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Is it possible to meet the right person at the wrong time?


I had my friends. I had football. I had a future I was set on, until her.
Eleanor Kingston was the girl. The one I’d choose if I could, but all I had to give was
one night. My life had been decided for me, my future predetermined. There’s no room left for football or love.
If you get only one life, how hard would you fight to live it on your own terms?


I had my family. My career was set. I was back to begin the life I was meant to lead when I met him. We promised each other no tomorrow, no names, only one night. But fate had other plans. Sebastian Beneventi may think he’s protecting me, but I’m no damsel in distress.

No more running, it’s time to fight for what I want for a change.

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2021

607 people are currently reading
1864 people want to read

About the author

Bella Matthews

35 books3,836 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
Profile Image for Anne OK.
4,118 reviews555 followers
September 19, 2022


A satisfying end to this series with an alluring transition into the Restless Kings series.

With a little mix of both bad (Mafia) and good (romance) made for a nice blend of emotions, feelings and suspense. I really enjoyed getting to know Bash and Lenny. Both were likable and solid individuals and as a couple “under pressure” even better.

Tied up nicely with a sweet Epilogue and a bright happily-ever-after.

Profile Image for ✨ Lucy ✨.
328 reviews91 followers
September 18, 2021
“I love you,Len.It’s the easiest and hardest thing I’ve ever done”



The right person at the wrong time.

Sebastian Beneventi, had all his future planned out, or better his family had his future all planned out. All he had to do was follow it.

But what if when it’s almost time to give it all up , he met the one?

One look, one night together and everything changed.

Eleanor Kingston , she had everything figured out. She finally came home, she started her career for the family business , she was just getting started with her new life. But then Sebastian happened.

The chemistry between them was like fireworks . All the feelings and the emotions were all around the place. It was a real rollercoaster of emotions and some very difficult times.

I literally couldn’t put it down for a second.

“When he’s finally standing in front of me, all thought, all common sense, all ability to speak leave me, and I’m left staring at the love of my life, a man I’m simultaneously furious with and desperately want to comfort.”



I loved also the relationship between Sebastian and his friends/roommates and the one between Eleonor and his brothers .

Their journey wasn’t easy, but I loved how Eleanor fight so much for what she wanted, no matter how difficult or painful it was.

I really liked this one. It was the first time I read something about this author and I don’t think It will be the last.

I gave it 5 stars
my Blog

I hope you’ll enjoy it like I did!

*ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*
Profile Image for Black Ink Riot.
198 reviews50 followers
September 9, 2022
I’m only 22 pages in and there are already 27 characters introduced (I seriously stopped to count them because it was INSANE!). Just like in her other book I read, it’s TOO MUCH!! Not every character in all your past books needs to be mentioned in your new book. Or at least space it out so it's not just a laundry list of confusion.

I can't read anymore. DNF
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,992 reviews62 followers
September 23, 2021
Ive been looking forward to Sebastian's (Bash) book from the first book id read in this series. Bash was always the one that everyone depended on throughout this series as well as being a genuinely sweet and caring guy. Only in this book you find out about Bash's background and why he doesnt want to involve his friends in any of it. More complications come in the form of Eleanor (Elle, Lenny) after one night together their lives become more intertwined but outside influences are trying to keep them apart. Oh boy these two pull at your heartstrings. I just loved Bash anyway so this book was a great read for me. I cant wait for Sam's book now
Profile Image for Georgia.
592 reviews5 followers
September 28, 2021
Absolutely brilliant
Omg Bash's story was everything I hoped for and more!
The steam, the action, the heartbreak!
I love how my feelings towards Bash's dad had completely changed by the time the prologue scene came about in the actual story.
Bash really came to life in this book. He became more.
I loved the Kingstons so much too! I can't wait to read more about them.
I am so so looking forward to Sam's story.
Also, that epilogue was everything I love about epilogues! I loved the glimpse of everyone else's future too, it was a really wonderful way to end this series and wrap it up in a satisfying way.
Profile Image for Adanna.
927 reviews
September 19, 2021
Oh, Bash! You're a mysterious, insightful, gentle giant and a fierce, loyal protector of your found family. Like others who’ve read the previous books in this series, I've wanted to know more about you. I had to understand why you were willing to accept a life you didn't choose when you deserved so much more.

𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜. 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚘𝚝𝚋𝚊𝚕𝚕. 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚊 𝚏𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚎𝚝 𝚘𝚗, 𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚕 𝚑𝚎𝚛.

𝙴𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚘𝚛 𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚗 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚛𝚕. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝙸’𝚍 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚒𝚏 𝙸 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝. 𝙼𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚍𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚎, 𝚖𝚢 𝚏𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎’𝚜 𝚗𝚘 𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚖 𝚕𝚎𝚏𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚏𝚘𝚘𝚝𝚋𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚛 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎.

Like Bash, Eleanor “Lenny” Kingston isn't in control of her life either. Both have highly complex family obligations (and that's an understatement!). She’s one of the few women that can truly understand Bash’s predicament. Lenny is sports royalty and therefore must take her place as part of her family’s professional football team front office. Lenny is a stats whiz who knows every player in the league and every college prospect by heart. She helps decide the best players for the team to pick, reminiscent of Jennifer Garner’s character in Draft Day (minus the encyclopedia-level knowledge of the salary cap). I could gush about Lenny all day — brilliant, sarcastic sense of humor, “take no prisoners” strong, and able to spar with Murphy. It’s no surprise that it is easy for her to blend in among the strong, independent ladies of the Kings of Kroydon Hills, who are all beautiful inside and out.

Speaking of the Kings of Kroydon Hills and their ladies, who is better than Bash’s found family to help Bash get his girl and find the happiness that he so deserves? With humor, camaraderie, and some loving meddling, they support Bash through this challenging journey that reveals some secrets along the way. They encourage him to live his life for himself and fight for his girl!

Lenny is Bash’s game changer. They start with an unforgettable one-night stand. Although he thinks she won't be his, he gets to know her after fate reunites them—the taste of what could be fuels a determination in both of them to be together. I love the two of them together!

Under Pressure is both a mafia and sports romance story, and it fits in well with the rest of the series. The mafia aspects add to the story without overshadowing it.

Having come to love this unique world that Bella Matthews has created, I had mixed emotions about the end of this series. Few sports romance books have resonated with me as profoundly as the Kings of Kroydon series. Thankfully, Matthews' new series is an exciting expansion of this world that I've grown to love so much. I'm eagerly anticipating Rise of the King with the hints provided in Under Pressure.


I received an early copy of this mafia/sports romance mashup, and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for L Juliana .
4 reviews
March 15, 2022
I've been dying for Sebastian's story from the moment we met him in All in. He's by far the most mysterious out of the whole group. The prologue of Under Pressure has me in tied up in knots, I have so many questions and I'm anxious to see if my theory is right. I have definitely fell in love with the first 3 books and I cannot wait for this one. Good thing, I've pre-ordered my copy.
Profile Image for Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer).
970 reviews83 followers
September 14, 2021
Bash’s book is the story I had been most looking forward to since being introduce to him in Nattie and Brady’s story All In with his dark, mysterious brooding personality. So to finally be able to read it had me all kinds of excited that I skipped other ARCs.

What was only promised to be one night together between Sebastian ‘Bash’ Beneventi and Eleanor ‘Lenny’ Kingston leads to so much more, when they come face to face together again 5 months later. But with work, families and future life decision already sealed, will they be able to overcome it all and move together as one? Or will fate have other plans with them having to say goodbye once and for all?

Throughout The Kings of Kroydon Hills series we were hinted to about Bash, his personality and his life. But with his story here now, we finally get to dive into all things Bash on a deeper and thorough level of which includes his family and their ties to the Mafia world. At the same time, we are finally introduced to Lenny and her family who are powerful and well known too. Whilst still being given peeks into the secondary characters from throughout the series.

So what to say, since there is a lot to be said. One thing's for sure Bella Matthews went above and beyond with Bash and Lenny’s story. Meeting all my expectations plus more.
From the get go we dive in headfirst to an explosive start with a one night stand that turns into so much more without Bash and Lenny truly realising until they reunite later on. Only to turn their world upside when everything else comes into play. All resulting in a narrative that lead you on a wild adventure full of craziness from large families sticking their noses in when not needed. Mystery surrounding the secrets hinted too, causing a build up of suspense which crashes down with the revelation to some shocking and jaw dropping moments. Tension and torture from the pain and heartache that is caused between Lenny and Bash with their budding relationship. Plus so much more with the emotional angsty feelings that flowed throughout the turning of each page. Considering the hurdles and obstacles that they both journey through to reach their ultimate goals when it comes to their everyday lives and future.

I have to say I absolutely enjoyed seeing Bash and Lenny come together with their blossoming relationship. Just knowing and seeing how far they had to come with doing everything in their power to get the HEA they deserved together, it proved how much they were truly made for each other. The way Bash fought tooth and nail to be with Lenny, even when that meant going against his family indicated how much he truly wanted this and just how deeply he felt for Lenny. All of which definitely had me choked up knowing the extent he would go to for her. Safe to say he stole my heart in the process.
The same went for Lenny, even though she was tested time and time again when it came to her love, strength, trust and belief for Bash. I loved that she never gave up either, even when she was hanging by a thread. Her determination always pushed her through in holding on. Making her well worthy of Bash and his love.

Bella Matthews came through in delivering a truly great story worth of Bash with Under Pressure. So much so, that it is at a tipping point of being my first favourite, making tie Nattie and Brady’s story my second favourite.
There is no doubt I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND checking out Under Pressure! Especially if you have already read the previous books in The Kings of Kroydon Hills series!
And given the Easter eggs I found, you will be able to come to some conclusions in finding out what to expect within the next few books.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
303 reviews84 followers
September 22, 2021
Under Pressure by Bella Matthews
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~⁣
Overall:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Steam: ⁣💥💥💥💥4/5
Feels:😭🥺🥰😘🤭😭😭😮😍
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~⁣
🔎𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒🔎⁣
Character age range: 20s
Leads: Sebestian and Eleanor
HEA:✅⁣
Release Date: September 22, 2021
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~⁣
📖 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎 📖 ⁣
Kindle Unlimited: ✅
Audible: yes in the future ⁣
Series: ✅ The Kings of Kroydon Hills
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~⁣
📝REVIEW📝⁣
Bella Matthews has done it again! The Kings of Kroydon Hills has become one of my favorite series and I have reread these books so many times! I have been waiting to see who the lucky lady who stole Bash’s heart would be and was super thrilled to see such a great women steal his heart!
🔹
Under Pressure is centered around Sebestian “Bash” and Eleanor “Lenny”. When they first initially meet during a night out Len knows exactly who Bash is but fails to let him know who she is. When another unexpected met between the two brings her identity to light Bash doesn’t like that she withheld such a big secret.
🔹
Bash’s life is very complicated between being part of “The Family” to having an arranged marriage but he has a great group of people who will stand by his side through everything. When complications arise through Bash’a life you don’t want to miss how hard he fights for what he wants. Eleanor has been running from her family obligations which include the family business of owning and managing a professional football team. When she finally makes her way back to her family not only does she have to mend bridges with her family but has to find her self!
🔹
This book put me through every emotion! I cried a lot throughout this book. I smiled so much especially when seeing how much the others have grown. Bella, thank you for taking us on this journey with you and allowing us to get lost in this amazing world. I can’t wait to see the what the future holds because I know how amazing you are!

Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,420 reviews6 followers
September 18, 2021
Eleanor Kingston is the kind of girl you give a ring to, the one you take home to your parents... but he can't do any of that. His wife was picked for him a long time ago, and his life laid out before him the moment he was old enough to understand. Sure he was able to go to college and play the game he loved... but once he was done he was to report home to his father and assume his duty to the family. Which is the last thing that Sebastian wants to do...

Between the pages of Under Pressure you will meet two people who are truly meant for one another, but are being kept apart for all the wrong reasons. Obligations to family and business are the things keeping them apart, but it's their hearts and strong connection that keep pulling them back together. The love these two had for one another leapt off the pages, as well as, their intense connection. It was impossible to see them with anyone else but one another. Their situation tore at my heart and made me feel for them. I had a hard time seeing how they would work this out. But I held out hope, and eventually found my way right along with them... not without a few heart-wrenching moments though!

This one really did a number on me, it broke my heart, had my emotions all over the place... but with a little patience and a bit of hope I eventually found some reprieve... in the event of a well deserved happily ever after! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,858 reviews87 followers
September 21, 2021
There are no words to describe how full my heart is and how amazing this series is and Bella you truly did save the best for last. Murphy will always and forever be my sweetheart but Bash and Lenny came in like a wrecking ball and had me swooning so damnnnnn hard. Bash has always been our mystery man both him and Lenny have layers upon layers to who they truly are and watching Bash open up and show himself his true self to another person brought tears to my eyes. These two were made for one another in every possible way. The fierce way they love each other bleeds through the pages and into your soul. This story is filled with everything I could have ever hoped for the drama, the action, the spice, heartbreak and most of all love friends and family. We really learn so much about Bash and Lenny. I love the Kingstons and I seriously can’t wait for more from them and our boy Sammy!!! Bella has this amazing way of writing the most fantastic Epilogues and this one was no exception it was freaking EVERYTHING!!! I am sad this series is coming to an end but I’m sure they will be popping in from time to time!!
Profile Image for Terri.
449 reviews13 followers
September 22, 2021
Every girl needs a Bash

Holy mother of all hotness!!

Let’s start off my saying Bella this book is all 🤌🏻🤌🏻”chef kisses”. It is one of my favorite Kings books!

You feel the pain Sebastian feels for not having a choice in his life. For always being the protector. You want to cry for him, love tor him and most of all fight for him.
Oh sweet Lenny Lou, you my dear are a girl after my own heart. She goes out and fight for what her wants. She may not get it on her timeline or even how she wants it but she sure puts up the fight.

You also get a bigger peek into the world of The Kings as well. Let’s say that family is one we are all going to love even more than our guys.

This book is the perfect mix of sports romance and mafia romance. Bella you continue to give us more and more and make us continue to be the greedy little book w#%*es we are.
Also side note I am claiming Coop now!
Profile Image for Megan Mary.
1,124 reviews17 followers
September 22, 2021
" I go limp in his strong arms, sure that he's got me. Content. Protected. Safe. A fool who wants to give her heart away to a man who has already said he can't take it. "

I've been waiting for Sebastian's story, I knew it was gonna break my heart a little but holy angsty goodness ya'll! This book was everything. Lenny was everything that I wanted for Bash and then some, these two and their connection will have you swooning one moment and then shouting at your kindle the next! Throw in meeting the Kingston family ( I am so here for all of their stories ) and Under Pressure was/is an extraordinary read.

Honestly, I feel like we've come full circle with The Kings of Kroydon Hills, Bash's book being the last in this series it was almost bittersweet reading this one (thus the me dragging out this read because I wasn't ready for it to end ) but I am so excited to see where Bella Matthews takes us next within this one of kind book world that she's created!
Profile Image for christyheartsbooks.
1,147 reviews32 followers
September 22, 2021
Bash has always been the strong and steady one. The one who has always had a kind word or a shoulder to lean on or a hand to lift you up. He has watched all of his best friends find their one, their soul mate but he knew that would never be the case for him. His fate was sealed when he was born with the Beneventi name. But the Eleanor came into his life and changed the cards, flipped his life upside down. Suddenly he is questioning everything he wanted in life and if the pressures of being a Beneventi are worth walking away for Eleanor.

I really don't know where to begin. I loved every single second of this book. Bash and Len consumed me completely. I could feel his anguish and wanted to give him a big momma bear hug. Len was the perfect girl for him. She could feel their connection and knew that she shouldn't and couldn't walk away. I loved that she felt that and never waivered. I also loved how she wasn't afraid to voice her thoughts and feelings to Bash. Loved that they both communicated with each other. So perfect and refreshing. The book hangover from this book is real. I have been reading this author from her first book, All In, and her growth and development as an author is astounding. I am so impressed and kind of obsessed with her. I am in love with how each of the Kings of Kroyden books gets better and better. I love this series and I want you to love it too. I cannot wait for what comes next from Bella.
Profile Image for Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm.
1,340 reviews18 followers
September 22, 2021
This is a new to me author and it looks like I have to play catch up since this book is part of a series.

Even though I just discover the series, I was drawn in right away with Bash and Lenny’s story. Something about mixing dark and sports romances worked very well.

Their HEA is nothing new but it still sets them apart than others I’ve read. Due to family obligations, they have their hands tied but somehow can’t stay away from each other.

Love their insane chemistry and all the fascinating secondary characters.

* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for mimi_reads.
206 reviews15 followers
September 4, 2021
Bash and Lenny’s story was just perfect! I absolutely loved every minute of reading this one, from start to finish. I had such a hard time putting this down, I might have read a little bit too much while I was supposed to be working 🙊

Lenny’s relationship with Jules and Scarlet had me laughing out loud and reminded me so much of my own bestie and sisters. And I loved getting to see just how protective Sammy is of Bash, I can’t wait to read his story!
Profile Image for Rachael.
78 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2022
Be still my heart! I knew Bash would be amazing and I was right.

Book 4 of the original Kroydon Hills gang was perfect, we get a real insight to what family business he's been avoiding as well as the brotherly dynamics with Sammy.

Bash' story keeps you guessing and draws you in. I can't wait to see what the Kingstons have in store for us!
Profile Image for nhilynn ☻.
172 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2024
this was mild mafia

i really loved sebastian but didnt really understand how him and lenny loved each other?? it just felt like lust half of the time

but the drama was real with this one so i will keep reading
Profile Image for Daisy Knox.
Author 4 books37 followers
September 20, 2021

All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder

I haven’t read the previous books in this series so I had no idea what I was in for but WOW. I immediately loved Lenny and Bash. She’s smart, funny and her crazy family is so realistic the characters just jumped right off the page. Bash is such a good guy, the one who takes care of everyone and will do anything for his friends but his future isn’t his own so he’s destined to a life he doesn’t want, forced to walk away from the NFL draft and medical school and everything he’s ever wanted. Until now. He’s not willing to walk away from Lenny.

There’s a large supporting cast between her family and his friends but everything just flows. I felt like I knew the characters and this stood just fine on it’s own without any backstory from the previous books. There’s suspense with Bash’s mafia ties and Lenny’s family issues, but despite being excellent subplots, they never overshadow the romance. Lenny and Bash are perfect together and I loved every minute of their story.
Profile Image for The Smutbrarians.
2,239 reviews1,746 followers
September 23, 2021
Feels 2
Steam 2
Storyline 4.5
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Ladyballs

This was a solid storyline I had not read before. Mafia meets sports. Lenny is a funny, strong, independent woman who is about to take her place in the family business. Front office for a football team. Sebastian is a hot, alpha male with a huge heart and a football star. His family business is mafia. He is expected to finish football and take his rightful place. He does not and has never wanted that but due to a small promise his father made his fate is sealed. Until he meets Lenny. Lenny and Bash meet and have a crazy one night stand. A night neither of them will forget anytime soon.

They reconnect a few months later under crazy circumstances. It was so much fun watching these two come back together and the supporting characters...especially her family...are hysterical. There are some pretty funny scenes as well as some steamy ones. There is an underlying story having to do with Sebastian and his mafia ties but I don't want to really give anything away. However, by the end all loose ends are tied up and all is explained. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to seeing more about the other characters in the book!
Profile Image for Lorna.
274 reviews15 followers
August 17, 2025
Another 5 star read that I couldn't put down, this story follows the mafia prince Sebastian and the girl who he finally got his freedom to be with Eleanor (Lenny) This story starts at a bar, with a white lie, an arranged marriage that can only last for the night.

Lenny is busy enjoying her last night out before going to work for her family as part of the Kings, when she meets Sebastian and his friends, she quickly realizes who they are when she sees Declan and part of her job is to know all their football stats. Sebastian asks her for her name and she lies telling him it's Elle. They end up having a hot and steamy night together and both agree that it's only for 1 night.

Sebastian's family is part of the Italian mafia and his father is the Dom, although Seb doesn't want to be involved in the mafia life and his brother does whatever he can to keep Seb out of it, he knows that as part of the freedom to play football and go to college and hope to go to medical school, he has to get married to someone who he doesn't want.

I really liked this story and there was a lot of push-pull between the characters as Sebastian wants to be with Lenny but in order for that to happen his family have to find a way to end his engagement with his arranged fiance.
Profile Image for Reading  In the  Red Room .
3,244 reviews72 followers
September 17, 2021
This series has been such a fun read for me! Besides the first book in the series this was my next favorite! I have Been waiting for Bash’s story for so long and it was so worth the wait. Bash and his family have always been somewhat of a mystery. We know they have Mob connection and we know they are dangerous but we didn’t know the full story. I loved getting all the details in this book. Then being introduced to this new family! And the connection to the series is brilliant. Len has this big somewhat dysfunctional family that own a professional football team. Her and Bash have one amazing night and that’s all he is willing to give her. They have amazing chemistry and a strong pull. Len wants more but can her really offer her more? This was the perfect ending to this series. Out of all the books this one was the most emotional one for me, but wow was the journey worth it. I’m going to miss the text feeds the most! In each book the text feeds are laugh out loud funny. I’m looking forward to the new series and hope that down the line Cooper will still get his book. Most of all I look Forward to reading the next book!
Profile Image for Tori .
440 reviews28 followers
September 18, 2021
Talk about hitting a girl in the feels. Bash's book plays with every emotion known to man and leaves you wrung out in a good way.

Yep you read that right it's time for the Kroydon Hills mysterious one to be front and centre...Bash is everything you hoped for and more...the friend everyone relies on, the genius, the brilliant, quiet, dark haired giant is finally taking his turn...

Bash's leading lady follows Matthews normal type of female lead....strong, independent, beautiful, fiesty and fierce but this time she adds a hard-working take no prisoners quality to the mix.

Of course it wouldn't be a Matthews book without a bit of mayhem and our favourite crew giving their own brand of love, opinions, cameos and support.

Not to mention meeting more of the crazy family who are becoming an even bigger part of this community...

This book made me swear out loud sooo many times but also made me have plenty of happy sighs, laugh out loud moments, tears and of course the random comments spoken out loud (that drive the husband crazy...but it cannot be helped).

My only question is how do you top that... then again Matthews does it every.god.damn.time. Get sucked in and enjoy the last in the series of Kroydon Hills series ... Although thankfully not the last in the world ...
Profile Image for Jennifer.
941 reviews17 followers
September 4, 2021
Oh goodness Bella has scored another amazing extra point with Under Pressure. Bash and Lenny are absolutely the best together and they are worthy of everything that they get in this book. Bash has been a mystery since book 1 in that he is the quiet giant that somehow knows things and what people are thinking with no issues. His book doesn’t disappoint on bringing out the why he is this way. I love how he adores his Nonna and his brother watches out for him all the time. His need for football and his love for his friends who are family to him.

We finally get to spend some time with the King family and see how the inner workings go for them. Lenny was a mystery to me but man she is stunning. The woman knows her stats and you see how she wants to make her family proud after being gone to college. This family is like any other family, even though they own a football team.

Do they have an easy path? Definitely not. When you are part of the King family, nothing is easy. Bash’s family is not at all what you would expect, and you learn why Bash is only ever about casual hookups while those around him are finding love. When these two connect though, oh there are fireworks! Seriously you just need to read the book to understand. Let’s not forget the laughs that are caused by Nattie, Brady, Brina, Murph, Coop and Chloe as well as Declan and Belles. And those twins, I have no words, but I love how those girls love their Bash. Seriously all the heart eyes possible.

The ending… oh my the ending. I laughed at the antics and cried reading the final words. I realize the Kings aren’t going anywhere as I bet, we see glimpses of them in the next series, but I needed to have what Bella gave us. You truly must read to understand.
Profile Image for Sydney B.
475 reviews27 followers
May 19, 2024
4/⭐️
1/🌶️

Bash, I’ve been waiting for you 🥰 first, I have to say that seeing his interactions with Everly and Gracie were so freaking adorable. I love their relationship, and his relationship with Belles. Bash is just that guy. I love him so much, and how much he loves his brother but doesn’t want that life.

I loved seeing more of the Kingston family and finally get the introduction to all of them! Lenny is a force, she knew what she wanted and she wasn’t giving him up. I loved how much Bash cared, and how he tried to do right by her and comfort her.

I was not expecting to be so emotional at times reading this. Especially that epilogue, even though I know there’s more to come. I devoured this series, and it was just everything I wanted 🫶🏼🫶🏼

tropes - sports romance, mafia, one night stand
Profile Image for Emma Lou.
310 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2021
I can never find the words to describe how much I LOVE the Kings of Kroydon Hills, this series honestly had me hooked from book 1, and impatiently waiting for every other book that followed. Bella has created the most amazing world which just sucks me in every damn time! And it's no secret I've been pining to have my hands all over Bash 😈

Eleanor Kingston, comes home to Philly to join the family business, owners of the Philadelphia Kings, and when going for one last night of freedom and bumps into our beloved Sebastian Beneventi at a bar and let's say, they waste no time, I mean fair enough, take one for the team and do it for women everywhere! 😂

Bash, how do you describe this brooding hunk of a man? Top defensive end football player with off the charts stats, Mafia Prince, stubborn, closed off, angry, intimidating but oh my word, so sweet, he is such a beautiful soul! We kinda already knew this from the previous books, because he was always the one who protected everyone and gave the best advice to his chosen family. But seeing everything through his eyes was incredible, seeing how his mind works, seeing his harboured anger and conflicted feelings, and watch as he gets everything he wants and deserves, GAH he was just everything! The saying goes it's always the quiet ones, and let me tell you when Bash finds his voice it could cause earthquakes!

Both Lenny and Bash had their whole lives all mapped out for them, so why when they both whispered "one night" did I not believe a damn word they said?! Ok so some truths were omitted which later came back round to bite them in the ass, the push and pull was off the charts and the whole mafia scenario was on point! I adored the tropes of this book so much, sports romance with a dangerous streak to it 🔥 These two were so inevitable, so perfect for each other!

I low key sulked when we got Dec's book before Bash's, but now it makes PERFECT sense why we did and I was not expecting THAT plot twist at all! The most perfect story which now lines up the next series so amazingly, and I CANNOT wait to get my hands on the next one! 😍 I need more Sammy, STAT!

Bella, you're such a queen and you've literally outdone yourself with Bash's book, it was always going to be harder hitting than the others because its got such a unique story to it and you have absolutely nailed it!!
Profile Image for Michelle W.
287 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2021
I have been waiting for Sebastian’s story since I started All In. I knew his story would be one of intrigue, and a bit of darkness - and that’s exactly what we got.

Sebastian (or Bash, as he’s known to his friends) is the quietest of the Kings of Kroydon. He’s always had an air of mystery to him, and in Under Pressure we find out exactly how much mystery there is. His father is the head of the Philadelphia Mafia, and with that comes expectations for Sebastian and how his life is to be lived - sometimes without his own freedom.

Eleanor (or Lenny to her friends) is the perfect light to Sebastians darkness, with a smattering of spunk too! She is part of the Kingston family - the owners of the Philadelphia Kings team. She’s the numbers girl, everything makes sense when she looks at it from a numbers point of view - but that can’t help her when it comes to Sebastian.

Bash and Lenny struggle to find their independence amidst the chaos that their lives and jobs bring throughout the story. Can they overcome the insurmountable odds and be together? Is a HEA written in the cards for them, or will it be heartbreak? You’ll have to read to find out!

If you’ve not read the Kings of Kroydon before, start with All In - you won’t be disappointed! Bella Matthews takes us on a journey of self discovery, loving at all cost, and showing that family isn’t always the one you’re born into. Well done Bella on another fantastic book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for All I Read.
100 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2021
OMG!!

I've been so looking forward to Sebastian’s story since I read All In and the wait was so worth it!

This is simply amazing! Like a perfect dish with lots of yummy intrigue and mysterious vibes and mouth watering hints of darkness. Delicious!

Sebastian, or Bash, as his friends call him, is the most silent and mysterious of the Kings of Kroydon, so much so, that he is the one character who's the most magnetic!
He’s always had an air of mystery about him, and Under Pressure gives us our desired dose of it all right. He is one thrilling character and of course, his leading lady is no less!

Eleanor or Lenny to her friends, is the light to Sebastian's darkness, the yin to his yang. The girl's no pushover and comes with a side dish of spunk that spices things up!

The two of them together are explosive. Perfect!

The plot enthralls and captivates, the characters leave an impact, with the side ones being no less!

All in all, this was an amazing read! Well done, Bella Matthews!

Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.2k reviews257 followers
September 22, 2021
This is the 4th book in this awesome series and is Lenny and Bash’s journey. Lenny has a complex family and has obligations which has her taking her place as part of the family’s professional football front office team. Bash is loyal and protective, and he will do anything for his friends, but fate has destined his to walk away from NFL, and he has had his future mapped out for him. Problem being Bash does not know if he can walk away from Lenny. This is a well written emotional roller coaster story which has engaging and realistic characters, humor, witty banter, family, friendships, suspense, and tangible love, which all leads to an entertaining and riveting page turner. I look forward to reading more form this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
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