Just Between Us: A King Family Special Edition

King Family #3

by Lena Hendrix

Royal King is pure mischief wrapped in a cocky smirk and a heated stare.

Five minutes in his small town and I knew he was going to be nothing but trouble. He’s an arrogant, tattooed playboy with a secret, and I’m the woman tasked with quietly cleaning up his family’s mess.

I never dreamed he could be the mysterious stranger behind my hidden, late-night messages.

It doesn’t matter what he says or how hard he tries to get under my skin. I won’t break. Not for him. Not for anyone. But when our secrets are exposed, all bets are off.

He knows the rules—just a little fun exploration. Nothing more. But one lesson leads to another . . . and another . . . and soon I realize that he’s set out to break every rule I’ve ever put into place.

I refuse to find myself melting under his gaze or swooning at the way he makes the noise around us quieter.

I can handle men like him.

Everything will be fine as long as we can keep this just between us.

Genres: Romance, Small Town Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Found Family, Forced Proximity

390 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2024

About the author

Lena Hendrix is a USA Today and Amazon Top 5 bestselling contemporary romance author living in the Midwest. Her love for romance started with sneaking racy Harlequin paperbacks as a teenager and now she writes her own hot-as-sin small town romance novels. Lena has a soft spot for strong alphas with marshmallow insides, heroines who clap back, and sizzling tension. Her novels pack in small town heart with a whole lotta heat.

When she's not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!

Want to hang out? Find Lena on FB, Tiktok or IG!

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

THAT ENDING!!!! 🤯

Royal, Royal, Royal... he has got a mouthhhh 🥵

This was a fun one and I really loved both characters! The suspense in this though? Wow. JUST WOW. That ending was insane.

Can't wait for more of this series!!

-black cat x golden retriever
-tattooed mmc (he literally owns a tattoo shop)
-suspense
-small town

[glavreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - the perfect man? yeah, he’s right here.

royal is a tattoo artist with a secret job on the side… making semi-scandalous videos online. the money’s great and his side hustle becomes more enticing when he starts privately chatting and performing for one particular woman. he’s delighted when a sassy, hot new woman blows into his small town to work for his brother but nothing tops him finding out that she’s his online mystery woman.

i’m just an acts of service girly to my CORE. like please, take care of me ok. and royal’s whole thing was setting her free by taking care and control of all the little things her mind was cluttered by. I’M OBSESSED.

also the suspense of this one kept me sooo hooked!!!

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exceptional! I had a wonderful time. Royal may be my favorite King. He was charming as F*CK and the perfect match for Veda!

I am more and more impressed with Lena Hendrix the more that I read. Everything about this story just flowed so well. I love this little town and all it's eccentricities. The Kings and the Sullivans have so much character and are just fun! Though this one got intense and a bit heavy with the ending, it was earned and felt right. There were answers we needed and it played out brilliantly.

I wouldn't call this series Romantic Suspense by any means and I don't think that's what the author is trying to do, which is why I think it was handled so well. This romance still read as light hearted and freeing for Veda and Royal while also digging into Russell King's dirty deeds.

I loved Royal as a Soft Dom with his sexy voice and inked body. I can't blame Veda for getting hooked on his videos and I don't know how she played it so cool with him. I was a puddle of goo. The way he was intoxicated by her confidence and loved her edge but still gave her a safe place to submit? He is a true hero. He is also the King (pun intended) of after care and we are HERE FOR IT!

There was also no 3rd Act break up, as we have a plot focused conflict there and it is a doozy. As I mentioned, we are digging into some secrets and we get some tough answers this time. So hold on tight.

Overall, this was an excellent story and the couple is probably my favorite of Lena's. I also highly recommend you read this series from the beginning because those plot answers won't mean as much to you without it.

5 stars
3.5 on the spice scale

CW: death of a parent, attempted non-sexual assault, physical abuse, suspense elements

[Meagan✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC

My Kings Family Rating-
Just This Once 3 ⭐️
Just My Luck 3.5 ⭐️
Just between us 3.75 ⭐️

[NJS Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook 🎧

This was so good. Royal King has become my favourite.

Royal is a tattoo artist by day and a spicy content creator by night. He gets a thrill of posting videos for women to help them learn what they want from a man. He has also been creating private videos for an anonymous woman who he is drawn to. It’s not long until he finds out that this woman has just arrived in town, hired by his brother to dig up dirt and find out what secrets are hidden in their family.

“𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
“𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭.”

Golden retriever meets black cat. Veda and Royal are both great fun. I couldn’t get enough of them. The chemistry was there from the very beginning. The banter was everything and how they both truly understood each other.

There was a level of suspense in this book that I loved. We finally get to the bottom of all the secrets and all questions are left answered - apart from the new bombshell towards the end of the book. I need to start JP’s book right away!

- Secret Relationship
- Golden Retriever MMC
- Black Cat FMC
- Small Town
- Hidden Identity
- Suspense
- Banter and Spice

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio reread: god, I was so here for the audio. I am such a Royal girlie and knew he was going to be perfect. But this story blew it out of the water for me.

Veda is amazing & perfect & hot. And I love her black cat baddie energy. Then we get Royal. The golden retriever to her black cat and they are quite the combo together. Royal is living kind of a double life as a content creator for an app called pulse. He gets a thrill of posting videos for women to help them learn what they want from a man and to help them relax. And guess who stumbles upon his account 🤭 and not only that, when they realize the coincidence IRL he takes it upon himself to help her relax and decompress with some ✨spicy✨ lessons & boy were they everything!! 💦💦

We also get so much more info into Russel king’s sketchy history & I LOVED WHEN EVERYTHING CAME TOGETHER! And we get answers in this one!!

It’s never a bad day visiting my fave small town in Michigan with the best joined rival families ever! Sullivans & kings are it!

Next up is JP’s story and I am jumping & quacking from all my excitement!!!!!

⭐️ Beta read ⭐️

FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC. I love them so so so much. Royal’s was my most anticipated King book yet and honestly I ate it up. Royal & Veda are perfect. I love me a golden retriever type with choke daddy energy.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Tropes:
Opposites attract
Black cat x golden retriever
Small town
Secret relationship
Found family

[Jo Bennesch · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️
3.5/5🌶

Hasta ahora el que más sentido tuvo. Los personajes son al menos algo creíbles.

Más allá del planteo de la app de videos, etc. creo que los protagonistas logran tener una relación más o menos madura.

Royal me pareció bien planteado. me gustó su pasado y como se transforma.
Veda, también fue un gran personaje, un poco cliché como mujer enfocada en su carrera pero la química con Royal fue muy buena.

En resumen. una linda historia small town, con bastante spicy y nuevas revelaciones sobre los secretos de los King.

[Rhiannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unpopular opinion, it would seem, but this one makes me so very sad. Royal has been one of my favorite characters since the first book—I feel he deserved so much better 😔
It was like they wanted to write a mystery (that was horribly transparent and boring) but new readers wanted more Royal—but really, he was more of a side character imo. The chemistry between the main characters was nonexistent and the resolution to the “mystery” was basically thrown in your first from the start—300+ pages of nothing—and not nothing in a good way. I think this one killed the series for me 💔😭

[millena ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ugh i love this series

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star rating: ★★★★
Spice rating: 3 🥵🔥

Thank you to Lena and her team for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

I was so so excited for this book because as you may or may not know, Just This Once is a top read for me this year and Lena has become such a great author for me (always such a great time)…. And Royal king did not live up to Whip for me, but he also did not disappoint!!!

I loved the black cat, golden retriever dynamic between Veda and Royal (a very underrated trope in my opinion), and I loved seeing Veda get taken into the fold of Outtatowner. And being back in Outtatowner, with these characters, with the found family aspect, and the Sullivan and king dynamics?! ITS LIKE A WARM COMFORTING HUG!!! Lena has created her own little world that I am so at home in, that every time I start a new book in the town of Outtatowner I feel immediately at home.

I cannot wait for the next book that will take me back to these characters and the town of Outtatowner 🥰🥹

[Trinity (goodbooks.tastytea) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is it! This is THEE LENA BOOK YALL!
This was so good, from the beginning to the end.
It was perfect.
It can only get better on audio, so I will probably perish when I have this in my ears.
If you ever wondered if you should pick up a Lena Hendrix book, the answer is yes.

And it should be this one.


ROMANTIC SUSPENSE!
a Golden Retriever choke daddy
A BADASS don’t fuck with me WOMAN
REFINDING FAMILY
The BLUEBIRDS
HUCK AND CASS
soft Dom/brat-sub

I’m dead. I love it so much.
So SOOOO SOO MUCH

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite King sibling is here! I love a man who is a complete golden retriever and more dominating (not a Dom) in the bedroom.

These two were the epitome of strong women who is soft with only him, and a man who wants to take care of her in all the ways.

And the added suspense plot line with the dad. And the ending!! I need the next brother’s book IMMEDIATELY.

****audjobook

[R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★
spice level: 3/5

มีหลายอย่างในพาร์ท romance ที่ทำให้รุ้สึกว่า เข้โคตรเก๋
▪️ความ black cat x golden retriever
▪️ความนางเอก corporate business consultant ฉลาด หน้านิ่ง จิกส้นสูง กับพระเอก small town tattoo shop owner รอยสักเตมตัว(แต่สามารถหาที่ว่างสำหรับรอยสักรูปแมวดำได้เสมอนะ🐈‍⬛) ที่สุดจะกูฟฟี่ เฟรนด์ลี่ ไลฟ์ออฟเดอะปาตี้
▪️ความเจอกันในแอป Pulse - ฟีลอนลี่แฟน แต่ไม่ใช่คอนเท้นโป๊(เอาเปนว่าไม่ถึงขั้นน้้น😬)ในฐานะ content creator & subscriber ที่ต่างไม่รุ้ว่าตัวจริงอีกฝ่ายเปนใคร
▪️จังหวะเฉลย online identity แม่งบะลั่กอ่า ชอบบบ พระเอกมัน fall first, fall fast and fall hard เกิร
▪️ไดนามิกส์ความ dom/sub ที่รุ้สึกว่า established กันจิงจัง ไม่ใช่แค่ vibe แค่ dirty talk กันเร่นๆ 🥸

แต่ว่านะ พาร์ท suspense(ซึ่งสำหรับเราไม่ full-on suspense ขนาดนั้น พอให้ตื่นเต้นเร้กๆ )จากฝั่งครอบครัวพระเอกเปนส่วนที่ทำให้รู้สึกว่าการห้าวหาญเริ่มต้นซีรี่ส์ที่เล่ม3มันเร่นผมละ ในที่สุด555555😔

มันเปนปมเปนปริศนาที่ลากยาวมาจากเล่มก่อนๆ พี่น้องพระเอกก้เยอะจนช่วงแรกๆ ผมงง(พี่ชาย2น้องชาย1น้องสาว2) นี่ยังไม่รวมสมาชิกจากอีก rival family ที่มีซีรี่ส์ของตัวเองไปแล้วก่อนหน้านี้ คือถามว่าอ่านรุ้เรื่องไหม ก้รุ้เรื่อง ถึงจุดนึงก้ไม่งงละ แต่รุ้สึกว่าไม่อินเท่าไหร่ ถ้าตามอ่านมาตั้งแต่แรกน่าจะอินกว่านี้เยอะน่ะ

🐈‍⬛🦮
กลับมาที่คสพ.พระนางอีกนิด เปนพาร์ทที่เราเอนจอยสุดในเรื่องอะนะ สองคนนี้มัน so good at communicating wa อ้ย อ่านละสบายใจมาก อาจจะมีช้อตกระยึกกระยักไม่รุ้ว่าอีกฝ่ายคิดกะตัวเองยังไง แต่ก้นิดเดียว

ชอบความเริ่มต้นด้วยเอเนอจี้ typical black cat x golden retriever ที่ไปๆ มาๆ กลายเปนยัยแมวดำอยู่เฉยๆ ยอมให้ไอ่หมาแดงงับหางงับคอลากไปนู่นไปนี่

มันไม่ถึงขั้น BDSM แต่เปนแนว dom/sub ที่พระเอกซอฟต์ละมุน อาจจะ rough in bed นิดหน่อย แต่อาฟเต้อแคร์ดีมาก และมันเวิ้กสุดๆ กับนางเอกที่ชีวิตค่อนข้าง uptight & independent ชีวิตต้องมีแพลน ต้องตัดสินใจทุกอย่างเอง แต่พออยุ่กับพระเอกคือไม่ต้องคิดอะไรเลยยย ปล่อยใจให้พระเอก control ทุกอย่าง (แม้กระทั่ง her own right to orgasm 😛) คิดแทน ดูแลทุกอย่างให้ เออมันวินวินนะ ฟุลฟิลลิ่งทั้งสองฝ่าย เขา compatible กันอ่า🤧

ใดๆ เราว่าสามร้อยหน้ามันสั้นไปแหละสำหรับสิ่งที่ยัดเข้ามาในเรื่อง ทุกอย่างเลยค่อนข้าง fast paced ไปหน่อย ถ้าให้เวลากับแต่ละพาร์ทมากกว่านี้จะดีมาก

[Taylor Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I read this out of order, so I don't know the stories of the other siblings just yet, BUT I LOVED THIS ONE. Royal is everything you could want in a dominate male!

[Britt; footnotes+whimsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook update: I needed a simple audio and hearing my King Family king + queen in my ears did just the trick. The narrators brought Royal + Veda to life. I’d missed their black cat/golden retriever and Dom/sub dynamics.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

eARC REVIEW: Speechless, just so damn good. This is book 3 in the King Family series and although it’s a standalone there is a HUGE overarching storyline at play that wouldn’t be fully appreciated with just jumping in. I promise the homework to read Just This Once + Just My Luck first is worth it, but you do you friend!

Veda Bauer is the classic black cat. It takes people awhile to warm up to her and accept her for who she is. She’s looking to start over and she finds herself in Outtatowner, MI to do just that by accepting a job from JP King to do some digging into his father. Although she is used to being alone, she has found comfort in the Pulse App and a mystery man, but she’s bound and determined that no one finds out about this secret.

“Royal” King is the goldenest golden retriever with a hidden Dom side that I was NOT prepared for. This poor, sweet soul is still struggling with his past traumas and being the funny one with a joke at the ready is how he copes. He’s also found a niche subsection of the Pulse App being an anonymous content creator helping both men + women learn their wants/needs that brings him fulfillment, but he never wants anyone to learn his secret.

Royal + Veda just took over as my favorite King couple (sorry Abel + Sloane, you’re a close second). These two were electrifying from their first introduction. Both in a virtual setting + in person, to say the least. Their banter and chemistry is off the charts and when they figure out who the other is, all bets are off! I loved their Dom/Sub relationship and respect they have for the other.

Beyond these two, this book brings along answers we have been wanting since the Sullivan Family series. I audibly gasped + was shocked MULTIPLE times. I mean, we get info that goes all the way back to One Look. All I have to say is Lena is a mastermind and I love this world she’s created so freaking much!

Couple of random thoughts from me. Veda is the true definition of a black cat (not a bitch) and I could hug Lena for it. So freaking refreshing!! And I’ve been a fan of Royal since his first introduction. Reading his book made me realize just how smart I was to love him so early on. He’s my Cassian of Outtatowner 😉 #iykyk

[Romancing the Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely feral for this series…

In the Sullivan Family series, the Kings were the enemy. But I always secretly hoped I’d get Royal King’s story some day… the bad boy, tattoo artist with a spicy secret who was both dangerous and hilarious. I was drawn to him by design, and now that his book is out I can say it was absolutely everything I needed.

📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Just Between Us by Lena Hendrix

📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: The Kings character series. Book 3.

📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book on Kindle. 🆓 on KU.

📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Small town romance

📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Golden retriever MMC, tattoo artist, black cat FMC, opposites attract, intimacy lessons.

📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Royal and Veda met online anonymously. But now she’s in town to help his family out of a mess and they recognize each other immediately.

🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: This is the first time in TWO YEARS I missed applying for a Lena Hendrix ARC and I can’t believe it was for Royal’s story of all things. So I read on release day - immediately and without putting it down - because man, I knew it’d be epic.

Royal King… whew. One of my followers that I turned on to this series said Royal was “more fictional than some of the far men I read,” and I completely agree. He was perfect. A light dom, who absolutely adored everything about Veda from the start.

Black cat FMCs are my jam. I love when the men in the book don’t want to change them, and hype them up start to finish. Just such a great push and pull.

I’m obsessed with the Kings and can’t wait to get JP’s story next.

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3.5/5 🌶🌶🌶

📝 𝗔 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲… You don’t HAVE to, but there’s an underlying story here that goes through both the Sullivan and the King series. I’d recommend reading them all because they’re excellent, but it might also help with some context. This book can be read as a standalone IMO if needed.

[Skylar Hatch · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Thank you Lena for the arc!!

I’m so sad about this one, honestly :( I was so excited for Royal, he was my most anticipated King character since starting the King x Sullivan world of Outtatowner, but this just was not what I was expecting from his book. Now don’t get me wrong, it was a good book - I truly dont think Lena could ever write a bad book, but it just wasn’t the book for me out of this world.

Royal is a SW on an app called Pulse. He keeps his identity hidden in his posts to have a sort of anonymity while still being able to communicate with his subscribers. One in particular catches his attention with her sassy remarks and the witty banter they develop between each other. Veda gets called by JP to come consult and dig in to King Equities past and miss dealings, searching for wrong doings Russell has done. Royal and Veda quickly learn they are the anonymous people from Pulse bringing their chemistry from online to real life.

It was super fast paced, which was good for reading - it kept me entertained but I felt like the romance part of this romance was lacking. I feel like though the spice was spicin’ and Royal’s got a MOUTH on him, they didn’t feel like they developed a real emotional connection, or didn’t dive deep into the emotional side. Which is fine, but I was missing that. The suspenseful back plot of Veda’s research was crazy, and totally called that plot twist - but overall it was good.

What to expect:
🐈‍⬛ Black Cat x Golden Retriever
📱 Anonymous Messages
❤️‍🔥 Open Door
🫣 Suspense
🥵 F*ck Buddies/Spicy Lessons
🏘️ Small Town

[Courtney | romancereadswithcourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

eARC review
5 ⭐️ 2.75 🌶️

ROYAL. KING. 😍

Each King family book just gets better and better! I knew the big bad tattooed brother was gonna be a good story, and I was right. 🙂‍↔️

This was so freaking good. He’s a tattoo artist who is also a secret spicy content creator? And she’s a black cat in the corporate world who is in town to help his family uncover the truth.

She’s also the person he’s been talking to on the app he makes content on… 🤭 and once they discover THAT little tidbit early on? It quickly turns to spicy lessons of him helping her learn to let go of some of her need for control.

He’s a big bad cinnamon roll with a d o m side. She’s his black cat who feels safe enough to subm!t. 😮‍💨

THE ACTION AND PLOT! The romantic suspense element of this was amazing. I was on the edge of my seat reading as fast as possible to watch it all unfold!

Tropes: small town • black cat x golden retriever • he falls first • romantic suspense • spicy lessons • protective MMC • hidden identifies

[Eloise Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unpopular opinion by the looks of it but I really struggled to read this one, this just didn’t do it for me.
I was SO excited for Royals story after the first books and don’t get me wrong he is still smoking hot 🔥 however… I couldn’t stand the content creator storyline, I was cringing hard and had to skim these parts.
I loved the black cat and golden retriever play on personalities but the rest was too much, some things he said to the camera NO THANKS. Also “precious” did not do it for me 😢
The only thing that got me through was finally getting the answers about their missing mum! Still looking forward to read JPs story, he is a complete mystery 🤞

[Brittany Vezer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal freaking King 👏🏼

A tattooed play boy, golden retriever with a filthy mouth that gives spicy lessons to the black cat FMC?!

YES PLEASE!

First of all these Sullivan/King books give me life. I love the suspense subplot and fall in love with previous characters more as it goes on.

Veda is a strong, independent, Bad B* of a main character that was stuck in her head and needed a way to let go. Shes new to town and was hired by JP King to help uncover more of their father’s shady life.

She downloaded a spicy app where she was conversing with a mysterious hottie that doesn’t show his face…. And Royal owns a tattoo shop by day and secretly creates content on that app at night.

Royal is a golden retriever in the streets, and a little freaky in the sheets. Where he teaches Veda- the control freak just how freeing submitting to him can be.

The banter, the spicy scenes, the SUSPENSE in this book/series!!

4.5 ⭐️ 3 🌶️

•black cat x golden retriever • small town • opposites attract • secret relationship • found family • suspense

[Tori Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

SEBASTIAN YORK WAS THE NARRATOR FOR ROYAL KING. I STG I WAS A PUDDLE.

obsessed. Obsessed is an understatement. I am so far gone for this man and this book and this author.

Lena Hendrix, I bow at your feet. 🧎🏻‍♀️

Somehow every book in this series gets better and better and I DO NOT KNOW HOW! Sorcery. I swear.

Royal and Veda were 100% not on my radar, I won’t lie to you. But a tatted golden retriever who looks like they could kill you was wayyy too up my alley and it was over delivered. This man was perfection on a platter. And can we talk about how our FMC was also a puddle at this man’s feet???

Okay but then the PLOT?!?! Are we for real. I was so unwell. I cannot believe the entire thing. I was shocked at every turn. This was Lena’s most suspenseful book in the series and it was phenomenal.

100/10 recommend. Cannot wait for JP’s book next!!! I’m already on the edge of my seat!!!!

5⭐️ | 3.5🌶️

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

just between us | a review 📼

4.75⭐️ | 4.95🌶

Holy....
I had to force myself to go to bed. I couldn't put this down. I was constantly on the edge of my seat with my jaw on the floor. The suspense, the plot, THE SPICE good lord. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book and honestly, after those little easter eggs I am here for it.

[Megan Coggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Royal 🫠 god I would melt into a puddle for this man
Golden retriever to a T
A very tattooed one

Veda, our little black cat

Very unique meet cute situation 👀

The overall series plot really thickened here…

Arc review ✨

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal!! He has the biggest heart and that mouth!! 🥵

I absolutely loved this one! Lena hooked me from the beginning. As soon as we were introduced to Royal I knew I would love his book!

Veda, she was a strong, independent, badass woman who was stuck in her head and needed to find a way to let go and Royal brought the light she needed. And Veda was Royals anchor, they are made for each other!

The suspense in this was perfect!!! And that ending!!!

Lena never disappoints! Cannot wait for more of this series!!

- black cat x golden retriever
- tattooed mmc
- small town
- suspense
- secret relationship


Highlights:

“You think anyone would have believed Sullivan’s and Kings would be in same room but be practically family? It’s wild.”

“I don’t know.. black cats have always been my favorite. They’re precious to me.”

“This town is small, precious. I’ll be seeing you.”

“You are going to be my undoing, Precious.”

“I will stand beside every version of you. You can drown all you want to.”

“It was reckless.” “I took a few notes from the Royal King playbook.”

“Thank you,” “For what?” “For being you. For not taking life too seriously, like I do sometimes. For not wanting me to change.”

“You give me strength and confidence. Life with you is all the adventure I need.”

[trestitia ⵊⵊⵊ deamorski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hope we are over this King-Sullivan feud cuz finally we got the conclusion.Chemistry was lacking. MCs are ok. No to titjob yes to breath play.

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite King couple

The perfection that is Lena’s writing to me is something that I could write a college length essay on because OMG (that’s how it starts).

My favorite thing about Lena’s style is that she never does what I think that she’s gonna do. And it’s always the better choice. Was I expecting Royal to be the ultimate golden retriever? ABSOLUTELY not. But this softie was perfect this way. The more that I learned about his character, his choices, and his thoughts the more I fell in love.

And Veda??? What a BABE. She’s easily one of my favorite FMCs. She’s so brave and so smart. There was nothing weak about her and honestly my favorite part was how she felt safe enough to be soft. In a corporate environment, I’ve seen and experienced times when being a woman was seen as a weakness. Which is a real shame that that’s the thoughts of weak minded individuals.

So seeing a strong Veda was empowering. Then seeing Royal creating a safe place for her to be soft AND cheering on her strong characteristics was so wonderful. I’m just so happy they found each other. They were perfect together.

•

Thank you Lena for sharing this eARC with me. 🫶🏼

[all.the.smut.things · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE; 🔥🔥🔥

ROYAL. FREAKING. KING.

That’s it. That’s the review. 10/10 no notes. This man will live in my brain forever.


🩵 Small Town
🩵 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🩵 Hidden Identity
🩵 Spicy Video Channel
🩵 Tattoo Artist

I loved EVERY SINGLE SECOND of this book, and every time I think Lena cannot top her previous hero, she does! Royal and Veda were perfect for each other and I loved their entire dynamic. Royal is a tattoo artist/ spicy content creator and Veda is one of his subscribers, and when they realize their connection after she comes to work for his brother, sparks fly.

I was not prepared for Royals possessiveness and dominance but o was here for every minute of it. But what got me in all the feels was this man’s tender side. I just wanted to cuddle him and keep him forever.

I also loved that we got to finally figure out what happened in the past and all I can say is Russel King, I hope karma punches you in the face.

I couldn’t put this book down! And I cannot wait for JP’s story!

[Erin (erinsreadingroom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

— 4 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 316 pages
👤 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Lena Hendrix
🏢 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: published independently
📅 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 15 October 2024

What you can expect:
— Adult Contemporary Small Town Romance
— Interconnected Standalone Series
— First Person X Dual POV
— Secret Relationship
— Black Cat X Golden Retriever
— Forced Proximity
— He Falls First
— Tattoo Shop Owner X Business Consultant
— Small Town Feuds, Pranks & Mystery
— Spicy Lessons X Open Door Spice Scenes

𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: sexually explicit content, death of a parent (past, off-page), child abandonment (past, discussed), attempted non-sexual assault, physical abuse, and mild suspense elements.

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Just Between Us is the third instalment in the King Family series by author Lena Hendrix. The familiarity to be found within Hendrix's writing is both a comfort and a joy to submerse into as I find myself swiftly enraptured by the small town charm and loveable cast of characters that reside in Outtatowner. The theme of and emphasis on the importance of family is consistent throughout this series which brings a sense of comfort and belonging as we follow the King family one family member at a time on their journey towards happily ever after. The story felt well-balanced and presented a steady pacing from beginning to end which enabled me to remain engaged with the text on-screen without swaying and becoming otherwise distracted. The writing format is easy to follow, and I love that this series is written in dual POV which only seeks to strengthen the story by offering an intimate insight into the minds of our two main characters. Lena Hendrix can do no wrong and has yet again written a compelling and emotional tale that I was unable to put down and continues to cement my betrayal by remaining a King woman. Sorry Sullivans… it was good whilst it lasted.

𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭:
The slow-building plot surrounding the mysterious disappearance of Maryann King finally unravels and brings such long-awaited answers in Just Between Us. I've been theorising and anticipating the truth about this tragedy for two books now and it's safe to say that I'm feeling bittersweet and emotional in the aftermath of finishing this book. I'm almost sad that it's over because I've had fun trying to solve the mystery as a reader alongside the characters, and I'm also relieved to finally have the answers the members of the King family (and me) have been desperately seeking. I'm happy to see one chapter closed and another one opened... as despite truths being unveiled I suspect this plotline is far from over. Outside of this mystery I had a lot of fun with the chaotic budding romance between Vera and Royal. The circumstances in which they meet is hilarious and offers some much needed reprieve from the emotional backstory unfolding, and seeing their relationship blossom and strengthen as a result was everything I had hoped to see and more. I'll forever be obsessed with the dynamics of a secret relationship and the feelings of anticipation that can come with it, and I loved how flawlessly the plot of the story was intertwined with the development of our main characters. All of the dynamics fleshed together well and felt complimentary of the other, and I'm definitely eager to see where JP's story will lead after that eyebrow raising ending.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
Veda Bauer is a determined and ambitious woman who is keen to find her footing after a wrongful circumstance resulted in her unemployment status and a desperation to prove herself to her peers. Her 'black cat' persona means that she gives off cool, sophisticated and uncaring vibes externally which is far from the truth on the inside. Veda is business savvy and intelligent. Her ability to look out-with what's presented in front of her face and critical thinking skills prove her to be a great asset to her role within Just Between Us, and I was thrilled to see her surrounded by people who appreciated her prowess and skill. Whilst portraying a cool and collected woman to her peers, Veda is lonely and in need of companionship and connection. This leads to her discovering a faceless man on a social media app who seeks to educate on women's pleasure and teach all who are willing to listen on how to advocate for themselves and their desires. Veda never expected to be able to place a face onto the faceless tattooed god... least of all for him to be her employer's older brother. Watching Veda stumble through this realisation was wholly entertaining and I loved seeing both sides of those interactions between Veda and Royal. Her feisty nature and quick wit made her a wonderful verbal opponent for the delighted Royal and I had the best time seeing her emotional walls crumble as their connection deepened. Seeing Veda fall gradually in love was a beautiful development as it emotionally opened up her character and it is at this point we truly see her flourish. Veda is a woman that feels her emotions deeply and intimately, however she sometimes struggles to communicate her needs and wants so it was important for her to find a partner that can recognise this and encourage open communication. Seeing her grow and gain confidence within herself and her ability was a rewarding journey to follow, and I was so happy to see her gain a community of people worthy of the love that she had to give. My only complaint about Veda was that I wanted more. I personally feel like the history of her previous employment could've been expanded upon, as could her relationship with her own family. I feel like I wasn't granted much history to Veda and the majority of her character was focused on present time. Being granted an expanded intimate insight into a main character's life and history helps me better connect with their journey as a whole, however Veda managed to stand out on her own so I still love her in spite of this.

Royal King has been a man of mystery across two book series and I'm both thrilled and relieved to see that intrigue finally at an end. The end of the Sullivan Family series had me hoping for the follow-up series announcement focused on the Kings, and the character I was most intrigued by was Royal. It's safe to say that he did not disappoint and turned out to be exactly what I expected (and hoped) he would become. Royal's need for mischief and chaos was delightfully funny as he is often an instigator of the Sullivan King x Sullivan (iykyk) prank wars. He's the perfect combination with his golden retriever character personality mixed with his heavily tattooed bad boy exterior. He's every romance reader's dream and I loved getting to know his character through his own point of view. Royal's love and loyalty for his family is apparent and unrivalled. I just know that if a King comes calling that Royal would jump straight into action regardless of reasoning and consequence. His passion for his artistic craft was admirable and it was incredible to learn how much work went into keeping the lights on in his tattoo parlour. Royal's accepting nature made him an ease to be around and I loved seeing how patient he was regarding Veda. He knew how badly he wanted her and was more than happy to wait her out as she came to a decision on her own terms. His dominance and assurance in the bedroom was swoon-worthy, but most of all I adored his commitment towards assuring Veda that she possessed the authoritative voice. Whilst Royal acted as the soft dominant within their sexual development, it was made clear that he was at Veda's mercy and his commitment towards earning her trust and love was very well explored. Consent and demanding your own pleasure is sexy, and Royal's ability to create a safe space for Veda to explore her own desires was everything I was hoping for. I loved getting to know a more emotionally vulnerable side of Royal outside of his jokester persona, and I was really proud of his growth as he opened up about the secretive aspects to his life and getting to witness his family's utter acceptance. His hidden insecurities and emotional vulnerabilities took me by complete surprise, however I loved how this can open up the conversation that even the happiest-presenting people can be dealing with difficult personal circumstances and it's important to be there for them regardless. Voicing your deepest buried secrets is never easy out of fear of rejection and ridicule, and I was so proud of the King family to see them rally around their own and accept Royal without question. Royal was a wonderfully complex and intricate character that I would've loved more time with, however I'm ultimately left feeling satisfied with his journey and hope to see his character make continued cameos in future instalments in the King Family series.

𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:
The relationship development between our two main characters was surprisingly pretty smooth sailing despite an initial frosty first (physical) encounter. Royal challenged Veda and it was hilarious how frustrated she felt as a result. She so desperately wanted to dislike him and assert a professional boundary that was not to be crossed... but like many of us the allure of Royal King is hard to resist. Their banter was top tier and I loved how their equal stubbornness turned into an asset within their relationship. They somehow managed to effortlessly encourage and bring out the best within each other and it just proved how well-paired they are as a couple. Due to the secrecy of their relationship their development gave off a soft and intimate vibe which was beautiful to see as the lack of background interference disrupting their development helped strengthen their relationship over time. I adore how passionately Veda and Royal advocated for the other and never left room for doubt in their intentions and commitment for the other. Their relationship remained steady throughout which was greatly needed as the impactful and emotional side-plot comes to light, and I just love when I get to see a couple that can find peace together after overcoming great struggles and trauma in life. Veda and Royal are proud individuals with a lot of love to give, and I was really happy to see them come out on the other side proudly and openly in-love.

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
All I know is as the end of this series nears I'm continually faced with the reality that I'm not ready. Not ready to say goodbye to the expansive cast of characters that I have come to know and love, and their beautifully written dynamics that continues to strengthen with every new book release. Whilst I do think Just Between Us could've benefitted from being slightly longer I still adored it with my entire heart and soul, and I look forward to shouting about it publicly upon release. I'm so relieved that we still have JP and MJ's stories left... and I'm beyond intrigued to see who their romantic interests will be.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲.

'The King Family' series:
1. Just This Once — 4.5 stars
2. Just My Luck — 4 stars
3. Just Between Us — 4 stars
4. Just Like That — 3 stars
5. Just Say Yes — 4.5 stars

[Marissa.Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars of pure Lena Hendrix perfection!

Black Cat x Golden Retriever is one of my all time fave tropes and I don’t think anyone has done it better than Lena!

-Small town
-Found Family
-Dom/bratty sub
-Tattooed MMC (he owns a tattoo shop)

When Miss Black Cat finds Royal on a hot and steamy social media app he’s immediately drawn to her black cat energy, and boy is she sassy! When the internet and reality collide and a hilarious prank gone wrong has their paths crossing, can he tame a black cat and can her dominant personality learn to let herself submit to someone.

This is hot and steamy but with a fantastic, and mysterious plot! I loved the playful banter and Royals ✨spicy✨ lessons! Veda was such a strong and stubborn FMC, I absolutely loved her! This is a HEA and I cannot wait for JPs book!

Thank you so much Lena for allowing me to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review!

[Kim (Chipperbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally! This is one where you will want to read the series in order.
Throughout the series, these six siblings have a very powerful father, Russell King. But as time has gone on, something is off and the King kids plan on finding out what it is.

JP King has been brought up to take over King Equities. The other five siblings have stayed away, for the most part, thinking he is like their father. But when JP hires Veda, he wants her to look over everything at King Equities..so he can take his father down. Now, all six kids on the same side, with the same fight, they must all work together to prove the corruption by their father. But he has perfected manipulation and corruption, and secrets and payoffs, so the job won’t be easy. But they have a plan.

So so good. Royal is one of the siblings, owning a tattoo parlor, and he is smitten with Veda from the start. Veda feels the same. But both of them find something familiar about the other. This one was really good! The rest..you have to read.