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Kings of Ruin
The Temptation
Roguish. Arrogant. Playboy.
When I walked into the art gallery, I never expected to come face to face with a naked, blonde, spitfire. I certainly didn’t expect to fall in love, yet that’s exactly what happened.
But she wants nothing to do with me and my charm fails me, so I leave feeling bereft, until I walk into the office Monday morning and met the woman who’s going to help me save my company.
Eden Sager might not want to like me, but with every secret smile and look, I’m wearing down the walls this woman has around her heart and giving her more and more of my own.
Then I find out her biggest secret and I’m thrust into a position where the only outcome is one where I lose the woman who has come to mean everything to me.
But losing isn’t an option, not when my heart fails to beat without her.
Strong. Proud. Beautiful.
Living in my car after my ex-boyfriend stole everything from me is not the way I planned for my life in New York, yet here I am. Determined to get back on my feet and make a place for myself here in New York, I resist the temptation to run home to my family. I have a plan, and nothing will deter me. Not even my handsome boss with his sweet words and sexy body.
He’s everything I don’t want. He’s rich, powerful, and entitled. So why do I find myself seeking him out, catching his eye across the room, smiling at his jokes despite the risk to my already battered heart?
When he finds out my secret, everything changes. Suddenly I allow my body to hunger for him, my heart to crave his every whispered word. I never meant to give my heart away to Ryker Cabot but now that I have, I must trust him to keep it safe, and that’s the one thing I fear the most.
When I discover he’s been keeping secrets of his own, my heart is broken once more, only this time I don’t think I will ever recover.
When I walked into the art gallery, I never expected to come face to face with a naked, blonde, spitfire. I certainly didn’t expect to fall in love, yet that’s exactly what happened.
But she wants nothing to do with me and my charm fails me, so I leave feeling bereft, until I walk into the office Monday morning and met the woman who’s going to help me save my company.
Eden Sager might not want to like me, but with every secret smile and look, I’m wearing down the walls this woman has around her heart and giving her more and more of my own.
Then I find out her biggest secret and I’m thrust into a position where the only outcome is one where I lose the woman who has come to mean everything to me.
But losing isn’t an option, not when my heart fails to beat without her.
Strong. Proud. Beautiful.
Living in my car after my ex-boyfriend stole everything from me is not the way I planned for my life in New York, yet here I am. Determined to get back on my feet and make a place for myself here in New York, I resist the temptation to run home to my family. I have a plan, and nothing will deter me. Not even my handsome boss with his sweet words and sexy body.
He’s everything I don’t want. He’s rich, powerful, and entitled. So why do I find myself seeking him out, catching his eye across the room, smiling at his jokes despite the risk to my already battered heart?
When he finds out my secret, everything changes. Suddenly I allow my body to hunger for him, my heart to crave his every whispered word. I never meant to give my heart away to Ryker Cabot but now that I have, I must trust him to keep it safe, and that’s the one thing I fear the most.
When I discover he’s been keeping secrets of his own, my heart is broken once more, only this time I don’t think I will ever recover.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2023
502 people are currently reading
812 people want to read
About the author
L. Knight
18 books234 followersLia Knight is a romance author of billionaire romance with lots of angst, and heat. Her heroes are super rich, demanding and know exactly what they want, so when they set their sights on the heroines in these books you know the chemistry will explode your kindle. Having written over forty books under a different pen name she wanted to give those rich, bossy heroes fighting for a story a chance have their say and find their HEA. When she isn't writing she is bingeing Yellowstone, The Big Bang Theory and Bridgerton from her home in Hereford in the UK.
Represented by Nikki Groom at SBR Media.
For all publishing rights please contact nikki@sbrmedia.com
Represented by Nikki Groom at SBR Media.
For all publishing rights please contact nikki@sbrmedia.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 14, 2023
Totally loved this book, a very erotic and twisted story of love, betrayal and misplaced trust!
Eden Sager was betrayed and bankrupted by her unscrupulous ex boyfriend. Forced to live out of her car because pride would not allow her to run home to her parents or tell her brother. Hired by Ryker’s company as a data analyst to look into a costly data breach, nobody is aware of her situation. Ryker previously met Eden at an art class Audrey had dragged him to where in desperation Eden was nude modelling as a substitute for usual but absent regular model. Ryker was hit between the eyes at her naked body and tried to ask her out when she came over to view his kindarten version of her image to which she said “no” in a flat out snarky manner. Ryker was totally taken and couldn’t forget her and he was hit between the eyes when she turned up for work as his new data specialist the following week!
As the tangled web unfolds I was so drawn in I had to read the book twice! This whole series is very tastefully written the super sexy style covers the types of romances I didn’t care to read in the past but because of Ms Knight’s beautifully written stories I am now a big fan of her writing style! All Rykers friends and partners, owners of a very elite sex club, CLUB RUIN, from previous books in this series such as Amelia, Audrey, Harrison, Beck, Xavier, Lincoln, Lottie, Norrie play a role in Ryker’s and Eden’s story. Follow Ryker as he tries to deal once again with his lowlife half brother Beau whose attitude of entitlement with their parents and Ryker sets off a chain of events that will keep you hooked right to the past page. Thank you Ms Knight for yet another great story!
Eden Sager was betrayed and bankrupted by her unscrupulous ex boyfriend. Forced to live out of her car because pride would not allow her to run home to her parents or tell her brother. Hired by Ryker’s company as a data analyst to look into a costly data breach, nobody is aware of her situation. Ryker previously met Eden at an art class Audrey had dragged him to where in desperation Eden was nude modelling as a substitute for usual but absent regular model. Ryker was hit between the eyes at her naked body and tried to ask her out when she came over to view his kindarten version of her image to which she said “no” in a flat out snarky manner. Ryker was totally taken and couldn’t forget her and he was hit between the eyes when she turned up for work as his new data specialist the following week!
As the tangled web unfolds I was so drawn in I had to read the book twice! This whole series is very tastefully written the super sexy style covers the types of romances I didn’t care to read in the past but because of Ms Knight’s beautifully written stories I am now a big fan of her writing style! All Rykers friends and partners, owners of a very elite sex club, CLUB RUIN, from previous books in this series such as Amelia, Audrey, Harrison, Beck, Xavier, Lincoln, Lottie, Norrie play a role in Ryker’s and Eden’s story. Follow Ryker as he tries to deal once again with his lowlife half brother Beau whose attitude of entitlement with their parents and Ryker sets off a chain of events that will keep you hooked right to the past page. Thank you Ms Knight for yet another great story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2024
Best in the series. Love Ryker, Love Eden.
September 4, 2023
What a great love story again!
5 friends who all find their soulmates, and you as a reader can read how they find them. Linc who finds his love with Lottie, Henderson who meets Norrie and leaves her pregnant. Beck, the ever-present guy who almost loses his childhood friend but gets her and him!! And now Ryker.
The nerd of the group that already amassed millions at a young age. Being rejected is unknown to him, but Eden says no. Pleasantly surprised when it turns out that she is his new employee. Their mutual attraction is great and fiery. Both feel it, both don't act on it.
Eden is fed up with rich men. The latter has left her penniless, robbed her of her savings and her home. Now she lives out of her car until she has earned enough to rent something herself. When Ryker finds out, he takes her to his house. When Ryker hears her story with the name of her ex, he realizes that he may lose her again ....... when she learns that Beau is his brother.
A heartwarming story in which Ryker is vulnerable every time, but makes the mistake of protecting her too much. When the truth is revealed, Eden is convinced that no man is trustworthy. Even though she has lost her heart to Ryker, her mind tells her they can never be together. Ryker and his friends try to convince her that it is possible!
A great installment in the "King of Ruin" series that can be read independently of the others. But how nice it is when you know previous parts and encounter all the characters.
Glad Ryker met his soul mate too. I've always had a soft spot for him.
A cliffhanger at the end when a headline announces that Audrey is married to none other than Hudson.....
Thanks to the author L. Knight who gave me an ARC. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 friends who all find their soulmates, and you as a reader can read how they find them. Linc who finds his love with Lottie, Henderson who meets Norrie and leaves her pregnant. Beck, the ever-present guy who almost loses his childhood friend but gets her and him!! And now Ryker.
The nerd of the group that already amassed millions at a young age. Being rejected is unknown to him, but Eden says no. Pleasantly surprised when it turns out that she is his new employee. Their mutual attraction is great and fiery. Both feel it, both don't act on it.
Eden is fed up with rich men. The latter has left her penniless, robbed her of her savings and her home. Now she lives out of her car until she has earned enough to rent something herself. When Ryker finds out, he takes her to his house. When Ryker hears her story with the name of her ex, he realizes that he may lose her again ....... when she learns that Beau is his brother.
A heartwarming story in which Ryker is vulnerable every time, but makes the mistake of protecting her too much. When the truth is revealed, Eden is convinced that no man is trustworthy. Even though she has lost her heart to Ryker, her mind tells her they can never be together. Ryker and his friends try to convince her that it is possible!
A great installment in the "King of Ruin" series that can be read independently of the others. But how nice it is when you know previous parts and encounter all the characters.
Glad Ryker met his soul mate too. I've always had a soft spot for him.
A cliffhanger at the end when a headline announces that Audrey is married to none other than Hudson.....
Thanks to the author L. Knight who gave me an ARC. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2023
L. Knight does it again. The Temptation was a binge read. I could not put it down, loved every second of it. You have an office romance but you also have brothers ex girlfriend. I loved being back with the Kings (& queen) of Ruin again, they just pull you into their little friendship circle. I didn't think she could have gotten better with Beck but Ryker is perfection. I also love the little hooks she leaves at the end of each book, making you want to read the next one. I will always run to grab her books.
August 21, 2023
L. Knight doesn't write a bad book or a bad scene. Everything in each of her books has a purpose that will have you going "OMG, I didn't think of that!!"
Ryker and Eden's story is no different. From the moment they meet to the end of the book, neither character does quite what you expect them to. Ryer is all that you want in an alpha male with all the mistakes included. Eden is tough enough while being soft enough for Ryker's needs.
Situations never seem to wanna work out for the couple, but in what romance is the path to a happy ending easy?
Ryker and Eden's story is no different. From the moment they meet to the end of the book, neither character does quite what you expect them to. Ryer is all that you want in an alpha male with all the mistakes included. Eden is tough enough while being soft enough for Ryker's needs.
Situations never seem to wanna work out for the couple, but in what romance is the path to a happy ending easy?
August 20, 2023
Are you ready for more Kings of Ruin?? Ryker meats the girl of his dreams and she turns him down flat. He is instantly in love. What surprises both of them is Eden is his new employee. Ryker is playing for keeps though and he will use all his resources and his friends to help win her heart. What happens though when Tyler keeps a huge secret from her. Has he lost her forever?
August 10, 2023
Another fantastic addition to L Knight’s series, Kings of Ruin. These books truly just keep getting better and better. You’re spellbound from the first sentence and willingly held captive until this addictive rollercoaster ride ends.
I love the ongoing relationships between the group, the way their characters develop and change is awesome to watch.
Ryker is a truly larger than life character. He’s simply perfect. He is, without a doubt, the kind of man we all secretly dream of having in our lives. Kind to those who deserve it, business savvy, generous to a fault, built like a god and img soooo freakin hot!!!
Eden is such a strong and kickass character. She’s been dealt a bad hand but her strength and determination to carry on was awe inspiring to watch.
I can’t say I didn’t want to smack Ryker for screwing up but I also can’t say I wouldn’t have done the same in his place. Sometimes in real life we put things off because the thought of losing someone we care about is just too much to comprehend.
The chemistry between Ryker and Eden was off the charts hot, they could not have been more perfect for each other both in and out of the bedroom.
I was truly spellbound and instantly addicted as I watched each word play out into the most compelling scenes.
Can’t recommend highly enough.
So many stars for this review it’s truly impossible to count.
I love the ongoing relationships between the group, the way their characters develop and change is awesome to watch.
Ryker is a truly larger than life character. He’s simply perfect. He is, without a doubt, the kind of man we all secretly dream of having in our lives. Kind to those who deserve it, business savvy, generous to a fault, built like a god and img soooo freakin hot!!!
Eden is such a strong and kickass character. She’s been dealt a bad hand but her strength and determination to carry on was awe inspiring to watch.
I can’t say I didn’t want to smack Ryker for screwing up but I also can’t say I wouldn’t have done the same in his place. Sometimes in real life we put things off because the thought of losing someone we care about is just too much to comprehend.
The chemistry between Ryker and Eden was off the charts hot, they could not have been more perfect for each other both in and out of the bedroom.
I was truly spellbound and instantly addicted as I watched each word play out into the most compelling scenes.
Can’t recommend highly enough.
So many stars for this review it’s truly impossible to count.
October 17, 2023
A good and entertaining office romance with characters I really loved and the perfect amount of spice.
August 13, 2023
Lordy lordy was this amazing. The club ruin series is second to none. The chemistry between the two characters is off the charts. I very much enjoyed how this author brings back her past characters and weaves them back into the current story. The men of club ruin are alpha males but Ryker is by far the sweetest of all the males in the series. And Eden is a kick arse female who was in the worst place of her life but she came back stronger than ever. I think each one of these guys hold a very special place in my heart
August 13, 2023
I loved this one! Get your tissues and eye drops ready and buckle up because L Knight will have your emotions feeling like you’re on a roller coaster. I loved the sweet, dirty talking, dominate man he became when it came to Eden. And Eden is one strong woman who lost it all but survived and is willing to get love and Ryker a chance. There are some great villains in this one including a sleazy brother and two conniving women. I loved the two Epilogues that give us a little extra and a tease for the next book. This is a fantastic series you don’t want to miss out on.
September 4, 2023
I think that the Temptation is my new favorite book in this series. L Knight did an awesome job with this page turner . It is so steamy that smoke was coming from my Kindle. It is an awesome blend of light suspense, swoon worthy romance, and a dirty talking alpha with a heart of gold. I couldn’t put it down! Ryker doesn’t do relationships. He is a computer geek that owns a company in addition to the club. Eden is a really smart hard working woman who is down on her luck due to a bad relationship. Can she find her dream job and her dream man even though she has sworn off men? Then there is the problem and a lie of omission. Will Eden and Ryker work out their happily ever after? It’s a great wild ride to get there with a free sniffle worthy moments. The next book setup will leave you saying what?!? Don’t miss it.
August 11, 2023
Eden and Ryker:
L. Knight absolutely did it AGAIN in this new addition to the Kings of Ruin series! From the first word, one gets caught up on the roller coaster of emotions; from the horrific betrayal from an ex and employee, to the all consuming love, to unwavering friendship, to deep parental love. I guarantee you will not be able to put this book down. Be prepared for your heart to swell in your chest! Absolute five star, plus!
L. Knight absolutely did it AGAIN in this new addition to the Kings of Ruin series! From the first word, one gets caught up on the roller coaster of emotions; from the horrific betrayal from an ex and employee, to the all consuming love, to unwavering friendship, to deep parental love. I guarantee you will not be able to put this book down. Be prepared for your heart to swell in your chest! Absolute five star, plus!
August 9, 2023
Rykers Story is one to behold. Unexpected, different, eye opening, twists you never see coming. A temptation to read, a story to love, emotions sky high. And hope for a happy ending!
Love it from beginning to end with an epilogue that leaves wishes for more soon!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Love it from beginning to end with an epilogue that leaves wishes for more soon!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 10, 2023
Glad I could read it all in one day. Another great story from L.Knight.
This is Rykers story and one of watching a strong intelligent guy fall for a tiny bombshell.
This is Rykers story and one of watching a strong intelligent guy fall for a tiny bombshell.
September 6, 2023
What’s not to love about this Kings of Ruin series? Our main characters are introduced to the reader in an art class…loved this unusual beginning….especially Ryker’s reaction to painting a live model!! Once he sees Eden, he’s blown away by her beauty but when he asks if he can meet up another time, she turns him down.
We learn that Eden’s ex really took her to the cleaners and she ends up being penniless and living in her car. She’s just managed to get a job at a media company, and when she starts on Monday…who is her boss? You’ve guessed it – Ryker!! Yes you know that they’re going to fall in love BUT what happens, how it happens, and what the result is, is what keeps the reader turning the pages and one minute hating Ryker, then a few other side characters and then rooting for Ryker and Eden to get together.
I just loved this book…steamy, love, misunderstandings, chemistry, gold diggers, jealousy, friendships and family. A brilliant follow on and one I highly recommend.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We learn that Eden’s ex really took her to the cleaners and she ends up being penniless and living in her car. She’s just managed to get a job at a media company, and when she starts on Monday…who is her boss? You’ve guessed it – Ryker!! Yes you know that they’re going to fall in love BUT what happens, how it happens, and what the result is, is what keeps the reader turning the pages and one minute hating Ryker, then a few other side characters and then rooting for Ryker and Eden to get together.
I just loved this book…steamy, love, misunderstandings, chemistry, gold diggers, jealousy, friendships and family. A brilliant follow on and one I highly recommend.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2024
I had higher expectations for this as book 3, the Unexpected, was more entertaining than book 1 (The Auction) and 2 (The Consequence), so I thought we were going upwards. But clearly I was wrong and once again I was let down. This started off being dull, continued being dull before it turned infuriating and ended up being infuriating. I do not mean to be rude, but I honestly felt like the MMC was both illogical, dumb and boring, and the FMC had as much personality as a paperclip. The couple barely had any chemistry, and their relationship and romance were as entertaining and interesting as watching paint dry. The plot was disappointing to say the least, it was again built on secrecy and lies, and a hint of miscommunication. It is repetitive and dull at this point. 3 out of 4 books had the very same built to them. I don’t mean to be overly critical, but I have to write what I think, and I can’t say it was entertaining when it wasn’t.
I was excited for Ryker’s story because he seemed like a fun, straight-up guy in the previous books. Instead we got someone who lied through his teeth and had the personality of a blank paper. What happened to him? Why did he go through a personality transplant compared to the other books? Where was his previous banter and funny remarks? Where was his playfulness? I think I could count on one hand how many times I’ve seen a hint of that personality throughout the whole book. He was absolutely boring compared to who we met in the previous books. He was just incredibly disappointing. I can’t even pinpoint one personality trait, other than that he was a liar, because he was so boring. He was nice I guess, he didn’t try to hurt Eden on purpose, but again, are we praising fictional man for the bare minimum? For not wanting to hurt their partner intentionally? Although he still did it, unintentionally though, but then it kind of was intentional because what did he expect keeping secrets and lying? That the secret won’t come out? How illogical can someone be? What even is this?
As for Eden… I have to repeat myself. She was absolutely dull too, but at least her inner monologues were a bit more entertaining. I can’t even talk about her personality because… did she have one? Other than talking about her attraction to Ryker, her past experiences, I can’t think of any personality traits. She was just bland. And I do feel sorry for what she experienced, but story-wise her thoughts and actions didn’t agree. In her inner monologues she was all about not wanting to or being able to trust a rich man again, but her actions spoke otherwise when she barely hesitated about getting into a “relationship” with Ryker. I mean, there were some inner turmoil going on, but it felt so insignificant compared to her previous inner monologues that her thoughts and actions didn’t seem to align for me. But I might just be picky. Besides, with all lies and broken promises, Ryker didn’t deserve her. She expressed that she needed complete trust and Ryker went ahead and broke it.
As for the romance, I have to repeat myself again. It was boring. They kept talking about how much they wanted each other, but there was literally no personal conversations, only work related ones. There was absolutely no chemistry. It was like two fictional people existing in the same building. Then they slept with each other, so I thought the chemistry would come later, because it happens sometimes, but it didn’t. Then they had a conflict, because when all is dull, a drama is needed to make things interesting, but rather than interesting, it was infuriating. They didn’t know how to communicate, kept secrets from each other, lied to each other and then they had a conflict, as one should, and then they got together. The end. I know it sounds harsh, but both the characters and the romance were dull, so I can’t write about anything that stood out to me because nothing did.
Writing and plot-wise, it was rushed through just like in the previous three books, but this time it also contained some very heavy telling with barely any showing, which then disrupted the flow of the story and became very dull. It did speed up later on as the story turned more showing than telling, but it was because of the spicy scenes not because anything significant happened. Halfway through it, I already knew how it would play out. It was just incredibly predictable.
Lastly, this is getting out of hand. At this point, the author is personally trying to insult anyone who doesn’t want or like kids. I said if before, and I am repeating myself again. I am so f’ing tired and at this point angry of authors for thinking that the only way for people to achieve their happy ending is by having a child. I refrained myself from judging on it in book 1, The Auction, because it was in the bonus epilogue, and I did not know if it was a reoccurring theme. I sort of refrained myself from judging it in book 2, The Consequence, because they already had a child to begin with, so the amount didn’t matter by the end. By book 3, The Unexpected, I was officially p!ssed because, of course, they had to make a baby too. This time though, in the 4th book, they specifically said they wanted to wait but guess what, Eden is 4 months pregnant. I do not stand by this false propaganda in which people can only achieve their happy ending or feel fulfilled if they have children. I especially don’t support that characters specifically mention that they want to wait, and the author decides to give them a baby. Why? When your character says no, what are you trying to achieve by forcing it on them? Both women and men can be fulfilled and complete without children, so why force it on the women to carry a watermelon for 9 months when they specifically wanted to wait? And the fact that 4 out of 4 books showcased the couple with children by the end of the book, even when they wanted to wait, is exactly the sort of statement I do not support.
I have to say, I am very disappointed in this book. I was excited about Ryker’s story, but somewhere between book 3 and book 4 he must have had a personality transplant because the playful man turned illogical and dull. Eden was dull to begin with, but at least it was consistent throughout the whole story. As for the romance, it was also boring, and the lack of chemistry didn’t help that. I also felt that the writing and the plot was rushed and predictable. I wish I could praise something about this book, but even the tiny things I liked were so insignificant, I just can’t say one good word about this book. I guess, at least the MCs didn’t hurt each other on purpose, even though they still hurt each other. That’s not as bad, right? I just didn’t like this one. Anyways, The Temptation by L. Knight got 2/5 stars.
Ratings of the other books in the series:
Mid-Reading Updates!
@inkedbooksloth
I was excited for Ryker’s story because he seemed like a fun, straight-up guy in the previous books. Instead we got someone who lied through his teeth and had the personality of a blank paper. What happened to him? Why did he go through a personality transplant compared to the other books? Where was his previous banter and funny remarks? Where was his playfulness? I think I could count on one hand how many times I’ve seen a hint of that personality throughout the whole book. He was absolutely boring compared to who we met in the previous books. He was just incredibly disappointing. I can’t even pinpoint one personality trait, other than that he was a liar, because he was so boring. He was nice I guess, he didn’t try to hurt Eden on purpose, but again, are we praising fictional man for the bare minimum? For not wanting to hurt their partner intentionally? Although he still did it, unintentionally though, but then it kind of was intentional because what did he expect keeping secrets and lying? That the secret won’t come out? How illogical can someone be? What even is this?
As for Eden… I have to repeat myself. She was absolutely dull too, but at least her inner monologues were a bit more entertaining. I can’t even talk about her personality because… did she have one? Other than talking about her attraction to Ryker, her past experiences, I can’t think of any personality traits. She was just bland. And I do feel sorry for what she experienced, but story-wise her thoughts and actions didn’t agree. In her inner monologues she was all about not wanting to or being able to trust a rich man again, but her actions spoke otherwise when she barely hesitated about getting into a “relationship” with Ryker. I mean, there were some inner turmoil going on, but it felt so insignificant compared to her previous inner monologues that her thoughts and actions didn’t seem to align for me. But I might just be picky. Besides, with all lies and broken promises, Ryker didn’t deserve her. She expressed that she needed complete trust and Ryker went ahead and broke it.
As for the romance, I have to repeat myself again. It was boring. They kept talking about how much they wanted each other, but there was literally no personal conversations, only work related ones. There was absolutely no chemistry. It was like two fictional people existing in the same building. Then they slept with each other, so I thought the chemistry would come later, because it happens sometimes, but it didn’t. Then they had a conflict, because when all is dull, a drama is needed to make things interesting, but rather than interesting, it was infuriating. They didn’t know how to communicate, kept secrets from each other, lied to each other and then they had a conflict, as one should, and then they got together. The end. I know it sounds harsh, but both the characters and the romance were dull, so I can’t write about anything that stood out to me because nothing did.
Writing and plot-wise, it was rushed through just like in the previous three books, but this time it also contained some very heavy telling with barely any showing, which then disrupted the flow of the story and became very dull. It did speed up later on as the story turned more showing than telling, but it was because of the spicy scenes not because anything significant happened. Halfway through it, I already knew how it would play out. It was just incredibly predictable.
Lastly, this is getting out of hand. At this point, the author is personally trying to insult anyone who doesn’t want or like kids. I said if before, and I am repeating myself again. I am so f’ing tired and at this point angry of authors for thinking that the only way for people to achieve their happy ending is by having a child. I refrained myself from judging on it in book 1, The Auction, because it was in the bonus epilogue, and I did not know if it was a reoccurring theme. I sort of refrained myself from judging it in book 2, The Consequence, because they already had a child to begin with, so the amount didn’t matter by the end. By book 3, The Unexpected, I was officially p!ssed because, of course, they had to make a baby too. This time though, in the 4th book, they specifically said they wanted to wait but guess what, Eden is 4 months pregnant. I do not stand by this false propaganda in which people can only achieve their happy ending or feel fulfilled if they have children. I especially don’t support that characters specifically mention that they want to wait, and the author decides to give them a baby. Why? When your character says no, what are you trying to achieve by forcing it on them? Both women and men can be fulfilled and complete without children, so why force it on the women to carry a watermelon for 9 months when they specifically wanted to wait? And the fact that 4 out of 4 books showcased the couple with children by the end of the book, even when they wanted to wait, is exactly the sort of statement I do not support.
I have to say, I am very disappointed in this book. I was excited about Ryker’s story, but somewhere between book 3 and book 4 he must have had a personality transplant because the playful man turned illogical and dull. Eden was dull to begin with, but at least it was consistent throughout the whole story. As for the romance, it was also boring, and the lack of chemistry didn’t help that. I also felt that the writing and the plot was rushed and predictable. I wish I could praise something about this book, but even the tiny things I liked were so insignificant, I just can’t say one good word about this book. I guess, at least the MCs didn’t hurt each other on purpose, even though they still hurt each other. That’s not as bad, right? I just didn’t like this one. Anyways, The Temptation by L. Knight got 2/5 stars.
Ratings of the other books in the series:
The Auction 2/5 stars
The Consequence 2/5 stars
The Unexpected 3/5 stars
The Temptation 2/5 stars
The Enemy 3/5 stars
Mid-Reading Updates!
Page 23
It definitely has loads of telling instead of showing. I hope that changes later on because it feels pretty much like the characters are telling me what is happening rather than me reading about what’s happening.
Page 56
I just don’t see the chemistry. They say they want to f*** each other’s brain out, and they are half in love with the other but like they haven’t had one conversation since chapter 1 that wasn’t about work or had any entertainment to it, like jokes or banter. They are absolutely dull so it’s hard to believe that they are attracted to each other.
Page 145
Another MMC who is a genius but still dumb af. If you have the email that answers all your questions, but you ignore it, then when it blows up in your face, you can only blame yourself. I was excited for Ryker’s story and sure he is kind, but the chemistry and romance are lukewarm, and the characters are dull and illogical. I’m bored as h3ll and this e-mail thing irritates me. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
Page 150
So he reads the email, and he keeps it a secret from Eden even though he promised Eden he would never lie to her, which will then lead to a third act break-up and then Ryker will grovel and Eden will forgive and they will live happily ever after. Did I guess it right? Why do authors feel the need to use the miscommunication/ secrecy trope in such ways? Every single time it’s the very same dull/ irritating formula.
Page 165
Man I am so p!ssed off. Can this book just end? I am sorry but the conflict between the brothers makes me so angry. Ryker is so damn illogical and the whole plot is just unnecessary and irritating. He is so gonna f up his relationship with Eden and he deserves it. Top 5 worse plot points. I don’t want this to end in happy ending. Not a chance.
Page 226
God I’m so tired of this story. Ryke lied even though he promised not to. He deserved Eden’s cold shoulder and anger. But at the same time, Eden ran as fast as she could just as Ryke predicted. Ryke should grovel for his lie but not for what Beau did so Eden’s logic doesn’t make any sense. God, I’m so tired of these characters. Just let it end.
Page 242
Well, this was disappointing. I expected more from Ryker because I liked him in the previous books but my god he was dull and then illogical. Eden just was. Like she just existed. She bored me to d3ath too and then she was illogical too. The whole plot was predictable from like page 20 and I don’t mean to be rude, but the way the secrecy trope was executed held nothing special. It was generic and then frustrating.
@inkedbooksloth
February 25, 2024
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Office Romance
The Kings of Ruin book 4
*over 18 readers only*
Trigger/Content warnings
Nude modeling
Homelessness - living in car
Cancer mentioned
Period sex
Club Ruin/CR (part nightclub, part sex club)
Ryker Cabot (mmc, IT wiz, part owner of CR)
Eden Sager (26, mfc, IT person, nude model)
Beau (half brother of Ryker)
Beck Goldsmith (heart surgeon, bisexual, part owner of CR)
Amelia (with Beck and Xander)
Xander Reynolds (actor, brother of Norrie)
Harrison Brooks (part owner of CR, friend of mmc)
Nora/Norrie (with Harrison, sister of Xander)
Isaac (baby of Harrison and Norrie)
Violet Miller/Lottie (with Linc)
Linc Coldwell (part owner of CR, friend of mmc)
Eric (half brother of Linc and Lottie)
Audrey (part owner of CR, cousin of Linc)
Hudson (lawyer)
Ryker is the last of the male owners of CR to be single. Audrey makes him go to a life painting class where he hits on the model, Eden, but she turns him down. Eden is currently living in her car after her ex screwed her over. When she starts a much needed new job, she finds out Ryker is her new boss. Can they work together after he's already seen her naked? What happens when he finds out she's living in her car? What's even worse, who her ex is? He's finally won her trust, now he's going to lose her because of his brother?
I enjoyed the book. It took me longer to finish because parts of it felt like it dragged a little, but that's probably a "me" problem. There was less in "your face drama" and more "things building behind the scenes." I'm looking forward to Hudson's book. This whole series has been building toward him and Audrey having a huge blowout.
Standalone, interconnected characters
Office Romance
The Kings of Ruin book 4
*over 18 readers only*
Trigger/Content warnings
Nude modeling
Homelessness - living in car
Cancer mentioned
Period sex
Club Ruin/CR (part nightclub, part sex club)
Ryker Cabot (mmc, IT wiz, part owner of CR)
Eden Sager (26, mfc, IT person, nude model)
Beau (half brother of Ryker)
Beck Goldsmith (heart surgeon, bisexual, part owner of CR)
Amelia (with Beck and Xander)
Xander Reynolds (actor, brother of Norrie)
Harrison Brooks (part owner of CR, friend of mmc)
Nora/Norrie (with Harrison, sister of Xander)
Isaac (baby of Harrison and Norrie)
Violet Miller/Lottie (with Linc)
Linc Coldwell (part owner of CR, friend of mmc)
Eric (half brother of Linc and Lottie)
Audrey (part owner of CR, cousin of Linc)
Hudson (lawyer)
Ryker is the last of the male owners of CR to be single. Audrey makes him go to a life painting class where he hits on the model, Eden, but she turns him down. Eden is currently living in her car after her ex screwed her over. When she starts a much needed new job, she finds out Ryker is her new boss. Can they work together after he's already seen her naked? What happens when he finds out she's living in her car? What's even worse, who her ex is? He's finally won her trust, now he's going to lose her because of his brother?
I enjoyed the book. It took me longer to finish because parts of it felt like it dragged a little, but that's probably a "me" problem. There was less in "your face drama" and more "things building behind the scenes." I'm looking forward to Hudson's book. This whole series has been building toward him and Audrey having a huge blowout.
August 9, 2023
Powerful, strong read with greed, jealousy, hate and gold diggers. On the flip side is friendship, loyalty, support and care. Eden has an inner strength that amazed me, broken, broke and homeless she didn't go home to family, instead she stays copes with what little she has a gets another job at which she excelled. I loved the friendships she built. The attraction was immediate but she faught it not wanting anything like a relationship at that point. Ryker, wow! What a boss and friend, he didn't deserve the nasty stuff that came his way. Emotional but inspiring characters that had me in love from the start, the story held my attention, had me going through all the reactions from smiles to tears or anger, which for me is a sign of an amazing book. This couple were so meant to be together and Eden definitely fits in with the others in the group. By the end of this I was a soppy mess with the romance, in a good way of course. A journey of over coming and re-building something bigger and stronger, evolution of growth. Oh and we do get the heat and alpha maleness this series is awesome about giving us. Well written and has a nice steady flow and pace, easy to read and definitely fall in love with. If only we could all find a Ryker 👨💼💖
August 9, 2023
Another great book by L. Knight. This is more of the Kings of Ruin series, and I instantly fell in love with Ryker.
He is kind to all his employees and overall, a wonderful guy.
He loves his friends and ends up going to a painting class with Audrey. Once there, they were told the original person they were to paint is changed. He looks over at Audrey and said, do I really want to paint a guy's junk. Then a beautiful blonde walks in and he is instantly taken with her.
After class he asks her out and she immediately shuts him down. Only to see her walk in the door of his company to help with data issues.
Eden really needs this job as she is living out of her car due to her asshole ex-boyfriend who took her to the cleaners.
Ryker is enchanted with her but wonders what is going on with her, so he follows her after work only to find her living in her car.
He takes her home with him and they end up being roomies (at least for a while).
There are lots of emotions, sizzle and a great plot.
I loved this book and can't wait for the next one. I have been waiting patiently (not) for Audrey to find her HEA.
He is kind to all his employees and overall, a wonderful guy.
He loves his friends and ends up going to a painting class with Audrey. Once there, they were told the original person they were to paint is changed. He looks over at Audrey and said, do I really want to paint a guy's junk. Then a beautiful blonde walks in and he is instantly taken with her.
After class he asks her out and she immediately shuts him down. Only to see her walk in the door of his company to help with data issues.
Eden really needs this job as she is living out of her car due to her asshole ex-boyfriend who took her to the cleaners.
Ryker is enchanted with her but wonders what is going on with her, so he follows her after work only to find her living in her car.
He takes her home with him and they end up being roomies (at least for a while).
There are lots of emotions, sizzle and a great plot.
I loved this book and can't wait for the next one. I have been waiting patiently (not) for Audrey to find her HEA.
August 10, 2023
Holy hotness, these books are getting better with each new one!!
Ryker and Eden are perfect for one another.
Ryker goes to a painting class with Aubrey and can’t believe he will be painting a live person. When the artist came in that is being displayed for them, Ryker lost his mind, she is gorgeous! He was mesmorized the rest of class. Approaching her at the end, Ryker wanted to ask her out, he wanted to see her and spend time with her but she turned him down. No one ever turned him down but her, he really wanted to learn everything about her so he wasn’t giving up just yet!
Eden’s ex did a number on her, leaving her homeless and penniless. She has been sleeping in her car for weeks but now that she has landed this job at a billion dollar media company, hopefully she can get on her feet and at least find a place to sleep at night. Her first day on the job and she hears that voice that she can’t get out of her mind, him…it is Ryker Cabot and her boss!
Ryker and Eden find themselves falling in love but not without her ex popping back into the picture and doing so much damage that they may not survive to the other side.
Ryker and Eden are perfect for one another.
Ryker goes to a painting class with Aubrey and can’t believe he will be painting a live person. When the artist came in that is being displayed for them, Ryker lost his mind, she is gorgeous! He was mesmorized the rest of class. Approaching her at the end, Ryker wanted to ask her out, he wanted to see her and spend time with her but she turned him down. No one ever turned him down but her, he really wanted to learn everything about her so he wasn’t giving up just yet!
Eden’s ex did a number on her, leaving her homeless and penniless. She has been sleeping in her car for weeks but now that she has landed this job at a billion dollar media company, hopefully she can get on her feet and at least find a place to sleep at night. Her first day on the job and she hears that voice that she can’t get out of her mind, him…it is Ryker Cabot and her boss!
Ryker and Eden find themselves falling in love but not without her ex popping back into the picture and doing so much damage that they may not survive to the other side.
January 23, 2024
The Temptation is about an Eden, a girl going through recent hardships, and Ryker, a billionaire, company owning playboy. Ryker has watched the other Kings fall head over heels for their women and never thought that he would find his soulmate. That is until he goes to a life drawing class and sees a nude Eden who also happens to be the new compliance officer for his company. Ryker quickly falls for Eden and learns about what her ex-boyfriend did to her including leaving her homeless. Ryker finds out that his brother is the ex and is responsible for everything Eden went through. He struggles with telling her the truth about her ex-boyfriend’s identity because he is afraid he will lose her. This little secret comes out and boy does it create some drama for the couple.
I LOVED the banter between Ryker and the other guys and their women in this book. It makes me so happy to see everyone being a huge family. I would have liked to see more of the “girl gang” and their interactions with Eden throughout the book, but that would be the only thing I would change. I loved the relationship between Ryker and Eden especially since Ryker never looks down on Eden for her situation. He only want to build her up and encourage her to be strong and empowered.
HOLY COW THE TEASER FOR AUDREY’S BOOK AT THE END!!!!!
I LOVED the banter between Ryker and the other guys and their women in this book. It makes me so happy to see everyone being a huge family. I would have liked to see more of the “girl gang” and their interactions with Eden throughout the book, but that would be the only thing I would change. I loved the relationship between Ryker and Eden especially since Ryker never looks down on Eden for her situation. He only want to build her up and encourage her to be strong and empowered.
HOLY COW THE TEASER FOR AUDREY’S BOOK AT THE END!!!!!
August 21, 2023
Just when I thought the author couldn't do any better, she blows my mind with the next book in this series. From the minute they met, you just knew that there are going to be sparks!!! You could feel the sexual tension on every page. At stages throughout the book, my heart just about broke for Eden's vulnerability and the fact that she didn't run to her family with her troubles but, persevered on her own. The plot of Eden's ex-boyfriend entering the frame was genius. For a lack of a better term, he was evil incarnate. The Devil himself! Then there was Ryker's "take no prisoners" attitude when it came to keeping her save and loving her. I absolutely loved it when Ryker didn't go to his friends for advice but went straight to the wife's & girlfriends! It just showed once again, blood doesn't always make a family, but the people who are there for you through everything in your life. It feels like every book in this series is just a tad better than the previous book. With that said, I cannot wait for Audrey & Hudson's story!!!
September 28, 2023
Excellent
Excellent storyline highly recommended reading loved the characters and storyline witty romantic charming swoon worthy and intriguing to the end.
Meet Ryder Cabot a Brilliant tech guru billionaire businessman who's owns cabot media author course a roguish, arrogant, playboy to his past lovers but to his friends a true king with a big heart and kindness and being a share in the King of Ruin club too with his friends life couldn't be better.
As his best friend Audrey roped him into a art class and goes for the ride realises that in the moment a beautiful woman would change his life for ever.
Meet Eden Sager a independent woman who has recently come out of a bad relationship as the partner had taken everything from her including house and home and only with the heat up car as shelter begins her ordeal until the job of a lifetime opportunity falls into her lap and one in counter in her art class doesn't realise that would be her future boss .Brilliant , sizzling hot and romantic comedy story
Excellent storyline highly recommended reading loved the characters and storyline witty romantic charming swoon worthy and intriguing to the end.
Meet Ryder Cabot a Brilliant tech guru billionaire businessman who's owns cabot media author course a roguish, arrogant, playboy to his past lovers but to his friends a true king with a big heart and kindness and being a share in the King of Ruin club too with his friends life couldn't be better.
As his best friend Audrey roped him into a art class and goes for the ride realises that in the moment a beautiful woman would change his life for ever.
Meet Eden Sager a independent woman who has recently come out of a bad relationship as the partner had taken everything from her including house and home and only with the heat up car as shelter begins her ordeal until the job of a lifetime opportunity falls into her lap and one in counter in her art class doesn't realise that would be her future boss .Brilliant , sizzling hot and romantic comedy story
November 30, 2023
dnf @45%
Rating: 2 stars
I see potential in this book, yet it feels somewhat superficial. While the author introduces compelling ideas and a strong storyline, much of it comes across as a hurry. For instance, Eden's situation of living in her car could have been a powerful opportunity to delve deeper into her emotions—her fears, constant vigilance, and the rawness of her experiences. Rather than merely stating her difficulty sleeping, the book could vividly portray her fear, allowing readers to sense the tension she feels, her body trembling as footsteps draw near in the dead of night.
Furthermore, the romantic aspect of the book seems to rely heavily on instant attraction. The male main character's immediate desire upon seeing Eden quickly escalates to a declaration of love once he learns about her living situation. This transition from lust to love without substantial knowledge of her character makes the attraction seem more rooted in physical desire than genuine emotional connection.
Rating: 2 stars
I see potential in this book, yet it feels somewhat superficial. While the author introduces compelling ideas and a strong storyline, much of it comes across as a hurry. For instance, Eden's situation of living in her car could have been a powerful opportunity to delve deeper into her emotions—her fears, constant vigilance, and the rawness of her experiences. Rather than merely stating her difficulty sleeping, the book could vividly portray her fear, allowing readers to sense the tension she feels, her body trembling as footsteps draw near in the dead of night.
Furthermore, the romantic aspect of the book seems to rely heavily on instant attraction. The male main character's immediate desire upon seeing Eden quickly escalates to a declaration of love once he learns about her living situation. This transition from lust to love without substantial knowledge of her character makes the attraction seem more rooted in physical desire than genuine emotional connection.
June 18, 2024
The Temptation
Oh, my days!!!
Eden went through more in a few months than any one person should have to go through in a lifetime, but she is strong and refuses to give up and pushes herself to recover.
So imagine starting a new job to find out your new boss saw you completely naked at a life drawing class and also asked you out and you knocked him back.....awkward.
But this needs to work out the other option is going back to her parents with her tail between her legs, and that will not happen.
Ryker is so ridiculously intrigued by Eden, but a relationship is 100% not on the cards, but the pull to her is a completely new level of desire.
Ryker finds out Edens' secret, but he has an even bigger secret that could blow everything apart.
I can't tell you how much love this book, the characters, the world the Kings I would scream from the roof tops this series is a must read!!!
I can't wait for the last book. We have been working up to this one from book one, and I know straight away it's going to be explosive.
Oh, my days!!!
Eden went through more in a few months than any one person should have to go through in a lifetime, but she is strong and refuses to give up and pushes herself to recover.
So imagine starting a new job to find out your new boss saw you completely naked at a life drawing class and also asked you out and you knocked him back.....awkward.
But this needs to work out the other option is going back to her parents with her tail between her legs, and that will not happen.
Ryker is so ridiculously intrigued by Eden, but a relationship is 100% not on the cards, but the pull to her is a completely new level of desire.
Ryker finds out Edens' secret, but he has an even bigger secret that could blow everything apart.
I can't tell you how much love this book, the characters, the world the Kings I would scream from the roof tops this series is a must read!!!
I can't wait for the last book. We have been working up to this one from book one, and I know straight away it's going to be explosive.
March 30, 2025
From the moment billionaire entrepreneur Ryker ‘Midas’ Cabot laid eyes on Eden Sager after agreeing to an art session with his friend, Ryker was smitten. He made his play for her and got a shock, she turned him down. That was Friday, he moped all weekend and dreaded Monday when someone was coming in to help him run his company, it was Eden! He was in love and she found out he wasn’t the self-involved jerk she thought he was.
Everyone except his PA loved Eden and Ryker struggled to keep himself in order. But Eden was hiding a terrible secret. She’d fallen for the wrong guy, who was the wrong on multiple levels. He’d drained her emotionally and financially after she caught him cheating and he left her homeless… literally. When Ryker found out, he took care of the homeless issue immediately but had no idea how to make her care for him. Meanwhile, noticing how close Ryker and Eden were getting the PA got up to mischief, making Ryker miserable but that was the rain before the tsunami as Ryker's happy life began to melt.
Rating: 4.5stars
Everyone except his PA loved Eden and Ryker struggled to keep himself in order. But Eden was hiding a terrible secret. She’d fallen for the wrong guy, who was the wrong on multiple levels. He’d drained her emotionally and financially after she caught him cheating and he left her homeless… literally. When Ryker found out, he took care of the homeless issue immediately but had no idea how to make her care for him. Meanwhile, noticing how close Ryker and Eden were getting the PA got up to mischief, making Ryker miserable but that was the rain before the tsunami as Ryker's happy life began to melt.
Rating: 4.5stars
August 9, 2023
I really love this Kings of Ruin series. L. Knight has assembled group of characters who are so richly layered and complex yet so darn likeable. One of the things I really enjoyed is the deep friendship and camaraderie of Ryker, Audrey, Beck, Harrison and Lincoln. They always have each other's backs. Ryker Cabot and Eden Summers are meant to be together but it's going to take a lot of finesse and convincing to get there. She's recently lost everything to a lying manipulative ex. Slow is not something Ryker does well he's a man who goes after what he wants. However he's got information that could rip the woman he loves from his arms.if he doesn't tell he could lose her. If he does tell her he could lose her. Eden's poor choices come back to haunt her yet again. Things get ugly and dangerous before all is said and done. Ryker is done with all of it and goes after his woman. There won't be any taking no for an answer this time.
September 15, 2023
"The Temptation" by L. Knight is a passionate and emotionally charged romance novel. The story revolves around unexpected love between two individuals with contrasting backgrounds and secrets that threaten to tear them apart. The characters, Eden and Ryker, seem to be at odds with their attraction, but their connection deepens as they learn more about each other.
The book explores themes of love, trust, and vulnerability, as both characters confront their pasts and open themselves up to the possibility of a future together. The challenges they face, including personal secrets and external obstacles, add depth to the narrative.
Overall, "The Temptation" is a compelling and emotional love story that keeps readers engaged in the journey of Eden and Ryker. It appears to be a tale of love conquering adversity, and readers who enjoy passionate romance novels with complex characters will love this book and this series .
The book explores themes of love, trust, and vulnerability, as both characters confront their pasts and open themselves up to the possibility of a future together. The challenges they face, including personal secrets and external obstacles, add depth to the narrative.
Overall, "The Temptation" is a compelling and emotional love story that keeps readers engaged in the journey of Eden and Ryker. It appears to be a tale of love conquering adversity, and readers who enjoy passionate romance novels with complex characters will love this book and this series .
September 6, 2023
Omg where do I begin with this fantastic book!!! We have Book #4 from Club Ruin Series and lets just say this one will definitely keep you on your toes with the twist and turns of the story.Ryker Cabot is Ceo of Cabmedia and really wasn't looking to settle down because his work was his life but when meeting nude Eden Sager in an art class and being shot down by him can he change her mind or will finding out she is going to be his new assistant hire stop him from it?Eden Sager has been used and hurt by her ex boyfriend who took everything from her but when she gets a job at cabmedia will her luck and life change for the better? L.Knight did such an amazing job capturing our emotional connection with the characters that you truly feel like you are apart of the story. It's such a compelling story that's captivating and heartbreaking and learning to trust again. Just absolutely loved it.
July 16, 2025
Eden Sager is down on her luck her cheating ex managed to swindle her out of her savings and also change the name to his on her home she rents, forcing her to live in her car and work multiple jobs.
One of those jobs is a still life model and this is where she meets Ryker who was dragged to this painting class by his friend. Ryker is instantly attracted to Eden but she rejects him when he asks her out as the last thing she needs is to be a notch on a playboys bedpost.
Eden finally lands a new job where she is able to help a big company with a recent cyber attack, only problem is her new boss is the same Ryker who asked her out.
This book has the same miscommunication, bossy alpha male, independent FMC trope as the rest of the series as well as boss x employee and forced roommates.
One of those jobs is a still life model and this is where she meets Ryker who was dragged to this painting class by his friend. Ryker is instantly attracted to Eden but she rejects him when he asks her out as the last thing she needs is to be a notch on a playboys bedpost.
Eden finally lands a new job where she is able to help a big company with a recent cyber attack, only problem is her new boss is the same Ryker who asked her out.
This book has the same miscommunication, bossy alpha male, independent FMC trope as the rest of the series as well as boss x employee and forced roommates.
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