King Kingston: A (dark) college rom-com series

by Marissa Markx

This series will become darker, kinkier, and funnier with each book. See it as a dark romance With each book, you delve deeper into the darkness, but with a lot of humor and smut in the mix.

King
I am the broody, grumpy alpha male with a fortress around my heart and a sign that reads 'Beware of the Grinch' on my soul. It's funny how life throws you into the very situation you've spent a lifetime avoiding. I don't trust women, and I never will. But then a fiery redhead bumps into me. She is fierce, annoying, and has a big mouth on her. The universe is playing a game with me because we are forced to work together on an assignment. My personal hell has just multiplied; we have to volunteer at the dog shelter, dogs who are my biggest fear. Laney makes my days even worse with her jabs and sexy-as-sin body, making it almost impossible to resist her until she shows me her softer side, and my resolve snaps.

Laney
I'm done with men, especially alpha possessive cavemen. Just as I start recovering from my break-up with my narcissistic ex-boyfriend, my friend Lily literally throws me into the arms of another one. He's a big brute, an arrogant ass, and one hell of a grumpy motherfucker. It's hilarious to see him struggle at the animal shelter, but when he gets hurt, I have to ensure he's okay. One moment, I'm binding his injured hand, and the next, he's on me. One minute he's hot, and the next, he's cold. But now I've tasted the forbidden fruit, and I want more. Men believe they're the hunters; women are expected to wait around until some prince charming decides it's time to sweep them off their feet. I've chosen to reverse roles; I’m going to be the predator for a change.

Until I’m the one being hunted

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2025

About the author

Marissa Markx writes spicy, chaotic, and sometimes uncomfortably funny romances where trauma meets temptation—and where no kink is too weird to play with. Her books are dark, emotional, and full of morally grey men, strong heroines, and the kind of found family you wish you could crash a party with (badass granny included).

When she’s not writing, Marissa can usually be found plotting new ways to torture her characters, laughing at her own jokes, or cuddling dogs who definitely think they’re the real stars of her books.

If you like your romance messy, bold, and with a side of “wait, did she really just write that?”—welcome to her world.

Reviews

[Lisa Foldi · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, the chapter titels are hilarious!

In this book you follow King, a big muscular guy with a troubled past with traumatic experiences.
And Laney, a girl with rich parents and a horrible ex boyfriend.
King swears that he won’t date. But since it’s a romance book we all know how that goes.

Besides the romance this book also follows the struggles they both still have due to their past. It includes also an animal shelter with the cutest fur babies. A fun group of friends. And some really good spice. A little maffia influence even. I loved the connection between the main characters.

Some parts felt slow burn. Some parts felt a little bit rushed. But over all I really enjoyed this first book in the series. So I’m very excited to continue!

I received this book as an ARC. But this is my honest opinion!

[pitch_black_wannabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨

“ғ**ᴋ...ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ’s ʙᴀʀᴇʟʏ ᴀɴʏ ʀᴏᴏᴍ ʟᴇғᴛ.” ʜᴇ ɢʀᴏᴀɴs, ᴛʜᴇ sᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴏғ ʜɪs ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇ ʙᴇᴛʀᴀʏɪɴɢ ʜɪs ᴅᴇsᴘᴇʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ. “ɪ ᴄᴀɴ ғᴇᴇʟ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ʀɪᴅɢᴇ ᴏғ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴛɪɢʜᴛ ᴘᴜ$$ʏ ʀᴜʙʙɪɴɢ ᴀɢᴀɪɴsᴛ ᴍʏ 🍆... s**ᴛ, ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ʜᴏᴡ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ʟᴏɴɢᴇʀ ɪ ᴄᴀɴ ʜᴏʟᴅ ᴏɴ.”

King Kingston by Marissa Markx
⭐️ 4.25/5 | 🌶️ 3.5/5

Grumpy x Feisty | College Rom-Com | Slow Burn | Enemies to Lovers | Touch Her & Die | Forced Proximity | 10-Second Rule

First off—was I the only one thinking this was an MM romance at the start? 😂 King & Maxwell’s banter had me questioning!

King Kingston, our morally grey, pom-pom-loving alpha male 🖤, is just trying to survive college while supporting his mum. Protective, caveman vibes, and a little bit of a teddy bear underneath it all.

Then we have Laney Doubay—fiery redhead heiress, survivor of a narcissistic A-hole, and an independent girl’s girl 💅. She’s sworn off alpha males.

With the help of Laney’s besties, a very inconvenient group project, (a pet shelter catwalk) and undeniable tension, these two start circling each other like predators in a game of dominance. And whew—the build-up? Insane. 🔥

Loved the chemistry, the slow-burn frustration, and the TOUCH HER AND DIE energy. A fun, steamy, read that kept me hooked!

Thank you so much Marissa Markx for give me the chance to be your ARC reader, I’m truly honured.

[Shelby Seal(Allen) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, King Kingston fully took me by surprise! It's funny AF, there's trauma and mental health rep, and yet it's also got dark aspects! Grumpy x Sunshine, Banter, light BDSM, touch her & ☠️, Dog Daddy, and more!

Please read the trigger warnings before diving in, there are serious topics amidst all of the humor in this book. 💛

I can't begin to say how emotionally connected I became to these characters. Our MC's come from opposite walks of life and yet, they fit so perfectly together. Laney comes from a loving family with money, and not a lot of worries. While King comes from a rougher upbringing, trailer park life, no dad in the picture, and a mom struggling to stay sober.

Laney, our FMC, she's strong, yet also soft and compassionate in a way most are not. I love her character growth and the support she not only shows for our MMC, but for her best friends as well! I'd definitely say that there's a found family aspect to this, for both her and King, and I absolutely fell in love with their camaraderie. 🥹

Sweet, baby boi King, I immediately fell for him. He's guarded, but seeks that validation that can only come from opening yourself up to others. He's been deeply hurt by others, even his own family, (and that's a whole other topic that brings me to tears) and yet he still finds a way to be himself and make those connections, albeit, begrudgingly at first! (Maxwell you sly dog, the best kind of friend to have frfr!)

I honestly feel like I have so much to say about this book, but I'll keep it simple and say I love it, y'all definitely need to read it, and I can't wait to continue the series, this is a wonderful book and Marissa has done an incredible job weaving this story together!

[Booktokqutiepie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sorry it took me so long to post this review life has been lifing hard

That being said I hope this review is worth the wait because what a hilarious roller coaster ride!

This book has top tier banter from the chapter headings to the bones.

You’ve got King our MMC, dark broody tatted grew up on the wrong side of the trailer park and possessive….mmm sign me up!

Then you’ve got Laney the FMC, rich girl loving family grew up with not a care in the world.

With a healthy dose of trauma, mental health rep, grumpy sunshine. An ex we love to hate and DOGS how could you not list this as a 5 ⭐️ read….news flash I couldn’t ! The spice was there too a little back and forth at time slow burn then hot cha cha so I;m gonna give it a 2🌶️!

This is book 1 in the series the second book is Cane Naughty and I dove right into it.

[Dannielle Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first ARC read and i was truly honoured to be asked to be a part of it & a part of Marissa’s first release. King Kingston is new to campus after having to leave his previous college due to a betrayal, whilst also having problems at home. He arrives with his walls unbreakable and his heart firmly sealed shut. That is until the feisty redhead Laney comes crashing into his life. Laney has sworn off Alpha males after her last encounter with a toxic ex & realised she’s not the same sassy, outgoing spitfire she was before hand, not until she’s paired up on a class assignment with the grumpy A hole King who brings that side out of her & they have to volunteer at an animal shelter together. After King gets hurt and she helps fix him up, he see’s Laney’s softer side and slowly but surely that brick wall gets knocked down bit by bit, but not after Laney has to pull a few tricks out of her sleeve to get him to cave & stop fighting the heated connection they have.

This was a lovely read and i loved the progression that King made throughout the book, from being unable to trust anyone to finding himself a great group of Friends & showing how much of a kind & caring person he truly is, that Laney brings out in him, whilst also extremely protective of her (who doesn’t love a man who goes all protective caveman when necessary 🤭) Watching Laney grow into the badass bitch she became after her shitty ex made her so insecure was inspiring! I’m so glad she was able to fight her doubts and find herself again. The passion between them both was off the charts and seeing how much they both cared for each other and how the relationship progressed was beautiful. I also loved the side characters and the easter eggs dropped in the books getting us hooked in already for future books in the series. Looking forward to hear what happens next with Cane & Lily 🫶🏽

[Bec A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! Didn't know what to expect with the cover art but not disappointed.

The main characters and supports were fantastic! (I hope Maxwell gets his own book??)

We meet our MMC King, who grew up in the trailor park with his junkie mum, attending a new college where he makes friends and grumpy decisions before revealing his cuddly side. Along for our grumpy sunshine ride is MFC Laney, a rich girl with a heart of gold who helps prove you never judge a book by its cover 😉 love me a strong MFC!

There was great banter between the characters and personal growth on both sides. It's not really a DARK romance (imo), but it did touch on some morally grey areas (check TW)
All in all, a terrific read!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cristal Juarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pompom 🩷 I really enjoyed this book. I love that both the main characters learn to trust and find love within each other. The big tough King that will do anything for his mom and eventually his girl Laney. Laney left her abusive ex Jason. This book is full of spice and is full swoon worthy scenes. I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Lei Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the banter between Laney and King. It was quick-witted, flirty, and fun. I honestly love when a character has a sad back story (I know, I'm awful). I can actually relate to King and the relationship he has with his Mother. This book was a pleasant surprise and the spice was very nice 😊. I can't wait to see what's in store for Cane.

[Toni Amey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! This book was soooooooo good! The cover threw me all the way off cause inside this book it was so very 🥵🥵🥵. The banter, the spice, the plot just all of it was everything I could have wanted in a book. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars honestly. 100% a must read!

[BlondieBookReviews7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I thought it was a fun cute read with dark elements that get your heart pumping for sure!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute enemies to lovers story. I love the accepting of truths and past lives. The work together to fix one another relationship is what connected me because that was me and my hubby. I do love the kink play it was done very well. Definitely recommend.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Marissa for having me be a part of her ARC team for the release of her book! This story follows King and Laney through a semester in college while they work together as partners on a project. There is a lot happening in this story line and at times, the way the main characters feel about each other gave me a little bit of whiplash. They go from enemies to flirts to enemies to lovers at a very interesting pace. I enjoyed King’s POV, his internal monologue was interesting, and I thought his struggle to trust anyone was justified from his storyline; I don’t really think I’m the bestest fan of Laney though - she’s kind of a little too all over the board for me. I liked the guys’ group of misfits - they all clearly have their spot in their little found family and their willingness to support and be there for King was so cool. I really enjoyed the plot having to do with King’s background. The spice is VERY hot!! Overall, I think Marissa’s writing is good, she’s descriptive and can really bring you into the story. King Kingston comes out tomorrow, March 28, get your copy!

[Kailey Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much it's not even funny! The character development and storyline were just *chefs kiss* 🤌🏻🤌🏻

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“King Flintstone and Queen Catwoman Fall In Love in an Animal Shelter”
“King Kingston” is the first book in the “Assignment” Series by Marissa Markx. The series name alludes to the assignment the main male character is given, which becomes the catalyst for relationships and growth in each story. “King Kingston” is a spicy (🌶🌶🌶🌶) contemporary romance between college students Laney (21) and King (22). There are trigger (and kink) warnings that you will need to review before you read. Each book in this series increases in darkness, intensity, kinkiness, and sarcasm. Think of it as a tiered system. While this book is more of a dark-esque drama, the next book, “Cane Naughty” is a dark romantic comedy (I HIGHLY recommend it). Tropes include: “mine”, grumpy MMC x sunshine FMC, big man and his small dog, she saves him, he saves her, and a happily ever after (at the moment).
King Kingston has had a hard life and bears the weight of the world on his shoulders. Born and raised on the “other side of the tracks,” he has had his trust betrayed time and time again. His mother is deep in the throes of addiction, and he doesn’t have friends or anyone to rely on. On top of all that, he’s starting new at this school in the hopes of helping his mom. Will he be able to keep everyone at arm's length? Or will he finally find someone to rely on? Will they accept him for who he is? A black eye marks a new lease on life for Laney. She is officially tired of Alpha male types. When she is determined to find herself again and finds comfort in spending time with friends as “Queen Laney,” she falls into the arms of King. When Laney is determined to make him hers and become the hunter, a series of emails from an unknown sender begin to arrive…
While this book does stick to the typical romantic plot arc, Markx’s character design steals the show. The characters were human and relatable. They were genuine, dynamic, and had depth, especially King. People raised by adults on the wrong side of addiction can relate to King. Despite the adult in my life leaving my environment as a teenager, I know well how King felt. The dreams of a parent’s sobriety, the lows of the high, the monster versus the person, the lack of trust or safety for yourself and your environment. I haven’t thought of those feelings (relating to a parent, at least) in almost 13 years. I loved watching him break out of his shell and learn to trust, even little by little. It was wonderful watching him face his fears. I felt his heart break. There was one particular scene I wished nothing more than to jump into the book, put a hand on his shoulder, and just say, “Wait! It’s not what you think!”
Laney is a sweet girl who has been hurt and finds joy in helping others and her friends. She, like many of us, doesn’t want to burden others when they’re going through things. She wants to help people she cares about for the simple fact that she loves them and wants to make their lives easier. There were moments where Laney would do something in a scene and my heart would ache, and I would just think, “Laney, say something!” or “Laney, no! Don’t do that!”
I read book two (“Cane Naughty”) before I read “King Kingston” (book one), and I enjoyed both. Where “Cane Naughty” made me laugh and look at my husband hungrily, “King Kingston” made me remember and made me feel. While the nostalgia wasn’t of positive times, it was good to have a reminder of how my life has changed. It made me hope for characters that do not exist, for their lives to be better, for their dreams to come true, and for them all to be okay.
Read “King Kingston” if you want a dark and spicy drama with characters that pull at your heartstrings while watching love bloom between two people who wanted nothing less than to fall in love. Then, stay for “Cane Naughty” and laugh while looking feral at your partner. The characters of “King Kingston” will be there, but it will star a quiet bookish girl and Cane, our Naughty boy!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Marissa Markx

[Jane Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's something addictive and beautifully unsettling about a relationship that dances on the verge of darkness and laughter, and Marissa Markx's King Kingston nails that razor-sharp tension with breathtaking precision. I fell in love by its powerful design, which had a dark, rich college setting, a grumpy, wounded alpha guy, and a heroine loaded with intelligence and emotion. This novel unfolds with a burning elegance, sending you to a volatile emotional arena where hearts conflict, love boils down, and grudges begin into something far more private.
.
The structure is vibrant and fascinating, with each scene planned like a carefully put together trap – once you fall in, there's no way out. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is amazing, with dirty yet intelligent conversation and a plot that stings in all the right places. It's unputdownable, and the prose has a compulsive fury that makes your heart race. Every moment feels like a delicious shiver across your body.
.
King shows a tortured, powerful character who is completely allergic to gentleness, sculpted from shadows, and haunted by betrayal. Behind the stormy stillness, however, is a man who longs for something real, for comfort and for forgiveness. It's incredible to see him fall apart as Laney's flame melts his icy outside piece by piece. The author has such an astonishing stunning prose when it comes to between roughness and tenderness. Laney is a rich-girl rebel with a taste for sex, feisty and gorgeous, unpredictable and beautiful, and so relatable in her personal difficulties.
.
King Kingston is a darkly beautiful debut, with a heart-pounding beat and steamy emotional peaks that stay in the bloodstream forever, the plot's structure is thoughtfully layered. It's an attractive, furious seduction that is propelled by hatred, praised by weakness, and cemented by the kind of love that inspires and then settles. I was breathless, thrilled, and sweetly undone after reading this amazing book. Marissa Markx writes about feelings in beyond romance.

[Twins Reading Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unravelling of King Kingston has an absolutely delicious flavor, it rivets its hook into my flesh from the first page, sending me on a compulsive, terrifying slide into a romance that is filled with scandalous mayhem and tender sensitivity! King is a gloomy alpha, a razor-edged enigma wrapped in an aura of dangerous quiet and slow-burning anger, every scene with him feels like a savage hurricane about to erupt, but beneath all of this grumpiness and grit lies a cinnamon bun center covered in barbed wire. Laney our FMC is an electric force, she's strong, sharp-tongued, and recklessly unpredictable. The design of their connection is so perfectly organized and playful created that it pulses with an indestructible anguish!
.
The plot structure is outstanding with a challenge bringing two uneasy souls together, spiraling into a sexual slow burn that buzzes beneath every sharp remark and hot stare. The animal shelter setting was a wonderful stroke of irony, as King, who is scared of dogs, was forced into vulnerability as Laney pushed him out of his concrete shell. It's addictive to see their chemistry flare through banter packed with sexual tension, biting humor, and touches that sent shivers down my spine!
.
King's development around Laney's toughness was astonishing; she doesn't just grind away at his defenses, she destroys them with her tenderness, sarcasm, and delicious little giggles that make even the most guarded man break. And the way she finds herself again was a fantastic aspect of the design, Laney evolves from bruised and broken to courageous and divine, becoming the type of woman who hunts, devours, and claims rather than waiting to be chosen. Their dual POV give this book a compelling beat; observing their inner worlds spin, break down, and eventually connect in such a chaotic yet dependent pattern was completely absorbing!
.
This book urges you into its wicked little underworld with humor, intense heat, and a flawless sense of poise, it's an addictive potion of spice and snark, a fascinating trip up the dark romance ladder where each rung becomes kinkier, funnier, and filthier in the greatest way possible. King Kingston is the type of novel you inhale like smoke—provocative, extravagant, and perfectly explosive. It's a grumpy x sunshine, enemies-to-lovers treat with enough spice to satisfy your hunger and tenderness to make your heart ache!!!

[Daisy Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the synopsis I knew this was going to be my favourite dark romance book, and it was TRUE. HANDS DOWN the best DARK romance book I've read ever!!! I was blushing, kicking my feet, and completely absorbed. In all honesty, King Kingston is one of those fantastic, spicily romantic novels that controls your heart and won't let go. I think I was laughing and gasping every time King opened his mouth. He is the moody, dark, tattooed alpha dream with a nasty mouth and a wounded soul. I screamed in the best way when I watched Laney, the sassiest, most self-assured, and firecracker heroine, compete against King. I was literally melting from their strong chemistry, and let's not even talk about the tension—it was crazy.
.
I couldn't stop turning the pages because the slow burn build-up was so intriguing, the moments were burning, and the banter was spicy. I literally got chills from the way King tried so hard to fight her but failed each and every time. And it was explosive in the most wonderful manner when he finally gave in. It seemed like pure magic in every scene between them, and it was hot, intriguing, and hungry. With each chapter, I wanted to support Laney as she embraced her power and channeled her inner badass.
.
This novel was very outstanding because it had a perfect amount of angst, spice, deep emotions, and a burning desire. All of it was chef's kiss: the scenes in the animal shelter, the tension in the third act, the craven gazes, the slow touches, the possessive moments. And King becoming a completely protective caveman for her made me fall deeply in love. I'm already dying for a reread since I can't stop thinking about them. King Kingston will demolish you in the most flavorful style if you're craving a raging, spicy, and fascinating romance that's just the right amount of dark and a ton of heat. I'm still blushing, swooning, and completely enchanted.

[Shubba The Emo Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: King Kingston
Series: Assignment Series #1
Author: Marissa Markx
Genre: Dark Rom-Com
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. **

King Kingston is the first book in the Assignment Series by Marissa Markx. It is a dark college rom-com with grumpy x sunshine and enemies to lovers vibes.

King is new to campus. He is broody, grumpy doesn’t want to get involved with anyone. He is paired up with Maxwell for a roommate and they couldn’t be more opposite. Maxwell is determined to be King’s friend. And King is determined to keep to himself but as the story progresses King slowly comes round to the idea of having friends who have his back no matter what.

Laney is pure sunshine. She is outgoing, strong and funny. Her group of friends are a close-knit misfit bunch that shouldn’t work but does. A bit like the guy’s group. They are all a bunch of completely different personalities that just shouldn’t work but they do.

King and Laney have a rocky start. They do not get on at all. However, there is no denying the chemistry they have. Enemies to lovers in full swing. You really see the connection they have when they are starting to work together. King starts to soften around Laney as well being around Pom-Pom the little fur ball. Seeing this giant of a man turn into mush around Pom-Pom is freaking adorable.

The pace of this is more on the slow side with a slow burn romance it doesn’t really pick up until maybe the halfway mark. Which if you like slow burn then you will love that. Once the spice finally gets going it does get going! Unfortunately for my own personal taste there just wasn’t enough of it. But that is again on my taste. Not everyone likes smut from page one LOL!

If you are looking for a good dark rom-com with good character development this is for you!

[Chelsea Donohue · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟/🌶🌶🌶
King Kingston
Marissa Marx
360 pages
Rom-com

This book really surprised me and I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. We meet King, who has a very troubled home life. He moves to his new college and immediately has his walls built up so damn high and makes himself impenetrable. Luckily for him, his new roommate doesn't give up easily and essentially breaks his walls down and introduces King to his buddies and they soon become a lovely little group. Laney, our fmc, is so funny. I loved the dynamic and the die-hard love between her and her two besties. I so wanted to be a part of their circle. Laney and King are partnered up for their college assignments and, yeah, you guessed it, they DO NOT get along, but the attraction is there! The banter, slow burn and angst.... ugh I was living for it! And I absolutely died when King had his "f*ck it" moment and finally gave in to Laneys seduction. Although the relationship between the main characters is our focal point, I really loved all the side characters and the way the author rounded up the story in the end. The conflict resolution was great and everyone got their happy ending. I'm very excited to read the next book and find out what happens with our next couple!

King Kingston is available on Amazon & kindle unlimited now 😀



Triggers:
Breath play Butt plugging (FMC) Bondage with a Fred Flintstone tie Dirty talk Edging Exhibitionism Muff diving Polishing the knob Using a remote-controlled sex toy in a public setting. Abusive relationship Animal death (detailed scene) Assault Attempted rape (detailed scene) Drug use (detailed scenes) Kidnapping (detailed scene) Prostitution Sexual abuse (detailed scene) Slut shaming Stalking.

[Jersy.the.romantasy.moms · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 in The Assignment Series, of interconnected standalones. It's available now!

What an amazing start to this series! King is a tattooed, intimidating hunk of a huge man, who just transferred colleges after being scorned and used by his ex-girlfriend. Now he's sworn off women, has a debt to pay, and his drug addicted mother is suffering the consequences back home. While he's trying to get straight A's, earn money, and build a better life for the two of them, his persistent roommate tries to break him out of his loner tendencies.

Enter Laney, a spit fire who is done getting man handled by men. She meets King at a party, exchanging some fiery banter, and later they find they have a class together and reluctantly have to partner on an assignment. This is very much and enemies to lovers situation. They choose to volunteer at a dog shelter. Unbeknownst to her, King is quite afraid of dogs.

This story has a quick moving plot and never a dull moment. The journey of both King and Laney learning how to trust and open their hearts again was amazing. It was heart warming to see his friendships grow with his roommate and guys group. I was constantly worried for him (as he was too) thinking someone was going to stab him in the back again. As much as I love Laney, I was also worried for a betrayal or third act breakup. My emotions were all over the place. I was anxious, sad, hopeful, swooning and worried! The climax of this story was well placed and well developed. I was hooked to the end!

I am so excited to begin book 2, Cane Naughty as it focuses on 2 of the friends of their groups. A great setup in King Kingston for their story to come!

[Travel With A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

King Kingston is an extraordinarily compulsive intriguing dark romance book, this was a novel that growls its goals with etching entertainment and beautiful urges, instead of just soothing them. The chemistry between King and Laney is a magnificent blast wrapped in stunning dirty banter and endless tension, with each moment brimming with a tender you can't quite define.
.
The plot moves like silk over fire, compulsive, swift, and full of contradictions. A grumpy alpha who fears dogs partnered with a fiery redhead in a shelter, I mean tell me another more intriguing plot (I'll wait) It's lyrical irony at its greatest. Between their fighting is something more, a delicate dissolving, a slow melting, a bond constructed from powerful details that Marissa has carefully put within the chapters making their relationship burn by small moments. When tenderness falls through King's armor, it doesn't feel accidental, it feels unavoidable. Laney not only reawakens his passion, but also his softness. And in doing so, she reclaims her identity.
.
This book tastes like sin and spicy, it's full of tension, spiced with humor, and wrapped in romance. Each sentence is attractive, and every scene causes an itch beneath the layers of skin. It's the kind of story that eats you in silence and fully. A beautiful and delicate curiosity of love, pain, and rediscovery. ... the ideal introduction to a series that promises to get darker, kinkier, and even more compelling, this first book was a MASTERPIECE, now I am biting my nails toread the second book ASAP, Marissa Markx's writing was outstanding.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A grumpy fighter. A fearless redhead. Neither ready to fall ‍

King has one rule: don’t trust anyone. Especially not women. Especially not ones who talk too much, smile too brightly, and crash into his world like they belong there. But when he’s forced into a college assignment at an animal shelter and paired with Laney, a bold redhead who challenges everything he believes, his walls start to crack. Slowly. Reluctantly. Completely.

Laney’s done waiting for the right guy. She’s not looking for a savior, she’s building her own damn life. But King? He’s a challenge she didn’t see coming. Grumpy, scarred, and impossible to ignore. What starts as teasing turns to tension, then heat, then something deeper. She came in ready to play the hunter. She didn’t expect to catch real feelings.

Their connection isn’t simple. Between secrets, trauma, and a past that won't stay buried, trust is hard-earned and easily broken. When emotions spiral and hard truths surface, they’ll have to decide if what they’ve built can survive the pressure. Some scars don’t fade easily, but neither does the pull between them.

King starts off closed off and emotionally guarded, shaped by a violent past and a lifetime of survival mode. Laney enters the story strong-willed and brave, still healing from a toxic ex but determined to stay soft without being stepped on. Together, they evolve from guarded strangers to something fierce, honest, and completely their own.

A dark, steamy, enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine romantic thriller with emotional depth. It explores love, trauma, healing, redemption, found family, and the risk of choosing connection in a world that teaches you to run.

[Flor Arasco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an awesome read, quick and easy, didn’t want to put it down.

Laney is fierce, caring and loyal, I loved her as a main character, the things she does for her friends and for King show her huge heart, but I also loved her compassion, her work at the shelter and how she tries to overcome everything while staying true to herself, it was refreshing.

King is such a grumpy ass at first, but we soon see that he just was f*cked over before and has trust issues. I would have loved to see him dealing a bit more with his trauma, I think it would have made for an interesting turmoil, but I still loved him, seeing him determined to take himself and his mom out of the hand they were dealt with, how he formed real connections with the group of friends and how devoted he is to Laney and Pompom, a huge teddy bear in disguise!

The steam was really well written and hot, the darkness in this book was supposed to be light; as it progresses with the series, but I found almost none, maybe the last 10% of the book? So if that makes you uncertain, I’d say go for it!

I’m going to read the second book immediately as I really liked the other characters as well!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tropes_and_Taboo · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌶️🌶️🌶️

If you’ve read my earlier reviews, you know I adore chapter titles. They make me weirdly happy, and these ones? Hilarious. Clever. Perfect. Every time I flipped to a new chapter, I had a little grin on my face.

This book is written in dual POV, which I always love because you get the full picture. There’s a solid plotline running through the story, but what really stood out to me was the tone: yes, there are serious themes (⚠️ definitely check your trigger warnings), but the author balances them with purposeful humor that kept me chuckling the whole way through. It never undercuts the story but adds this light, fun energy that I really appreciated—especially since I’d just come off a few heavier reads.

Spice-wise? A fun mix of hot and playful. Some of the positions? 👀 Let’s just say they were interesting to imagine… and possibly recreate.

It’s a standalone with an HEA, but the end teases a secondary character’s story that sets up the next book. You could stop here, but if you’re planning to binge the series, I definitely recommend reading in order for the best experience.

I’ve heard books 2 & 3 are even funnier (!!!), so I’m diving into Cane Naughty next and cannot wait!

[Chasity7474📚❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good one!!

This is a dark, college rom-com with grumpy x sunshine and enemies to lovers. I was sucked in immediately and the story just continued to flow making it hard to put down! I loved how their relationship progressed. The banter, flirting and laughter continued throughout!

King finds himself at a new college repeating his sophomore year and in debt to a drug dealer due to trusting the wrong people. He has his walls so high even his roommate can’t seem to break through. (His roommate Maxwell is the absolute perfect person for him to be rooming with and one of my favorite side characters!)

Laney had just gotten out of a bad relationship with a narcissist. She is determined to not date any more alpha males and when she sees King she judges him as being exactly like her ex. When they get paired together for a project she can’t help but be mean to him until she realizes maybe she made a mistake.

King Kingston is such a great character. I love that he is grumpy on the outside but inside he is a big cinnamon roll.

Laney is not your typical rich girl. She is super loyal and just overall a good person.

Lastly the cover!! I would have picked this up solely based on that cool cover!

[Pranjal · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲 (𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 🥵🥵) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞.

King Kingston, a spicy college rom-com with grumpy x sunshine vibes, is the first book in the Assignment Series by Marissa Markx. The cover took me by surprise and chapter's titles were too funny. The author has certainly done a wonderful job with her debut novel.

King is a broody grump who doesn't want to associate with anyone because of his past experiences. At his new college, he gets Maxwell (who is his complete opposite 🤣🤣) as his roommate. Thanks to Maxwell's various attempts at communication, King finally realizes that he has made some friends who will stick by him no matter what.

He is paired with Laney, a pure sunshine, to work on an assignment, and the chemistry begins 🦋✨. The sexual tension, the spice 🥵🥵🤌 and my fav- THOSE CUTE MOMENTS WITH POMPOM. This giant of a man with a little furball- so cute oml 🥹🫶. Can't wait to read Cane's book (my next read fr lol).

Tropes-

Slow burn
College rom-com
Enemies to lovers
Grumpy x Sunshine
Spicyyy
Banter
Mental Health rep
Light BDSM

[Zara · Rating 3 out of 5]

King Kingston
⭐⭐⭐.25/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

I liked the story and would say it’s definitely suitable for someone new to dark romance. It had tension and I could feel the chemistry between the characters. There was a lot of growing for both of them, and I am happy they overcame their dark pasts.

However, I don’t feel like I can give it more than 3⭐. Unfortunately, there was a lot of repetitiveness throughout the whole book, and some of the dialog between the characters felt off-putting and unrealistic. There were many scenes that contradicted each other, which made the book confusing at points. I struggled a lot with Laney’s first POV chapter. I can’t say she is a character I like in general and honestly I felt more connected to King. I didn’t like all the assumptions she made about him and their initial banter seemed out of the blue and for no reason. I am glad they overcame their differences and got a better understanding of one another in the end.

[Sam ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a "don't judge a books by its cover" kind of book. When we meet Kings mom I almost wanted to tap out and stop reading. Lots of feelings came to me and I didn't know if I could make myself continue but I needed to know if things got better. (I don't have a mom like Kings but I know what it's like to love and live with an addict.) The authors portrayal of Kings mom was spot on it was scary, almost like I could have wrote those pieces of the book myself. The text messages, the interactions, literally identical.
Kings character development was amazing to watch and I love how he broke down his walls to let Laney in.
Overall I enjoyed the book. I laughed, I cried, I felt the tension and the heat between Laney and King. I loved that dogs were involved and a grumpy man turned into a teddy bear. AND THE TWIST AT THE END?!?! That was unexpected but it totally made me want to jump into book
2

[Natiley Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

I had a blast reading King Kingston! This book is filled with humor and great character dynamics. King is your classic broody alpha male, but what I loved most was how he and Laney played off each other. Their back-and-forth at the dog shelter had me laughing out loud, especially as they navigated their growing attraction while dealing with some quirky situations.

Laney is such a fierce character, and I was really rooting for her. I didn’t expect to connect with her journey as much as I did—she really steals the show! Plus, King’s protective nature adds a nice layer to the story. I definitely didn’t think I could ever hate a character’s ex more than I did in this book!

While this book touches on some deeper themes, it felt more lighthearted compared to Cane Naughty, which got a bit darker. That said, I’m super excited for the rest of the series. I’m eager to see more of Lily and this friend group because I just know it’s going to get even better.

["They Did What?" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure what I expected when I decided to ARC this book. I have not read this author before and so I didn't know if her writing style would match with me. The story is well written and pulls you in from the very first page. I love the interactions of the characters. You do have a main male and female, but the side characters and friendships are so prominent and necessary, you can’t help but get attached to them as well. The descriptive language makes the scenes vivid. There's humor, drama, suspense, twist/turns, survival, intrigue, secrets, surprises, anger, fear, pain, conflict, resolution, confusion, confidence, strength, courage, trust, truths, stubbornness, struggles, abuse, doubts, acceptance, redemption, consequences, heartache, mistrust, frustration, determination, patience, happiness, romance, passion/lust and love and together these devices move this plot along and a smooth pace. Grab this emotionally complex, humorous, passionate 🔥 & touching love story.