling 🌍

Damien St. Vincent, the King of LA's underworld while his two sons, Kaleb and Hardin, help run his empire are dubbed The Kings of Kilborn. 👑

Following from the author's Boys of Briar Hall Series, Becca Hart heads to CalArts with no money after healing from being shot close range in the heart. The brothers agree to look after her, instead become infatuated in this 💋🔥 steamy enemies-to-lovers romance.

The suspense and dark plot took me on quite a wild ride as another player comes in to take control over the city. Leaving the Saints on edge as their city systematically falls into the hands of a deranged psychopath they are hunting 🖤 Heck of a start to the series 😱
Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,514 reviews165 followers
February 4, 2023
This was a fantastic beginning to this new rh series! I love the characters the MFC is sassy take no shit and gives as good as she gets and the men are beautifully broken and they’re possessive and obsessive and are perfect for Becca I loved the chemistry between them this story is full of great tropes it’s dark and full of action suspense revenge murder betrayal twists and turns that keep you turning page after page and the steam is spicy hot ! Definitely recommend but check CW before reading it does have some dark topics but I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Madison Miller.
155 reviews5 followers
February 5, 2023
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was debating between 3 and 4 stars. I just felt like something was missing. The characters seemed pretty surface level. We got hints at deeper stories but we didn’t really learn much about why the characters are the way that they are. Plot twists were good, albeit fairly predictable when you’ve read many books in this genre. I also felt it was necessary to read the previous series first. I haven’t read it but there were entirely too many mentions of what happened there for this to be a standalone series.
Profile Image for Thia Finn.
Author 23 books418 followers
April 15, 2023
Lost

Did I miss something? I thought this was the beginning of a series but I felt like I started several books in. Was there a book(s) explaining the situation that brought Becca to Kilborn against her father's wishes?
I continued the book and enjoyed the story but it would have been a five star if I'd read the series before this.
Profile Image for Rebecca Norvitz Norvitz .
637 reviews20 followers
May 3, 2023
I NEED MORE

I started this book yesterday afternoon and finished it by the time I went to bed. I loved every second of this story!! It had me gripped from the very first word. I loved that we got to see AJ and her men in this story, and the fact that their characters didn’t detract from this storyline. I absolutely cannot wait until book 2 is released!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Elizabeth.
97 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2023
Elena Lawson is one of my favourite authors so of course I needed to read this book! And oh my goodness was it absolutely amazing? Yes! Do I have a new book boyfriend? Yes! Hardin for life! Do I want to join a gang? Yes! 😂 Do I want to live in this book and never leave? Yes! So if you need a push to read this book! Here it is!!! Read the book it is amazing!!!
Profile Image for Leslie Luther.
247 reviews18 followers
February 9, 2023
First read of Elena Lawson, and I will be back!

❤️Dark Romance
🖤Mafia
❤️Enemies to Lovers
🖤Why-Choose
❤️Ritches to Rags
🖤Anstry
❤️Obsession
🖤Spicy

Becca comes from a rich family. And when she decides to take a different path, she is cut off from all her families money.

This really only makes this character sronger!

But she can't get completely away from her past. Cocky Kaleb and his loyal, quiet older brother won't let her get too far. But she refuses to bow to the kings of Kilborn.

And boy does it make for an amazing book!

I was confused at points, and I saw in some other reviews that they suggested reading the Boys of Briar first. But it was only a couple of characters and a couple of statements mentioning past that, so it could definitely still be read as a standalone!
Profile Image for Emily.
271 reviews20 followers
April 17, 2023
4⭐
2🌶

Soulless Saint is the provocative first book in the "Kings of Kilborn" series, a spin-off from the "Boys of Briar Hall." As someone coming in blind to this spinoff, I was a little in the dark on our FMC’s past, but I quickly got invested.
The series follows 19-year-old Becca, who makes a daring move to Santa Clarita on an art scholarship, eager for a fresh start after being caught up in a dark and traumatic world. With a newfound job, a place to call home, and a supportive group of friends, Becca sets out to navigate her responsibilities on her own without financial help from her father. Becca's character is a standout, with a maturity and strength that defies her young age. Despite her best efforts to only date "good guys," Hardin and Kaleb come crashing into her life, sending her plan spiraling out of control, and throwing her into the deep end of a similar dark world.
Kaleb and Hardin are both interesting male lead characters who have hinted at deeper dimensions, and I enjoyed the differences between them and the relationships they are building with Becca. And just when you think it couldn't get any better, enter Aodhan - a mysterious figure who leaves a lasting impression on Becca. The last part of the story told from Aodhan's point of view, will leave you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating what's to come.
Profile Image for CiCi | bookameme.
339 reviews28 followers
March 24, 2023
Dark and Spicy Just The Way I like It.

Quotes:📖

How do normal people do all this? I was dead on my feet by four in the afternoon after spending all my soul energy on a watercolor painting that wound up looking far too much like an abstract homage to Dark and Gloomy for my liking. A hot shower shared with Mr. Waterproof Eight Inch and a nap would have been fucking fab but no. I had to do my laundry, with Toby’s help because I couldn’t get the knobs to work. Then after that I needed to pick up some groceries because this bitch had to eat on occasion,

If Betty-loo-what’s-her-fuck came in here right now asking for her usual eight-step latte, I was just as likely to throw it in her face as I was to actually make it.

I stuck my dick in it so it’s mine.

She could run all she liked, but she couldn’t hide. Three… Two… One. I darted forward.



Thoughts: 💡

This book was exactly what I expected it to be, and I rather liked that. It was twisted and the characters are tormented, more towards the dark end of morally gray. The story eased into the spice, but I would still say that half of the story was smut and some of it was kinky. 😈
I read the series Boys of Briar Hall, so there were some secrets that I already knew and others that I could guess. My enjoyment came from reading about how the characters dealt with their secrets.
Coming into the series I knew that Becca would have an attitude and flaws and I really liked that Lawson stayed true to them. Becca’s development felt like it was earned. This wasn’t a dark novel where a billionaire sweeps in and all the FMCs worldly woes float away. She honestly had to learn to work and balance real issues and build some inner strength.
I don’t know yet if these characters will have the same sort of immortality that was prevalent in Boys of Briar Hall, so far they don’t and I’m hoping it stays that way.
Overall I can’t complain about the mechanics or grammar in the book. There were a few awkwardly stated phrases but I think it’s because they’re colloquially phrases so I let those slide.
We do get three other POVs in the story and I think that both Kaleb and Hardin were well developed. The final POV was a bit of a surprise and I still don’t know what Lawson intends for the character so I’m excited to see what happens in her next book.

Fun Bits:

⚜️ Riches to Rags
⚜️ Dark Secretes
⚜️ Kinky Smut
⚜️ Great Character Development


Important Note:✨

Book 2 comes out May 19, 2023


Stats:📊

Spice Scale: 4 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Character Dev: 5 💙💙💙💙💙/5
Contemporary Romance: Gang, Enemies to lovers, Dark, RH 📘
POV: Multi 👩‍❤️‍👨
CW: Violence, Abuse, Dub Con ⚠️
Profile Image for Renee.
4,182 reviews55 followers
January 31, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

I barely made it out of Thorn Valley alive. My savage bestie and her lethal boyfriends are the only reason I have a second chance at life, and I'm not going to waste it. When I took the scholarship to CalArts, I didn't know Daddy would cut me off, but it doesn't matter. I'll get a buss pass, a job, and an apartment. Easy right? Wrong. Enter two shadows. Kaleb. Hot as sin and he knows it. Just ask the countless broken-hearted girls at Kilborn U. Haridn. Kaleb's quietly menacing older brother. He rarely says more than two words, but his watchful stare follows me everywhere I go, awakening to desire I thought I swore off her good. They threatened to ruin everything I've built for myself. To break all my new rules. But even more dangerous than the Kings of Kilborn is their father Damien St. Vincent, and the secret that could destroy us all.

This is a dark enemies to lovers romance. You will want to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book. It will contain triggers for some readers.
This is the story of Becca Hardin and Kaleb. Becca is from Thorn Valley. If you have read The Crowed Crows of Thorn Valley, then you know what world Becca has grown up in that world and talks about it so you will know exactly what she is talking about. If you haven't read those books you need too but you will get a picture of the town in this book too. Now she is rid of her time in Thorn Valley and has left everything behind and is starting over in So.Cal. She is living her life the way she wants to and has sworn off bad boys and every bad decision she has ever made. However it is not so easy to be rid of the bad boys since they seem to find her everywhere she goes. Those bad boys come in the form of brothers Hardin and Kaleb st. Vincent. They are the Kings of Kilborn and everyone follows everything they say. But coming from that life Becca is not about to let some guys boss her around. She is use to being around lethal guys so she isn't scared of them and won't let them ruin her new life. There will be no bowing down to the kings for her. This only causes the guys to be more infatuated and really interested in her. These three have some of the most amazing back and forth banter and the chemistry is just melting off the pages between them. Kaleb and Hardin are total opposites. Kaleb being the more social and if he sets his sights on you he will have you no matter what. Hardin being quiet and doesn't really say much to even his brother. He is certainly a very intense person to spend time with. It thought this book was absolutely amazing and I have been wanting Becca's story since we met her as Ava Jade's best friend. I devoured this book and didn't really lay it down for anything. You do not want to miss this book no matter what you do!!!
Profile Image for Kelly Eudy.
313 reviews198 followers
January 27, 2023
5/5⭐️
2/5🔥

MFM/multi POV/dark romance/med burn/cliffhanger/enemies to lovers/mafia vibes/gangs/drugs/murder/violence/gore

This is book 1 of the Kings of Kilborn University Series. This book is set in the same world as The Boys of Briar Hall series, and while this series is different characters, you may enjoy it more if you read Boys of Briar Hall first as Becca is introduced there and we learn quite a bit about her.

Becca has moved to SoCal against her fathers wishes but in spite of being cut off from her previously financially sound living style, she’s determined to hold her own. Find a place to live, get a job, etc. She’s ready to leave as much of her horrid past behind her as she can. But when two dangerously alluring men throw them selfs into her life that may not be as easy as she thought.

Hardin and Kaleb St Vincent are the kings around town. Everyone knows not to cross them. They’ve been asked to silently keep an eye on Becca, making sure she stays safe. But staying at a distance seems inconceivable. Not only are they having turf issues from a new gang encroaching on their territory, but now they’re both consumed by thoughts of Becca. Now with a turf war brewing, can they keep her safe from the life she’s been trying to escape?

I devoured this book. It pulled me in right from the beginning and I could not put it down. It had me laughing, gritting my teeth, then begging for more. I love these characters. Becca, while seemingly reserved, was also pretty feisty when it came to Kaleb and Hardin. Kaleb, ever the play boy, was not prepared for Becca. Well for that matter, I don’t think either one of our St Vincent boys were. I love Kaleb’s fun, outgoing personality, but still being able to be serious when needed. Hardin was always stone faced and broody but I enjoyed seeing Becca start to bring out a different side of him, but i can see his possessive obsession building. There is definitely a history the boys have that only gets brushed on through out this book and I’m curious about their backstory, same with Becca’s even though you know more about her past if you read Boys of Briar Hall. We get dropped with a huge secret at the end that I started to speculate about around the middle of the book but I’m so so ready to see how it all plays out.

-ARC Review-
Profile Image for allyreadsss.
90 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2023
yooo the way this book had me holding my breathe...

So, if you don't already know this is Becca's story from, Boys of Briar Hall (another amazing series, that you should definitely go read right now!)

In Kings of Kilborn University we follow Becca as she's headed to CalArts. Here she meets the saints of LA, Hardin and Kaleb. <3

Of course my girl Becca had to go fall for the bad boys. Again. Can't blame her though because these two are sooo fine. So messy too. I'd say this is a bit slow-paced, we only get a couple of glimpses of their past. We know that Kaleb is constantly drunk and doing drugs, but wants to quit. Hardin hardly speaks because of an unknown reason. And we only get one chapter of Aodhàn, but know he'll be part of the harem. Hopefully. I'm very excited and intrigued to see what happens next.

The book itself is action packed and fast-paced, there's a new gang that wants to take over the Saints territory. The Saints have no clue what's going on. People start dying. Deals are made. Secrets are uncovered. It's a story full of mystery and spiceeee. And I am obsessed.

I gotta admit, I didn't really like the first half. Becca annoyed me, Hardin confused me, and Kaleb well... I actually liked Kaleb. By the end though, I really enjoyed the story and the characters grew on me.

One thing I didn't like was that it's suppose to be enemies to lovers, but it didn't feel that way. They do have a couple issues (mainly Hardin), but I don't see it as "enemies". It feels more like hate between the characters since no one wants to admit their feelings. Even that's a stretch.

Another thing: yes, the story is good and it keeps you entertained but it's predictable. You can catch on really quick on Damien's secret. Who Aodhàn is and the enemy. I'm not sure if that was Elena's goal? I mean, she can totally fuck us over in the next book and I'm over here thinking I know everything lol.

Regardless, I recommend reading this series and for a better experience you should start with BoBH! Ava and her guys are amazing! And personally, I enjoyed that series more (atm)

This book does end on a juicy cliffhanger. Also, please read the trigger warnings because SS does contain dark content and may not be for you.

*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
February 3, 2023
That’s the way to start a new series. Soulless Saint is the first book in Elena Lawson’s Kings Of Kilborn University. This is a spin-off from her fantastic Boys Of Briar Hall series but you can still enjoy it even if you haven’t read about Ava Jade and the Crows. This is a dark mafia and enemies to lovers romance story about Becca Hart and the Kings of Kilburn, Hardin and Kaleb St Vincent.

We follow Ava’s best friend Becca from Thorn Valley to university to follow her dream of being an artist. She has gone against her father’s wishes so he has cut her off but she falls on her feet when she meets Katie and Toby. What she doesn’t know is that the Crows have asked their cousins to keep an eye on her.

Damien St Vincent runs a chapter of the Saints and his sons help him. Hardin is the dark, broody one who never speaks to anyone except his family. He is battling his demons after being traumatised when he was younger. Kaleb is fun and outgoing, he is very protective of his older brother but he also struggles with his past. The brothers are both big and scary but are total opposites. When their cousins ask for help they happily agree but what they didn’t expect was for them both to fall for her just when the Saints are under threat.

The boys are treated as kings in their territory but Becca doesn’t pander to them. She has been through so much recently that she is determined they won’t disrupt her new life. She refuses to be like her mother and fall for a bad boy. She really grows in confidence and I loved the banter between them. While she fights against her attraction to both brothers, a sweet and caring Irish lad always seems to be there when she needs him. Little does she know what connections he has and how their friendship will lead to complications for all of therm. While the brothers pursue Becca, a new gang has started trying to take over the Saints territory. Their father doesn’t like them mixing with her especially when everything starts getting more serious and she could distract them.

It was lovely seeing the Crows and Ava again but these two sexy brothers certainly give them some good competition. Their obsession with Becca results in some interesting interactions and her friends provide some fun. There are some violent scenes between the gangs but the author has also added some mystery amongst the drama. The build up to the end is scary and thrilling as secrets are revealed and the war escalates. The cliffhanger and twists are shocking and leaves you in suspense ready for book two. I highly recommend this especially if you like dark, intense and very protective bad boys.
Profile Image for KAGE.
113 reviews39 followers
January 27, 2023
description

"The need to claim her, mark her, break her, seared through me like white fire."

Overall Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5

Spice Rating: 7.5/10
Characters: 10/10
Atmosphere: 9/10
Writing: 9.5/10
Plot: 8.5/10
Intrigue: 8.5/10
Logic: 8/10
Enjoyment: 9.5/10

Hero: Hardin, Kaleb & Aodhan
Heroine: Becca

Cliff-hanger: Yes
Triggers: Murder, Violence, Mentions of child abuse

Pages: 317
Style: Contemporary, Enemies to Lovers, Dark, Twisted, Suspense, Reverse Harem, Gang, Mafia.

"Haunted: it was the only word that fit, and it had no right to be on a face so cruel."

I was quickly and completely sucked into this new series from Elena! What a perfect start to what I feel is going to be another amazing and wild ride.

After having previously read Elena's Boys of Briar Hall series (which I HIGHLY recommend) I had high expectations for this spin-off - and Becca and her boys DID NOT disappoint me. Also, can I just say my heart was full seeing Ava Jade and her boys again, I missed them!

This book is filled with drama, secrets, rival gangs, violence, plenty of heat, angst, and some incredibly sexy bad boys that we all love to hate. Thank you Elena for another amazing read, I am itching for book 2 and can't wait to see how this story is going to unfold.

"She needed me to escape what happened. I needed her to escape the thought of what might happen."

*all edits are mine - pictures are not

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description
396 reviews15 followers
January 26, 2023
Tropes: Irish mafia, why choose, enemies to lovers, primal!, abusive past, selective mute, some drug use

I LOVED this book. I thought I knew what to expect going in, but this new-to-me author blew my mind and my expectations right out of the water. Soulless Saint is set in the same world as The Boys of Briar Hall series (though not necessary to read it).

Becca has enrolled in CalArts after leaving her wealth and father behind in Thorn Valley. Semi-destitute, Becca resolves to pull herself up by her bootstraps and make things work to pursue her dream of being an artist. She learns that life is challenging without money, and said life gets complicated when she runs into Kaleb and Hardin, the sons of Saints Irish mafia leader, Damien St. Vincent, at a party thrown. At this one party, she captures Kaleb’s eye and locks lips with his older brother Hardin. Then, as she’s trying to run back to her apartment, she gets picked up by mysterious Irish man Aodhán (you’ll find out more about him). Kaleb, Hardin, and Aodhan piqued my interest, to say the least.

Becca grew on me throughout the book. I found her annoying at first, with how hapless and helpless she seemed: Constantly tripping, forgetting her purse, learning how to shop at a thrift store...But underneath it all, I learned that she was scared to make connections. She’d been in fear for her life since her near-death experience in the previous series. Kaleb and Hardin are enamored with her despite her timidity and her constant rejections. They're the ones who can reach past her facade and foster the dark desires of her soul.

Also? THE SPICE. This author did not skimp. She brought the heat, and it licked its way up and down with expertise. Kaleb knew how to charm and move those hips, but Hardin? He surprised the crap out of me, AND I WILL CALL HIM DADDY HARDIN. I will need more of Hardin’s darkness in the streets and between the sheets! I was sweating 😮‍💨

Soulless Saint ended on a wonderful setup, so now I’m dying for book 2. Go read this book!
Profile Image for Laura.
303 reviews21 followers
January 30, 2023
Good guys didn’t touch you like bad guys did. They didn’t push the limits.

Rebecca Hart's skin may be broken…but, her spirit is still strong and even if she finds herself all alone with barely anything in the world now thanks to her dad. Becca is rebuilding her life and doing something for herself finding her way in a new place, a job and even a home with new friends all the while attending her dream college in arts.

With the shadow of her past leaving its mark, Becca has sworn off men and refuses to be pulled into the darkness again…no matter how tempting it is.

Becca Hart was mine.
She just didn’t know it yet.


That may prove to be difficult when she catches the eyes of the St. Vincent brothers though…Hardin & Kaleb and once they’ve got her in their sights…all promises & following orders are off.

Once you’ve had a taste of darkness…you can’t help but want more and maybe there is something inside just waiting to be unleashed too.

But, a threat is also circling and the blood staining the ground is growing more…seeping into the very ground that you’ve claimed.

This was a loose cannon and we were standing under fire.

I’m soo happy that Becca has got her story!!!! Or rather the start of what is going to be another epic, drama, emotional, sexy and suspense series!

I loved how Becca’s character is set up, not getting support from her dad due to her own choices in life for a change and now having to find herself to really begin living her life. There is more than meets the eye to her, her fun loving personality & how deeply she really does come across.

I’m loving uncovering Hardin & Kaleb, they only briefly appeared in the previous series and this is a great extension. They have an interesting past that you can see right away how this has affected them and I love seeing their relationship as brothers how this is adapted to whatever is happening at the time.

For those of you that love the characters from BOBH then don’t worry as a catch up is in order after all…

Profile Image for Aubrey Ramirez.
147 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2023
Soulless Saint (Kings of Kilborn University Book 1)
By: Elena Lawson

Rating:
4.5⭐️/5
2🔥/5

⭐️Tropes⭐️
- Enemies to Lovers
- Dark Romance
- MFM
- Mafia/Gang
- Violence
- Obsessive/Possessive
- Multiple POV

⚠️Always Check Content/ Trigger Warnings⚠️

This is my first book from the author and I was definitely impressed. It seems as though this is a spin off to an additional series. Although, I didn’t read it but wish I did, I do recommend giving it a read as you’ll be introduced to additional characters mentioned as well as the main characters in this story.

This story follows Becca who is struggling a bit in life but refuses to back down! She has cut herself off from her father, his money and any expectations he has for her and the life she lives. She is her own person and she’s ready to chase the life she wants. After dealing with a near death experience I can only imagine she’s ready to just live. She finds herself in a new town and with the help of some friends she’s ready to take on the world.

I loved her spirit and determination. She kept that fire even as she runs into our MMC’s Hardin and Kaleb who are basically total opposites! Hardin is very brooding and intense. He is the older brother with a lot of dark demons. Naturally, he was my fave lol. Then you have Kaleb, who is also battling inner demons but is more playful and charming. He’s here for a good time but will also protect Becca at all costs. They both would!

This book was definitely intense with a lot of secrets and suspense. I devoured this book and can’t wait for the second installment! You get some hints regarding the bigger picture and everything going on but I’m still not sure how this will all play out, especially with a new ruthless player in the mix! It does end on a cliffhanger that I did have an inkling about but still stressed me out!!!! Can’t wait to see how this plays out. I highly recommend giving this a read!
Profile Image for Shelly Rogers.
250 reviews8 followers
April 6, 2023
"In a moment of clarity, I realized I knew why a good guy would never be enough. Good guys didn't touch you like the bad guys did. They didn't push the limits. Hold you down. Make you insane with need. Make you scream."

A spin off from the Crows but it's own story. I've been rushing to get to this book (had some others I had to read first). But I could not hold off any longer. I happily picked it up and refused to put it down. This book is going to pick up where we left off with Becca from the Boys of Briar Hall. She has made her way to SoCal Arts and cut off by her dad.

The Kings of Kilburn, also cousins to our Crows, have been asked to watch Becca as a favor. Ava Jade is worried about her. Hardin and Kaleb have their own issues but someone find themselves individually drawn to Becca. And Becca, well her bad guy rep is pulling her to them just as much. What should be toxic, is super HOT.

But the Kings have Saint business as well. Damian St Vincent, the ruthless leader of this Saints chapter, also happens to be the boys father. And they are currently being threatened by a new Irish gang, Sons of Sullivan. This threat is unaliving member of the Saints and messing up relationships that have been established. Damian warns the guys to stay away from Becca because with this threat, it could put her in danger if she is a known associate to the boys. But things are never that easy.

And lastly, we have would could be a third player. Aódhan. He's Irish and has his own secrets. Also super hot and seems to find himself infatuated with Becca too. But the last chapter, we are going to see inside his POV, and there is more to this Irishmen to come for sure.

Cliffhanger! I always want more from Elena Lawson books, but I love them so much I can't wait for the series to be completed before diving in.

**READ YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS**

Happy Reading Ya'll!
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