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House of Kings #1

King's Passion

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The sexy King brothers own a successful bachelor-party-planning business and a string of upscale clubs across the country. What could be better than living the single life in some of the world's most glamorous cities?

Finding a woman worth giving it up for…

Eamon King organizes the wildest bachelor parties in Las Vegas. So wild that his latest client ends up marrying one of the strippers. Now the jilted bride-to-be, Victoria Gregory, is suing his company for millions. The problem is Eamon has never been so turned on by anyone as he is by the beautiful, voluptuous and very angry Victoria. He's sure that all he has to do to charm his way out of the lawsuit is to charm his way into her bed. Win-win, right? Wrong. Because every white-hot moment they're together makes him realize he's found the only woman who can make him lose his heart….

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 24, 2011

24 people are currently reading
539 people want to read

About the author

Adrianne Byrd

60 books279 followers
National Best-selling author Adrianne Byrd has always preferred to live within the realms of her imagination where all the men are gorgeous and the women are worth whatever trouble they manage to get into. As an army brat, she traveled throughout Europe and learned to appreciate and value different cultures. Now she calls Georgia home.

Looking back, Adrianne believes her passion for writing began at the ripe old age of thirteen. It was also the age when she was introduced to romance novels by a most unlikely source: her fifteen-year old brother. The book was probably given to keep her out her brother’s hair, but it was a gift that changed her life.

In books, Adrianne found a way out of her awkward teenage years and into a world of fictional friends that would stay with her for a lifetime. It wasn’t long before her imagination took flight and she was writing her own love stories. Within a year, she completed her first book, which she vowed would never see the light of day.

Writing remained a hobby until 1994 when a co-worker approached her with an article on Romance Writers of America. Who knew there was an organization of women just like her? By 1996 she sold her first novel, Defenseless, to Kensington Publishing.

Her first release received rave reviews by Romantic Times and fans. Her other novels were consistently selected as the Magazine’s Top Pick. In 2001 Slam Jam nominated, Say You Love Me, for best romance. Her 2003 release Comfort of a Man won Romantic Times Best Multicultural Romance, Romance in Color’s Readers Choice Awards for Favorite Book, Favorite Hero, and Favorite Heroine; Shades of Romance’s Best/Arabesque Romance Book; Slam Jams Emma Award for Favorite Traditional Romance; Romance in Color’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for Author of the Year, Book of the Year and Best BET/Arabesque Book. And lastly Comfort of a Man was a 2003 Georgia Romance Writers Maggie finalist for best Contemporary. In 2004 she released her first romantic suspense novel, If You Dare, with HarperCollins. In 2006 her novel Measure of a Man was nominated for Best Multicultural Romance while her Harper Torch novel Deadly Double was nominated for an Emma. In 2007 she won an eharlequin.com Joey Award.

In 2006 Adrianne along with fellow writer Niobia Bryant penned her first Urban Novel, DESPERATE HOODWIVES, writing as De'nesha Diamond. The book is set for release February 2008 from Simon and Schuster. For more information, visit http://www.deneshadiamond.com.

Ms. Byrd has been featured in many national publications, including Today’s Black Woman, Upscale, and Heart and Soul. She has also won local awards for screenwriting. For the future, she looks forward to continue creating characters that make people smile, laugh, and fall in love.

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5 stars
466 (63%)
4 stars
173 (23%)
3 stars
67 (9%)
2 stars
22 (2%)
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7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Delaney Diamond.
Author 103 books9,768 followers
July 5, 2012
Miss Byrd knocked it out of the park again with this one! I fell in love with Eamon, and I liked Victoria. Not only was the billionaire heiress jilted in Vegas when her fiance runs off with the stripper at his bachelor party, but she's tall (Amazon tall) and has a bad temper. Despite her bad attitude, I sympathized with her because you learn that the reason she behaves the way she does is to protect herself from being hurt anymore. Because she's so wealthy, she doesn't know who her real friends are, and she's had her feelings crushed more than once in her life.

These two were smoking from the beginning, but the times when they dated or just spent time together were really sweet. There was more humor, just like in King's Promise (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11...). I enjoyed the scenes with her parents, and when Eamon proposed at the end, it was soooo cute.

I have to say, these King men are a delicious triple threat: rich, sexy, and funny.

Another excellent story!
Profile Image for Shanae.
681 reviews18 followers
May 18, 2013
Nothing really stands out about King's Passion, but it's intriguing enough that I made it through the whole book in 3 days while writing an English essay, so that says something. It's the typical romance novel, though. I wish we got to know a little more about Marcus and Kent. It's a storyline that Byrd doesn't expound upon. Anyway, if you're looking for a pseudo thrilling, romance novel with hot sex scenes, then King's Passion is definitely for you.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,010 reviews153 followers
March 14, 2012
You talking about hot, sticky, wet. Damn, I must admit today this book hit the spot for me. I could not have asked for a better lift to my day.

The sassy fire of Victoria was what set me up real good. She was girl after my own heart. There was something about all that sass and being rich that let me know it was gonna take a very special man to break her down (even if it was only in the bedroom). I Eamon was the prescription that was very much needed. He let that fire be lite on day one. The kiss in his office sent the alarm bells going off. But will a potential omission/bombshell destroy what the both worked hard to attain?

If this was any indication of what I can expect in the two books following this one, then I will be all over it before the week is out.
Profile Image for LORNA MOONE.
35 reviews
January 26, 2017
very good book

very good book! I can't wait to read more. Excuse me while I start another great book written by you!
373 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2017
Loved

This book was great can't wait to read the second book in the three book installment. Yes I would recommend
14 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2017
This was the first book I read in the series and I was immediately hook.
7 reviews
January 13, 2018
Omg! Love this book.

Great love story filled with so much emotion. Romantic, steamy, entertaining. My first book by this author and look forward to reading more of her work.
205 reviews
October 7, 2019
Wonderful Read

This novel had me at the first chapter! What I love the best is their was laughter and me laughing right out,because you should have it in all relationships!
30 reviews
December 17, 2019
Fantastic

I immensely enjoyed this book! So romantic, funny and entertaining. I could not put it down. Can’t wait to see who will be next.
Profile Image for Beverly.
1,667 reviews406 followers
June 23, 2011
Here is my review from romanceincolor.com

Heiress Victoria Gregory is all about control in her life, even down to a spreadsheet to determine who she should marry. But, on her wedding day Victoria learns that her spreadsheet-determined fiancé has left her at the altar, and married someone else. All Victoria can think about is revenge for the ridicule and humiliation she is suffering.

Sexy Eamon King is caught by surprise when Victoria storms into his Las Vegas club, looking for the owner, to serve papers suing the club and its owners fifty million dollars for her pain and suffering. While, Eamon will admit the bachelor party was a little over-the-top, as there are parts even he does not remember from the wild night, he does not believe that his club is responsible for Victoria’s ex-fiancé marrying one of the hired dancers. Hoping to calm Victoria down, and eventually get her to drop the case, Eamon suggests they discuss the matter in private.

Once in the office, they cannot keep their hands off each other until there is a knock on the door, and they are caught in an uncompromising position, leaving both Victoria and Eamon puzzled by their initial reaction to each other, as this is so out-of-character for both of them. Will business prevail over passion and “what was done in Vegas stay in Vegas”, or will the pull of passion between them be too strong to be denied?

There are several elements I have come to expect from Adrianne Byrd books; strong characters, great use of humor, titillating love scenes, and an inventive way of approaching the story. Gifted storyteller, Adrianne Byrd, has once again exceeded my expectations and has delivered an exceptional book. I enjoyed the journey of Victoria and Eamon falling in love, as the author successfully moves the storyline from lust, to accepting themselves for who they are, to embracing their love for each other.

The road is not always smooth, as conflict abounds, but oodles of humor, along with introspection help smooth out the bumps. The main and secondary characters come to life in a colorful manner that making them unforgettable. Some of the characters are new, and I look forward to seeing more of them. Some like Quentin are old fan favorites, and, once again, he takes the stage as the beginning narrator as we learn about his continuing saga. The pacing is brisk, and the transition between scenes is seamless.

Both Victoria and Eamon have strong personalities, but were mature and flexible enough to allow their relationship to blossom. In her past relationships, Victoria has never put much emphasis on passion and making love until Eamon ignites her passion with his love-making skills, leaving both Victoria and the reader speechless. While Eamon is attentive to Victoria, both inside and outside the bedroom, there is one piece of information he fails to share that almost sabotages their relationship.

Most of the story takes place in Las Vegas, with side visits to New York, showing both the fast-paced and the more relaxed sides of the cities, which blends well with the business and personal personalities of the main characters.

KING’S PASSION expertly blends an amusing plot, entertaining dialogue, compelling characters, and scorching hot loves scenes for a first rate read. KING’S PASSION is the first book in the House of Kings series, and I could not ask for a better start to my summer reading.
Profile Image for Tamela.
Author 1 book9 followers
August 25, 2011
'So when you look at my face…...You gotta know that I'm made of everything love and pain…These are the pieces of me…’

Socialite Victoria Gregory finds herself left at the altar on her wedding day because her fiancé attended his bachelor party at a Gentlemen’s Club in Las Vegas. A humiliated, furious, and scorned Victoria treks to the illicit establishment and confronts Eamon King, part owner and the eldest of the elusive yet sexy King brothers. Their initial interaction is fiercely electric when the attacker becomes prey to a chemistry that could cause major damage to the Richter scale as well as Victoria’s sanity.

Can this billionaire heiress maintain her collective controlled life…or has she stumbled upon someone that knocks her off her square with the promise of something that she’s never dreamed to have in her life? Eamon has found satisfaction in his success in life and revels in his life as a bachelor…answering to no one…can this extraordinary beauty’s fire scorch a path straight to his heart? Explosive scenes, intense encounters, humorous depictions are all ensconced within the pages of this fantabolous tale of love, truth, and dare. Refreshing, exhilarating, comedic, intriguing, and satisfaction guaranteed runs rampant within King’s Passion! Great job Ms. Byrd! Loving, loving, loving this series!!!


Merged review:

So when you look at my face......You gotta know that I'm made of everything love and pain...These are the pieces of me...



Socialite Victoria Gregory finds herself left at the altar on her wedding day because her fiancé attended his bachelor party at a Gentlemen's Club in Las Vegas. A humiliated, furious, and scorned Victoria treks to the illicit establishment and confronts Eamon King, part owner and the eldest of the elusive yet sexy King brothers. Their initial interaction is fiercely electric when the attacker becomes prey to a chemistry that could cause major damage to the Richter scale as well as Victoria's sanity.

Can this billionaire heiress maintain her collectively controlled life...or has she stumbled upon someone that knocks her off her square with the promise of something that she's never dreamed to have in her life? Eamon has found satisfaction in his success in life and revels in his status as a bachelor...answering to no one...can this extraordinary beauty's fire scorch a path straight to his heart? Explosive scenes, intense encounters, humorous depictions are all ensconced within the pages of this fantabolous tale of love, truth, and dare. Refreshing, exhilarating, comedic, intriguing, and satisfaction guaranteed runs rampant within King's Passion! Great job Ms. Byrd! Loving, loving, loving this series!!!
Profile Image for Lady Raven RAVE!.
1,824 reviews1,501 followers
June 25, 2011
What an awesome read. They did THANGS here, there and everywhere, this is what a fantasy read is all about. Eoman and Victoria, what a turn on to see both characters interacting with each other. The moment both Eamon and Victoria connects sparks were flying. Their whole relationship from start to end kept me engaged in the story and the sex between these two OMG.

Victoria's fiancé went to a bachelor party where me met a stripper, he then marries the stripper and calls Victoria to say he has married someone else. Heart broken and hurt Victoria went to personally see the owner of the club to serve him with a law suite. Lets just say that first meeting alone, what a turn on.

Quentin, wow this guy is like the annoying cousin at a family function, that will say something that warrants a slap on the back of the head. He is also the cousin that makes sense when you least expect it. AWESOME read you will love it can't wait for brother number 2.



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Profile Image for Amanda Konnik.
43 reviews3 followers
November 24, 2012
Always a big fan of Adrianne Byrd, and King's Passion was a fun read. The one thing I really missed from this story was the lack of Byrd drama. Considering the fact that both Eamon and Victoria came from such elaborate lifestyles, I was kind of missing the emotional connection for either character. What was their life crisis? "Woe is me, I have to much money?" That formula never works, and I'm a little surprised at the messy attempt to try to go there in this novel, something Adrianne usually never does.

There really was nothing keeping these two apart, or together for that matter. Victoria seemed a little spoiled, and really, a back room romp from someone so pretentious, within 10 minutes of meeting each other? I don't know, the story needs a bit more weight then that. Maybe even a "conversation". And her reason for running, just didn't seem enough to carry the story. Quite honestly, I think Victoria's cousin and Eamon's cousin had more story.

Again, good read for what it was, but was kind of left with a "so what was the problem?" in the end. As I write this review, I actually had to take a star away. Sorry Adrianne, I'm still picking up all your new stuff :)
Profile Image for Sharon.
51 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2013
Have you ever felt like you showed up late to a party? That's how I feel when I read this book I stumbled upon Adrianne Byrd books strictly by accident. I pick up a copy of one of her books in the discount section at my library for sell. I started reading the book and I could not put the book down.I read the Unforgettable Series About the Hinton Brothers..I fell in love with them and so naturally I had to read About their cousins the King Brothers... O M G I wish I would have learned of Ms. Byrd's work sooner. She is simply amazing. I have stayed up all night reading her books. I can't put them down. Eamon and Victoria's story was simply outstanding. I wanted to hate Victoria's character but I grew to love her. Reading their love story really touched my heart. GREAT WORK!!!
49 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2014
King's Passion started off with a wedding that didn't happen. A man you would least expect runs off and marries a stripper from his bachelor party. Enter Victoria: the bride waiting at the altar and the Eamon, the owner of the gentlemen's club that hosted the bachelor party...this is where the story really begins. I wasn't sure I would enjoy the story. It was predictable, but still a good read. What I didn't expect was the erotica. Although it was unexpected, it showcased the passion between Eamon and Victoria. If you're looking for something deep, this book is not it. If you're just looking for a light and fun read, this book will fit the bill.
Profile Image for June.
51 reviews
June 16, 2011
I think it's a typical man meets woman, they start to go at it pretty hot and heavy rather quickly, neither really expecting it to go further than just a physical encounter however as always someone catches feelings until the inevitable glitch that leaves the question of whether the two can endure the challenge that could threaten the future of the their relationship...
Some old story just different scenery...
Profile Image for Kim.
740 reviews80 followers
June 16, 2011
Ms. Byrd came back so strong with this book. Eamon & Victoria had it all, hot passion, funny moments, and of course the drama that almost broke them up. They had this steamy sexual chemistry from the very beginning, and it just keep this book fire hot until the very last page. It was kool to see Quentin back as well. I'm hoping he gets his chance down the road to find love again. Can't wait for Xavier's story next month! Keep em coming!
Profile Image for Whit.
3,639 reviews51 followers
October 14, 2014
This book is laugh-out-loud good! Eamon King and his two brothers are proud owners of a gentleman's club. They host top of the line bachelor parties. Unfortunately, Marcus, one of the honorees, jilts his fiancee to marry Delicious, one of the strippers. Well Victoria didn't appreciate being dumped in front of her snooty friends and family. So she decides to sue Eamon King for 50 million dollars. What happens next is hilarious!
Profile Image for Marie.
168 reviews4 followers
June 3, 2012
Wow, King's Passion is an understatement, this book was super hot, had a great hero and heroine and what I loved the most is it wasn't one of the fell deeply in love in a few days/weeks, it gave the reader (at least this one) the sense that these two had something lasting that will endure the test of time.  This is definitely going on my re-read list.

Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,808 followers
Read
March 11, 2017
Miniseries: House of Kings

"Oh My God. I just finished reading King's Promise and all I can say is WOW! This is a story of love and trust. It is funny, sexy and steamy..." From a review posted by an eHarlequin.com member. To read more, go here.
Profile Image for Kyra Gates.
Author 14 books70 followers
June 13, 2012
This is my favorite of the King, you go boy! Loved it. I felt sorry for Q of course and I feel him. I hope in his story he tells Sterling off becuase that's still screwed up how he did him. At least that's how I see it. Sorry I'm still a Q fan but Eamon...loved it.
Profile Image for Gen.
481 reviews
June 24, 2022
I actually enjoyed this novel. It was a pretty quick read and the characters were likable. I'm wondering what it's going to take for Quinton to get his stuff together because he clearly has some issues that he needs to resolve.
Profile Image for WANDA NASH.
77 reviews4 followers
January 21, 2015
Iam look forward to reading the three king brother's series . Adrianne Byrd has not written a book that I have not like so far. So I recommen that if you have not read any of her books that you hurry and get started you what be disappointed. These books are great.
Profile Image for Angelia.
489 reviews64 followers
June 29, 2011
LOVED IT!!!!!Can't wait to start the next....those King men are something else....and my, my, my, what are we gonna do with Q.....Can't wait until he meet his match......
Profile Image for Yvette.
176 reviews
Want to read
July 10, 2011
Been hearing a lot about this one so I thought I would pick it up when I was in Wally World this morning!!! Going to start it today!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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