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A review by book_lover_irl
King by S.J. Tilly
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
If you thought book one of The Alliance series, with Nero, was a wild ride with an alpha-h0le, touch her and ☠️, stalker vibe… then hold on tight and hop on the crazy train for book two with King. It is absolutely fan-eff!ng-tabulous. Truly a lovely, unhinged story with my newest favorite a$$h0le, cinnabon, morally gray, sweetly scary man, King!
King, The Alliance #2, is a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance with smoking h0t chemistry between the two MCs. It includes one of my most favorite tropes ever -- he falls first and he falls H A R D. The way King and Savannah's relationship unfolded was beautiful and convoluted (as one would imagine if one character kidnaps the other character.)
Somehow S.J. Tilly has managed to make King both more lovably saccharine and terrifying than Nero. I fell in love with King’s desire to make Savannah happy at all costs, as well as the way he owned her s3xually, playing her b0dy like a finely tuned instrument, but always with her c0nsent. (C0nsent is paramount for me -- and h0t!) I adored King's insane possessiveness (only in a book boyfriend. IRL it'd be a hard pass.) His stunt with Savannah's exes... Priceless. Who even thinks this way? Love it.
Savannah is a great FMC who stands her ground and does not take her lumps lying down. Sometimes she’s prone to insecurities but the more she’s around King the more confidence she gains.
I love that S.J. Tilly's FMC are curvy and full figured. I appreciate that they are described with thick thighs and butts that jiggle. As a plus size woman, it is so refreshing to read about characters who aren't all flat stomachs and skinny minis. Representation matters in all of its different forms.
The plot was solid. The tone and angst level varied to keep the listener engaged. It had medium pacing. The sp!ce was fabulous. There was just enough sm*t to keep me happy and mix well within the plot, without turning into an audiobook p0rn0. Have I mentioned the chemistry between King and Savannah yet?!
The narrators, Jack Calihan and Chloe Ryan, were the same for both Nero's and King's books. I enjoyed the way they played each character. They brought emotionality and depth to their performances, enhancing the reading / listening experience.
I highly recommend this book.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Duet
HEA: Yes - 2 epilogues is a bonus
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: He falls first, Mafia / Organized Crime
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: Book.Lover.IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
King, The Alliance #2, is a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance with smoking h0t chemistry between the two MCs. It includes one of my most favorite tropes ever -- he falls first and he falls H A R D. The way King and Savannah's relationship unfolded was beautiful and convoluted (as one would imagine if one character kidnaps the other character.)
Somehow S.J. Tilly has managed to make King both more lovably saccharine and terrifying than Nero. I fell in love with King’s desire to make Savannah happy at all costs, as well as the way he owned her s3xually, playing her b0dy like a finely tuned instrument, but always with her c0nsent. (C0nsent is paramount for me -- and h0t!) I adored King's insane possessiveness (only in a book boyfriend. IRL it'd be a hard pass.) His stunt with Savannah's exes... Priceless. Who even thinks this way? Love it.
Savannah is a great FMC who stands her ground and does not take her lumps lying down. Sometimes she’s prone to insecurities but the more she’s around King the more confidence she gains.
I love that S.J. Tilly's FMC are curvy and full figured. I appreciate that they are described with thick thighs and butts that jiggle. As a plus size woman, it is so refreshing to read about characters who aren't all flat stomachs and skinny minis. Representation matters in all of its different forms.
The plot was solid. The tone and angst level varied to keep the listener engaged. It had medium pacing. The sp!ce was fabulous. There was just enough sm*t to keep me happy and mix well within the plot, without turning into an audiobook p0rn0. Have I mentioned the chemistry between King and Savannah yet?!
The narrators, Jack Calihan and Chloe Ryan, were the same for both Nero's and King's books. I enjoyed the way they played each character. They brought emotionality and depth to their performances, enhancing the reading / listening experience.
I highly recommend this book.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Duet
HEA: Yes - 2 epilogues is a bonus
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: He falls first, Mafia / Organized Crime
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: Book.Lover.IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?