When We Were Kings

by A.H. Hadley

Genres: Romance

312 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2015

Reviews

[Jackie Kephart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal writer! Phenomenal story! This should be a Netflix series! Loved it!!!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to be the one person who didn’t enjoy this book—but unfortunately, I am. Sorry!

The premise was intriguing, and I actually liked the storyline. The action was fast-paced and engaging, which I appreciated.

But 😩 … the writing just didn’t work for me. The main character’s inner monologue was repetitive: “I don’t have to be proper anymore,” and “I’m the cleverest of them all.” It quickly became tiring. The chemistry between her and the male lead was completely flat. Their conversations felt unnatural and stilted—no one talks like that. And when it comes to their interactions… well, he always magically knew what she needed, how to comfort her, what to say. That’s not only highly unrealistic, but also makes for a dull dynamic with zero tension.

I’m primarily drawn to character-driven stories, and if the characters don’t feel like real people—if they feel like bland, mechanical cutouts—I lose interest. Even great fight scenes can’t save that for me.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So very good! I really liked how well written the fight scenes were. I also liked that Hadley didn't belabor the world or politics too much and just wrote about them like we should know because honestly, all the important bits were shared. Could more have been added by way of backstory or more world building? Sure. But I think the story unfolded well enough without it. I enjoyed the conclusion of this one but it makes me want the second even more now. As a hopeless romantic, I'm hoping more will blossom for the Wolf & Lion but I guess I'll just have to keep reading to find out. Looking forward to finishing this series and exploring other things by Hadley.

[Roberta Hawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! I devoured this book! I absolutely love a book that hits the ground running. Me: what’s going on? Book: No time to explain! We’re fighting for our lives!! Me: what?! Ok! LETS GOOOOO!!!!!! Just nonstop page turning wonderful story. God I love Leyli!! She’s brilliant and fierce - knows when to hold em, knows when to fold em. Oh and her and Tristan?!? What a treat to watch their friendship and love grow. I really hope the rest of this series holds up. There’s no spice here, but we’ve got two more books, and I think this slow burn is definitely building up to something

[Reece · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to suspend disbelief. It's just not feasible for some completely talentless tiny girl to survive the shit she goes through, but if you can put that away, it's a decent read. If you're looking for smut, look elsewhere.

[Ki Taeni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh I enjoyed this. Between the gladiator setting, the Lion and the Wolf’s relationship and the writing this turned out to be an unexpected surprise

[Lilly Frey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It has a great plot and kept me on my toes the whole time. If you’re looking for something that has good banter and action I would definitely recommend.