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Kings of Ruin
The Enemy
Secrets. Love. Betrayal.
Nobody knows our story or the reason I loathe Hudson Carmichael, and he will never know the way he broke me.
Audrey thinks I betrayed her that I walked away, she will never know just how much I sacrificed to save the only woman I have ever loved.
Not until the night when tequila, forces the dam to break and all the messy broken secrets explode, leaving us with the wreckage of our past and marriage certificate which might be our end.
Nobody knows our story or the reason I loathe Hudson Carmichael, and he will never know the way he broke me.
Audrey thinks I betrayed her that I walked away, she will never know just how much I sacrificed to save the only woman I have ever loved.
Not until the night when tequila, forces the dam to break and all the messy broken secrets explode, leaving us with the wreckage of our past and marriage certificate which might be our end.
Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2024
379 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
L. Knight
18 books232 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 91 reviews
July 25, 2024
The book itself wasn’t bad, if anything it was better than book 1, 2 and 4. But at this point, I am done with L. Knight’s work because this book was my last straw. When 5 out of 5 books tells me that the only way for people to achieve happiness is by having children, even when you want to wait, and even when you can’t conceive, that is a very clear indication that I do not want to read anything from that author ever again. So, after I finish this review, L. Knight is officially on my DNR aka Do Not Read list.
Just like the previous book, this was very heavy in telling, even more so than before. And just like the previous 4 books, it consisted of lies, misunderstandings, lack of communication and secrecy. At this point, all 5 books are built on the same themes with different plotlines, so I find it very repetitive.
Characters-wise, I liked Hudson before and kept liking him in this book. At least most of the time. He wasn’t toxic like Lincoln and Harrison and wasn’t dull and infuriating like Ryker. He stayed true to the character we saw in the previous books just like Beck. He was kind and sweet, and he was there for Audrey once they sort of made up. He was an absolute sweetheart with his sister even if he was a bit more overprotective than he should have been. It was kind of understandable. He made mistakes, such as the decision he made which ended up ruining his relationship with Audrey, and also the 3rd act conflict, but I appreciated those because it didn’t come from a toxic behaviour but from bad decisions. I like that he was a flawed not a toxic character. I don’t need perfection, I just need flaws instead of toxicity.
Audrey though, she was described as this strong, independent, powerful woman, who is her own boss and people respect and adore her. And she was, I can’t say she wasn’t true to herself and the character we met in the previous books, but she also wasn’t herself for multiple, longer periods of time. I felt like she was dumbed down to make the story look better, and the easiest way to achieve that was by dumbing down the strong female character. I have talked about it in previous reviews I have written. If a strong female character has to be dumbed down for the story to seem better or more exciting or for the male character to shine through, it is weak writing and a weak storyline. If the only way to showcase a good story line is by bringing the characters down, then the story wasn’t good to begin with. But then I also understood why she was so strong and powerful, when she was, because what she had to endure contributed to who she had become. It was a perfectly normal reaction to put up walls around herself.
Now, the MCs had a heavy history so that should’ve been taken into consideration when talking about their renewed relationship, but I didn’t feel like the story considered it as deeply as it should have been. As much as Audrey hated Hudson, or so she said, she didn’t waste time drooling over him nor did she waste time jumping in bed with him. The emotional turmoil and the confusion barely lasted a few paragraphs here and there. However, they definitely had the most chemistry out of all the couples. It was actually very clear and also believable and their relationship, other than Beck, Amelia and Xander’s, felt the most realistic in terms of both flaws and growth. Their romance was both very angsty because of their past and their current situation, and wholesome because of the natural understanding that was between them. There was some serious lack of communication and made-up assumptions, which bothered me because this has been the theme of the whole series, but even with all the hatred, they were most in tune with each other’s personality out of all the characters. I can’t speak for the spicy scenes though because I mostly skimmed through them. I think I only read one or two.
However, one thing that made me absolutely infuriated was something that kept reoccurring throughout the whole story. And this is the reason I don’t ever plan to pick up an L. Knight book again. I said if before, and I am repeating myself again. I am tired of authors thinking that the only way for characters 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 upset because, of course, they had to make a baby too. By the end of book 4, The Temptation, I was just mad, because they specifically said they wanted to wait but the author forced it on them as if the only way to achieve happiness was having children. And in this book… this book was the cherry on top.
[Spoiler!]
Because of what happened to Audrey, she was unable to conceive. So what did the author do? Making them want to adopt. Now, my issue isn’t with the fact that they wanted a child or that they wanted to adopt. That would have been fine. My problem is the fact that throughout the whole series, it has been a reoccurring theme that characters must have children to have their happily ever after. Why couldn’t Audrey and Hudson be happy raising Tia? It is like basically adopting at that point since Audrey was already mothering her and Hudson was already raising her. What was the point of this? Was Tia not good enough anymore? And if that wasn’t enough, the epilogue of this book specifically stated that even more babies were born for the other couples. What is with the baby fever in this series? People aren’t allowed to be happy without having children anymore?
[Spoiler end!]
I am sorry if I offend anyone, but 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 this when characters specifically say they want to wait, or it’s revealed that they can’t conceive, and the author decides to give them a child one way or another. What is the author trying to achieve by throwing babies at everyone? Both women and men can be fulfilled and complete without children, so why force it on the characters? 5 out of 5 books showcased the very same, outdated “children are the only way to happiness and fulfilment” statement. I don’t support that. But that’s just me.
Overall, I liked Hudson, and Audrey was alright too. The romance was the most realistic one and even though the usual miscommunication trope, the lies, the secrets, the misunderstandings and the assumptions were present, they still had the most natural relationship in a way. But I have to say, all these themes that ran through the whole series did get very tiring by the 5th book and I was exhausted reading the very same tropes. Whilst this book wasn’t that bad, by this point, I just don’t ever want to read an L. Knight book again because they all feel the same. Toxicity, lies, misunderstandings, miscommunications, inconsistency, assumptions, smut, pregnancy or having children and a happy ending that isn’t deserved most of the time. So, The Enemy by L. Knight got 3/5 stars from me, but this was my last time picking up a book by this author.
Ratings of the other books in the series:
Mid-Reading Updates!
@inkedbooksloth
Just like the previous book, this was very heavy in telling, even more so than before. And just like the previous 4 books, it consisted of lies, misunderstandings, lack of communication and secrecy. At this point, all 5 books are built on the same themes with different plotlines, so I find it very repetitive.
Characters-wise, I liked Hudson before and kept liking him in this book. At least most of the time. He wasn’t toxic like Lincoln and Harrison and wasn’t dull and infuriating like Ryker. He stayed true to the character we saw in the previous books just like Beck. He was kind and sweet, and he was there for Audrey once they sort of made up. He was an absolute sweetheart with his sister even if he was a bit more overprotective than he should have been. It was kind of understandable. He made mistakes, such as the decision he made which ended up ruining his relationship with Audrey, and also the 3rd act conflict, but I appreciated those because it didn’t come from a toxic behaviour but from bad decisions. I like that he was a flawed not a toxic character. I don’t need perfection, I just need flaws instead of toxicity.
Audrey though, she was described as this strong, independent, powerful woman, who is her own boss and people respect and adore her. And she was, I can’t say she wasn’t true to herself and the character we met in the previous books, but she also wasn’t herself for multiple, longer periods of time. I felt like she was dumbed down to make the story look better, and the easiest way to achieve that was by dumbing down the strong female character. I have talked about it in previous reviews I have written. If a strong female character has to be dumbed down for the story to seem better or more exciting or for the male character to shine through, it is weak writing and a weak storyline. If the only way to showcase a good story line is by bringing the characters down, then the story wasn’t good to begin with. But then I also understood why she was so strong and powerful, when she was, because what she had to endure contributed to who she had become. It was a perfectly normal reaction to put up walls around herself.
Now, the MCs had a heavy history so that should’ve been taken into consideration when talking about their renewed relationship, but I didn’t feel like the story considered it as deeply as it should have been. As much as Audrey hated Hudson, or so she said, she didn’t waste time drooling over him nor did she waste time jumping in bed with him. The emotional turmoil and the confusion barely lasted a few paragraphs here and there. However, they definitely had the most chemistry out of all the couples. It was actually very clear and also believable and their relationship, other than Beck, Amelia and Xander’s, felt the most realistic in terms of both flaws and growth. Their romance was both very angsty because of their past and their current situation, and wholesome because of the natural understanding that was between them. There was some serious lack of communication and made-up assumptions, which bothered me because this has been the theme of the whole series, but even with all the hatred, they were most in tune with each other’s personality out of all the characters. I can’t speak for the spicy scenes though because I mostly skimmed through them. I think I only read one or two.
However, one thing that made me absolutely infuriated was something that kept reoccurring throughout the whole story. And this is the reason I don’t ever plan to pick up an L. Knight book again. I said if before, and I am repeating myself again. I am tired of authors thinking that the only way for characters 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 upset because, of course, they had to make a baby too. By the end of book 4, The Temptation, I was just mad, because they specifically said they wanted to wait but the author forced it on them as if the only way to achieve happiness was having children. And in this book… this book was the cherry on top.
[Spoiler!]
Because of what happened to Audrey, she was unable to conceive. So what did the author do? Making them want to adopt. Now, my issue isn’t with the fact that they wanted a child or that they wanted to adopt. That would have been fine. My problem is the fact that throughout the whole series, it has been a reoccurring theme that characters must have children to have their happily ever after. Why couldn’t Audrey and Hudson be happy raising Tia? It is like basically adopting at that point since Audrey was already mothering her and Hudson was already raising her. What was the point of this? Was Tia not good enough anymore? And if that wasn’t enough, the epilogue of this book specifically stated that even more babies were born for the other couples. What is with the baby fever in this series? People aren’t allowed to be happy without having children anymore?
[Spoiler end!]
I am sorry if I offend anyone, but 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 this when characters specifically say they want to wait, or it’s revealed that they can’t conceive, and the author decides to give them a child one way or another. What is the author trying to achieve by throwing babies at everyone? Both women and men can be fulfilled and complete without children, so why force it on the characters? 5 out of 5 books showcased the very same, outdated “children are the only way to happiness and fulfilment” statement. I don’t support that. But that’s just me.
Overall, I liked Hudson, and Audrey was alright too. The romance was the most realistic one and even though the usual miscommunication trope, the lies, the secrets, the misunderstandings and the assumptions were present, they still had the most natural relationship in a way. But I have to say, all these themes that ran through the whole series did get very tiring by the 5th book and I was exhausted reading the very same tropes. Whilst this book wasn’t that bad, by this point, I just don’t ever want to read an L. Knight book again because they all feel the same. Toxicity, lies, misunderstandings, miscommunications, inconsistency, assumptions, smut, pregnancy or having children and a happy ending that isn’t deserved most of the time. So, The Enemy by L. Knight got 3/5 stars from me, but this was my last time picking up a book by this author.
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 1
- Firstly, if there’s a prologue, why is the page number starting at Chapter 1? Odd…
- Secondly, such a weak plot point. My god, 21st century, mobile phones are a thing, and you are trying to tell me that Audrey and Hudson’s relationship went sideways because of a single paper? Nah!
- Thirdly, I think this will be my very last L. Knight book. If this goes how I expect it, I’ll be incredibly disappointed.
Page 26
So far this book is very heavy in telling. More so than the other 4. And I can’t decide if Audrey and Hudson’s animosity is because of what happened in the prologue or something else. If it’s because of the prologue, it is an absolutely weak plot point and that makes that characters incredibly dense. If it’s something else, I want to know about it now. I’m tired of all the secrecy.
Page 45
I like Hudson. I liked him in him previous books as well and so far he is the only character who stayed true to himself (and maybe Beck).
Page 45
Audrey is like when (mostly female) MCs are dumbed down for the sake of the story. I can’t stand characters who are like “I won’t fall for him again” but like for the past 40 pages they were drooling over the other MC. Like you already are. It’s very illogical and very inconsistent. Had it been said at the beginning, it would have made sense, but 20% into it, knowing their past, no. It’s a writing issue.
Page 46
Ah so their hatred isn’t just about what happened in the prologue. Thank god. That would have made a terrible plot point.
Page 83
Out of all the couples, Hudson and Audrey have the most chemistry. I barely saw any chemistry between the other couples, except for Beck, Amelia and Xander, so their relationship feels quite refreshing.
Page 105
I completely understand why Hudson made the decision he did 10 years ago. He definitely didn’t choose the best execution, but his motivations make sense. And they were both at fault for the ruin of their relationship. I like that both of them see what they did wrong and noone is trying to play the innocent card.
Page 110
Pissed Off Spoiler!
.
.
.
Oh come on! Look, I will be harsh here. I understand there are people who want children but can’t have any and I am so sorry for them. But from the story’s pov, this is such a disappointment. In every book the couples want and are having kids so this would have been the perfect opportunity for a childless couple out of choice. But no. Apparently a woman is only fulfilled with children.
Page 192
Damn, both of these characters can be so dumb. I love both Hudson and Audrey, but they are so damn deep in their own head it’s actually painful.
Page 223
Well, there were good and bad moments. Mostly because the characters were way too deep in their own pain and their communication didn’t improve significantly at all. It just happened and then got ruined and then they communicated again. I would have liked to so more character development, but it didn’t happen gradually. It just happened then got reversed and then happened again. Which felt inconsistent.
Regarding the children aspect of the book, it made me angry. Of course, everyone has to have children here. Not even one couple stayed childless. This can significantly ruin the story for me. It represents exactly what childless people say. Unless you have children, society views you unfulfilled or incomplete. Which is bs. And I’m not saying that’s what the author said, but that is how it came across from Audrey.
I think this was my last L. Knight book as I don’t think her writing is for me.
1. MMCs are described as smart but they make the stupidest decisions continuously.
2. The books are heavy erotic@ which is not my cup of tea. Stms it’s enough to hold your partner, you don’t need to f*** straight after a funeral.
3. Every epilogue ends with the couple having a baby. Children aren’t the only way to a happy ending!
@inkedbooksloth
January 7, 2026
This was my favourite story out of them all. Great way to end the series.
January 21, 2024
This story has given me one of the longest book hangovers I’ve had in a long time. In true L Knight style you’re pulled in from the first sentence and taken on the ride of your life, a ride that will stay with you for a long time.
This phenomenal story ripped me open, shattered my insides and left me begging for more. The depth of emotions are never ending and will render you speechless and leave your heart aching.
I knew Audrey and Hudson’s story would be great, because there’s nothing this author writes that isn’t pure gold. But there was something about this story that superseded the magnificence of prior books and shot it straight into the stratosphere.
Meeting up with prior characters is so heartwarming for me. It’s so nice to see how their stories continue once their book has ended. I think it makes the characters more, for lack of a better word, human. They settle into normal, ordinary lives that we can, to some extent, all relate to.
Audrey is a total badass character. She lets no one walk over her and can eviscerate anyone with her sharp words. Heck, I’d love to be her!!
But, what you also get to see in this story is Audrey’s beautiful heart. If you’re lucky enough to get past her feisty outer shell, you get enveloped in her warmth and radiance.
My heart broke for the pain she endured in her youth. The emotions jumped from the pages with a force that allowed for you to live the experience with her. I could feel every emotion as if it was my own.
Hudson is a total dreamboat!! He’s a protector at heart, a totally delicious alpha and a man who fought tooth and nail to get where he has in life. But, more than that, he’s a man living under the crushing weight of pain and grief.
I love the dominant, confident and accomplished man that he portrays himself to be, but the man you see once he’s home is the man any woman in their right mind would give anything to have in her life.
Watching him with Tia is so heartwarming and beautiful. The way he protects and loves her is enough to melt your heart. The feelings and chemistry between Hudson and Audrey was so beautiful and off the charts hot!! There was enough heat between them to light a city on the darkest of nights.
I was blasted by a myriad of emotions throughout Hudson and Audrey’s journey, emotions that absolutely floored me, yet left me yearning for more.
The subjects highlighted within this story have been portrayed with total respect and empathy, not surprising since this author tackles every aspect of her writing with care, love, empathy and a truly limitless talent. She is the author I have always wanted to be.
Can’t recommend this beautiful, heartwarming and steam filled read highly enough.
There are seriously not enough stars in the universe to do the addictive and compelling read justice.
This phenomenal story ripped me open, shattered my insides and left me begging for more. The depth of emotions are never ending and will render you speechless and leave your heart aching.
I knew Audrey and Hudson’s story would be great, because there’s nothing this author writes that isn’t pure gold. But there was something about this story that superseded the magnificence of prior books and shot it straight into the stratosphere.
Meeting up with prior characters is so heartwarming for me. It’s so nice to see how their stories continue once their book has ended. I think it makes the characters more, for lack of a better word, human. They settle into normal, ordinary lives that we can, to some extent, all relate to.
Audrey is a total badass character. She lets no one walk over her and can eviscerate anyone with her sharp words. Heck, I’d love to be her!!
But, what you also get to see in this story is Audrey’s beautiful heart. If you’re lucky enough to get past her feisty outer shell, you get enveloped in her warmth and radiance.
My heart broke for the pain she endured in her youth. The emotions jumped from the pages with a force that allowed for you to live the experience with her. I could feel every emotion as if it was my own.
Hudson is a total dreamboat!! He’s a protector at heart, a totally delicious alpha and a man who fought tooth and nail to get where he has in life. But, more than that, he’s a man living under the crushing weight of pain and grief.
I love the dominant, confident and accomplished man that he portrays himself to be, but the man you see once he’s home is the man any woman in their right mind would give anything to have in her life.
Watching him with Tia is so heartwarming and beautiful. The way he protects and loves her is enough to melt your heart. The feelings and chemistry between Hudson and Audrey was so beautiful and off the charts hot!! There was enough heat between them to light a city on the darkest of nights.
I was blasted by a myriad of emotions throughout Hudson and Audrey’s journey, emotions that absolutely floored me, yet left me yearning for more.
The subjects highlighted within this story have been portrayed with total respect and empathy, not surprising since this author tackles every aspect of her writing with care, love, empathy and a truly limitless talent. She is the author I have always wanted to be.
Can’t recommend this beautiful, heartwarming and steam filled read highly enough.
There are seriously not enough stars in the universe to do the addictive and compelling read justice.
February 27, 2024
**TISSUE ALERT**
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Enemies to Lovers, Vegas drunk marriage
Mafia adjacent
The Kings of Ruin book 5
*over 18 readers only*
Trigger/Content warnings
Drunk Wedding
Downs Syndrome side character
Death in child birth
Ties with Italian Mafia
Cancer diagnosis
Miscarriage
Fertility issues
Degradation
DV
Murder
Police corruption
Death of parent on page
Club Ruin/CR (part nightclub, part sex club)
Audrey (mfc, part owner of CR, cousin of Linc)
Hudson (mmc, lawyer)
Tia (sister of mmc)
Ryker Cabot (IT wiz, part owner of CR)
Eden Sager (IT person, with 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)
Nora/Norrie (with Harrison, sister of Xander)
Isaac (baby of Harrison and Norrie)
Violet Miller/Lottie (with Linc, friend of mmc)
Linc Coldwell (part owner of CR)
Eric (half brother of Linc and Lottie)
This long-awaited book of Hudson and Audrey starts out with them as a couple ten years ago. He left the night she told him she loved him. He left due to an emergency with his mom, but she didn't know that. For ten years, she's held a grudge against him. Yet somehow, they ended up drunk and married in Vegas. Audrey never let him explain what happened all those years ago, and he knows he made unforgivable mistakes. But raising his special needs sister is what he lives for now. That and his work with the mob that no one knows about. Hudson and Audrey still love each other, but even after he confesses most of his truth, she keeps secrets from him.
This book was a hard read for the issues it covered. Maybe emotional is a better word. I just know it took me days to get through because I had to keep stopping. That's a me issue.
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Enemies to Lovers, Vegas drunk marriage
Mafia adjacent
The Kings of Ruin book 5
*over 18 readers only*
Trigger/Content warnings
Drunk Wedding
Downs Syndrome side character
Death in child birth
Ties with Italian Mafia
Cancer diagnosis
Miscarriage
Fertility issues
Degradation
DV
Murder
Police corruption
Death of parent on page
Club Ruin/CR (part nightclub, part sex club)
Audrey (mfc, part owner of CR, cousin of Linc)
Hudson (mmc, lawyer)
Tia (sister of mmc)
Ryker Cabot (IT wiz, part owner of CR)
Eden Sager (IT person, with 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)
Nora/Norrie (with Harrison, sister of Xander)
Isaac (baby of Harrison and Norrie)
Violet Miller/Lottie (with Linc, friend of mmc)
Linc Coldwell (part owner of CR)
Eric (half brother of Linc and Lottie)
This long-awaited book of Hudson and Audrey starts out with them as a couple ten years ago. He left the night she told him she loved him. He left due to an emergency with his mom, but she didn't know that. For ten years, she's held a grudge against him. Yet somehow, they ended up drunk and married in Vegas. Audrey never let him explain what happened all those years ago, and he knows he made unforgivable mistakes. But raising his special needs sister is what he lives for now. That and his work with the mob that no one knows about. Hudson and Audrey still love each other, but even after he confesses most of his truth, she keeps secrets from him.
This book was a hard read for the issues it covered. Maybe emotional is a better word. I just know it took me days to get through because I had to keep stopping. That's a me issue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2024
I’ve been waiting for Audrey’s story since book one in this series and it definitely did not disappoint. With her reaction to Hudson whenever they met and the way she said she hated him you had to wonder what happened. There is a fine line between hate and love and Audrey walks it like the queen she is. Then she wakes up after a wild night in Vegas married to Hudson. I loved the home life Hudson created for him and 10 year old Tia (I won’t spoil the story by revealing her relationship) and Audrey fits right in. Tia has Downs Syndrome and struggled to survive heart problems as a baby. I have a great niece who has Downs and had her second heart surgery a few months ago so Tia has a special place in my heart. Any who back to the story the two decide to continue the fake marriage when Audrey’s father reveals he’s thrilled with her marriage and he has cancer. Wendy get glimpse of a relaxed Audrey enjoying life, the group of friends and their spouses, fights, a lot of steam and two people who have found their soulmate again.
April 25, 2024
Highly recommended
The Enemy: Kings of Ruin series
Absolutely fantastic loved the characters and story and series, enjoyed the intensity of the characters as you get to know more about them and as they are always had a love hate relationship between them but without the hate 😂.
Audrey Kennedy a successful independent business woman in a world class of her own within a male role. Being the only child she has been protective of her loved ones the most being a co owner of the Kings of Ruin club with her best friends which are brothers to her and the lives they lead. She runs the Kennedy enterprise with her Cousin Lincoln Coldwell. Her past catches up with her as a surprise announcement after a weekend in Vegas!!!
Meet Hudson Carmichael a great lawyer that exceeds everyone expectations balancing work live and home life with his own secrets to bear. Absolutely loved this book as you will need tissues at the ready and comedy never far behind. Subjects that not everyone talks about and honestly adores . Brilliant Thrilling and romantic highly recommended reading
The Enemy: Kings of Ruin series
Absolutely fantastic loved the characters and story and series, enjoyed the intensity of the characters as you get to know more about them and as they are always had a love hate relationship between them but without the hate 😂.
Audrey Kennedy a successful independent business woman in a world class of her own within a male role. Being the only child she has been protective of her loved ones the most being a co owner of the Kings of Ruin club with her best friends which are brothers to her and the lives they lead. She runs the Kennedy enterprise with her Cousin Lincoln Coldwell. Her past catches up with her as a surprise announcement after a weekend in Vegas!!!
Meet Hudson Carmichael a great lawyer that exceeds everyone expectations balancing work live and home life with his own secrets to bear. Absolutely loved this book as you will need tissues at the ready and comedy never far behind. Subjects that not everyone talks about and honestly adores . Brilliant Thrilling and romantic highly recommended reading
January 29, 2024
Audrey and Hudson
Throughout the entire Kings of Ruin series, the heavy tension between Audrey and Hudson has been always running in the background of each story line. In The Enemy, Audrey is a wealthy business mogul who will verbally eviscerate when necessary. She’s a very tough but fair business woman. Hudson, a powerful attorney, who had to work his way up from the very bottom, with a secret responsibility, left Audrey’s trust and heart shredded when he ghosted her in college. Fast forward 10 years, and this author has very well written the extremely emotional journey Audrey and Hudson take to attempt to heal the very deep wounds. And the HEAT is still there (fan)!! The addition of Tia was absolutely wonderful! The author’s description of Tia’s happiness and activities gives one a heart felt picture of pure joy. Hang onto your heart and have the Kleenex close! You’re gonna LOVE this book! Thank you L Knight for such a beautiful ending to this five book series!
Throughout the entire Kings of Ruin series, the heavy tension between Audrey and Hudson has been always running in the background of each story line. In The Enemy, Audrey is a wealthy business mogul who will verbally eviscerate when necessary. She’s a very tough but fair business woman. Hudson, a powerful attorney, who had to work his way up from the very bottom, with a secret responsibility, left Audrey’s trust and heart shredded when he ghosted her in college. Fast forward 10 years, and this author has very well written the extremely emotional journey Audrey and Hudson take to attempt to heal the very deep wounds. And the HEAT is still there (fan)!! The addition of Tia was absolutely wonderful! The author’s description of Tia’s happiness and activities gives one a heart felt picture of pure joy. Hang onto your heart and have the Kleenex close! You’re gonna LOVE this book! Thank you L Knight for such a beautiful ending to this five book series!
February 4, 2024
The Enemy is the finale of The Kings of Ruin series by L. Knight and in my opinion she saved the best for last. She truly does pull out all the stops and has penned a highly charged, deeply emotional love story that brought me to tears several times. Throughout this series Audrey Kennedy and Hudson Carmichael have always been contentious with a palpable tension between them. Now we know why and it runs deep. I truly loved Hudson. He's a protector through and through. He's loyal, a fighter for justice and a deeply caring man. He gave up smething dear to him in order to do the right thing. Audrey has operated on anger for a decade. She's used that anger to fuel her accomplishments and successes. Finding out that her assumptions couldn't have been more wrong shakes her to her core. Now these two have a second chance to build something good and lasting between them if they can get out of their own way. I rooted for them start to finish!
January 20, 2024
What a wrap up of the Kings of Ruin series! L Knight finished with the best book of her career. We always wondered why Audrey hated Hudson so much in the previous books and to finally get the answers, wow! Didn’t see that coming! Such an emotional book from Audrey’s family and from Hudson’s too. It just doesn’t get much better than this book! The high’s and the low’s have you pulling so hard for them to finally get it right. I love that she added a sister to Hudson. I already liked him for when he helped Lottie, but to see what he has gave up to raise her made me love him so much more. This book does have a death in it, not one of the major characters. So just be warned, it will pull at you hard to see it. I just can’t recommend this book enough. L Knight saved the best for last. She was warming us up during the other books and she sure delivered on this one!
January 21, 2024
I knew this would be emotional and angsty, the tension between the two characters has been just waiting to snap! I loved them both and their story is heartbreaking and a real tear jerker at times, both appear so strong but in actual fact they are vulnerable and the strength comes when they are together. Gripping and romantic, even sad at times but then uplifting. Amazing friends friends surround Audrey with support. I loved that this story tackled a few of sensitive issues, giving readers some understanding of the difficulties of each in a delicate but pointed way, I'm not saying too much on those as I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I read a lot of this either smiling or with tears so I'm glad it ended on a high note with the happy ending they all deserved. Awesome finish to the series, well written and hard to put down throughout.
February 12, 2024
L Knight is one of my favourite go-to authors and I was particularly looking forward to this book to find out the history between Audrey and Hudson. This story certainly delivered my expectations and also so much more. The tension between Audrey and Hudson has been building since the beginning of this fantastic series and their tale certainly caused a complete range of emotions, there were tears and laughter throughout this book and the banter between the two such strong characters was at times hilarious. All in all a fantastic finale to this brilliant series, a true celebration of camaraderie and loyalty from the group of friends and a beautiful love story. I am so sad this is the final book, however I know this talented author will have plenty more up her sleeve. I recommend this book unreservedly.
February 13, 2024
Omg this book was absolutely phenomenal and gut wrenching and the best book in this series by far.its such a compelling story and emotional love story filled with heartbreak and pain and anger and chemistry and soulmates who have fought their way back together. You will definitely need tissues for this book. Hudson and Audrey were college sweethearts until he disappeared without a goodbye to her and destroyed her world 10 years later Audrey still hating Hudson but when they decided to set aside everything for their friends wedding and reception in Vegas what could possibly happen? Waking up in Vegas married can Hudson find away to win Her Heart back and prove to her that they still belong together or will she end it all and move on with her life? I absolutely had a book hangover from this book and it still has a hold of my heart.
February 15, 2024
Trust and many secrets!
Hudson and His Belle get back together by a lie and they both have many secrets! Hudson has always felt he wasn't good enough for Belle,since she has money and a golden spoon,so ten years after they are together again but under a lie.They stay together and Belle fines out why he ghost her years earlier, he has sister who she falls in love with.Belle has a secert that Hudson doesn't know about and he finally finds out about and he still loves her! She is afraid that he is going walk away and she doesn't to say the three little words,Tia has fall and Hudson rushes home and he says some mean things and says some hateful things and they go their separate ways until her father passes and they finally talk and there is finally hope ,no more lies or secrets, they given another chance at happiness!
Hudson and His Belle get back together by a lie and they both have many secrets! Hudson has always felt he wasn't good enough for Belle,since she has money and a golden spoon,so ten years after they are together again but under a lie.They stay together and Belle fines out why he ghost her years earlier, he has sister who she falls in love with.Belle has a secert that Hudson doesn't know about and he finally finds out about and he still loves her! She is afraid that he is going walk away and she doesn't to say the three little words,Tia has fall and Hudson rushes home and he says some mean things and says some hateful things and they go their separate ways until her father passes and they finally talk and there is finally hope ,no more lies or secrets, they given another chance at happiness!
February 2, 2024
I really wanted to hate Hudson! However, his pursuit of Audrey changed my mind. Not only did he still love her but he gave her up all those years ago for the most noblest of reasons, even though, he perhaps shouldn't have made the decision for Audrey. But then again, that probably would've changed the course of their lives in a different direction, so perhaps him making the decision for both of them was the right choice. The banter between these lovers to haters back to lovers was fun to read! Audrey was one tough cookie, and never backed down. Hudson was the same, gave as good as he gets and is exactly what Audrey needs, not a yes man but a man that takes control. Another great series!!!
February 13, 2024
Wow! I just loved this book, couldn’t read it fast enough but at the same time didn’t want it to end as it’s the final book in a really well written series by a fantastic author. Hudson and Audrey were a couple in college, until they weren’t. Throughout the years Audrey has done all she can to keep her feelings towards Hudson as hatred rather than love, whilst he has kept out of her way as much as possible - however one drunken night together results in them waking up married. This is an incredible, emotional story, as long held secrets and the reasons behind them become known. The couples from the other books in the series also appear in this book. I’m sorry this series has ended, but at the same time can’t wait to read whatever book L Knight writes next.
February 14, 2024
I was so excited
I had a hard time starting with this book. Were we in Vegas or New York? Same Country, not same side. While I have loved this group of friends, I still have a hard time with the author. I was hoping for more sexual tension in the beginning. Audrey and Hudson have been edging for 4 books now, I needed more sizzle. I got an arc of this book and I was so hoping it was going to be my favorite, I was ready for Hudson! This fell flat for me :( I just didn’t get the warm and fuzzies sadly. This isn’t just hot and cold. It’s just cold. At 80% I still wasn’t sure they would end up together. I wasn’t into the book 100% until about 90%. But maybe I just wasn’t ready for this book.
I had a hard time starting with this book. Were we in Vegas or New York? Same Country, not same side. While I have loved this group of friends, I still have a hard time with the author. I was hoping for more sexual tension in the beginning. Audrey and Hudson have been edging for 4 books now, I needed more sizzle. I got an arc of this book and I was so hoping it was going to be my favorite, I was ready for Hudson! This fell flat for me :( I just didn’t get the warm and fuzzies sadly. This isn’t just hot and cold. It’s just cold. At 80% I still wasn’t sure they would end up together. I wasn’t into the book 100% until about 90%. But maybe I just wasn’t ready for this book.
August 23, 2025
Wrapping the series lawyer Hudson Carmichael and heiress Audrey Kennedy take a break from their antagonistic byplay and enjoy themselves at Ryker and Eden’s wedding. Maybe too much because they wake up married! Much to the media’s delight, Hudson’s joy, Audrey’s horror and her friend’s confusion in this sweet, emotional and fun ride of a second chance romance gone right!
It’s a fast paced read and series fans get a peek behind Audrey’s tough girl armor and see the layers that bring secondary character Hudson into a spotlight he thrives in. This read is again far from the club that started it all with a spotlight on family and how this group of friends are there in good times or bad for each other.
Rating: 4.5stars
It’s a fast paced read and series fans get a peek behind Audrey’s tough girl armor and see the layers that bring secondary character Hudson into a spotlight he thrives in. This read is again far from the club that started it all with a spotlight on family and how this group of friends are there in good times or bad for each other.
Rating: 4.5stars
January 22, 2024
Another fantastic read from l knight. This is the last of the gang in this series. Boy I am going to miss them. Hudson and Audrey finally get their hea. Not without lots of angst and slow burn. I really enjoyed the side character tia. I can picture her in my mind so clearly. Thank you l knight for putting the spotlight on down syndrome kids living their best life. At times this read was so emotional but those emotions helped achieve the hea. Audrey and Hudson were destined to be together. Their chemistry was off the charts. But we know chemistry is not everything. They just needed to work out all the extras. And they did. This was a perfect send off to this series.
January 22, 2024
They were friends, they were lovers, they were married. They were all those things, yet they were none of them.
The story line did not seem to be particularly new or original, and yet I found this book completely captivating. The hero and heroine struggled constantly with inner conflicts and conflicts of the heart, but you will find yourself totally immersed in their struggles and unable or unwilling to put the book down until the very end.
This is the last book in a short series (5 books ), and if you did not read the books that came before you will still totally enjoy this book, you will just find yourself
Wanting to read the other books because this one is so good.
The story line did not seem to be particularly new or original, and yet I found this book completely captivating. The hero and heroine struggled constantly with inner conflicts and conflicts of the heart, but you will find yourself totally immersed in their struggles and unable or unwilling to put the book down until the very end.
This is the last book in a short series (5 books ), and if you did not read the books that came before you will still totally enjoy this book, you will just find yourself
Wanting to read the other books because this one is so good.
February 13, 2024
Hudson Carmichael is a lawyer. He is kind, caring and protective.
Audrey is now one of the co-owners of Club Ruin. She is fierce , loyal, sexy and smart.
Tia is Hudson’s sister.
Audrey and Hudson have a past. Audrey has gone through a lot with their breakup, other incidents, but still managed to live and achieve all that she has.
Hudson came from very little to a most successful lawyer ( besides taking care of his sister with disabilities).
Can things be worked out between Hudson and Audrey?
I love this series!,
This book has a love/ hate relationship with some twists and turns.
Great Job L Knight !!!!
Audrey is now one of the co-owners of Club Ruin. She is fierce , loyal, sexy and smart.
Tia is Hudson’s sister.
Audrey and Hudson have a past. Audrey has gone through a lot with their breakup, other incidents, but still managed to live and achieve all that she has.
Hudson came from very little to a most successful lawyer ( besides taking care of his sister with disabilities).
Can things be worked out between Hudson and Audrey?
I love this series!,
This book has a love/ hate relationship with some twists and turns.
Great Job L Knight !!!!
February 14, 2024
A fantastic second chance enemies to lovers romance
God where do i start, my emotions are shot these two were a delight to read after reading the rest of the series i have been waiting for their story and it didn’t disappoint.
Hudson and Audrey story is a second chance romance throw in enemies to lovers and you are given a fantastic book.
These two have so much chemistry that it’s jumping off the page you finally get to know there story from ten years ago,we get to see the other kings of ruin throughout this book and there wife’s that another brucy bonus
All that is left to say is give it a read you will not be disappointed
5 huge 🌟
God where do i start, my emotions are shot these two were a delight to read after reading the rest of the series i have been waiting for their story and it didn’t disappoint.
Hudson and Audrey story is a second chance romance throw in enemies to lovers and you are given a fantastic book.
These two have so much chemistry that it’s jumping off the page you finally get to know there story from ten years ago,we get to see the other kings of ruin throughout this book and there wife’s that another brucy bonus
All that is left to say is give it a read you will not be disappointed
5 huge 🌟
July 21, 2025
Finally we get to see what happened between Audrey & Hudson to make them hate each other.
Turns out they were in love back in college and it didn't end well at all. Both of them held something back and like all the other books miscommunication is one of the big tropes.
After they wake up married in Vegas, Hudson and Audrey agree to stay married for 1 year as they both benefit from this arrangement.
Having them both heal from past trauma and realise they do still love each other with lots of jealous moments and the introduction of Hudson's little sister was a great way to end the series.
Turns out they were in love back in college and it didn't end well at all. Both of them held something back and like all the other books miscommunication is one of the big tropes.
After they wake up married in Vegas, Hudson and Audrey agree to stay married for 1 year as they both benefit from this arrangement.
Having them both heal from past trauma and realise they do still love each other with lots of jealous moments and the introduction of Hudson's little sister was a great way to end the series.
January 24, 2024
This book broke me in so many ways!
Audrey and Hudson’s book is the last of the Kings of Ruin series and it was perfect to end on.
We knew there was something there with Audrey and Hudson but I was not expecting this.
Tropes:
Second-chance
Vegas wedding
Heartache
Audrey and Hudson has a past that only a few people knew about but Hudson wanted the future they should have had. We all make mistakes in relationships and he made a big one but Audrey isn’t innocent either.
This is a must read if you want to see what true love is like for these two!
Audrey and Hudson’s book is the last of the Kings of Ruin series and it was perfect to end on.
We knew there was something there with Audrey and Hudson but I was not expecting this.
Tropes:
Second-chance
Vegas wedding
Heartache
Audrey and Hudson has a past that only a few people knew about but Hudson wanted the future they should have had. We all make mistakes in relationships and he made a big one but Audrey isn’t innocent either.
This is a must read if you want to see what true love is like for these two!
February 3, 2024
Hudson and Audrey were together in college until he just left with no trace. He was her future and left her in pieces. She is a strong and resilient woman who is successful. She has a great group of friends who have her back no matter what even when she drunkenly married her enemy. And now she has to stay married to him to keep her parents happy. The push and pull between the two keeps the story intriguing and she is trying so hard not to lose herself and have her heart broken again while he is trying to protect what family he has left from the world. Loved this story.
February 6, 2024
Audrey and Hudson have had palatable chemistry covered in distain when they interacted in other books in the series. We finally get a look at the history between these two and what shaped them into who they are today. In this book we get to witness Audrey and Hudson grow! I loved how Audrey's parents let her come to them in her own time and trusted her to know what she needed. I also adored "Huddy" away from work and Hudson who was all business. I don't want to give anything away but I really enjoyed this one and all the details we discover throughout!
February 29, 2024
Audrey and Hudson
This is the last book in the series, I've been waiting to see what happens between these two characters and L. Knight did not disappoint. I love second chance books and them getting a happy ending is the best! We had previously seen them in prior books and the tension was there; The story is very touching with all of the obstacles they had to overcome to get their happy ending.
Hudson and Audrey were made for each other. Thank you L. Knight for such a beautiful story and perfect ending to this series!
This is the last book in the series, I've been waiting to see what happens between these two characters and L. Knight did not disappoint. I love second chance books and them getting a happy ending is the best! We had previously seen them in prior books and the tension was there; The story is very touching with all of the obstacles they had to overcome to get their happy ending.
Hudson and Audrey were made for each other. Thank you L. Knight for such a beautiful story and perfect ending to this series!
October 31, 2025
so good
Hudson has always loved Audrey but when his mom needed him he ghosted her. She never knew why. Then a hot fun night in Vegas they end up together and go on a fake relationship but it truly wasn’t fake for them. They start to fall and open themselves up but then Hudson’s sister gets hurt and he is angry and scared and said some things that hurt and she knew she’d never be good enough for him and left her heart on the ground. He knows he fucked yo and then her dad has only hours to live he tries to show her but grief isn’t helping.
Hudson has always loved Audrey but when his mom needed him he ghosted her. She never knew why. Then a hot fun night in Vegas they end up together and go on a fake relationship but it truly wasn’t fake for them. They start to fall and open themselves up but then Hudson’s sister gets hurt and he is angry and scared and said some things that hurt and she knew she’d never be good enough for him and left her heart on the ground. He knows he fucked yo and then her dad has only hours to live he tries to show her but grief isn’t helping.
January 22, 2024
The Enemy The Kings of Ruin Book 5
What a great story to wrap up the series, this well written read was about so much more than a second chance at love and redemption. Audrey and Hudson had an unresolved past that held bitterness, hurt feelings and assumptions that caused such a deep rift, reconciling seemed impossible, if not improbable. Even with Audrey’s deep seated hatred of Hudson, the flame these two held for each other was palpable and as soon as the sparks began to fly they were unstoppable and as the plot unfolds their walls began to crumble one secret at a time.
What a great story to wrap up the series, this well written read was about so much more than a second chance at love and redemption. Audrey and Hudson had an unresolved past that held bitterness, hurt feelings and assumptions that caused such a deep rift, reconciling seemed impossible, if not improbable. Even with Audrey’s deep seated hatred of Hudson, the flame these two held for each other was palpable and as soon as the sparks began to fly they were unstoppable and as the plot unfolds their walls began to crumble one secret at a time.
February 11, 2024
FINALLY! Audrey and Hudson's past is revealed...and it's nothing even my wildest imagination could've come up with! So much heartbreak and misunderstanding and silly secrets that created the void and hostility that has always been projected when they're near each other. But an undying love was always there underneath and I'm so glad they rewrote their story with a HEA. But it was a crazy ride to get them there. Sigh and Hudson...so patient and unwavering despite mistakes made on both sides.
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February 12, 2024I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of the Enemy .
I absolutely loved reading this story . Audrey and Hudson have a heartbreaking past that no one knows . Through miss communication their lives took a different journey . Can they make their way back to each other or will Audrey give them a chance .This story is outstanding and all out wonderful . I really enjoyed reading it .
I highly recommend taking the time to read .
I absolutely loved reading this story . Audrey and Hudson have a heartbreaking past that no one knows . Through miss communication their lives took a different journey . Can they make their way back to each other or will Audrey give them a chance .This story is outstanding and all out wonderful . I really enjoyed reading it .
I highly recommend taking the time to read .
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