Title: The King
Author: Skye Warren
First published June 27, 2017
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.02
Overview
The game is rigged… My life has always been a gamble, but when my father puts me up as collateral in a high-stakes game of chance, I realize just how much I stand to lose.
The table is set, the players are ruthless, and the danger is real. But it’s the King who holds all the cards.
He’s ruthless, powerful, and he wants me as his prize. I’m no match for him, a trailer park girl in a world of wealth and privilege.
But as the game heats up, so does the tension between us. His touch is electric, his words are deadly, and I’m not sure if I want to win…or lose it all.
In this twisted game of love and danger, only one thing is certain: someone is going to get hurt.
Editoral Review
The King by Skye Warren is a captivating novel that explores power, trust, and romance within the mafia world. Published on June 27, 2017, Skye Warren presents a real and raw story with deep emotions, woven with threads of suspense and a hint of danger.
The author has a natural flair for writing, and the novel is compelling in its word choice and wide-ranging themes.
The book is set in the streets of New Orleans, where Damon Scott is known as the King, the powerful and violent head of the New Orleans mafia.
Lively and independent Lily OSullivan has lived on the fringes of the mafia for most of her life. When Damon encounters Lily in a high-end BDSM club, he introduces her to his world, and the two embark on an intense relationship.
As Lily becomes more involved in Damon’s life, she discovers secrets and deceptions that put them both in danger. The characters of Damon and Lily are the epitome of the concept of opposites attract, which is a common feature in the romance genre.
Damon is domineering and violent, while Lily is fierce, independent, and subtle in her ways. The contrast between the two creates electric chemistry that is both dangerous and sexy.
Skye Warren likens Damon’s heat to a fire, and Lily is the ocean that tries to extinguish his flames. The author does a fabulous job of not being afraid to reveal the raw desires of the characters without descending into crass or vulgar portrayals.
The characters are dynamic and ever-evolving, which makes them incredibly relatable. In her exploration of love, violence, and power struggles in the mafia world, Skye Warren employs strong narrative choices while avoiding stereotypes.
The author’s writing is distinct, powerful, and emotive, and her poetic description elevates the books quality. This makes the book less about the mafia and more about the themes it explores.
The pacing of the book is steady, with a tight plot structure that keeps the reader engaged. However, there are instances where the book slows down needlessly, distracting or frustrating the reader.
The transitioning, for example, could have been smoother and the conclusion tighter. The King is a standalone novel by Skye Warren, but it is intensely satisfying and a credit to the author’s prowess.
Skye Warrens storytelling is vivid and compelling, with rich, well-rounded characters that grab the reader’s attention from the first page. The novel covers extensive emotional breadth, ranging from raw pain and vulnerability to intense carnal attraction, creating a cohesive and immersive story.
Ultimately, I would heartily recommend The King to anyone who enjoys gritty romance novels with a twist of suspense. The novel is not for the faint-hearted, as it confronts dark themes and adult content that may be triggering.
Those seeking a worthwhile read will appreciate the compelling storyline and skilled writing of Skye Warren, making it an excellent addition to the romance genre. On a scale of one to ten, I would give the book an 8.5, with the flaw being its somewhat uneven pacing in some places.
