King of Jokers

King Series #3

by Vyk Peters

When a rekindled bond, treasured memories, and undeniable chemistry unite, can they heal the missed chances of yesterday?As the sun awakens their sleepy beachside town, Jack Grant, a talented and charming Australian footballer, returns home with hopes of escaping the weight of remorse after a turbulent season. Hoping to heal, rest, and rediscover himself in the place that has always brought him peace, the last thing he expects is to ignite the embers of a long-buried connection with his childhood best friend – the one he's never been able to forget, no matter how far out of reach she’s always seemed.

Winter Lennox has never ventured far from the picturesque town of Willow Bay, dedicating her days to writing and merely dreaming of a bigger life while secretly harbouring feelings for the one person who has never let her down. Not wanting to hold him back, she has watched from afar as he chased his dreams of glory, but now, as they share a hot, sultry summer together, the silent bond between them emerges, and she recognises this might be her final opportunity to discover what could be.

As spicy sparks fly, will The King of Jokers trust himself enough to realise that the best game plan is to take a chance and embrace what has always been within his reach?

Genres: Sports, Romance

154 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

Vyk is a lover of cheese, sparkling water and reading - not necessarily in that order.
She loves to laugh, surrounded by good food and great company.
Mostly, she can be found in the thick of the chaos which comes with raising two children, working and trying to survive the wild ride of life. All of which wouldn't be possible without the coffee and cooking of her amazing husband.

The rest of the time she can be found reading, writing or adding to her never-ending 'to be read' list.

Reviews

[Jess 𝜗𝜚˚⋆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I’ve read by Vyk Peters and I was not disappointed!

The FMC, Winter, is an aspiring writer who’s in need of inspiration for her love story. When her childhood best friend, Jack, comes home for the summer, he can’t resist her offer when she asks him to show her what passion feels like. They both say it will be nothing more than inspiration for Winter’s story but can they both hide the feelings that they secretly have for each other.

I felt I related to Winter a lot. She is an introvert, who’s scared to leave the confines of her little town, doesn’t like crowds and stays to herself. I thought she was represented so well and complimented Jack’s outgoing personality. Jack is a fun and charming sports man, who has everything going for him but all he really wants is her.

Their friendship, which later transforms into love, really had me believing this was a real love story. I feel like this story is what every little girl dreams of having - boy best friend turned to lover. It was beautifully written and was such a captivating story.

Even though, this was a novella I don’t think it took away from how incredible this story was. It didn’t feel rushed and I thought it was the perfect length for Winter and Jack’s love to unfold.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC 💌

[Endjoying · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS!

Thanks to absolutely wonderful and downright amazing vyk peters for this ARC!

I fear im absolutely obsessed with Winter and Jack!!!
I think they are almost tied with Andy and Arna on first place of most loved king of couples!
My favorite friends to lovers!

It made me feel allll the feeelsss....

Winter made me realize some things are worth leaving every rule behind for!
I identify with her so much that this book hit me incredibly hard in the feels.
Maybe i even let a little tear when she woke up realizing he left.

Vyk made me believe in deep love overcoming extreme fears together

[Kel (BrassBooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have once again been lucky enough to receive an ARC of this beautiful novella, King of Jokers by Vyk Peters.
And what an absolute PRIVILEGE being able to read this early has been.

This was absolutely stunning. I’ve loved the glimpses of Jack we’ve seen in the other two Kings books. But this novella…. Jesus take the wheel.
Jack is just the most beautiful human. I related to Winter so much as well. The chemistry was delectable. It was intense but sensitive and I ATE THAT SHIT UP.
Did I want more than just a novella as I read?! ABSOLUTELY. But it was so well rounded and satisfying as it was at the same time.
Vyk is just getting better and better with each release and I am simply bursting at the seams for more!!!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an ARC of this novella! Sadly I didn't for King Of Clubs, so I'm still waiting for that one!! But you can read this as a standalone very well.

Despite being a novella the relationship between our two lovers is very well drawn from the get-go. You get a sense for all their quirks and it is very cute and very lovely and gives you lots of doses of serotonin.

I would rate this 4.5/5 I had a few moments where I was a bit confused at the pacing - some scenes seemed to jump ahead and I felt like I missed something (maybe I was just reading so so so fast cause I was so into it that I missed something!?) But it's so minor and only happened a few times so we rounded up to 5 anyway because we love Jack and Winter.

Vyk definitely loves her craft, and it shows in this one.

[Síle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Vyk (once again) for trusting me and my very determined opinion to read your newest novella! Appreciate you big time girl.

Who needs slow plot-building when you can dive straight into the action by page six (or something like that)? No hesitation, no fluff—just pure, electrifying intensity. Honestly, I had a blast.

Vyk, girl, you left no crumbs with this one. The writing was razor sharp. The tension? Thick. The spice? Hot damn! This book does not hold back, holy moly!

The ending? Nearly broke me in half. I wasn’t ready. I am still not ready. I never will be ready. But I need more.

[Cynthia T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC. King of Jokers is the 3rd book in the King series by Vyk Peters. It is a short novela but has all the romance and spice as a full novel, you will not be disappointed. Jack and Winter are best friends and they have feelings that they did not share with each other because they are each others person. Yet, Winter decides that she needs Jack help with showing her what it means to have passion for a book she is writing. OMG!! Let the lessons begin.

[Bree Hawkless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Winters story is just beautiful! Friends to lovers, a deal made that will see the friendship push its boundaries and feelings unknown come to the surface but can these two accept what is right in front of them?? You will need to read it for yourself to find out
Absolutely loved it and highly recommend

[Simone Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a comforting, emotional novella. I absolutely love this world and these characters. They feel like friends!Beautifully written!

[Laura Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this e-book as an ARC and I am so happy I did. This is a first read from this author. King of Jokers is a novella is a series and can be read as a stand alone. It is a dual POV which I love. I can relate to the MFC as she is an introvert, avoids loud crowds, cares what everyone thinks, loves her parents, and overthinks way too much. She secretly has been in love with her childhood best friend and is super excited he is coming to stay with her for the summer. MMC is an athlete who also has been in love with his BFF. This is a short read and it will captivate you to want to finish to learn how everything plays out. There are some spicy scenes that were fire. Tropes: friends to lovers, small town, soul mates. I highly recommend and will be reading the rest of the series.

[❦Bookartbabes❦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

On summer break from the footy season, Jack heads home to the small beachside town of Willow Bay for some chill out time catching up with his best mate Winter. Winter is introverted and follows the rules. She likes reading, structure, collecting seashells, hanging out with her best (only) friend, Jack, and writing her debut romance novel.
After a few glasses of liquid courage and with Jack staying with her for the summer break, Winter has a brilliant idea to solve her writer’s block…but will these best friends get through summer without ruining their friendship and hurting the one person they love more than anything (as friends, *obviously*)?

Although this is a novella, don’t let it fool you, it still packs a punch. Now…friends-to-lovers isn’t my absolute favourite, but I trusted Vyk (hehe 🤭 no pressure!) and I knew where this was heading once Jack and Winter decided to ‘have a little fun’ (what could go wrong, right!?) and I wanted to flip a table because there is a 50% chance that it ends very VERY badly and I was nervous for these two BB’s 🥺 (Vyk’s DM’s can attest to my emotional state during some chapters)!

Thankfully, Vyk does such an incredible job letting her characters speak for themselves and making them come to life and telling their story. I found myself nodding along with so many of Winter’s struggles and experiences.

The friendship between Jack and Winter is so special and unique and Jack never expects more from Winter - she is exactly who she is meant to be when she is around him. Jack is an awesome friend and a beautiful human; I liked that we got to see how he struggled with the aftermath of his actions in King of Hearts – I hope we get to delve deeper in that whole shit show decision in Jay’s book (😉🤗 Vyk!!)

The steam was steaming (🌶️🌶️🌶️), and the angst was enough without going overboard…I devoured this within a few hours!!
Thank you so much to Vyk for the opportunity to ARC read Jack and Winter’s story, I can’t wait for book 4 😊

💻 friends-to-lovers
💋 small town
💻 neurodivergent rep
💋 puppy dog MMC
💻 spicy “agreement”

[Annabelle Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

You ever read a novella and think, Wait, this is short, but why am I kicking my feet like it’s a full-length novel? Yeah. That was King of Jokers.

The premise? Simple—and yet deliciously chaotic. Jack and Winter: besties since forever, both secretly in love, both absolutely terrible at admitting it. Enter: Winter, a shy, rule-following aspiring smut author who decides, out of the blue, that the only way to cure her writer’s block is to turn her hot best friend into her summer sex muse. Is it realistic? Mmm… maybe not. But did I pause to question it? Absolutely not. I was too busy enjoying the ride—and Jack’s, ahem, contributions to the plot.

This book was funny, flirty, and sexy... but if I’m being honest? I wanted more. The chemistry between Jack and Winter was off the damn charts. I was waiting for those open-door scenes like a Victorian widow waiting at the window for her sailor husband to return—and when Jack finally delivered? He delivered fast. Like, real fast. I actually yelled, “Damn it, Jack!” out loud. We were right there, buddy!

But steam aside, the emotional beats hit just as hard. Watching them realize they were in love—and actually ready for it—was so damn satisfying. And Winter? She was no flat FMC. Her fear of change, her anxiety about moving to a new city, that need for predictability? Relatable. I appreciated how Vyk Peters gave her room to be real. I saw pieces of myself in her, and I know I’m not the only one who will.

And Jack? Yeah. Book boyfriend material, top tier. I’d like to order one in every trope, please.

The ending was cute as hell, and honestly, this is another grand slam for the author. I’m already counting down to the next book coming in October. Vyk Peters, you’ve got me hooked—again.

[Jasmine Acorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right….
I’ve finished KoJ🃏

I genuinely loved KoH. Maybe it was a little different because I was seeing it from a different perspective as an ARC….but what in the actual fuck did I just read!!!

That was fucking amazing!!!!

I loved every bit of it. There would be nothing I would change.

This felt like someone else’s writing…like it was something I’d expect from Ana Huang. It was that good.
I’m not even sure if the writing’s what’s changed, all I know is there was a difference, like Vuk took everything bit of feedback from KoH and smashed it out of the park with this one.

I loved Winter - I could relate to her. You accurately described someone who fakes their confidence to perfection.
She was sweet but also weary. She was smart but also unsure.
There were so many little things about her that made her come to life.

Jack - he wasn’t a pompous dickhead. He was so intuned with Winter and her feelings and habits, he knew her and you didn’t make it sound cheesy or ick.
Even though the story was based off the field, you brought it back to football. Jack could have just turned out to be a character from a romance story but you kept adding the bits of football, the drug use history and then back to the field at the end end. Nicely done.

I’m not good with my words when explaining things, I wish I had the right vocab for it…but I can’t tell you enough how impressed I was with this book.
I couldn’t stop reading it. I finished it at 2am!!!!

A fucking 5⭐️ rating from me.

The 🌶️ needs a whole different conversation😂

[Book Compulsion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book of Jokers is everything I want in a novella—heartfelt, witty, immersive, and the perfect length for a cozy bath soak or a lazy afternoon by the water. Vyk Peters has crafted something truly special with this story, and she’s officially cemented herself as one of my favourite romance writers. Somehow she makes me think I’m one of the characters or I know the characters myself. Soooooo clever!

Jack and Winter completely stole my heart. Jack is the ultimate jock-next-door—cheeky, charming, and all heart. You can’t help but love him from the first page. And Winter? She’s not your typical girl-next-door. She’s beautifully complex—unique, guarded, anxious, and always fidgeting with something in her hands. Watching her slowly let Jack in was both tender and powerful. The way Vyk writes her anxiety is real and respectful, never overdone—just deeply human.

The seaside town setting was gorgeously written—I could practically hear the waves as I read the story. The descriptive writing transported me completely, and I didn’t want to leave. And the angst! The slow burn, the longing, the banter (which was seriously A+)—I was laughing one moment and tearing up the next. The friends-to-lovers trope is one of my favourites, and this story nailed it in every way.

If you’re looking for a novella that flows effortlessly but hits you in all the feels, Book of Jokers is a must. It’s more than a romance—it’s a reminder of the kind of love that sees through the noise and meets you where you are.

[Cass.Loves.2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This arc read was absolutely incredible and trust me when I say you need to -
1. Add it to your TBR &
2. Preorder it asap

I know it’s only my 4th book this year (kinda a novella at 157 pages) but it’s also easily my favourite book so far this year. I LOVED it so much and it had absolutely everything I love ~

🏈 Friends to lovers
🏈 Soooooo much tension
🏈 Spicy
🏈 Banter
🏈 Laugh out loud moments
🏈 Tender moments
🏈 Anxiety & uncertainty
& so much more!

I seriously can’t put into words how much I loved this story. I was completely hooked on Winter and Jack’s story right from the first page.

As much as I would’ve loved to read so much more about this gorgeous couple this story was also 100% perfect as it was. I honestly don’t know what I could’ve added. Although I’m definitely looking forward to seeing them in future books.

[Charese · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐. This book was such a cute Novella. I feel like I've fallen in love with this series. Its short, sweet and I adore the characters that I've read about so far. The one thing I wish, is that they were longer... I get so sucked into them that I want to keep reading about the MCs and how their life continues. Guess that's not a bad thing thought.

Okay a little about the book. At the start of the book, you find out that the MC's are best friends but have feelings to some degree for each other. I do love a good pinning after each other trope. The banter between them and the way they have such an easy-going relationship really confirmed how much I enjoyed reading about these two MCs. This book is a quick easy read with some steamy angsty between the two characters.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[whisperedsigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhh that was a fun short read. Thanks publisher and netgalley for the e-arc. Even though i haven't read anything about the series this belongs to, i could totally read it and still not be lost with names. I love their banter, and her made up names to call him everytime. This is the cliche teachme bestfriends with benefits type of plot but what made it different is that even though there was spice, they focused more on their friendship and have the deeds done at night while platonic in the daylight. There is some sweetness in the childhood bestfriends trope here that one can easily get lost into. Love it!

[Kate Cormier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this book! I couldn’t love it more than I do! Winter and Jack are a couple I love more then Marlee 😍

What makes this book shine is its raw honesty and the effortless chemistry between Jack and Winter. The friends-to-lovers arc is packed with emotional depth, laugh-out-loud banter, and tender moments that feel incredibly real. Peters’ storytelling is grounded in character and community, making Willow Bay feel like home and every side character just as endearing as the leads. King of Jokers is a perfect blend of romance, redemption, and second chances—a must-read for fans of heartfelt contemporary romance.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to see Jack get his happily ever after! Winter brings out a softness in the life of the party Jack. He is always bringing the laughs in every social situation but beneath that is a sweetness and genuine kindness. Winter is the quiet awkward writer girlie. The last thing she wants is to be centre of attention.

Being in love with a well known professional athlete is perfect for her!!

Winters social anxiety and sensory issues are addressed and handled respectfully by both the author and by the characters around her. This friend group makes it possible for Winter to be a part of the group on her own terms.

Another cracker by Vyk.

Hurry up and bring on the next King!

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Jack and Winter. Did they bring the heat for the off season or what?! A gorgeous novella about friends who become lovers all for the research 👀 beautifully written and I love how deeply these two know each other and how they couple so well.

Can be read as a standalone as there isn’t much character crossover but reading as ‘book 3’ does make sense.

Thanks again Vyk for another masterpiece and I’m so grateful to have been able to be one of your ARC readers.

[WitchyBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a tasty little slice of heaven this novella was! This is a small town, friends to Lover's sports romance that had me feeling like a giddy teenager falling in love for the first time. It was sweet, swoony and the banter had me snort laughing so much that Im grateful I'm already married because that shit isn't attractive and I don't even care 😆
On the other hand, I feel like my husband is also lucky to have me, because Jack, with all his calm and protectiveness, would have a real chance if he didn't

[Yes_I_Read_Lots · Rating 4 out of 5]

No surprises here another perfect novella by Vyk.

Jack and Winter are just exquisite … there is so much chemistry between these two … the tension is next level.

They need to take a chance - discover how good they could be together … will they??? They have been best friends forever can they get a second chance?

No spoilers here … check it out for yourself … I personally loved the journey of Jack and Winter.

[Karla Barcenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story! I read this book in one day, so it’s an easy read. It’s one of those books that you don’t want to put down because you want to know what will happen next. Winter is filled with lots of anxiety but Jack is her calmness. He grounds her and protects her like no one else can. The chemistry of these two characters is steamy!

[Alanna Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

NetGalley was kind enough to give me this arc to read and I loved it! Jack and winter are such fun vibes with laughter and friendship at the core. I liked that this was just a wee novella because we don’t always need the drama and third act break up! I laughed and I loved this book thanks for making it Vyk!

[shannon rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally can not even begin to explain how obsessed I’ve become with VYK Peters and her king series!!! Did I stay up past 1 am to finish both King of Clubs and King of Jokers cause I couldn’t get enough of this series and these characters yes, yes i did! Best friends to lovers has never been written better 5 stars seriously is not enough for these books!!

[Keyana Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella! It was a very relatable story about best friends to lovers. The banter and spice really pushed me through this one. I finished it in 2 days, which could have been 1 if I didn’t have kids. Lol. This really was a good story that would be nice to read even if you haven’t read the other books in the series.

[Tristen Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our girl @vykpeters has done it again with another incredible spicy contemporary sports romance. This one was a novella, and I practically DEVOURED it! I adored Winter and Jack and their friends-to-lovers romance so much.

I absolutely love Vyk’s Aussie humour and natural writing style. Absolute five stars!

[love,care and self - ashlea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in the kings series, this little novella is a beautiful friends to lovers read. It is near impossible not to fall in love with Jack and the chemistry between him and winter was amazing. Winter is a very relatable character and balances Jack really well, the pair are perfect together.
Another beautifully written and well rounded story from Vyk, I am very excited to see what is next.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection !
I love a good ‘teach me’ storyline, really keeps you interested and wanting to see how things play out.
Jack and Winter are adorable and it was nice to skip a ‘real’ 3rd act breakup haha

Absolutely incredible, no notes !

[Collette Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

King of jokers was a beautifully written novella featuring Jack , so heartwarming had me hooked from the first chapter.

[Anna Sible · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you net galley. Easiest 5 star I've given in a while. I loved win, I sped throught this book in such a good way. 😭