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Kings and Rivals #2
High Stakes: A Forced Proximity Romance
A marriage of convenience is the only way to get her back...and to keep her safe.
The beautiful Morgan doesn't need to know how dangerous the NYC waters have become. She doesn't need to know that old family debts have come to be settled.
She doesn't need to know the way I've longed for her. We can keep things cordial...at least until night falls.
The more time we spend together, the more I come to crave her. Another one of her laughs. A smile. And god, a kiss. I've become addicted to my own wife.
I lost her once. I won't lose her again.
She hates me for the secrets I've kept. But beneath that hatred burns a passion neither of us can deny. In my arms, she remembers what we once had. In my bed, she forgets why she ever left.
As threats close in from all sides, I'll risk everything to protect what's mine. Because some bonds can never be broken, some hearts can never truly be separated, and some loves are simply... inevitable.
High Stakes is a super steamy marriage-of-convenience romance where past wounds collide with present dangers, forcing two stubborn hearts to face the sometimes what you fight the hardest is exactly what you need the most.
The beautiful Morgan doesn't need to know how dangerous the NYC waters have become. She doesn't need to know that old family debts have come to be settled.
She doesn't need to know the way I've longed for her. We can keep things cordial...at least until night falls.
The more time we spend together, the more I come to crave her. Another one of her laughs. A smile. And god, a kiss. I've become addicted to my own wife.
I lost her once. I won't lose her again.
She hates me for the secrets I've kept. But beneath that hatred burns a passion neither of us can deny. In my arms, she remembers what we once had. In my bed, she forgets why she ever left.
As threats close in from all sides, I'll risk everything to protect what's mine. Because some bonds can never be broken, some hearts can never truly be separated, and some loves are simply... inevitable.
High Stakes is a super steamy marriage-of-convenience romance where past wounds collide with present dangers, forcing two stubborn hearts to face the sometimes what you fight the hardest is exactly what you need the most.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2025
44 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Nana Malone
168 books3,030 followersWall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author, Nana Malone writes Sexy Feel-Good Romance and loves of all things romance and adventure.
That love started with a tattered romantic suspense she "borrowed" from her cousin. It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She's been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.
That love started with a tattered romantic suspense she "borrowed" from her cousin. It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She's been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.
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August 15, 2025Available now!
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Amazon: https://bit.ly/4ncfQqf
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/QE8J
Apple Books: https://bit.ly/3HJMUFA
Nook: https://bit.ly/43YrPPb
Kobo: https://bit.ly/43PRomY
Google Play: https://bit.ly/43PQWFi
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/45slI8q
August 15, 2025
WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?!? IM SOOOOO MAD. I GET AN ARC FOR THAT?! FTR I'm not mad I got the ARC. I'm mad that I have to wait for the resolution. The book was soooo good.
SEND ME BOOK THREE NOW. IM DYING!!!
SEND ME BOOK THREE NOW. IM DYING!!!
August 16, 2025
I’m not ok. Not even a little bit.
I flipping loved this book.
I am loving Morgan and Lance.
To the point they may be my favorite couple.
This book slayed me. Hubby came in and was like are you ok, nope. Not at all. I don’t even know how to read another book I’m still living their story.
Great writing.
Picks up where book 1 in trilogy started.
The characters. Perfecto.
I may not make it to October. Soooo need the finale!
I flipping loved this book.
I am loving Morgan and Lance.
To the point they may be my favorite couple.
This book slayed me. Hubby came in and was like are you ok, nope. Not at all. I don’t even know how to read another book I’m still living their story.
Great writing.
Picks up where book 1 in trilogy started.
The characters. Perfecto.
I may not make it to October. Soooo need the finale!
September 4, 2025
In a continuation of book one, Morgan finds herself at the same party as her recent ex, Lance. She recently learned how dangerous his family is and the secrets he kept from her. But that doesn't stop the connection and chemistry they have. In order to protect Morgan, Lance needs to marry her because family doesn't go after family. It also doesn't help that Lance is Morgan's sister's best friend and Lance has been lying to her also. He finally convinces Morgan to marry him, but they also need to make it look real wherever they go together. Together, they learn that sometimes whatever you fight the hardest can be what you need the most.
I really loved this one. I've loved Morgan and Lance together since Gwen and Atticus’ book. They are one of my favorite book couples. There's tons of action, tension, emotions, crazy family dynamics, and more. Yes, there is a cliffhanger, but I still feel fulfilled in reading this book, especially knowing that Nana will provide an HEA to Morgan and Lance. This will leave you wanting more, like Lance's lingering kisses. Must read book one first!!
Thank you to Nana Malone for providing me an advanced copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF: You love suspense with your romance, are looking to dip your toes into something a little dark, and cliffhangers!
I really loved this one. I've loved Morgan and Lance together since Gwen and Atticus’ book. They are one of my favorite book couples. There's tons of action, tension, emotions, crazy family dynamics, and more. Yes, there is a cliffhanger, but I still feel fulfilled in reading this book, especially knowing that Nana will provide an HEA to Morgan and Lance. This will leave you wanting more, like Lance's lingering kisses. Must read book one first!!
Thank you to Nana Malone for providing me an advanced copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF: You love suspense with your romance, are looking to dip your toes into something a little dark, and cliffhangers!
August 28, 2025
5 ✨
My second Nana Malone book and I can for sure tell you now that I’m utterly obsessed with her books. I just love Morgan and Lance’s story so much, like the emotion and love that’s put into this series is just unmatched. I was foolishly hoping that High Stakes was gonna be less emotional and heart wrenching than Deep Pockets but getting to the end of the second book proved me so wrong. Like how dare Nana put me through such emotional damage? I need book three like yesterday.
High Stakes begins right where Deep Pockets ended and throws you into an immediate crisis with both Morgan and Lance because of the almost identical heartbreak they’re both going through. Lance is still keeping secrets that Morgan is better off not knowing because of her safety but Morgan obviously don’t like to be put in the dark because she now thinks that she doesn’t know the “real” Lance.
Morgan and Lance are just so addictive to read about and their love is interchangeable and just meant to be no matter what you put them through or tell me. And the arranged marriage in this book? Yes please.
Morgan is what you call a total badass. She’s confident, doesn’t let anyone run around corners with her and if you treat her badly or disrespect her, you’re out of her life. I love those kind of FMCs, ones that doesn’t play the typical victim role and takes the consequences of her actions seriously.
And Lance oh my gosh. Lance is a total dreamboat and protective hero all in one. He’s grumpy at times but only a sunshine for his girl. He’s totally obsessed with Morgan that it’s on the line of being overwhelming, but I adore that. He would do anything for the people he loves and he’s so generous. There’s no mean bone in either of these main characters’ bodies.
Thank you Nana Malone for the ARC!
🖤 What to expect:
— age gap
— arranged marriage
— best friend’s little sister
— enemies to lovers
— forced proximity
— billionaire
— tension and angst
— alpha hero/anti hero
— hidden identity
— band of brothers
— fake marriage
— interracial relationship
— jealous & possessive
My second Nana Malone book and I can for sure tell you now that I’m utterly obsessed with her books. I just love Morgan and Lance’s story so much, like the emotion and love that’s put into this series is just unmatched. I was foolishly hoping that High Stakes was gonna be less emotional and heart wrenching than Deep Pockets but getting to the end of the second book proved me so wrong. Like how dare Nana put me through such emotional damage? I need book three like yesterday.
High Stakes begins right where Deep Pockets ended and throws you into an immediate crisis with both Morgan and Lance because of the almost identical heartbreak they’re both going through. Lance is still keeping secrets that Morgan is better off not knowing because of her safety but Morgan obviously don’t like to be put in the dark because she now thinks that she doesn’t know the “real” Lance.
Morgan and Lance are just so addictive to read about and their love is interchangeable and just meant to be no matter what you put them through or tell me. And the arranged marriage in this book? Yes please.
Morgan is what you call a total badass. She’s confident, doesn’t let anyone run around corners with her and if you treat her badly or disrespect her, you’re out of her life. I love those kind of FMCs, ones that doesn’t play the typical victim role and takes the consequences of her actions seriously.
And Lance oh my gosh. Lance is a total dreamboat and protective hero all in one. He’s grumpy at times but only a sunshine for his girl. He’s totally obsessed with Morgan that it’s on the line of being overwhelming, but I adore that. He would do anything for the people he loves and he’s so generous. There’s no mean bone in either of these main characters’ bodies.
Thank you Nana Malone for the ARC!
🖤 What to expect:
— age gap
— arranged marriage
— best friend’s little sister
— enemies to lovers
— forced proximity
— billionaire
— tension and angst
— alpha hero/anti hero
— hidden identity
— band of brothers
— fake marriage
— interracial relationship
— jealous & possessive
August 15, 2025
Picking up from Book 1 in the series, we find Morgan and Lance on the outs, though clearly not over each other. Their attraction to each other jumps off the page, but Lance I struggling with his decisions and need to protect Morgan.
Again, this book is fast-paced and full of incident. Peril is still lurking round every corner which leads to solutions which bring these two back into close proximity.
I love these two! They are so good together, but, Oh My Goodness!!! That cliffhanger!! Heart stopping!!! 💖💖💖💖
Again, this book is fast-paced and full of incident. Peril is still lurking round every corner which leads to solutions which bring these two back into close proximity.
I love these two! They are so good together, but, Oh My Goodness!!! That cliffhanger!! Heart stopping!!! 💖💖💖💖
August 18, 2025
That ending was CRIMINAL! I loved all of the emotion, longing and sexual tension in High Stakes. And Lance? That’s a MAN right there 👏🏼 he really and truly loves Morgan more than anything and I was here for it. The way I was reading a giggling, kicking my feet and then swooning hardcore after 😮💨 the spice was, as usual, HOT. Nana knows what she’s doing in that department. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!
August 31, 2025
Oh my my ...loved every minute of this book ...did not expect a cliffhanger ending !! No ma'am !!! Guess I should have known it was a trilogy :)
Lance's is becoming more and more intriguing by the minute and I love how the love story has played out between himself and our beautiful Morgan .... loved that Gwen was also able to rekindle her friendship with her lifetime friend again ...Lance is sooo good for both sisters !!
Lance's is becoming more and more intriguing by the minute and I love how the love story has played out between himself and our beautiful Morgan .... loved that Gwen was also able to rekindle her friendship with her lifetime friend again ...Lance is sooo good for both sisters !!
August 6, 2025
Lance & Morgan set the pages on fire! Great romantic suspense story! I’m not a fan of graphic violence so there were a couple of places that I skipped over. And the suspense level was intense enough that I had to put the book down a few times. But the story was gripping and the characters engaging! I definitely recommend! Except for that flipping ending! Argh!
August 27, 2025
You guys!! I think I have found my new favorite romance - a romance with mystery. OMG! Theres romance but it also reads like a thriller and I ATE this book up! As a girl who gets distracted easily, how I read 80% of the book in one day - that tells you how good this book is. The book ends with. MAJOR cliffhanger but luckily the next one comes out in a few months so you don't have to wait long. I loved this book more than the first and I loved the first one! This is such a great series!!
September 6, 2025
High Stakes is book two and continues where we left off in book one, Deep Pockets.
Morgan is having trust issues after finding out who Lance truly is. She's having a hard time putting the two sides of killer Lance and sweet Lance together but she still loves him and just needs time to figure it out in her head. Lance wants to protect Morgan at all costs and that means doing the one thing that will tie them together forever but at what cost.
The suspense, tension, chemistry, and family antics had me on the edge of my seat page after page. This story was one I couldn't put down and that ending OHMYGOSH I wanted to throw my book at the wall because that was absolutely a jaw-dropping ending!! I need book three now ahhhhh!!!
Morgan is having trust issues after finding out who Lance truly is. She's having a hard time putting the two sides of killer Lance and sweet Lance together but she still loves him and just needs time to figure it out in her head. Lance wants to protect Morgan at all costs and that means doing the one thing that will tie them together forever but at what cost.
The suspense, tension, chemistry, and family antics had me on the edge of my seat page after page. This story was one I couldn't put down and that ending OHMYGOSH I wanted to throw my book at the wall because that was absolutely a jaw-dropping ending!! I need book three now ahhhhh!!!
August 15, 2025
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High Stakes picks up where Deep Pockets left off - with Morgan trying to move on from what happened. But of course even though their marriage started as one of convenience, it quickly turned real, so there would be no permanent moving on, for either of them. Lance is trying his damndest to make up for his mistakes, and he's determined to prove to Morgan that he can be the man she deserves, and protect her from his past at the same time.
Nana's killing me with these cliffhangers! I gotta know that what just happened isn't really what was implied! I have to know how she plans on getting this amazing couple out of this mess. OK, rant over, onto the review. Lance, oh Lance...he's amazing - protective and freaking in love with Morgan, but bumbling his way around for so long. I love all of Nana's heroes, but I honestly think Lance might have just moved into the #1 spot. He's just so haunted by his past, and his first instinct is to withdraw, which of course is not conducive to a healthy relationship of any kind. But he's also so fierce in his love, and his protectiveness, how could I (and Morgan) not love him so much?! Now I just have to very impatiently and anxiously, wait for the conclusion to find out how Morgan and Lance make it out of this huge mess.
ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
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August 15, 2025
A massive second book in the Kings And Rivals series from Nana Malone.
HIGH STAKES is the massively awesome second book in Author Nana Malone’s KINGS AND RIVALS series and book one, DEEP POCKETS, is compulsory reading before you hit this one. This series has stormed straight into the underground realm of a family of assassins and it's ripe with intrigue and family betrayal. Even better, we get to see even more of Morgan's older sister Gwen and her husband, Atticus Price from the previous series, KINGS OF THE BOARDROOM.
What a character Ms Malone has created in Lance Lakewood!!! 😱 OMG, even with this being the second book where Lance shows us more of his true nature, I still can't believe he is the calm and deadly assassin that his family trained him to be!!! And dare I say it, I loved him even more than the stoic possessive and strong Atticus.
His family continued to believe that over the course of the last 10 years he had become lazy and complacent. Never a thought was given that while he had cultivated the calm polite facade of his new environment, he'd also evolved the deadly side of himself.
My heart died for him at the cliff-hanger ending of DEEP POCKETS. Now I believe that Morgan just wasn't ready to embrace the entirety of him. Just how dangerous a man she'd been confronted with was too much for her young and polite sensitivities and I was entirely disappointed that she never thought of ‘him' and what he'd done in trying to make her father realise just how he'd treated her, by teaching him a lesson. Only she didn’t thank him, she punished him for it.
HIGH STAKES is where she matured as did her love for him. I had to remind myself at times that she was only 20 years old.
She'd agreed to the marriage, the blood bond protection, but she'd made him swear to never lie to her including him telling her he loved her, even though he'd sworn it many times already that day in front of everyone. It cut him to his soul. And he raged against his internal demons .....
“She was mine. Had been since the moment I touched her. The beast inside me—the one I'd spent years chaining and muzzling—thrashed against its restraints, desperate to break free.”
And those old family debts??? The rules around those had unbelievably changed!
Ms Malone ripped the rug of happy out from under me AGAIN and I've been left chafing at the bit. And nope, when it comes to anything Ms Malone writes, I'll never learn my lesson. I know this author writes cliff-hanger endings, yet I'll continue to throw myself straight off that cliff with her endings! Her books are always 100% worth it because they're are always 5-star-guaranteed-great-reading right there. ✨️🖤✦
HIGH STAKES is the massively awesome second book in Author Nana Malone’s KINGS AND RIVALS series and book one, DEEP POCKETS, is compulsory reading before you hit this one. This series has stormed straight into the underground realm of a family of assassins and it's ripe with intrigue and family betrayal. Even better, we get to see even more of Morgan's older sister Gwen and her husband, Atticus Price from the previous series, KINGS OF THE BOARDROOM.
What a character Ms Malone has created in Lance Lakewood!!! 😱 OMG, even with this being the second book where Lance shows us more of his true nature, I still can't believe he is the calm and deadly assassin that his family trained him to be!!! And dare I say it, I loved him even more than the stoic possessive and strong Atticus.
His family continued to believe that over the course of the last 10 years he had become lazy and complacent. Never a thought was given that while he had cultivated the calm polite facade of his new environment, he'd also evolved the deadly side of himself.
My heart died for him at the cliff-hanger ending of DEEP POCKETS. Now I believe that Morgan just wasn't ready to embrace the entirety of him. Just how dangerous a man she'd been confronted with was too much for her young and polite sensitivities and I was entirely disappointed that she never thought of ‘him' and what he'd done in trying to make her father realise just how he'd treated her, by teaching him a lesson. Only she didn’t thank him, she punished him for it.
HIGH STAKES is where she matured as did her love for him. I had to remind myself at times that she was only 20 years old.
She'd agreed to the marriage, the blood bond protection, but she'd made him swear to never lie to her including him telling her he loved her, even though he'd sworn it many times already that day in front of everyone. It cut him to his soul. And he raged against his internal demons .....
“She was mine. Had been since the moment I touched her. The beast inside me—the one I'd spent years chaining and muzzling—thrashed against its restraints, desperate to break free.”
And those old family debts??? The rules around those had unbelievably changed!
Ms Malone ripped the rug of happy out from under me AGAIN and I've been left chafing at the bit. And nope, when it comes to anything Ms Malone writes, I'll never learn my lesson. I know this author writes cliff-hanger endings, yet I'll continue to throw myself straight off that cliff with her endings! Her books are always 100% worth it because they're are always 5-star-guaranteed-great-reading right there. ✨️🖤✦
August 13, 2025
HIGH STAKES is the second instalment in Nana Malone’s contemporary, adult KINGS AND RIVALS, dark, erotic, crime family romance series focusing on twenty year old, fashion designer Morgan Crispin Becker, and billionaire businessman Lance Lakewood DeLuc. HIGH STAKES should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book one DEEP POCKETS, and is set in the author’s KINGS OF THE BOARDROOM world.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Lance and Morgan) HIGH STAKES picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book one DEEP POCKETS. Lance Lakewood has loved Morgan Becker for as long as he can remember but a betrayal cost him the only woman he would ever loved. Determined to make amends Lance finds himself become guardian and protector of our story line heroine when his past demands everything and more. Threats to Morgan’s life finds Lance on the defensive, only to realize that love may never be enough.
The world building follows the revelations of secrets that threaten Lance’s relationship with Morgan, and his friendships with her sister Gwen. Ten years of lies finds Lance on the precipice of losing everyone including the only woman he has every loved.
The relationship between Lance and Morgan is acrimonious at best but threats against Morgan forces our couple into a marriage of convenience, a marriage meant to protect our heroine from harm. The $ex scenes are erotic, provocative and intense.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and determined secondary and supporting characters including Morgan’s sister Gwen and her husband Atticus (Kings of the Boardroom): fixer Silas McGill, Atticus’ brother Micah: Lance’s brother Hector, and their father Charles; fashion promoter Adele Beekman,and Morgan’s assistant Amber. The requisite evil has many faces.
HIGH STAKES is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is dark, dramatic and intense; the romance is impassioned and seductive; the characters are desperate, dangerous, resolute and struggling. HIGH STAKES ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
copy supplied for review
Told from dual first person perspectives (Lance and Morgan) HIGH STAKES picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book one DEEP POCKETS. Lance Lakewood has loved Morgan Becker for as long as he can remember but a betrayal cost him the only woman he would ever loved. Determined to make amends Lance finds himself become guardian and protector of our story line heroine when his past demands everything and more. Threats to Morgan’s life finds Lance on the defensive, only to realize that love may never be enough.
The world building follows the revelations of secrets that threaten Lance’s relationship with Morgan, and his friendships with her sister Gwen. Ten years of lies finds Lance on the precipice of losing everyone including the only woman he has every loved.
The relationship between Lance and Morgan is acrimonious at best but threats against Morgan forces our couple into a marriage of convenience, a marriage meant to protect our heroine from harm. The $ex scenes are erotic, provocative and intense.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and determined secondary and supporting characters including Morgan’s sister Gwen and her husband Atticus (Kings of the Boardroom): fixer Silas McGill, Atticus’ brother Micah: Lance’s brother Hector, and their father Charles; fashion promoter Adele Beekman,and Morgan’s assistant Amber. The requisite evil has many faces.
HIGH STAKES is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is dark, dramatic and intense; the romance is impassioned and seductive; the characters are desperate, dangerous, resolute and struggling. HIGH STAKES ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
copy supplied for review
August 14, 2025
I AM UNWELL!!!! I had to take three business days to first get over the insane cliffhanger and then to think of literally of the best review I can write to express the insane love I have for High Stakes. I freaking adore Nana Malone. I love her books and the way she creates her characters that fall in love with and the worlds they inhabit. She is truly phenomenal and I will read antyhing from her.
After the cliffhanger of Deep Pockets, I was so excited when I received High Stakes because let me tell you, Lance and Morgan are everything to me. I freaking love them and I will root for their love story. I was salivating. I inhaled High Stakes. The story was passionate, thrilling, sensational filled with so much nail-biting suspense, heart-pulling romance and tantalizing sexual tension that gripped my heart. I adored the next installment in Lance and Morgan's story so much. Nana Malone upped the suspense, romance and heat and gave me an unforgettable story.
I love Lance so much. He will forever be my favourite Nana Malone hero. His overprotectiveness, his love and support for Morgan, his loyalty to his friends and family, his psycho behaviour that will do anything for the people he loves was EVERYTHING!!! I got to understand Lance on such an emotional level and I am so happy Nana Malone gave us his vulnerable side that I could not help but fall in love for. I adore Morgan. For me, she is the perfect balance to Lance and she brought so much softness to Lance.
Nana Malone, we need to talk about that cliffhanger. Can I bill you for my emotional damage? I need the thrid book and I cannot wait to read the conclusion. One of the best books I read this year.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
After the cliffhanger of Deep Pockets, I was so excited when I received High Stakes because let me tell you, Lance and Morgan are everything to me. I freaking love them and I will root for their love story. I was salivating. I inhaled High Stakes. The story was passionate, thrilling, sensational filled with so much nail-biting suspense, heart-pulling romance and tantalizing sexual tension that gripped my heart. I adored the next installment in Lance and Morgan's story so much. Nana Malone upped the suspense, romance and heat and gave me an unforgettable story.
I love Lance so much. He will forever be my favourite Nana Malone hero. His overprotectiveness, his love and support for Morgan, his loyalty to his friends and family, his psycho behaviour that will do anything for the people he loves was EVERYTHING!!! I got to understand Lance on such an emotional level and I am so happy Nana Malone gave us his vulnerable side that I could not help but fall in love for. I adore Morgan. For me, she is the perfect balance to Lance and she brought so much softness to Lance.
Nana Malone, we need to talk about that cliffhanger. Can I bill you for my emotional damage? I need the thrid book and I cannot wait to read the conclusion. One of the best books I read this year.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
August 15, 2025
High Stakes, the second book in the Kings and Rivals series, you must read Deep Pockets first as this book picks up from that heart breaking cliffhanger we were left with at the end.
The breakup has left both Morgan and Lance heartbroken, rather like lost sheep without each other. Now, Morgan is trying to pick up the pieces of her life and build her fashion design business. But even though Morgan had caught Lance in a lie that ended their relationship, she is still totally in the dark on the why and has no idea the danger she is in. Lance on the other hand knows just how much danger she is in – his family want him back “in the family business” and target Morgan to get to Lance.
As the danger escalates to not just Morgan, but her newborn niece, her sister and her sisters husband, Lance knows that he can no longer keep all the secrets and lies of the past 10 years. Lance proposes the only solution he can think of to protect them, a marriage of convenience to which Morgan agrees. The irony is not lost on me that they both still love each other and steamy ++++ scenes definitely prevail, and Lance, determined to drop the “convenience” part of the marriage, does everything he possible can to show Morgan just how much he loves her.
If only it were that simple then life would be good, but alas Mogan and Lance still have more twists and turns to come, as the continuing family dramas, obsession, heart break, secrets, lies, mistrust and misunderstandings alongside the passion, desire to protect and love all lead you to another cliffhanger that will have you screaming for more – I’m not sure my kindle survived this one !!!!! The final part just cannot come quick enough for me.
The breakup has left both Morgan and Lance heartbroken, rather like lost sheep without each other. Now, Morgan is trying to pick up the pieces of her life and build her fashion design business. But even though Morgan had caught Lance in a lie that ended their relationship, she is still totally in the dark on the why and has no idea the danger she is in. Lance on the other hand knows just how much danger she is in – his family want him back “in the family business” and target Morgan to get to Lance.
As the danger escalates to not just Morgan, but her newborn niece, her sister and her sisters husband, Lance knows that he can no longer keep all the secrets and lies of the past 10 years. Lance proposes the only solution he can think of to protect them, a marriage of convenience to which Morgan agrees. The irony is not lost on me that they both still love each other and steamy ++++ scenes definitely prevail, and Lance, determined to drop the “convenience” part of the marriage, does everything he possible can to show Morgan just how much he loves her.
If only it were that simple then life would be good, but alas Mogan and Lance still have more twists and turns to come, as the continuing family dramas, obsession, heart break, secrets, lies, mistrust and misunderstandings alongside the passion, desire to protect and love all lead you to another cliffhanger that will have you screaming for more – I’m not sure my kindle survived this one !!!!! The final part just cannot come quick enough for me.
August 14, 2025
After Morgan had her heart broken at the end of Deep Pockets, she breaks up with Lance and tries to move on. She’s lost without Lance, and he’s just as lost without her. Throughout the story, Morgan is kept in the dark about the true extent of the threats swirling around their lives. Trying to keep his dangerous family ties separate from his new life, Lance is discovering it’s no longer possible.
Unable to keep his brother and grandfather at bay, Lance has no choice but to come clean about his former life with those he loves. In order to protect Morgan, he orchestrates a marriage of convenience (but he really means it). As they are compelled to spend time together, desire reignites, making it difficult to remain just cordial. At the same time, Morgan is working hard to get her fashion line up and running. While helping take care of her while she works long hours with her designs, Lance becomes addicted to his wife and is determined not to lose her again, despite the secrets and trust issues dividing them. Beneath Morgan’s anger towards him, a passionate connection remains, making way for both steamy romance and emotional healing.
As external threats close in, Lance and Morgan must confront their feelings, address past hurts, and fight for their relationship. I enjoyed the blend of suspense, heat, and emotional depth, exploring how old bonds and unresolved love can become both a vulnerability and a source of strength in the face of danger. Nana delivers a great story here. I love Lance and Morgan so much! Of course there’s a cliffhanger, and it’s a doozy! I can’t wait for what comes next.
Unable to keep his brother and grandfather at bay, Lance has no choice but to come clean about his former life with those he loves. In order to protect Morgan, he orchestrates a marriage of convenience (but he really means it). As they are compelled to spend time together, desire reignites, making it difficult to remain just cordial. At the same time, Morgan is working hard to get her fashion line up and running. While helping take care of her while she works long hours with her designs, Lance becomes addicted to his wife and is determined not to lose her again, despite the secrets and trust issues dividing them. Beneath Morgan’s anger towards him, a passionate connection remains, making way for both steamy romance and emotional healing.
As external threats close in, Lance and Morgan must confront their feelings, address past hurts, and fight for their relationship. I enjoyed the blend of suspense, heat, and emotional depth, exploring how old bonds and unresolved love can become both a vulnerability and a source of strength in the face of danger. Nana delivers a great story here. I love Lance and Morgan so much! Of course there’s a cliffhanger, and it’s a doozy! I can’t wait for what comes next.
August 16, 2025
High Stakes is book 2 in the Kings and Rivals series and continues the adventures of Lance and Morgan that started in Deep Pockets.
Morgan left Lance at the end of Deep Pockets for keeping secrets. She is heartbroken over this. Lance is not faring any better than Morgan. He is miserable for not opening up to her. He thought he was keeping her safe by not telling her about his background. Instead, he has made them both miserable.
Lance made a mistake. But when he comes up with the idea of the ultimate protection for Morgan, he will have to deal with Gwen and Atticus. Is it a harebrained idea? Yeah, probably. But he truly believes his family will honor their one core value: family, whether by blood or marriage, is everything.
When their carefully laid plans go awry at the charity gala, Lance and Morgan must improvise. And oh what an improvisation it is.
So much happens in this story. Declarations of love, celebrations, happy life moments. Then there are the bombs thrown in for effect. But who is the mastermind behind everything that is going on?
Will Morgan and Lance get their happily ever after? Stay tuned. Book 3 is coming soon.
Yes this is a cliffhanger, and oh what a conclusion this book has. But in between there are sweet and tender moments. There are stressful scenes that no one should have to witness. And then there are just normal everyday moments.
I found myself questioning things in this book. Gwen and I are on the same page about one potential question. I really hope the next book answers these questions and provides reasons why.
Morgan left Lance at the end of Deep Pockets for keeping secrets. She is heartbroken over this. Lance is not faring any better than Morgan. He is miserable for not opening up to her. He thought he was keeping her safe by not telling her about his background. Instead, he has made them both miserable.
Lance made a mistake. But when he comes up with the idea of the ultimate protection for Morgan, he will have to deal with Gwen and Atticus. Is it a harebrained idea? Yeah, probably. But he truly believes his family will honor their one core value: family, whether by blood or marriage, is everything.
When their carefully laid plans go awry at the charity gala, Lance and Morgan must improvise. And oh what an improvisation it is.
So much happens in this story. Declarations of love, celebrations, happy life moments. Then there are the bombs thrown in for effect. But who is the mastermind behind everything that is going on?
Will Morgan and Lance get their happily ever after? Stay tuned. Book 3 is coming soon.
Yes this is a cliffhanger, and oh what a conclusion this book has. But in between there are sweet and tender moments. There are stressful scenes that no one should have to witness. And then there are just normal everyday moments.
I found myself questioning things in this book. Gwen and I are on the same page about one potential question. I really hope the next book answers these questions and provides reasons why.
August 15, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
High Stakes continues the captivating journey of Lance and Morgan from the King's and Rivals series, picking up right where their story left off. After finding out that Lance had been dishonest with her, Morgan makes the difficult decision to walk away.
However, their fates quickly intertwine again when Morgan's sister, Gwen, goes into labour. This situation gives Lance's family the perfect chance to target those he holds dear.
As the threats escalate and Morgan finds herself in danger once more, Lance recognises that the only way to ensure her safety and that of his loved ones is for them to get married.
As he knows there are limits even his grandfather won't cross.
But Morgan is understandably hesitant about this arrangement, particularly given the lies Lance has told. She also questions whether she can manage being so close to him all the time.
And her sister Gwen shares these concerns and isn't enthusiastic about the plan either.
But despite her reservations, Morgan ultimately agrees to the proposal, but with one condition. Only Lance is playing for keeps and the stakes have never been higher.
And with a cliffhanger that I guarantee will have you throwing your Kindle across the room, tension, sizzling moments, danger and spice. High Stakes is a fantastic read and I cannot wait for book 3! I would happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to Valentine PR. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️
High Stakes continues the captivating journey of Lance and Morgan from the King's and Rivals series, picking up right where their story left off. After finding out that Lance had been dishonest with her, Morgan makes the difficult decision to walk away.
However, their fates quickly intertwine again when Morgan's sister, Gwen, goes into labour. This situation gives Lance's family the perfect chance to target those he holds dear.
As the threats escalate and Morgan finds herself in danger once more, Lance recognises that the only way to ensure her safety and that of his loved ones is for them to get married.
As he knows there are limits even his grandfather won't cross.
But Morgan is understandably hesitant about this arrangement, particularly given the lies Lance has told. She also questions whether she can manage being so close to him all the time.
And her sister Gwen shares these concerns and isn't enthusiastic about the plan either.
But despite her reservations, Morgan ultimately agrees to the proposal, but with one condition. Only Lance is playing for keeps and the stakes have never been higher.
And with a cliffhanger that I guarantee will have you throwing your Kindle across the room, tension, sizzling moments, danger and spice. High Stakes is a fantastic read and I cannot wait for book 3! I would happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to Valentine PR. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️
August 15, 2025
I have been waiting desperately for this book and it's finally here and it was addicting from beginning to end!
High Stakes is the second book in the Kings and Rivals series and picks up after the cliffhanger ending of book one. Morgan decides to walk away from Lance trying to pick up the pieces of her broken heart, the secrets surrounding Lance are too much if she is not really sure if she knew Lance at all. She is determine to move on and keep her focus in growing her fashion business.
Lance can't seen to let go of Morgan even if is for her own good. His past is colliding with his present and the once semi normal live he lived is no longer an option and when his friends and specially Morgan are target with dangerous threats Lance needs to think of a solution to keep all save even if is exposing where he truly comes from and the tides he has with his dangerous family.
I just love how Lance does everything in his power to keep Morgan save, after all she is the love of his live. Morgan and Lance have a bumpy road trying to mend the broken pieces of their relationship and confront their true feelings but I loved the grow as a couple through out the story.
Now this story ends with a bigger cliffhanger than book one and it's shocking and I can't wait for the next book.
August 16, 2025
High Stakes swept me up in a whirlwind of steamy romance, mafia danger, and the angst of second chances—I couldn’t put it down! The marriage of convenience trope really shines here, with Lance desperate to protect Morgan after old family debts and new threats close in. Their chemistry is electric, and I loved how the tension between love and betrayal fuels every interaction.
Lance is the brooding billionaire with baggage, and Morgan’s strength and creativity as a fashion designer makes her the perfect match for all his protective instincts. The forced proximity keeps the stakes high, and Nana Malone layers in just the right amount of secrets, lies, and revenge to keep me on my toes.
This book is drama-heavy (so many twists!), but the emotional payoff is so worth it. Both leads wrestle with forgiveness, old wounds, and what it means to fight for the person you love. I also appreciated the ensemble cast—Morgan’s sister Gwen, plus all the family and friends—who add depth and make the world of Kings and Rivals feel real and lived in.
A couple plot points move quickly and the ending is a cliffhanger, but the journey was addictive and I’m definitely hooked for the next installment. If you’re into spicy marriage of convenience, mafia vibes, and intense character-driven romance, High Stakes should be at the top of your TBR!
Lance is the brooding billionaire with baggage, and Morgan’s strength and creativity as a fashion designer makes her the perfect match for all his protective instincts. The forced proximity keeps the stakes high, and Nana Malone layers in just the right amount of secrets, lies, and revenge to keep me on my toes.
This book is drama-heavy (so many twists!), but the emotional payoff is so worth it. Both leads wrestle with forgiveness, old wounds, and what it means to fight for the person you love. I also appreciated the ensemble cast—Morgan’s sister Gwen, plus all the family and friends—who add depth and make the world of Kings and Rivals feel real and lived in.
A couple plot points move quickly and the ending is a cliffhanger, but the journey was addictive and I’m definitely hooked for the next installment. If you’re into spicy marriage of convenience, mafia vibes, and intense character-driven romance, High Stakes should be at the top of your TBR!
August 18, 2025
Holy cliffhanger! I knew it was coming but the way the book was wrapping up made it unexpected. We are back with Morgan Crispin Becker. Morgan and Lance have broken up and trying to navigate not being together. Being broken up from the person you are in love with is hard. They do not do a good job at all. Both of them are miserable. Morgan can't get over the fact that Lance is not the man she thought she knew. Everything she knew about him was a lie. Was it though?
Lance Lakewood/DuLac was wanted back into the family. The family that he ran from. Lance had been on the run from them for ten years and now they have finally caught up with him. Lance wants to refuse them but now he has something that he wants more. Morgan is now in his family sights. The only way to keep her safe was to marry her. It was a fake marriage, right?
The shenanigans start right away. There is no way either of them can pretend to be together and not be together. The feelings are still there. Morgan is busy with her fashion line. Though security is high, the DuLacs seem to find a way. They are not letting marriage stop them from getting what they want. Morgan and Lance are dealing with a lot. Will Lance's family ever back off? Will they do something no one can come back from? Whew! I need the next book in this series immediately. Ms. Malone does it again.
Lance Lakewood/DuLac was wanted back into the family. The family that he ran from. Lance had been on the run from them for ten years and now they have finally caught up with him. Lance wants to refuse them but now he has something that he wants more. Morgan is now in his family sights. The only way to keep her safe was to marry her. It was a fake marriage, right?
The shenanigans start right away. There is no way either of them can pretend to be together and not be together. The feelings are still there. Morgan is busy with her fashion line. Though security is high, the DuLacs seem to find a way. They are not letting marriage stop them from getting what they want. Morgan and Lance are dealing with a lot. Will Lance's family ever back off? Will they do something no one can come back from? Whew! I need the next book in this series immediately. Ms. Malone does it again.
August 15, 2025
High Stakes
“You want to ruin me?” My forehead dropped to hers. “Consider it done. I’m a wreck at your feet.”
Since High Stakes is book two and takes place one month after the events of the first book, I’m not gonna go into the plot really but I will share my thoughts and feelings real quick.
Morgan is struggling to come to terms with the killer Lance was brought up to be versus the man she has fallen in love with. I think she’s just in a state of shock at seeing him flip this switch and enter his dangerous mode when all she has known is this other persona he has put on for her and her family/circle of friends. She just needed a moment to let the panic subside and see that both sides of this man can exist and one doesn’t negate the other. He is still the man who adores and cherishes her but now he’s also the man who would kill without hesitation to protect her.
Lance has his own struggles to deal with. Every part of him wants to keep Morgan in this safe bubble even if she ends up hating him for it. He thinks he is protecting her but he’s pushing her away in fear and guilt. And I loved when he’s called out for it especially by Morgan’s sister and his best friend Gwen. But when I say this man will do anything for Morgan…..babes you aren’t ready for Lance and the way he shows her how much he loves her. You want a man that’s down bad for his partner and worships the ground they walk on? You need to read Lance & Morgan’s story but obviously start with book 1 Deep Pockets.
5⭐️
3.5🔥
What to expect:
Book 2 in a trilogy
MF
Learning to accept his darkness
Second chances
Touch her and die
He’d burn the world for her
He helps her with hair care
Forced proximity
Marriage of convenience
When it’s supposed to be fake but they both have real feelings for each other
One hell of an apology/grand gesture
TW/CW:
On page violence, on page guns/gun use, physical assault, attempted kidnapping of the FMC, hospital scenes, going into labor/delivering a baby (not the FMC), witnessing a murder (on page), blood
“You want to ruin me?” My forehead dropped to hers. “Consider it done. I’m a wreck at your feet.”
Since High Stakes is book two and takes place one month after the events of the first book, I’m not gonna go into the plot really but I will share my thoughts and feelings real quick.
Morgan is struggling to come to terms with the killer Lance was brought up to be versus the man she has fallen in love with. I think she’s just in a state of shock at seeing him flip this switch and enter his dangerous mode when all she has known is this other persona he has put on for her and her family/circle of friends. She just needed a moment to let the panic subside and see that both sides of this man can exist and one doesn’t negate the other. He is still the man who adores and cherishes her but now he’s also the man who would kill without hesitation to protect her.
Lance has his own struggles to deal with. Every part of him wants to keep Morgan in this safe bubble even if she ends up hating him for it. He thinks he is protecting her but he’s pushing her away in fear and guilt. And I loved when he’s called out for it especially by Morgan’s sister and his best friend Gwen. But when I say this man will do anything for Morgan…..babes you aren’t ready for Lance and the way he shows her how much he loves her. You want a man that’s down bad for his partner and worships the ground they walk on? You need to read Lance & Morgan’s story but obviously start with book 1 Deep Pockets.
5⭐️
3.5🔥
What to expect:
Book 2 in a trilogy
MF
Learning to accept his darkness
Second chances
Touch her and die
He’d burn the world for her
He helps her with hair care
Forced proximity
Marriage of convenience
When it’s supposed to be fake but they both have real feelings for each other
One hell of an apology/grand gesture
TW/CW:
On page violence, on page guns/gun use, physical assault, attempted kidnapping of the FMC, hospital scenes, going into labor/delivering a baby (not the FMC), witnessing a murder (on page), blood
August 15, 2025
Déjà vu. I had to re-read the last two pages of High Stakes because my jaw dropped. I did the same when I read Deep Pockets. Come to think of it, I believe I did that with the Gwen and Atticus’ story, too. Nana Malone has a way of doing that to the reader. I didn’t throw my Kindle, but I did yell out some words.
High Stakes is Book 2, and I’ve wanted to know Morgan’s next steps after what happened between her and Lance at the end of Deep Pockets. And that ending wrecked me as much as it wrecked them. I love this couple so much. I love the little things that Lance does for Morgan. He may be a trained unaliver. But he will take the time to learn how to take her braids out late at night. He will learn how to sew the intricate beading on dresses when she needs help. And he knows how to rock her world. The steamy scenes that Nana Malone writes are through the roof. High Stakes is not just romance and spice, though. Readers will get more of Lance’s background and all he has been hiding from Morgan.
I can’t say enough about this series. I’ve been hooked since Kings of the Boardroom and am so thrilled that it has continued with Kings and Rivals.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘕𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘦-𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴. 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺.
High Stakes is Book 2, and I’ve wanted to know Morgan’s next steps after what happened between her and Lance at the end of Deep Pockets. And that ending wrecked me as much as it wrecked them. I love this couple so much. I love the little things that Lance does for Morgan. He may be a trained unaliver. But he will take the time to learn how to take her braids out late at night. He will learn how to sew the intricate beading on dresses when she needs help. And he knows how to rock her world. The steamy scenes that Nana Malone writes are through the roof. High Stakes is not just romance and spice, though. Readers will get more of Lance’s background and all he has been hiding from Morgan.
I can’t say enough about this series. I’ve been hooked since Kings of the Boardroom and am so thrilled that it has continued with Kings and Rivals.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘕𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘦-𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴. 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺.
August 22, 2025
You all know how much I love the Lance and Morgan story, so getting a chance to read book #2 in this series was fantastic. And did it ever deliver!
Every single time I read a new Nana Malone book I have to declare that now *THIS* one is my favorite one. I completely devoured this book. Full stop. I ATE THIS UP. It was absolute perfection. 10/10 would recommend. Zero flaws found.
I love Morgan and Lance so much. They way she never needed someone to take care of her and he did it anyway. They way she never asked for help, but he offered it freely. Their relationship started off so rocky you begin to wonder how a (very hot) love story is going to blossom out of this, but of course, it inevitably did.
This book (and series) are great for fans of:
💼Billionaires
💼Sister’s best friend
💼Age gap
💼Found family
💼Corporate/Mafia intrigue
💼Enemies to Lovers
💼Strong female leads
💼Sisterly love
And, of course, it wouldn’t be an Nana Malone book without that cliffhanger of an ending. I’m already counting down the days until book three! This ending was CRIMINAL. I needed therapy!
A very special thank you to Nana Malone for a copy of the eARC. The book is out and available now!
Every single time I read a new Nana Malone book I have to declare that now *THIS* one is my favorite one. I completely devoured this book. Full stop. I ATE THIS UP. It was absolute perfection. 10/10 would recommend. Zero flaws found.
I love Morgan and Lance so much. They way she never needed someone to take care of her and he did it anyway. They way she never asked for help, but he offered it freely. Their relationship started off so rocky you begin to wonder how a (very hot) love story is going to blossom out of this, but of course, it inevitably did.
This book (and series) are great for fans of:
💼Billionaires
💼Sister’s best friend
💼Age gap
💼Found family
💼Corporate/Mafia intrigue
💼Enemies to Lovers
💼Strong female leads
💼Sisterly love
And, of course, it wouldn’t be an Nana Malone book without that cliffhanger of an ending. I’m already counting down the days until book three! This ending was CRIMINAL. I needed therapy!
A very special thank you to Nana Malone for a copy of the eARC. The book is out and available now!
August 14, 2025
In the 2nd book of the series, there was even more to the story. Of course, after that major cliffhanger in Deep Pockets, we immediately see the latest status of our main couple, Lance and Morgan. However, the path to reconciliation isn’t without its shortage of major speed bumps, among other things. Lance and Morgan also have their battles to face. Morgan is still figuring out who she is as a person and establishing her career as an emerging fashion designer. Then you have Lance, who is battling with who he truly is outside of his family and the man he believes is worthy of Morgan.
I won’t spoil any major twists, etc., but I will say that I have enjoyed learning more about Lance and Morgan, respectively. I will say there are plenty of heartwarming moments, steamy romance, quick-witted humor, and nail-biting action. I added even more characters to my list, and I am waiting for justice to be served. Lance and Morgan became a couple that I want to root for as their story progresses. I also have a few more theories, especially after the cliffhanger ending. Overall, I enjoyed this story and patiently waiting for the conclusion.
I won’t spoil any major twists, etc., but I will say that I have enjoyed learning more about Lance and Morgan, respectively. I will say there are plenty of heartwarming moments, steamy romance, quick-witted humor, and nail-biting action. I added even more characters to my list, and I am waiting for justice to be served. Lance and Morgan became a couple that I want to root for as their story progresses. I also have a few more theories, especially after the cliffhanger ending. Overall, I enjoyed this story and patiently waiting for the conclusion.
August 16, 2025
This is the second book in the series and you need to read the first one, Deep Pockets before enjoying this one. This continues the story of Lance and Morgan. At the end of Deep Pockets, Morgan breaks up with Lance because he was lying to her. But without him, she's depressed and without her, he's miserable. She didn't realize the true meaning of where he comes from. In order to protect Morgan, she must become his wife and a member of the family. Apparently, they do have a "code of ethics" when it comes to family. He wants it to be a marriage in name only for her protection but it must look real to everyone otherwise Lance's grandfather will know and there will be no protection.
He really wants her to be his companion not just someone he protects but he wants her to succeed as well and he will do just about anything for her to help her be successful. While, Morgan is still pissed at him, she's starting to understand what's going on with the family. There is so much mystery, intrigue and steamy chemistry going on. A fantastic read but UGH that ending! I can't wait for the next book!
He really wants her to be his companion not just someone he protects but he wants her to succeed as well and he will do just about anything for her to help her be successful. While, Morgan is still pissed at him, she's starting to understand what's going on with the family. There is so much mystery, intrigue and steamy chemistry going on. A fantastic read but UGH that ending! I can't wait for the next book!
August 9, 2025
What a breathtaking continuation to Lance and Morgan's story! After the heartbreaking ending in book one, Morgan is trying to pick up the pieces as she builds her fashion career. Lance laments breaking Morgan's heart, because his heart is broken as well, but he knows he did it for her own safety. He is not proud of his past, and isn't sure Morgan will accept him for his past. Morgan isn't sure she can trust him again, but the more she finally sees the real Lance, the more she falls all over again for him. But Lance's family isn't ready to give up the man they trained to run their evil empire. Morgan is his weakness and they will do whatever it takes to bring him home. Can Lance keep Morgan and his found family safe when there is someone ready to eliminate them around every corner? This story is fast paced, action packed and sizzling hot! Morgan is strong and brave, and Lance is so sweet and swoony as he helps Morgan succeed. The story ends with another heart-pounding cliffhanger and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
August 17, 2025
The second book in the Kings and Rivals trilogy and Lance determines that the only way to ensure Morgan’s safety and protect her from his past is to marry her even though she currently hates him with a passion. But then again it’s a thin line between love and hate and with the hero and heroine living together they’re about to discover just how easy it is for that line to become blurred.
Picking up the story from where Deep Pockets ended, High Stakes was full of action right from the start. The underlying plot of Lance’s background as the scion of a family of assassins was an intriguing idea especially as he thought he’d escaped and left that life behind him but his family was determined to force him back and targeted Morgan and her family as a means to end. I did feel Morgan came across as being quite immature at times. Didn’t she realise everything Lance did was for her but then again there was so many misunderstandings and lack of communication between this pair…. With a second cliffhanger I can’t wait for the final instalment
Picking up the story from where Deep Pockets ended, High Stakes was full of action right from the start. The underlying plot of Lance’s background as the scion of a family of assassins was an intriguing idea especially as he thought he’d escaped and left that life behind him but his family was determined to force him back and targeted Morgan and her family as a means to end. I did feel Morgan came across as being quite immature at times. Didn’t she realise everything Lance did was for her but then again there was so many misunderstandings and lack of communication between this pair…. With a second cliffhanger I can’t wait for the final instalment
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