King

5th Circle Guardians MC #3

by E.K. Hart

I’m the president of the 5th Circle Guardians MC, with two grown sons and a couple of grandkids running around. Not much surprises me, and I rarely second-guess myself. But, if I had known that my day would include a brunette bombshell threatening me with a knife, I probably would have done a few things differently. Of course, then I would have missed out on a woman so sweet that I crave her, kisses that make my knees weak, and enough heat in the bedroom to burn up my sheets.

I also would have avoided her deadbeat ex, an arrest for murder, and stupid mistakes that hurt the woman I love. I never dreamed I would meet a woman like her. Now, I just have to figure out how to keep her.



I’m a divorced, single mom trying to raise two teenagers. I’ve had to toughen up and become more self-reliant. But, if I had known that my day would include pulling a knife on a badboy biker, I probably would have stayed in bed. Of course, then I would have missed out on a man so hot that I crave him, kisses that melt my panties, and enough heat in the bedroom to start a three-alarm fire.

I also would have avoided his crazy ex, a police interrogation, and more heartache than I’ve ever known. I never dreamed I would meet a man like him. Now, I just have to figure out how to live without him.


Author's The 5th Circle Guardians aren't a hard-core, 1% club, but they do have their own code of conduct that they live by. The live hard, love harder, and know that rules, laws, and hearts are bound to be broken along the way.

This is the third book in the series, with each book following a different couple in the club. Although there are some underlying story arcs woven throughout the series, this is a standalone story with an HEA and no cliffhanger. There is no cheating between our hero and heroine. It is intended for mature audiences due to language, explicit scenes, violence, murder, and mentions of illegal activity including drug abuse by others.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Romance

419 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2024

About the author

I've been an avid reader since I was a little girl. When I was nine years old, I cried buckets after reading Bridge to Terabithia, which led to an intense love of books that rip my heart out before putting me back together again.

I can vividly remember 12-year-old me discovering my grandmother's Harlequin Romances, which I snuck out of her room to read. I also vividly remember getting caught by my mother, who had already told 12-year-old me that I was too young to read those books. I was grounded for a month, but my love of romance books was born.

Since then, I've gone on to devour books from many genres but I always come back to romances. Whether they are sweet and funny, or dark and angsty, I love them all.

Born and raised in the Midwestern US, I've been married for over thirty years, and am the mother of two incredible people. When I'm not reading or writing, you can most likely find me browsing through antique stores or eating chocolate.

Connect with me!
https://www.linktr.ee/e.k.hart

Hang out with me in my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/60493...

Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@author_ekhart

Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.k.hartaut...

Happy reading!

Reviews

[Lea_D reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately this did not hit the mark. It was boring and just too long to be honest. The supposed angst was nothing to write home about. I actually really liked King, and really disliked Ella. She irritated the crap out of me. I'm having trouble with a lot of author's FMCs atm. I know this series is ongoing and I'm hoping Trick's book will be good.

Overall just ok, but considering we have a 40yr old FMC, and a 47yr old MMC having miscommunication problems, and not even listening to what the other person's explanation is instead of flying off the deep end just doesn't make for good reading. Also, Ella not understanding club business and forcing King to talk about club business just didn't sit right with me. I prefer the characters that even though they may not like it, they still understand it.

*No cheating.

[Bookomaniac · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

“Don’t worry. I’ll be more than happy to corrupt you.”

King (Dante) is a genuinely loving (crude-talking, but also passionate) man who apologizes when he has effed up (and he does quite a lot), but he is not used to a normal relationship - and she is not used to dating an MC Prez. The story is the ups-and-downs of two older people (40s) from different lifestyles trying to have a relationship with each other, with misunderstandings, miscommunications, jealous bunnies, rude ex-husbands, a club traitor and suspicious goings-on. I liked this couple; the only issues I had with the book is the ending was a little abrupt (she took him back awfully quickly) but I enjoyed their story for the most part.

Tropes:

* MF Contemporary
* MC Romance
* small town Indiana
* both main characters over 40+ yrs
* both have teen or adult children
* both have mean ex-spouses who are also terrible parents
* manho-ish MC Prez
* divorced 40 something FC graphic designer
* she's his father's neighbor
* her teen children live with her
* his adult children also in MC
* MC not a 1% club, but do some illegal things
* misunderstanding- meet-not-so-cute
* immediate attraction for both
* one-hour stand
* club business interferes with their relationship
* he's hunting club traitors and drug dealers in his businesses
* she's hurt and wary over misunderstandings involving the club
* he explains/ woos her with every day flowers, cards and texts
* club bunny insinuations
* no cheating
* perceived cheating/ misunderstanding again
* overheard cruel remarks (lies to throw off enemy)
* he is remorseful and apologizes
* murder mystery/ police action
* she's his alibi
* she takes him back too quickly
* HEA with wedding, adoption of her teen kids

[Serial Romance Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the fact that this featured older characters. I thought the h, Ella was a ninny at times. I really liked Dante, though he was completely clueless at first about how real, respectful relationships operate. I like the overheard trope and this had it. I didn’t think it was very angsty due to the circumstances, though. Was glad Clayton got his comeuppance.

[VoraciousReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had so much potential but unfortunately, it fell short for me even though the “overheard” trope is one of my favourites. Dante said such terrible things about Ella but because we knew he was going to say them and we knew that he didn’t mean them, the “gut punch” moment just wasn’t there. It would have so much more effective if we’d heard him say the things he did about her and think that he was going to cheat with DD and then found out about his plan later, the way Ella did.

[Soma · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @54%

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blindsided by her now ex-husband, Ella is doing her best to raise her teenage children. Moving next to an older biker is a blessing in disguise and she finds a good friend as well. Her first introduction to his son though does not go well. She threatens him with a knife only to be embarrassed by her actions, which at the time seemed right. Now King is trying to apologize and a heated moment ends up with a steamy encounter instead.

King never thought he would find a woman he wants by his side, his ex squashed that thought. Ella though is all he can think about and having never really dated he mucks it up. Getting a second chance he makes sure that Ella knows just what she means to him.

Loved this, King makes a couple mistakes - not cheating, but you get what he is trying to do. Really liked Ella, they make a great couple and I was sad to see the end of the story. Definitely checking out the rest of the books by this author.

[Chalice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The couple: King (Dante) and Ella

Romance trope: MC
Series: 5th Circle Guardians MC
Length: 445 pages

Plot: Ella is glad to be rid of her cheating husband, even if it is difficult starting over, and with two teenagers to care for. But living next to "Sinner" makes things interesting. She's been taking care of the old man and he looks out for her in return. Then one day, his son, King, shows up, and that's it for both of them. But King isn't so great at communicating and Ella has been hurt, badly, before. They'll both have to give it their best to make their new relationship work. But when Ella overhears the worst and King is unable to explain why he would say such things, they might be over before they hardly began.

Commentary: King's friend was hilarious, telling him how dumb he was a communicating. And the flower shop lady - loved that!
I can understand why Ella was ready to completely dump him. I would always be thinking, "how did he know exactly what to say to hurt me? Why did he go straight to my insecurities? Was he already thinking these things to so easily pull them out when he 'needed' them?" Furthermore, he didn't know she was listening, so it's not as though he was doing that as some signal to her, or in some way highlighting things he actually liked about her. It was just mean. I understand (kind of) why he did it, but like his friend who was listening, I felt like there must have been some other way that to say those horrible things as though they were already on the tip of his tongue. But there wasn't much other conflict (the tiniest bit of OW drama) so there had to be something! I liked this couple, over all and was glad they found each other. (I don't think I can read about his son the cheater though!!)

Previous book in the series: Rome

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read. It didn’t have the angst I was looking for. The exposition was a bit extraneous and made for a longer read that lessened my enjoyment of the story.

On a more positive note, I liked seeing a love story involving people in their forties. Her kids and his family brought a nice touch to the character arcs as well.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

She settled her head on my shoulder, and wrapped an arm around my waist, and I knew that this was how I wanted to end every night. Ella was it for me. My person. My other half. My soul mate.

4.25 stars

I found this book through a recommendation in a betrayal and grovel group, so I went into this anticipating *THAT* scene but I also found myself enjoying the ride. King and Ella were from completely different walks of life but ultimately found each other at just the right time. Both carried baggage from previous relationships and weren't looking for anything permanent, but in the end, King knew what he wanted and was willing to fight for her. I wish that Ella had reciprocated more and not let King make all the moves, even if he did fuck up a few times. There were moments in this story that had me laughing out loud, and I'm so glad I took a chance on this book🖤

Tropes: unconventional meet-cute, opposites attract, he's obsessed and head-over-heels for her, she's jaded and doesn't want to get hurt again, he falls first and hard...and then he fucks up, touch her and die, MC violence and gore, finding love in your 40s, misunderstanding & grovel, found family, STEAMY🔥

Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one of my favorite MC’s. I’m fairly new to EK Hart, but I’m obsessed w/her writing & this series. I first read Rome’s story & was very hesitant because lately I haven’t been a fan of cheating in books. But I thought she did a great job at really portraying how remorseful Rome was, & how much he truly regretted that one mistake that happened out his drinking issue. Since that book I’ve been hooked. I loved Jagger & couldn’t wait for King. And just as I thought, I loved it! King & Ella were so perfect. They had a couple of rough bumps, but got through them. I loved how King was her kids, & I got a kick out Camille & Kim. That whole conversation when Kim was trying to convince them about her wild time at Sturgis had me laughing. And I loved how they rallied around Ella when she needed them.
I honestly can’t say enough about how EK writes her characters, they’re such a joy to read. I can’t wait to see whose story comes next, there’s still a few guys I’m really curious about & would love to see get their story!

[April · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. Disappointed. Dnf.

Book 1 was eh but book 2 was so good (5 stars) I decided to keep going with the series.
Unfortunately, I liked this even less than the first one.
I really couldn't stand King at all, his attitude and personality especially after he ghosts her after they are intimate were total turn offs. It also didn't help that I didn't find the man on the cover attractive at all tbh.
Between feeling absolutely nothing for Kings character and skimming all the boring mundane parts, I just couldn't stand it anymore and bailed at 41%.
Life's too short and it wasn't entertaining me.

[Nikki ღ Navareus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I came across this story over in one of the FB angst groups. The gals were gushing about what a gut punch this story was. I have read others in this series that were just okay, but I was in the mood for an awesome gut punch “overheard” story, so I dived right in. I must have had my expectations set WAY too high, because this story was so disappointing.

The story was so boring, and it was the safest & most unrealistic MC story I have ever read in my life. I had to push myself to keep reading this story, because NOTHING happened in the story. In the beginning, there was a club girl who lied to Ella to make her believe King slept with said club girl, but that was fairly easy to disprove and brought ZERO angst to the story. And then King and his men had to go onto a club road trip for 3 days, and King couldn’t call Ella for fear of his phone being tracked, so Ella jumps to the conclusion that she had been ghosted by him. She immediately goes out with another man 🙄 (that date was interrupted by King, who had just returned back to town). Ella tells King (as soon as he shows up in the middle of her date with another dude), that their relationship is OVER. The majority of the rest of the story was King doing everything in his power to kiss Ella’s ass, literally BEGGING for her her to give him another chance, all while his MC dudes are with him giving him suggestions on MORE ways to kiss her ass and beg her to come back. AYFKM????

The men in this MC club acted exactly like a group of old ladies at bridge club, always giving their two cents on new ways to kiss Ella’s ass. Ella had King (The President of this MC) begging for every crumb he could get from her. He acted completely and utterly emasculated. I’m pretty sure all the other men in the club were emasculated as well.

It WAS dumb. The big “overheard” moment didn’t happen until the 80% mark, up to then I had to wade though what felt like 80% of chick lit and filler sex. And the “overheard” scene, wasn’t the huge gut punch that I had anticipated it to be after wading through all of that filler sex and boring shit. It was easily resolved too. King confessed it was all a lie, just to keep her safe. And what did Ella do? She DEMANDED King tell her the club secrets. And emasculated King, told her everything she wanted to hear, club rules be damned. 🙄 Not a very MC Prez thing to do. Nothing about this MC felt like an MC, if I'm honest. I feel this story was written specifically for the women who are easily offended by everything, because this story was so ridiculously safe. I'm pretty sure the gals in the FB group who recommended this story either read a different story than I did, or I got the Punked version.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the beginning, I LAUGHED so much. The misunderstanding and the mama bear reaction set the tone for the rest of the book. The banter from the supporting characters was fantastic.

King/Dante, MC President, mid-forties, grown twins that were main characters in Book #1 and Book #2 of this series, falls for his dad’s neighbor. Eleanor/Ellie is recently divorced, has two teenage kids, and is not familiar with the MC life. Ellie is not interesting in being a plaything for the club president and makes that clear from the start. King must work to get Ellie’s attention, which I love in an MC book! Especially to have to MC President finding his romantic side.

This couple is in their forties, which is not typical for MC books. Being older, I could relate the references to the changes and insecurities of their aging bodies. Don’t get me wrong, I like to read about the sexcapades of the younger characters but to have the male main character acknowledge he only brought one condom because he just didn’t think he’d being able to go a second time, I’m ok with that reality that is overlooked in most the romance books.

Best quote of the book: your shorts should always be longer than your labia. DYING!

The only thing I felt was left untold was about his half-brother, Ace. He was just in the background, no one trusted him, he was a jerk to everyone, but he was excluded from meetings and church, he didn’t seem to do his job for the club, so I wanted a little more from him. I’m not sure if he is getting his own book?

Overall, I would say that this is more of a wholesome MC story. Spicy sex scenes between main characters. No cheating. There is slight OWD.

[Shannon Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶️: 2.5

MC romance, moderate raw grittiness. OW drama, overheard if you like that trope. The FMC is a divorced mom of two who meets the MMC, who happens to be the president of the local MC. They start dating but he messes up by what she believes is him ghosting her, so he has to grovel to get back in her good graces. Thanks to her horrible ex husband, she has lots of walls up. Eventually the MMC works his way back into her heart and they get pretty serious. A situation at the club involving a threat to her safety has the MMC doing something that he believes to be in her best interest but absolutely devastates the FMC and once again, the MMC is in the dog house and tries to explain everything but the FMC is still struggling with how to believe him and forgive him. One more thing at the end of the book has her realizing her true feelings for the MMC and she finally forgives him so they can get their HEA.

I loved this book. I loved the main characters, all the secondary characters, the grovel, and I really loved the comeuppance to her ex and his wife/aka former mistress. I laughed and cried with this book and definitely recommend.

[Jess Downing · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Rome and starting Jagger, I knew I needed to read about their father, and started reading King. Reading things out of order didn't seem to mess anything up other than small spoilers about who gets with whom, but if you read the blurbs, you can figure that out without reading. So don't worry about reading in order unless you really want to.

King/Dante is the MMC and a really interesting character. President of the MC, father to Rome and Jagger, and son of Sinner, he would be a fun guy to take out for a burger and just chat with. Elle is the FMC and is just as interesting. Her mama bear instinct is spot on, and that's what gets them to meet. Both of them are a bit broken and when you meet the Exes, you know why. But this is an MC book, someone has to be doing something illegal. I think if the conflict stayed with one or the other, it would have been just as entertaining, because let's get real: Everyone loves reading when the douchey ex-hubby gets punched in the face. But the club girl drama had to be mixed in. It doesn't detract from the story, but I think it made it about a hundred pages longer.

Overall a solid read. Four solid stars.

[SC Girlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed in King

So I started with book 2, and I was pretty pleasantly surprised with that one even though I don’t think cheaters can be redeemed. But this one was worse to me. I think it all boils down to the conversation in office at lunch. Where he calls her innocent and naïve. It is not innocent and naïve to want the man that you’re considering dating to not have naked women all over him. I’m sorry that was rude. It was definitely borderline gaslighting and he was blaming her for not wanting that and telling her it was normal. It just was kind of icky and I was really disappointed because the author didn’t take that tune in the first two books and I find it frustrating that his sons that learned from him were a little more respectful than he was. King was just a really big disappointment but worse than that, so is the FMC. Just because she’s been divorced and figured out how to embrace dating other people does not mean she would then have two children or teenagers and think that this is the kind of man she wants to be around. I was just really disappointed in this book. It wasn’t great.

[Amy Restoule · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book! Ella was very much relatable as a 40 year old single mom of two teens. The book was incredibly funny at times, when King was referencing his manscape woes, when the brothers put up a list for King on how to get his woman, the nicknames Ella’s best friends had for her ex and his new wife, and all the funny phrases in between (ie. “butter my butt and call me a biscuit” 😂).

Ella brought the best out in King and he was swoon worthy when reflecting on his feelings for her and yet, he was also great with talking dirty. I found there was just the right amount of 🌶️ in this book!

I appreciated that Ella was a strong FMC (who made King work for it) and that she had great ride or die best friends, Kim and Camille.

I also thought it was very clever that while Ella was shopping, she bought a psychological suspense novel with the gruesome murder of the cheating male. (Could that be Drowning In Lies? 😉)

This story couldn’t have been complete without comeuppance for dear Clayton and I was beyond happy to read that he got what he deserved!

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh WTH I'm going to be really generous and give this 4* cause it's one of the best written biker romances I've read in a loooooooong time (maybe w/the exception of D. Kayn). Both MCs were likeable, and while King fucked up big time, and my heart broke for Ella, there was no real cheating tho there was Ow drama. Really, the only thing that annoyed me to no end is that nobody doesn't realize they don't have their cellphone and then let's it go for days and days w/out listening to any messages or reading texts. I guess it was to let the drama drag on - had to take away 1/2* for that.

Also, could've been a bit more smex TBH, and while I don't mind "curvy" stop with the descriptions of saggy tummys & boobs - was she curvy or fat? Stop using curvy as a metaphor for fat (another 1/2* removed)! As if being slender & tight-bodied is an impossibility for women - esp over 40 (yes even after kids, not all of us let our bodies go)!

I did appreciate that this author knows correct grammar and spell checks for the most part. I'm going to try her other books, and see how it goes.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella and King!

Really been enjoying this series by e.k.hartauthor, and can we get an "amen!" for over 40 characters.

King is Jagger and Rome's dad and the Prez of the 5th Circle Guardians MC. He's a 47 year-old silver fox with an eye for the ladies. Until a hilarious misunderstanding with the 40-year-old, divorced, single mum living next to his dad has his head turning.

He's never wanted another woman more than he wants Ella. But with her heart and self-esteem eviscerated by her cheating ex, she has no energy for time-wasters. No matter how good his butt looks in tight jeans.

Although this series can be read as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend starting from book 1. There is an overarching storyline regarding Mc biz, which keeps you hooked as well, but EK Hart does a good job catching you up. Can't wait for the next read!

[Margerm, Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that comes up often as recommended. The H is a grandfather (late 40s) and the h is a divorced mother of two teenagers. The h rents a house from the H's father and lives next door to him. She loves to cook and bake so they make an arrangement to provide the H's father with meals and baked goods. The h's children also help the H's father with jobs such as lawn mowing. The H is president of an MC who own several legitimate businesses. Much of the story seems to be about hiccups that come from clashes between the h's experience and the club's culture e.g., the need to keep some club business vague for the protection of the h. To protect the h, the H pretends to be dismissive of the h for the benefit of the bug planted in a room. The h overhears the hurtful things the H says and is heartbroken. He is forgiven pretty quickly when he explains why he was acting.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mewsings
Oh, this book was so good! I think it’s great when an older couple gets together, and these two have energy from the moment she pulls a knife on him. I liked both the hero and heroine and found both easy to connect to. And the spice! Rrowl!
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- King and Ella
Genre- MC Romance Lite
Length- novel
Heat- ☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️ with yoga poses!
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- discussion of pregnancy termination, discussion of cheating by secondary characters, violence, language, explicit erotic content
Tropes- Dysfunctional Family FTW, Midlife Love, Single Parenting, Club Ho-Ho-Ho Drama, Club Prez

[Janay White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be Still my Heart

This story definitely made me want to believe in love again. Ok yes I know it exists it’s just been crappy for me, but I digress. The MEN of all three of these stories are so in tune with themselves, their families and their emotions/feminine side are at the most MASCULINE men I’ve ever read about!! Can I please find one like them?? King was basically just existing for himself and his family and the club but when he met Ella, helped him live and he wasn’t always of that. PLEASE don’t let this be the end!! I can definitely see a story for Trick and lucky, even cowboy. I also need to see the downfall of Ace and what he’s really up to!

[Googly55 · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked this book, I’m getting tired of reading about the same type of heroine in each installment. I know there are certain authors that always write about a “curvy” heroine and I guess this writer is one of them. It gets redundant. What also gets redundant are the clueless MC heroes who don’t see the club whore drama from a mile away. At a certain point it just makes them look dumb. Speaking of dumb… the way King tried to divert attention from Ella was very dumb. He did do a reasonable grovel though out the book, but if he wasn’t so clueless he would have never of had to.

[Mrs. Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars- I liked that the main couple were in their 40s. I really liked King, too. He's so fricking sweet with Ella. It was insta-lust but King knew he fell in love with Ella when he first met her.

This was book 3 of a series, so a little bit of info from the previous books made their way into this one. I started with this book, and I didn't feel like I missed out on the overall plot. I was waiting to read the betrayal part (no cheating), and it was pretty much at the end of the book, maybe at 80ish%. 😅

[Mrs J · Rating 4 out of 5]

King, a sexy grandpa and MC Prez meets his dads neighbour Ella, a divorced single mum with teenagers when she threatens him with a knife. The attraction is immediate, but she isn’t used to MC life and club business and King isn’t familiar with dating, which is a recipe for misunderstanding, miscommunications, mistakes and club bunny interference.

There is also plenty of danger, action, tension, toxic ex’s, drama and heartache. I was hooked and read this in one sitting.

[Angel W · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Love

Neither of them are looking for love because they don't believe it's out there for then, but one mistaken identity and overheard conversation later and it smakes them in the face. Past trauma causes a few forms of miscommunication and an overheard conversation meant to protect derails everything. When some hard truths are shared and cops threaten freedom things clear up and love wins after all.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

I enjoyed having an older FMC!! Nice to have one that wasn’t late teens/early twenties for a change. King and Ella’s relationship seemed to start very quickly but then slowed down. I think Ella was very reasonable in her concerns in their relationship. The ending seemed to happen very quickly.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my most anticipated release of this series, and this did not disappoint. The gut punch was chef's kiss, and I never read a book so quickly just to get to that part. The main characters' relationship was endearing, the reason for the "betrayal" was acceptable in my opinion, and the grovel was perfect. Definitely have this on my re-read rotation.

[MISTINE N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mature characters getting a 2nd chance at love

I loved that the main characters were in their 40s and had either adult or older children. Both were divorcees that were continuing with their best lives. Their meeting was great and the relationship that developed between the two characters was realistic.

[Dara Sorah · Rating 4 out of 5]

King and Ella's story was so raw and I was there for it. I absolutely loved the FMC in this book - there was a lot about her I could relate to. Her meet-cute with King....yes - epic and hysterical and shouting you go Ella! King and his dirty mouth...omg....I was blushing just reading. I now need to try yoga and become proficient - just saying. I enjoyed the story and their HEA and all the characters in the book. Looking forward to reading more.