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Ares
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2026
About the author
Kylie Kent
73 books2,930 followersKylie made the leap from kindergarten teacher to romance author, living out her dream to deliver sexy, always and forever romances. She loves a happily ever after story with tons of built in steam.
She currently resides in Perth, Australia and when she is not dreaming up the latest romance she can be found spending time with her three children and her husband of twenty years, her very own real life instant-love.
Come join me in my reading group on Facebook Kylie's Steam Room.
She currently resides in Perth, Australia and when she is not dreaming up the latest romance she can be found spending time with her three children and her husband of twenty years, her very own real life instant-love.
Come join me in my reading group on Facebook Kylie's Steam Room.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 15, 2026
Book about mental illness only
This really wasn’t about being in love and romance. It was all focused on Zara‘s mental illness. The whole story! I don’t feel Ares should’ve been responsible at 18 for her emotional state. I didn’t finish this book feeling satisfied with their relationship. I didn’t get the deep connection, possessiveness, and obsession that we got with the first generation of stories.
This really wasn’t about being in love and romance. It was all focused on Zara‘s mental illness. The whole story! I don’t feel Ares should’ve been responsible at 18 for her emotional state. I didn’t finish this book feeling satisfied with their relationship. I didn’t get the deep connection, possessiveness, and obsession that we got with the first generation of stories.
May 10, 2026
Ares & Zara
Ares was wonderful and I absolutely loved him. He was perfect, he did everything right. Zara had my heart. Her pain was real and raw, she wanted help but she didn't know how to ask for it.
She could've used a talk with her Granma for sure. I loved that she had Ares rhough, he saw right through her and the fact that he went the extra mile to get her help was everything!
I enjoyed their story and the way they were made for each other.
Ares was wonderful and I absolutely loved him. He was perfect, he did everything right. Zara had my heart. Her pain was real and raw, she wanted help but she didn't know how to ask for it.
She could've used a talk with her Granma for sure. I loved that she had Ares rhough, he saw right through her and the fact that he went the extra mile to get her help was everything!
I enjoyed their story and the way they were made for each other.
May 16, 2026
Cute. Short. Felt more like a novella. Didn’t realize it was YA and they were in HS though. Liked the depression rep. Thought it was done well! Ares was super adorable and sweet. Not really smutty (thank God since they were so young. 17 and 18) I would have put it down otherwise lol. Way more focus on the relationship and her issues which I appreciated.
No Vs. really no talk about past—-especially his. Super breezed over…but they’ve known each other since they were kids and apparently always had crushes on each other so do what that what you will 🤷♀️
No Vs. really no talk about past—-especially his. Super breezed over…but they’ve known each other since they were kids and apparently always had crushes on each other so do what that what you will 🤷♀️
May 18, 2026
2nd Gen?
I love this book but I wish I read it after the 3rd gen of the Valentinos since they were involved a bit here. I love seeing these perfect families fighting a normal everyday issue like depression. It allowed for some real discussions and I loved that.
I love this book but I wish I read it after the 3rd gen of the Valentinos since they were involved a bit here. I love seeing these perfect families fighting a normal everyday issue like depression. It allowed for some real discussions and I loved that.
May 10, 2026
A book hadn’t made me emotional when it came to mental health since Kylie’s book about Neo’s sister who had her own issues. This one hit a spot within me. His dad dealt with his own issues so it makes sense he was raised to help and be good. He saw the dark in Zara despite her own family not. Ares was always there, even when he was a bit too late. Honestly he is probably one of the best Kylie book boyfriends since Zac or Theo. Vin was my favorite out of the De Bellis men and his story was hard so seeing the child he had with Cam be so understanding and supportive was amazing. I loved this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2026
Really understood how Zara was feeling in this book, my mother had the same condition.
The trauma is very difficult for those closest as well my experience was exactly as described in the story.
Thank you for bringing this condition out into the open, it's really hard for all those loving someone who is struggling.
Thank you Kylie
The trauma is very difficult for those closest as well my experience was exactly as described in the story.
Thank you for bringing this condition out into the open, it's really hard for all those loving someone who is struggling.
Thank you Kylie
May 21, 2026
Ares by Kylie Kent was one of those books that hit on a completely different emotional level for me. I actually jumped over from Toxic Salvation by Naomi West because I was struggling to focus knowing this release was waiting for me — and honestly, I’m so glad I did.
While this story absolutely delivers the darker themes and intensity that Kylie Kent is known for, the emotional depth behind Zara’s struggles made this one stand out in a way I wasn’t expecting. Mental health plays such a major role throughout the story, and as both a spouse and a parent, I felt the weight of those moments from every perspective. The emotions in this book felt raw, realistic, and deeply personal, which made the story hit even harder.
What really made this story unforgettable for me was Ares himself. The way he supported Zara through everything she was dealing with never felt forced or overdone — it felt genuine. Protective, patient, understanding… you could truly feel the love in the way he showed up for her during her darkest moments. Their relationship had such an emotional intensity to it that it pulled me in immediately and never let go.
Beyond the emotional side of the story, Kylie Kent once again proves how incredible she is at building a connected universe. Seeing the De Bellis, McKinleys, and Valentinos woven back into the story made the experience even better and added that familiar feeling that longtime readers of her books love so much.
Ares brought together darkness, emotion, suspense, and romance in a way that felt heavier and more personal than many dark romances do. This wasn’t just a story about obsession or protection — it was also about healing, support, and learning how to survive the weight of your own mind while letting someone else stand beside you through it.
Another incredible addition to Kylie Kent’s universe!
While this story absolutely delivers the darker themes and intensity that Kylie Kent is known for, the emotional depth behind Zara’s struggles made this one stand out in a way I wasn’t expecting. Mental health plays such a major role throughout the story, and as both a spouse and a parent, I felt the weight of those moments from every perspective. The emotions in this book felt raw, realistic, and deeply personal, which made the story hit even harder.
What really made this story unforgettable for me was Ares himself. The way he supported Zara through everything she was dealing with never felt forced or overdone — it felt genuine. Protective, patient, understanding… you could truly feel the love in the way he showed up for her during her darkest moments. Their relationship had such an emotional intensity to it that it pulled me in immediately and never let go.
Beyond the emotional side of the story, Kylie Kent once again proves how incredible she is at building a connected universe. Seeing the De Bellis, McKinleys, and Valentinos woven back into the story made the experience even better and added that familiar feeling that longtime readers of her books love so much.
Ares brought together darkness, emotion, suspense, and romance in a way that felt heavier and more personal than many dark romances do. This wasn’t just a story about obsession or protection — it was also about healing, support, and learning how to survive the weight of your own mind while letting someone else stand beside you through it.
Another incredible addition to Kylie Kent’s universe!
May 20, 2026
Ares
I cannot get enough of Kylie’s mafia romances, they just hit that real sweet spot of being full of growly, possessive, obsessive men who fall hard for their women. Each book and their characters are all unique despite the similarities in themes and character traits, and Ares is no different.
I love the De Bellis series and it’s so good to be getting the second generation stories now and I love how they link with the other series’ and have other characters pop up in the storyline (such as Aurora Valentino etc). I devoured this book and wanted more from the characters immediately!
What really stood it to me is how Kylie covered Zara’s mental health and depression. It felt genuine, emotive, real and understood. I liked that her depression didn’t stem from a traumatic past or any specific trigger, it was mentioned numerous times from Zara’s pov that she acknowledges she has a privileged life and didn’t want for anything, but she still felt overwhelming depression and she didn’t know why. I liked that Kylie didn’t trivialise the issue or try to ‘wrap it up in a neat bow’, by having an obvious trigger or have Zara go through an unrealistic recovery/treatment plan and was suddenly cured by the end of the book. Zara really had to work at getting better, with Ares’ support.
I loved the way that Ares’ was drawn to Zara and was so protective of her
A brilliant, engaging mafia romance read!
I cannot get enough of Kylie’s mafia romances, they just hit that real sweet spot of being full of growly, possessive, obsessive men who fall hard for their women. Each book and their characters are all unique despite the similarities in themes and character traits, and Ares is no different.
I love the De Bellis series and it’s so good to be getting the second generation stories now and I love how they link with the other series’ and have other characters pop up in the storyline (such as Aurora Valentino etc). I devoured this book and wanted more from the characters immediately!
What really stood it to me is how Kylie covered Zara’s mental health and depression. It felt genuine, emotive, real and understood. I liked that her depression didn’t stem from a traumatic past or any specific trigger, it was mentioned numerous times from Zara’s pov that she acknowledges she has a privileged life and didn’t want for anything, but she still felt overwhelming depression and she didn’t know why. I liked that Kylie didn’t trivialise the issue or try to ‘wrap it up in a neat bow’, by having an obvious trigger or have Zara go through an unrealistic recovery/treatment plan and was suddenly cured by the end of the book. Zara really had to work at getting better, with Ares’ support.
I loved the way that Ares’ was drawn to Zara and was so protective of her
A brilliant, engaging mafia romance read!
May 14, 2026
As a massive Kylie Kent fan, I already had high expectations for this book…
As a massive Kylie Kent fan, I already had high expectations for this book… and she absolutely did not disappoint 😭🖤
This one felt very different from what I normally expect from Kylie Kent. It’s definitely not super smutty or heavily spicy, which is usually my go-to, but honestly? The emotional depth in this story completely made up for it.
This book is raw, emotional, and at times genuinely heartbreaking. The themes surrounding depression were handled in such a real and emotional way, so definitely check the trigger warnings before going in.
What really made this book for me was the MMC 😮🔥
Obsessive, devoted, emotional, protective… I absolutely loved him. There was something so intense and vulnerable about his character that had me completely invested from start to finish.
This story had so much emotion, pain, love, and healing woven through it, and even though it wasn’t my usual spicy read, I honestly thought it was amazing. Kylie Kent once again proves she can write characters that stay with you long after you finish the book 📚🖤
As a massive Kylie Kent fan, I already had high expectations for this book… and she absolutely did not disappoint 😭🖤
This one felt very different from what I normally expect from Kylie Kent. It’s definitely not super smutty or heavily spicy, which is usually my go-to, but honestly? The emotional depth in this story completely made up for it.
This book is raw, emotional, and at times genuinely heartbreaking. The themes surrounding depression were handled in such a real and emotional way, so definitely check the trigger warnings before going in.
What really made this book for me was the MMC 😮🔥
Obsessive, devoted, emotional, protective… I absolutely loved him. There was something so intense and vulnerable about his character that had me completely invested from start to finish.
This story had so much emotion, pain, love, and healing woven through it, and even though it wasn’t my usual spicy read, I honestly thought it was amazing. Kylie Kent once again proves she can write characters that stay with you long after you finish the book 📚🖤
May 21, 2026
Ares is beautifully heartbreaking and at the same time, healing. For those of us dealing with depression, reading this book will make you feel seen and understood in a way that no other book will. It will also make you really want your own Ares. He is so patient, caring, understanding, supportive, funny, sexy and perfect in every way. Even when Zara tried to push him away or tried to hate him, he still helped her and comforted her. Zara was dealing with so much but she is such a good person. She is nice, even when people don’t necessarily deserve it, she is sweet and funny and selfless, sometimes to a fault and just a beautiful person inside and out. Just thinking about her is making me tear up right now and if that isn’t a sign of how good this book is, idk what is. It has great banter, some great spice, so much gut wrenching emotion and healing, funny friends and nosy family and it’s a must read! But do check the triggers!
May 19, 2026
I did not know we had another De Bellis family book coming so I was pleasantly surprised by this release.
For me, the best thing about this book is the De Bellis and Mckinnley families. I will always adore seeing the first generation in a book that spans generations. We got to see more old characters than I expected and I am not complaining at all. The banter, the comedy, and even the drama was perfection. Dominic in papa bear mode is everything!
While I loved the mental health awareness aspect, which was done beautifully, I do feel (for me) it got a little repetitive of Zara in her feels pushing Ares away. As hard as it was to read and pictures, I was all for the drama of Ares finding Zara after she took all those pills. The silent support he had from his family and Zara's mom, it was everything.
Another wonderful book by Kylie.
For me, the best thing about this book is the De Bellis and Mckinnley families. I will always adore seeing the first generation in a book that spans generations. We got to see more old characters than I expected and I am not complaining at all. The banter, the comedy, and even the drama was perfection. Dominic in papa bear mode is everything!
While I loved the mental health awareness aspect, which was done beautifully, I do feel (for me) it got a little repetitive of Zara in her feels pushing Ares away. As hard as it was to read and pictures, I was all for the drama of Ares finding Zara after she took all those pills. The silent support he had from his family and Zara's mom, it was everything.
Another wonderful book by Kylie.
May 13, 2026
Zara and Ares
Good love story with dealing with clinical depression. Great portrayal. I would have liked the main characters to be older. I did not realize it would be over their Senior HS year. I would have liked to see Zara become strong enough to stand up more to her family and follow her dreams and not what she feels is expected of her. The story covers the beginning of their relationship & I would have loved to see more of their relationship as it matured. I enjoy reading about the next generation but I really don’t enjoy it during the high school phase. I would enjoy the next generation as adults. Was it necessary for what happened at the party to the guy she brought to party? Seemed senseless and unnecessary.
Good love story with dealing with clinical depression. Great portrayal. I would have liked the main characters to be older. I did not realize it would be over their Senior HS year. I would have liked to see Zara become strong enough to stand up more to her family and follow her dreams and not what she feels is expected of her. The story covers the beginning of their relationship & I would have loved to see more of their relationship as it matured. I enjoy reading about the next generation but I really don’t enjoy it during the high school phase. I would enjoy the next generation as adults. Was it necessary for what happened at the party to the guy she brought to party? Seemed senseless and unnecessary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2026
The main reason I didn’t give this a 5⭐️ is the YA aspect of it. I love all of Kylie’s families but I just don’t love reading about the kids when they’re in high school. I did however love the story that she focused on. Bringing depression into the spotlight isn’t something you see in many books. Also, showing that even though Zara had everything she could possibly want it didn’t mean she couldn’t suffer from depression. The fact that Kylie didn’t shy away from showing what can happened to people that are depressed was amazing. A lot of books you find a mention of depression and the thoughts of suicide but this book really showed what Zara was thinking but Thankfully Ares was there to find her before they lost her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2026
I’m in awe of Ares!
I had a very hard time reading this book! It was extremely deep and intimidating reading the daily struggles of someone with Zara’s state of mind. I was not prepared for how far her mind took her to such despair. I was in such awe of Ares and how much he tried to take on and how much support he received with the strength of his family.
He was so attentive and inspiring to really look and see a persons inability to live.
Kylie is one of my favourite authors and this just proved how she can make a story like this so heartwarming and relatable.
I had a very hard time reading this book! It was extremely deep and intimidating reading the daily struggles of someone with Zara’s state of mind. I was not prepared for how far her mind took her to such despair. I was in such awe of Ares and how much he tried to take on and how much support he received with the strength of his family.
He was so attentive and inspiring to really look and see a persons inability to live.
Kylie is one of my favourite authors and this just proved how she can make a story like this so heartwarming and relatable.
May 17, 2026
so much emotion
There is so much raw emotion in this that I wasn’t prepared for. Mental health can be a huge struggle for many people and I feel like this was done so well. Ares might be the greenest flag Kylie Kent has ever written and I absolutely love that for Zara. He never hesitated when she needed him even if she didn’t know it at the time. Her struggles had become her whole personality and he was the only one who could see through to the truth. I’m in awe of their love story!
There is so much raw emotion in this that I wasn’t prepared for. Mental health can be a huge struggle for many people and I feel like this was done so well. Ares might be the greenest flag Kylie Kent has ever written and I absolutely love that for Zara. He never hesitated when she needed him even if she didn’t know it at the time. Her struggles had become her whole personality and he was the only one who could see through to the truth. I’m in awe of their love story!
May 11, 2026
There is a very specific kind of energy here that is hard to find elsewhere. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the more important moments to breathe. It challenges the reader to look at things from a completely different angle. Some might find the style a bit detached, but I think it fits the tone. It’s a standout title that deserves all the attention it’s getting. If you're looking for more honest reviews, feel free to add me.
May 12, 2026
This is a second gen book for the De Bellis/McKinley family. I love, love, love Ares and Zara's story. I love the way Kylie wrote about Zara's internal and external struggles. Zara's inner dialogue about intrusive thoughts was represented very well. The way Ares recognizes Zara's struggles and does whatever he can to help her is beautiful. I also liked how Vin was there for Ares and helped him but also reiterating the need to care for himself as well. Great book!!!
May 14, 2026
All the Stars!
Kylie Kent never fails to deliver when she writes, this one is no exception! Absolutely brilliant handling of a very tough topic to write about, depression and attempted svicide. If this is a trigger for you, please, please beware.
My heart was breaking for both Zara and Ares. I so loved that Ares never wavered from his love and support for Zara even in the face of her father, Dominic disapproval.
This is a must read!!
Kylie Kent never fails to deliver when she writes, this one is no exception! Absolutely brilliant handling of a very tough topic to write about, depression and attempted svicide. If this is a trigger for you, please, please beware.
My heart was breaking for both Zara and Ares. I so loved that Ares never wavered from his love and support for Zara even in the face of her father, Dominic disapproval.
This is a must read!!
May 23, 2026
Honnêtement sava le livre était bien c’ets juste que j’avais un peux de mal avec sa dépression parce que il y a rien qui la causer mais c’ets le but du livre en gros que même si il y a rien que tout vas bien dans ta vie tu peut être en dépression et c’ets ok il faut just ce faire aider. Le père il m’a grave soûler lui et Ares incroyable vraiment juste incroyable de a a z j’ai rien à redire 🤗
3,7🌟🌟🌟
3,7🌟🌟🌟
May 25, 2026
Ares for the win!
Ares and Zara's story was good! Her depression she hides, but Ares sees through the facade she places for the world to see. He is his family's son, but also patient, kind and sweet. Zara is in need of a savior and he is there to help. There are some moments that will break you. It's good to have spent time with their journey, but also spending time with, Valentinos, De Bellis, McKinley & Christianson characters.
Ares and Zara's story was good! Her depression she hides, but Ares sees through the facade she places for the world to see. He is his family's son, but also patient, kind and sweet. Zara is in need of a savior and he is there to help. There are some moments that will break you. It's good to have spent time with their journey, but also spending time with, Valentinos, De Bellis, McKinley & Christianson characters.
June 1, 2026
Best book I've read in 2026 probably simply because I could highly relate to the female lead. People who have mental issues doesn't necessarily need to have gone through a traumatic experience to have depression. I feel the same way, I wasn't abused or anything but I do suffer from anxiety and it's always been that way. The book was not so spicy but the romance and plot made up for it. It was so romantic to me, with enough angst and I loved it so much.
Read
June 1, 2026I don’t really have a rating of this book because the writing to me wasn’t super great, but I was in a bit of a slump where I couldn’t get into any of the books I wanted to read and this one was very quick and easy to get through. I’m a sucker for books where the MMC is pretty reasonably obsessed and not entirely a jerk to our FMC from the beginning.
Definitely check trigger warnings, the FMCs clinical depression is a HUGE part of this relatively short read.
Definitely check trigger warnings, the FMCs clinical depression is a HUGE part of this relatively short read.
June 2, 2026
You will fall in love with Ares and Zara, hoping that everything with work out for them and if they have a future together. There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! I know I was - just love these two! A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
May 11, 2026
Oh Ares
I knew Ares was going to steal my heart like his parents story did and to do that with Sara McKinney was icing on the cake.
If you have mental health tw please review the authors list.
5 stars is never enough for Kylie Kent stories but when they have you just as emotionally invested as the characters it makes them even higher on the rating
I knew Ares was going to steal my heart like his parents story did and to do that with Sara McKinney was icing on the cake.
If you have mental health tw please review the authors list.
5 stars is never enough for Kylie Kent stories but when they have you just as emotionally invested as the characters it makes them even higher on the rating
May 11, 2026
Was shocked when it suddenly said Epilogue! Could not put this down, started last night, finished this morning. I love Ares, he is just the right amount of bad boy good guy! Only downside was very little 🌶️ I’ve been a little disappointed with the last few releases and this is just Kylie Kent back to her absolute best!
May 11, 2026
mental health
Please read the triggers as m mental health and depression are highly used within the storyline. I love how he was doing everything to support her and just be there for her. The story was very accurate on mental health and how depression can just take over your life absolutely amazing and I literally I can’t wait to see what’s gonna come next with them series.
Please read the triggers as m mental health and depression are highly used within the storyline. I love how he was doing everything to support her and just be there for her. The story was very accurate on mental health and how depression can just take over your life absolutely amazing and I literally I can’t wait to see what’s gonna come next with them series.
May 12, 2026
Next generation is really good
I love seeing the next generation connect to other parts of the world that Kylie Kent created. This is a look behind the curtain for clinical depression and a serious subject for many. It is well written with care and understanding that could help give insight to many without being judgemental or clinical.
I love seeing the next generation connect to other parts of the world that Kylie Kent created. This is a look behind the curtain for clinical depression and a serious subject for many. It is well written with care and understanding that could help give insight to many without being judgemental or clinical.
May 14, 2026
Poignant
Was a good attempt to convey the ravages of mental ill health but I felt there were certain flaws. For a start, Ares realised she needed professional help, especially after her first almost suicide attempt but took a long time to get her to go to the doctor.
Seems a lot for a couple of teenagers to go through but was beautifully told.
Was a good attempt to convey the ravages of mental ill health but I felt there were certain flaws. For a start, Ares realised she needed professional help, especially after her first almost suicide attempt but took a long time to get her to go to the doctor.
Seems a lot for a couple of teenagers to go through but was beautifully told.
May 15, 2026
Wow 😯
I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to handle this book due to the theme of clinical depression but I’m glad I took the plunge. Kylie did an outstanding job with how everything was presented and I can’t lie, I cried my eyes out on parts. Thank you for handling this the way you have.
I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to handle this book due to the theme of clinical depression but I’m glad I took the plunge. Kylie did an outstanding job with how everything was presented and I can’t lie, I cried my eyes out on parts. Thank you for handling this the way you have.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews