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Midnight #3
Kneel with the King
He wanted revenge… but instead he got my submission.
Asher
Ambrose King is everything I hate–ruthless, smug, and far too good at getting under my skin.
He’s my biggest business rival with a knack for stealing my clients.
When my date doesn’t show up at the couples retreat we’re both at, the asshole convinces me to fake a relationship in order to secure the deal of a lifetime.
I don’t like him. I definitely don’t trust him.
And I absolutely shouldn't enjoy it when he wraps a hand around my throat, tells me to kneel, and calls me sweetheart.
But I do.
God help me–I do.
King
I didn’t come to this couples’ retreat for healing.
I came to ruin Asher Harrison.
Ten years ago, the beautiful yet broken Asher fired me after a drunken, illicit kiss.
But I’ve been watching him for years.
And now? He’s finally mine.
In business and in pleasure.
I want every inch of him unraveling at my feet, needy and begging.
And when he does?
I won’t let him go.
Kneel with the King is a full-length, high-heat standalone romance with enemies-to-lovers tension, fake dating, bi-awakening, power play angst, and a pleasure Dom who doesn’t play fair. Dual POV. It has a HEA. Please check the triggers.
Asher
Ambrose King is everything I hate–ruthless, smug, and far too good at getting under my skin.
He’s my biggest business rival with a knack for stealing my clients.
When my date doesn’t show up at the couples retreat we’re both at, the asshole convinces me to fake a relationship in order to secure the deal of a lifetime.
I don’t like him. I definitely don’t trust him.
And I absolutely shouldn't enjoy it when he wraps a hand around my throat, tells me to kneel, and calls me sweetheart.
But I do.
God help me–I do.
King
I didn’t come to this couples’ retreat for healing.
I came to ruin Asher Harrison.
Ten years ago, the beautiful yet broken Asher fired me after a drunken, illicit kiss.
But I’ve been watching him for years.
And now? He’s finally mine.
In business and in pleasure.
I want every inch of him unraveling at my feet, needy and begging.
And when he does?
I won’t let him go.
Kneel with the King is a full-length, high-heat standalone romance with enemies-to-lovers tension, fake dating, bi-awakening, power play angst, and a pleasure Dom who doesn’t play fair. Dual POV. It has a HEA. Please check the triggers.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
274 people are currently reading
2056 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Richardson
58 books2,718 followersI write love stories with badass heroines and mysterious, brooding heroes. I survive on coffee and live in Yorkshire, England with my family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
September 23, 2025
arc review to come 🖤
November 26, 2025
Wow honestly after the last book I never thought I would feel sorry for Asher. Yet.. it has happened. King was awful?? Absolutely no apologies either, I cannot.
‘Maybe it’s the alcohol making me come to terms with it, but I hate myself for finally admitting that I never wanted revenge. I just wanted… him.’ But also.. they were so cute it was making me all warm and fuzzy. You could tell King cared for sure, he was just absolutely horrible at times.
‘Maybe it’s the alcohol making me come to terms with it, but I hate myself for finally admitting that I never wanted revenge. I just wanted… him.’ But also.. they were so cute it was making me all warm and fuzzy. You could tell King cared for sure, he was just absolutely horrible at times.
September 24, 2025
Ugh
This book was frustrating. It should have been great. I was looking forward to this one so that's why I'm struggling not to rate lower because I'm sure my excitement for it is what's making it worse. Because i dnf at the 88% once i knew nothing was changing. So let me see if i can try not to ramble on why because I'm that annoyed. I wasn't in the bandcamp of people who felt Asher was deserving of being treated like crap after the last book. He was not attentive to Ari he kept her at arms length and was sometimes mildly rude to her. He put work above her because of his own personal reasons. He wasn't some huge jerk or villain he didn't deserve to be cheated on he deserved to be broken up with that's it. So i wasn't looking for him to be knocked down in this one like others. So with that said the biggest problem for me in this one is the whole Dom/Sub world is built on trust and for first 200 pages or more King was using what he saw in Ashers need for submission to manipulate the hell out of him.That is wrong and not a relationship being built. I could understand a little of King wanting to get back at him for the events ten years ago by stealing his clients or something like that. But using manipulation of this kind was gross. When he got to the point of taking his company i really wanted him to scream tax season and walk the hell away. And when Asher finally spoke up on the trail after with those gut wrenching words pouring from his soul i was like yes maybe a turning point but nope not at all. The ski thing happens then they fall into bed again and nothing changes. King didnt care at all about his part just kept using Ashers submission to get him to talk or to fluster him so freaking annoying. When Asher left i cheered like actually cheered and was happy but i knew it wouldn't end there as Hea is required in romance so i kept reading hoping King did something to make up for what he had done and the answer nope he didn't so at 88% i was done just didn't care at all. So ya didn't like it at all when this should've been my jam. I gave it two stars because as always the writing was well done this author does know how to write well. I liked Asher and i love parts of the story that could have lead to something great. I was just disappointed and that might be my fault for being overhyped to read it. I think im done with this series now since the odds of me liking anymore are slim. I loved the first book thought the second was just ok and this one ya not ok so i think i will be moving on. I hope its someones else cup of tea though.
This book was frustrating. It should have been great. I was looking forward to this one so that's why I'm struggling not to rate lower because I'm sure my excitement for it is what's making it worse. Because i dnf at the 88% once i knew nothing was changing. So let me see if i can try not to ramble on why because I'm that annoyed. I wasn't in the bandcamp of people who felt Asher was deserving of being treated like crap after the last book. He was not attentive to Ari he kept her at arms length and was sometimes mildly rude to her. He put work above her because of his own personal reasons. He wasn't some huge jerk or villain he didn't deserve to be cheated on he deserved to be broken up with that's it. So i wasn't looking for him to be knocked down in this one like others. So with that said the biggest problem for me in this one is the whole Dom/Sub world is built on trust and for first 200 pages or more King was using what he saw in Ashers need for submission to manipulate the hell out of him.That is wrong and not a relationship being built. I could understand a little of King wanting to get back at him for the events ten years ago by stealing his clients or something like that. But using manipulation of this kind was gross. When he got to the point of taking his company i really wanted him to scream tax season and walk the hell away. And when Asher finally spoke up on the trail after with those gut wrenching words pouring from his soul i was like yes maybe a turning point but nope not at all. The ski thing happens then they fall into bed again and nothing changes. King didnt care at all about his part just kept using Ashers submission to get him to talk or to fluster him so freaking annoying. When Asher left i cheered like actually cheered and was happy but i knew it wouldn't end there as Hea is required in romance so i kept reading hoping King did something to make up for what he had done and the answer nope he didn't so at 88% i was done just didn't care at all. So ya didn't like it at all when this should've been my jam. I gave it two stars because as always the writing was well done this author does know how to write well. I liked Asher and i love parts of the story that could have lead to something great. I was just disappointed and that might be my fault for being overhyped to read it. I think im done with this series now since the odds of me liking anymore are slim. I loved the first book thought the second was just ok and this one ya not ok so i think i will be moving on. I hope its someones else cup of tea though.
September 20, 2025
5 ⭐♾️
This very much was idiots to lovers, angsty tension, and I loved it!! I remember finishing Play with the Phantom and said, "if Asher doesn't come out as gay and have a bi-awakening, I may just riot" anddd my god, I need to scream about these two taking up all the space in my heart because I haven't stopped grinning over these two idiots in love!! Amanda, what did you lace in this book?!
Asher's redemption arc ate because I won't lie, I wasn't his biggest fan, but you know, he was really going through it in Ari's book, bless him. Asher had no business becoming my favourite twin, sorry Maddox, I still love you, but your bratty twin has my heart and so does his man. King really put him through it and then rearranged his guts as a thank you lmaoo and had this grumpy man questioning everything!!
Ambrose King, the man that you are. If you put me in front of a judge, I'll defend that man with my lifee, tenfold!! He is such a secret softie, and so lover boy coded, and he's tattooed and pierced, I don't know how Asher had the restraint at first to resist him because I'd have folded like a garden chair and knelt at his alter.
Idiots to lovers has hands down become favourite trope lately to read, and Asher and King were very much idiots when it came to love! Plus, they both couldn't stand each other, had INSANE chemistry, which made for some of the best hate sex I have read in a long time, I loved it and I loved them!!
Pls bury me with this book!! Thank you kindly to Amanda for the advance review copy!
Tropes
business rivals to lovers
bi-awakening
age gap (18 years)
fake dating
forced proximity
hate sex (all the angsty tension)
MM romance
Pre read June 2025: I’m so flipping giddy for this that I may pass out from excitement. Asher’s book is coming with all the angst and daddy kink, MM tension; I fear I won’t survive it
This very much was idiots to lovers, angsty tension, and I loved it!! I remember finishing Play with the Phantom and said, "if Asher doesn't come out as gay and have a bi-awakening, I may just riot" anddd my god, I need to scream about these two taking up all the space in my heart because I haven't stopped grinning over these two idiots in love!! Amanda, what did you lace in this book?!
Asher's redemption arc ate because I won't lie, I wasn't his biggest fan, but you know, he was really going through it in Ari's book, bless him. Asher had no business becoming my favourite twin, sorry Maddox, I still love you, but your bratty twin has my heart and so does his man. King really put him through it and then rearranged his guts as a thank you lmaoo and had this grumpy man questioning everything!!
Ambrose King, the man that you are. If you put me in front of a judge, I'll defend that man with my lifee, tenfold!! He is such a secret softie, and so lover boy coded, and he's tattooed and pierced, I don't know how Asher had the restraint at first to resist him because I'd have folded like a garden chair and knelt at his alter.
Idiots to lovers has hands down become favourite trope lately to read, and Asher and King were very much idiots when it came to love! Plus, they both couldn't stand each other, had INSANE chemistry, which made for some of the best hate sex I have read in a long time, I loved it and I loved them!!
Pls bury me with this book!! Thank you kindly to Amanda for the advance review copy!
Tropes
business rivals to lovers
bi-awakening
age gap (18 years)
fake dating
forced proximity
hate sex (all the angsty tension)
MM romance
Pre read June 2025: I’m so flipping giddy for this that I may pass out from excitement. Asher’s book is coming with all the angst and daddy kink, MM tension; I fear I won’t survive it
September 20, 2025
This was so good!
I had complex feelings about this one really, just a “me” thing rather than the book. The butting heads, revenge, hate-to-lovers thing sometimes is tricky for me to get my head around, I don’t tend to go for books like that, but I enjoyed being on this journey nonetheless. Amanda’s writing is just so heady and intense and I absolutely love it.
While on the inside I was like “oh just stop being so mean to each other” (sorta pouting lol) and wanting them to just like each other, I was super drawn in. It’s kind of an underlying passion wrapped in hate combo, and those who love that dynamic will absolutely adore this book.
For me - when they finally do connect more underneath it, with something warm, it made it that much sweeter to savour.
Lots of great spice with dom/sub dynamics and it was fun seeing Asher in this new way after knowing him from the previous book. This absolutely could be read as a standalone but I think reading the book prior would definitely enhance enjoyment - just knowing what Asher was like.
It was so intriguing as I read along, unravelling what was happening with the backstory to everything and how that was impacting current dynamics. I never felt like I totally knew where it was going which made it a read I couldn’t put down!
4/5 ⭐️ - a definite recommend and another great read from Amanda!
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
I had complex feelings about this one really, just a “me” thing rather than the book. The butting heads, revenge, hate-to-lovers thing sometimes is tricky for me to get my head around, I don’t tend to go for books like that, but I enjoyed being on this journey nonetheless. Amanda’s writing is just so heady and intense and I absolutely love it.
While on the inside I was like “oh just stop being so mean to each other” (sorta pouting lol) and wanting them to just like each other, I was super drawn in. It’s kind of an underlying passion wrapped in hate combo, and those who love that dynamic will absolutely adore this book.
For me - when they finally do connect more underneath it, with something warm, it made it that much sweeter to savour.
Lots of great spice with dom/sub dynamics and it was fun seeing Asher in this new way after knowing him from the previous book. This absolutely could be read as a standalone but I think reading the book prior would definitely enhance enjoyment - just knowing what Asher was like.
It was so intriguing as I read along, unravelling what was happening with the backstory to everything and how that was impacting current dynamics. I never felt like I totally knew where it was going which made it a read I couldn’t put down!
4/5 ⭐️ - a definite recommend and another great read from Amanda!
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
September 24, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - emotional manipulation, internalised biphobia, alcohol consumption, underage drinking (past), difficult childhood (implied incl religious cult and emotionally abusive parent), deception, anxiety, infidelity (scs, past, mentioned), wrongful termination (past, implied), death of a wife and daughter of a sc (past, mentioned), imprisonment (sc, mentioned), self loathing, abandonment, estrangement, minor accident while skiing incl brief medical attention and stitches, blood (brief), fear of falling
CW - power play, pleasure Dom, D/s, collaring, orgasm denial, edging, light bondage, degradation, sensory deprivation (blindfolds), hand necklace, Daddy, light biting, cockwarming
Tropes - workplace, jealous, possessive, obsessed, rivals / enemies to lovers, age gap (29M, 47M), fake dating, one bed, forced proximity, betrayal
Representation - queer rep, bi rep, bi awakening, bi curious, coming out
This book destroyed me, lol.
I knew from the very first page that once Asher (MMC) allowed himself to be vulnerable, it would be over for me. There is a lot of *stuff* between Asher and King (MMC), a lot of history too. But so much time has passed and so many things have changed.
The forced proximity of their situation forces them to face each other and themselves and, while sometimes it felt like they wouldn't overcome their differences, it was such a good read and I related to a lot of Asher's vulnerabilities.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW/CW not to be repurposed by authors / publishers for website / book / content use without permission
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - emotional manipulation, internalised biphobia, alcohol consumption, underage drinking (past), difficult childhood (implied incl religious cult and emotionally abusive parent), deception, anxiety, infidelity (scs, past, mentioned), wrongful termination (past, implied), death of a wife and daughter of a sc (past, mentioned), imprisonment (sc, mentioned), self loathing, abandonment, estrangement, minor accident while skiing incl brief medical attention and stitches, blood (brief), fear of falling
CW - power play, pleasure Dom, D/s, collaring, orgasm denial, edging, light bondage, degradation, sensory deprivation (blindfolds), hand necklace, Daddy, light biting, cockwarming
Tropes - workplace, jealous, possessive, obsessed, rivals / enemies to lovers, age gap (29M, 47M), fake dating, one bed, forced proximity, betrayal
Representation - queer rep, bi rep, bi awakening, bi curious, coming out
This book destroyed me, lol.
I knew from the very first page that once Asher (MMC) allowed himself to be vulnerable, it would be over for me. There is a lot of *stuff* between Asher and King (MMC), a lot of history too. But so much time has passed and so many things have changed.
The forced proximity of their situation forces them to face each other and themselves and, while sometimes it felt like they wouldn't overcome their differences, it was such a good read and I related to a lot of Asher's vulnerabilities.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW/CW not to be repurposed by authors / publishers for website / book / content use without permission
September 16, 2025
This had no business being this good! I was hooked from the first page, and could not put it down. Asher and King were electric and the tension between them was off the charts. I absolutely loved this, which is unsurprising because it's an Amanda Richardson book and this woman can do no wrong!
🏵️ MM
👑 Business Rivals to Lovers
🏵️ Bi-Awakening
👑 Age Gap (18 years)
🏵️ Fake Dating
👑 Forced Proximity
🏵️ GOOD BOY
Ever since I read Play With the Phantom earlier this year I have been anxiously awaiting this next book for Asher's story. I absolutely loathed Asher through the majority of that book because he was Ari (the FMC's) boyfriend at the time, and Maddox's (the MMC's) identical twin brother. Asher treated Ari horribly as her boyfriend, and was not the greatest brother either. BUT after seeing that he was going to get his own book I was super excited to see who was going to whip this baby of a man into shape 👀
And ENTER KING 🙌🏼. His name absolutely does him justice because honest to god I would have gotten on my knees for him too 🤭. He is a tattooed, pierced, businessman that everyone wants to either work with or be with. And Asher absolutely hates him for poaching a client from him years earlier. King has his own grudge to bear with Asher, and he has made it his mission to get under his skin. King ends up being the perfect fit for Asher because he does not take any of his shit, and truly tests him at every turn. King pushed and pushed and pushed until he broke that man, and was right there to put the pieces back together. His back story was emotional and broke my heart a bit, but that just added to his loveability for me.
And I may have glossed over Asher a bit too soon because I actually really loved him in this! What a redemption arc for him, and I loved seeing behind his facade and why he has acted the way he has all these years. I loved seeing his progress in this, and watching him slowly break down piece by piece to just rebuild himself into a much more compassionate and lovable man.
Now onto Asher and King together...
These men took hate f*cking to a whole new level. It was intense and so hot. My god the things that were coming out of both of their mouths has my jaw on the floor in the best way possible. Whenever I thought we had reached peak heat, they would just turn it up another notch 🔥. It was deletable, and I ate it all up.
Overall, I obviously loved this. I've said it before and I'll say it again Amanda Richardson could get me to read quite literally anything. This wasn't outside my comfort zone in any regard, but the fact that she could turn an ex-boyfriend that I loathed beyond belief, into one of my favorite characters of hers is a really insane! This was such an easy read, and if you looking for something spicy and emotional to read I would absolutely recommend it.
Also I CANNOT WAIT for the next book! I spy a broody bodyguard that I'm already feral to get my hands on ASAP!! 👀
** Thank you to Amanda Richardson and her team for the eARC in exchange for my honest review 🫶🏼
🏵️ MM
👑 Business Rivals to Lovers
🏵️ Bi-Awakening
👑 Age Gap (18 years)
🏵️ Fake Dating
👑 Forced Proximity
🏵️ GOOD BOY
Ever since I read Play With the Phantom earlier this year I have been anxiously awaiting this next book for Asher's story. I absolutely loathed Asher through the majority of that book because he was Ari (the FMC's) boyfriend at the time, and Maddox's (the MMC's) identical twin brother. Asher treated Ari horribly as her boyfriend, and was not the greatest brother either. BUT after seeing that he was going to get his own book I was super excited to see who was going to whip this baby of a man into shape 👀
And ENTER KING 🙌🏼. His name absolutely does him justice because honest to god I would have gotten on my knees for him too 🤭. He is a tattooed, pierced, businessman that everyone wants to either work with or be with. And Asher absolutely hates him for poaching a client from him years earlier. King has his own grudge to bear with Asher, and he has made it his mission to get under his skin. King ends up being the perfect fit for Asher because he does not take any of his shit, and truly tests him at every turn. King pushed and pushed and pushed until he broke that man, and was right there to put the pieces back together. His back story was emotional and broke my heart a bit, but that just added to his loveability for me.
And I may have glossed over Asher a bit too soon because I actually really loved him in this! What a redemption arc for him, and I loved seeing behind his facade and why he has acted the way he has all these years. I loved seeing his progress in this, and watching him slowly break down piece by piece to just rebuild himself into a much more compassionate and lovable man.
Now onto Asher and King together...
These men took hate f*cking to a whole new level. It was intense and so hot. My god the things that were coming out of both of their mouths has my jaw on the floor in the best way possible. Whenever I thought we had reached peak heat, they would just turn it up another notch 🔥. It was deletable, and I ate it all up.
Overall, I obviously loved this. I've said it before and I'll say it again Amanda Richardson could get me to read quite literally anything. This wasn't outside my comfort zone in any regard, but the fact that she could turn an ex-boyfriend that I loathed beyond belief, into one of my favorite characters of hers is a really insane! This was such an easy read, and if you looking for something spicy and emotional to read I would absolutely recommend it.
Also I CANNOT WAIT for the next book! I spy a broody bodyguard that I'm already feral to get my hands on ASAP!! 👀
** Thank you to Amanda Richardson and her team for the eARC in exchange for my honest review 🫶🏼
September 20, 2025
This book was enemies to lovers at it's finest, and I devoured every second of it!
King is my favorite, no contest. Calm, collected, precise. He doesn’t need to shout to prove he’s in charge, and that’s exactly why he ruins Asher so beautifully. The man’s been plotting his revenge for years, quietly sharpening his knives while Asher strutted around thinking he’d gotten away with betrayal. Ten years later, King cashes in that debt with the kind of patience only a sadist could manage. And honestly? Asher deserved it.
Asher is chaos. Sharp tongue, big ego...brittle as glass beneath it all. Watching him crack under King’s control was perfection. Every barb he threw just bounced off that calm exterior, every bratty defiance answered with a quiet, devastating correction.
The retreat setting made it even sweeter. Locked in together, collars and workshops forcing them to face every ugly, buried thing. No escape. Just the slow unravelling of a decade old grudge turning into something much more dangerous.
Their dynamic? Pure Dom/sub fire.
King doesn’t just want obedience, he wants Asher’s surrender. Body, mind, pride...all of it. And Asher, for all his kicking and screaming, wants to be taken apart like that.
The collar wasn’t a prop, it was a declaration. The fake dating wasn’t a cover, it was an initiation. And when the lines blurred, when King started giving him aftercare instead of just punishment, that’s when the real obsession began.
This wasn’t soft. It was raw, filthy, and feral. Enemies to lovers in the truest sense. Revenge laced with lust. Humiliation turning into devotion. Control giving way to something almost tender.
King owned him. King owned me. And I’d kneel all over again for the chance to watch it happen.
King is my favorite, no contest. Calm, collected, precise. He doesn’t need to shout to prove he’s in charge, and that’s exactly why he ruins Asher so beautifully. The man’s been plotting his revenge for years, quietly sharpening his knives while Asher strutted around thinking he’d gotten away with betrayal. Ten years later, King cashes in that debt with the kind of patience only a sadist could manage. And honestly? Asher deserved it.
Asher is chaos. Sharp tongue, big ego...brittle as glass beneath it all. Watching him crack under King’s control was perfection. Every barb he threw just bounced off that calm exterior, every bratty defiance answered with a quiet, devastating correction.
The retreat setting made it even sweeter. Locked in together, collars and workshops forcing them to face every ugly, buried thing. No escape. Just the slow unravelling of a decade old grudge turning into something much more dangerous.
Their dynamic? Pure Dom/sub fire.
King doesn’t just want obedience, he wants Asher’s surrender. Body, mind, pride...all of it. And Asher, for all his kicking and screaming, wants to be taken apart like that.
The collar wasn’t a prop, it was a declaration. The fake dating wasn’t a cover, it was an initiation. And when the lines blurred, when King started giving him aftercare instead of just punishment, that’s when the real obsession began.
This wasn’t soft. It was raw, filthy, and feral. Enemies to lovers in the truest sense. Revenge laced with lust. Humiliation turning into devotion. Control giving way to something almost tender.
King owned him. King owned me. And I’d kneel all over again for the chance to watch it happen.
September 24, 2025
Not quite 4 stars but still a solid AR. Definitely had a long way to go to make me care about Asher after he was such a slug in Play with the Phantom and while we kinda got there I didn’t get all the way there. I had a big ick with King saying several times that it wasn’t Asher’s fault that Ari and Maddox happened when it was a direct result of how Asher treated Ari and his actions. Also I felt like the whole King getting fired but Asher saying he quit got glossed right over. There was very little conversation about the actual logistics of that part of their story.
September 26, 2025
Ebook. Purchased. 3.5 rounded up. Amanda Richardson has long been an auto-buy author for me. This one was good, it had some standout moments but I really was not invested in anything Asher after the last book. My rating is for King, who is a perfect encapsulation of all the things I like in an AR male character.
November 24, 2025
this had some of my fave kinks to read about, but it also had some very unconvicing bits and the younger dom trope wasn't explored in a way i found satisfying. this felt like an author with a good writing voice but an underdeveloped plot. what pity.
January 22, 2026
This actually made me understand Asher better from the last book, and I love that he got his male romance. The spice had me, until they started using 'daddy' 😒🫠
November 13, 2025
I want to start off by saying that I didn’t hate this book. This book just frustrated me.
King is an insufferable petty man child and Asher is a high strung workaholic who has internal homophobia.
Together they are incredibly toxic and king is incredibly manipulative.
The one BIG thing I hated abt this book was that Asher seemed to roll over. He literally didn’t get an apology for half the shit that King has done to him and he’s still like “okay I love u” and that infuriates me. Because not only did King not tell him, but he didn’t tell him on purpose as some sort of game and manipulation.
This book could have been really good. I know it could have been - except for the manipulation and toxicity for the entire camp. I think if King had apologized for one thing and gotten off his pedestal for literally any period of time besides the last two chapters it could have been amazing.
And then there’s the flip side. King is a traumatized business man who has to be in control to function so I understand where all his manipulation came from. I get it. I really do. I don’t like it AT ALL but I get it.
No the spice in this was spicy - big fan (obviously) but it felt very not forced but quite literally like a struggle between the two that Asher lost everytime and I think that’s what the author was intending so kudos to the author.
All in all I liked this book well enough, I love this authors writing and I will be reading more of it. This just isn’t what I expected.
Not mad at it for sure, the characters just pissed me off.
King is an insufferable petty man child and Asher is a high strung workaholic who has internal homophobia.
Together they are incredibly toxic and king is incredibly manipulative.
The one BIG thing I hated abt this book was that Asher seemed to roll over. He literally didn’t get an apology for half the shit that King has done to him and he’s still like “okay I love u” and that infuriates me. Because not only did King not tell him, but he didn’t tell him on purpose as some sort of game and manipulation.
This book could have been really good. I know it could have been - except for the manipulation and toxicity for the entire camp. I think if King had apologized for one thing and gotten off his pedestal for literally any period of time besides the last two chapters it could have been amazing.
And then there’s the flip side. King is a traumatized business man who has to be in control to function so I understand where all his manipulation came from. I get it. I really do. I don’t like it AT ALL but I get it.
No the spice in this was spicy - big fan (obviously) but it felt very not forced but quite literally like a struggle between the two that Asher lost everytime and I think that’s what the author was intending so kudos to the author.
All in all I liked this book well enough, I love this authors writing and I will be reading more of it. This just isn’t what I expected.
Not mad at it for sure, the characters just pissed me off.
September 30, 2025
5+ stars!
Such a redemption book for Asher! Him and King literally could not be more perfect or a hotter pair. This is 100% a must read book, especially if you loved the first two in this series!
Such a redemption book for Asher! Him and King literally could not be more perfect or a hotter pair. This is 100% a must read book, especially if you loved the first two in this series!
September 27, 2025
Well thank god the characters decided to communicate for the first time in the last 20 pages.
September 17, 2025
This is the third book in the Midnight series by Amanda Richardson. It’s an interconnected standalone, but I recommend reading the first two books to get the full experience. As always, her books are a hit. No skips. Make sure you check trigger warnings before reading.
I’ll admit, I didn’t like Asher in the last book. He came across as rigid and unlikeable. This book changed my perspective. It opened with Asher being stood up by his date at a luxury couples retreat. He’s there to maintain a professional image in front of important industry figures. Enter Ambrose King, his biggest rival, the man who once stole his client, and the person who seems determined to push every one of his buttons.
To save face and protect his career, Asher agrees to fake being King’s partner for the week. What follows is a story filled with forced proximity, witty banter, and a slow-burning tension that made it impossible to put the book down.
Asher’s journey was raw and moving. King didn’t just challenge him professionally, he broke down the walls Asher had built in his personal life. Their relationship was intense, messy, vulnerable, and magnetic. I loved King as a Dom, and it brought a depth to their dynamic that made their connection unforgettable.
This book has all the tropes I love: fake dating, bi-awakening, workplace rivals, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and a delicious age gap. The push-pull dynamic kept me hooked from start to finish, and the ending was emotional and satisfying.
I went into this book disliking Asher. I closed it absolutely loving him and his relationship with King.
I’ll admit, I didn’t like Asher in the last book. He came across as rigid and unlikeable. This book changed my perspective. It opened with Asher being stood up by his date at a luxury couples retreat. He’s there to maintain a professional image in front of important industry figures. Enter Ambrose King, his biggest rival, the man who once stole his client, and the person who seems determined to push every one of his buttons.
To save face and protect his career, Asher agrees to fake being King’s partner for the week. What follows is a story filled with forced proximity, witty banter, and a slow-burning tension that made it impossible to put the book down.
Asher’s journey was raw and moving. King didn’t just challenge him professionally, he broke down the walls Asher had built in his personal life. Their relationship was intense, messy, vulnerable, and magnetic. I loved King as a Dom, and it brought a depth to their dynamic that made their connection unforgettable.
This book has all the tropes I love: fake dating, bi-awakening, workplace rivals, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and a delicious age gap. The push-pull dynamic kept me hooked from start to finish, and the ending was emotional and satisfying.
I went into this book disliking Asher. I closed it absolutely loving him and his relationship with King.
December 21, 2025
I don't know why it happens but I'm forever choosing a book based on the cover that is a series and it's never book 1. That's what happened here. The book title 'Kneel with the king' got me interested and seeing that it's book 3 made me consider if an investment in time was required to read the previous books.
I'm grateful that I started at the beginning of the series and not here because otherwise I wouldn't have read another book by this author. Because this book (book 3) is ok but not good like book 2 and not on the excellent range as is book 1.
King is the young upstart who had a 5 minute encounter with Asher 10 years ago and made revenge the basis of his career.
Asher is oblivious to this forgotten history as it forms part of his shame - attraction to men that he only acts on when drunk.
Both men work in the same industry and it's onemanupship all day long with these two.
How convenient it is that the book begins with them at a couples retreat, pretending to be a couple, sharing a bed to win the business of some multi millionaire.
To cut a long story short, it was ok but I didn't care about these two leads. Within 2 minutes of being in their company you could tell that the animosity between them was rooted in attraction. So all the walking away from each other, couples events shenanigans and dual POV made me annoyed rather than entranced by their budding romance. Why couldn't they get over themselves and we get to them trying to live as a couple rather than deconstructed dating.
Not sure if I will pick up book 4 but I am a completist which means it's likely.
I'm grateful that I started at the beginning of the series and not here because otherwise I wouldn't have read another book by this author. Because this book (book 3) is ok but not good like book 2 and not on the excellent range as is book 1.
King is the young upstart who had a 5 minute encounter with Asher 10 years ago and made revenge the basis of his career.
Asher is oblivious to this forgotten history as it forms part of his shame - attraction to men that he only acts on when drunk.
Both men work in the same industry and it's onemanupship all day long with these two.
How convenient it is that the book begins with them at a couples retreat, pretending to be a couple, sharing a bed to win the business of some multi millionaire.
To cut a long story short, it was ok but I didn't care about these two leads. Within 2 minutes of being in their company you could tell that the animosity between them was rooted in attraction. So all the walking away from each other, couples events shenanigans and dual POV made me annoyed rather than entranced by their budding romance. Why couldn't they get over themselves and we get to them trying to live as a couple rather than deconstructed dating.
Not sure if I will pick up book 4 but I am a completist which means it's likely.
September 29, 2025
This was 300 pages of being broken down and put back together. It felt so long because it felt like we were going in circles because the mmcs, King and Asher, were playing games with each other and trying to one up each other and I feel like this is the perfect example of a toxic relationship. It feels long and drawn out and like you won a battle but you're not winning the war, you're just constantly fighting until you can't anymore and its a stalemate. I know this is a romance so there is a HEA but I truly was worried for a minute that there wasn't going to be one because each man REFUSED to give an inch of what they "conquered" in the fights. The twists and turns, betrayals and things coming to loght were exhausting. I was exhausted the same way they were and seeing the aftermath of the retreat. I was ok with it at first but then the missing each other came into play and I realized why some of the most toxic couples you know get back together. If they actually fix whats wrong with relationship and stop treating it like a battle to be won it can be salvaged, maybe, I mean this is a work of fiction but still. Also the big things in this relationship was coming out of thr closet fully and some other things that needed to be talked about and inner work that they were both willing to do. If the person isnt willing then theres nothing that could be done. This was a therapy lesson and honestly it worked on me.
the spice was hot, the submitting was hot (did the man they were trying to aquire bring them to a bdsm retreat? lets circle back to that because I have questions) anywho i loved the scenes where they could be themselves and be with each other but I too was sad when after a night of passion if you will, they woke up and went right back to the way it was before. it truly does cheapen the moment... am i growing up? anywho Ava did a great job in helping Asher and I can't wait to hear her story cause if she can see it in others I'm gonna go ahead and assume she ignores everything with her life cause thats what I do 🙂 its called balance.
thank you to Amanda for allowing me to ARC read! im loving this series
the spice was hot, the submitting was hot (did the man they were trying to aquire bring them to a bdsm retreat? lets circle back to that because I have questions) anywho i loved the scenes where they could be themselves and be with each other but I too was sad when after a night of passion if you will, they woke up and went right back to the way it was before. it truly does cheapen the moment... am i growing up? anywho Ava did a great job in helping Asher and I can't wait to hear her story cause if she can see it in others I'm gonna go ahead and assume she ignores everything with her life cause thats what I do 🙂 its called balance.
thank you to Amanda for allowing me to ARC read! im loving this series
September 23, 2025
I know apparently that there were people who didn't like Asher in the previous because he was an asshole. I didn't read that book because I hate the cheating trope so I had no issues with Asher. I did like him and Ambrose together. I thought their dynamic of an Asher being an older bottom and Ambrose the younger top was interesting. Typically, I read the reverse so I did like this difference.
The story as a whole was good not great. The problem is the book was too short. The author forewarned in the author's note in the beginning that there would be a lot of angst. She didn't lie, there was. The issue however, is she dragged the angst and mutual stubbornness out the whole book. Literally. These two idiots didn't get it together to the final chapter. I didn't like that.I also didn't like the fact that there weren't a lot of sex scenes. We had a few foreplay scenes, one actual sex scene and a partial sex scene in the epilogue. I'm fine with the book not being saturated with too many sex scenes but she could've written more. I also would've liked to see Asher and Ambrose's relationship transition to love. This book is a HFN not HEA. Even in the epilogue they still haven't said they love each other. I wanted more.
This book was fine, not one of the best MM book I've ever read, but it was enjoyable. However, it should've been longer. The story felt incomplete to me.
The story as a whole was good not great. The problem is the book was too short. The author forewarned in the author's note in the beginning that there would be a lot of angst. She didn't lie, there was. The issue however, is she dragged the angst and mutual stubbornness out the whole book. Literally. These two idiots didn't get it together to the final chapter. I didn't like that.I also didn't like the fact that there weren't a lot of sex scenes. We had a few foreplay scenes, one actual sex scene and a partial sex scene in the epilogue. I'm fine with the book not being saturated with too many sex scenes but she could've written more. I also would've liked to see Asher and Ambrose's relationship transition to love. This book is a HFN not HEA. Even in the epilogue they still haven't said they love each other. I wanted more.
This book was fine, not one of the best MM book I've ever read, but it was enjoyable. However, it should've been longer. The story felt incomplete to me.
September 21, 2025
The title says a lot, and this journey between Asher and King is something to cherish and understand the depth of things that a person can face. The dilemma, the angst, the confusion of whether they are even right or not. I mean, the story is deep, and I loved it. The to and fro, the banter is angry and hilarious at the same time. They just can’t help themselves and are at each other’s throats, which is understandable.
I enjoyed the plot and how well it’s been executed. Superb read. They are both so different from each other, yet they work in some way. I think it is not easy to get your thoughts right and start living a life separate from what you have learned all these years so seeing it all here, it was like a breadth of fresh air. King is damm adorable. And seeing Ari and Maddox again for a brief moment was an added fun.
I enjoyed the plot and how well it’s been executed. Superb read. They are both so different from each other, yet they work in some way. I think it is not easy to get your thoughts right and start living a life separate from what you have learned all these years so seeing it all here, it was like a breadth of fresh air. King is damm adorable. And seeing Ari and Maddox again for a brief moment was an added fun.
September 29, 2025
Well this was a pleasantly frustrating yet enjoyable read! It was frustrating because they literally spent the book hating each other although I understand why. Asher made King feel invisible and unwanted because he didn’t had accepted his feelings towards men and King spent the next 10 years plotting his revenge against him. The thing is, he said that it was just revenge and no feelings but no one spends 10 years obsessing over someone without feeling anything and that was proved when he accepted his feelings. Despite understanding King’s motives, I still think he was too much of an asshole to Asher, he didn’t deserve the last blow and it made me feel really sad for him but I’m glad they worked out their feelings and problems because it was obvious they liked each other a lot and their tension and chemistry was palpable. They made a cute and interesting couple.
September 30, 2025
“Everything about this scares me,” I admit, stepping closer until the edge of his desk presses into my thigh. “But losing you scares me more.”
No one writes a redeemable character better than Amanda Richardson and Asher was NO exception!! I went from LOATHING the man in book 2 to cheering for him for his character development in this one! And King, PHEW!!! Obsessed with the man is an understatement! I could have read an entire book of just his thoughts!! And the set up for the next book, AMAZING!! If Amanda writes it, I’m going to obsess over it. No questions asked!
“I think,” King says coolly, “that if you’re going to kneel for me at night, you shouldn’t be surprised when I take the floor out from under you in the morning.”
No one writes a redeemable character better than Amanda Richardson and Asher was NO exception!! I went from LOATHING the man in book 2 to cheering for him for his character development in this one! And King, PHEW!!! Obsessed with the man is an understatement! I could have read an entire book of just his thoughts!! And the set up for the next book, AMAZING!! If Amanda writes it, I’m going to obsess over it. No questions asked!
“I think,” King says coolly, “that if you’re going to kneel for me at night, you shouldn’t be surprised when I take the floor out from under you in the morning.”
September 29, 2025
ARC review 🕺🏻🕺🏻
Amanda just never misses for me 🙂↕️
I’ve been loving this series so much and Asher and King’s story was simply everything.
Everything had a great pace and the storyline was divine, the only thing that was slightly icky for me was Asher calling King (the younger one in the age gap) “Daddy”🫣
I get it can be funny and it was but it also wasn’t if you get what I mean (you probably don’t but oh well)
I loved getting glimpses of the stories of the other characters from the series, I missed Ari and Maddox 🥹
Amanda just never misses for me 🙂↕️
I’ve been loving this series so much and Asher and King’s story was simply everything.
Everything had a great pace and the storyline was divine, the only thing that was slightly icky for me was Asher calling King (the younger one in the age gap) “Daddy”🫣
I get it can be funny and it was but it also wasn’t if you get what I mean (you probably don’t but oh well)
I loved getting glimpses of the stories of the other characters from the series, I missed Ari and Maddox 🥹
September 24, 2025
ARC review!
Every time I read a new Amanda Richardson book, I think that it’s the best characters she’s ever written and it can’t possibly get any better. And then somehow, she does.
I was not prepared to like Asher as much as I did. If you read Play with the Phantom then you know that Asher Harrison was the douchiest of all douches. Getting a look inside Asher’s head was exactly what we needed. He was so messy and insecure even when appearing confident that it explained his behavior in PWTP completely; he was less a villain and more a victim of his own flaws. Amanda said he could be redeemed, and she was right.
An actual message from me to Amanda (who is the loveliest human and knows I could never actually hate her): “Ambrose and Asher [redacted for spoilers] and I both hate and love you for doing this to me. It’s 11am and I have a migraine and I’m in bed crying while also feeling giddy af because I think they might be my favorite out of all the characters you’ve ever written. Which is saying a lot because I really loved Ward Willing.”
Tropes:
* Enemies/rivals to lovers
* Fake dating
* Forced proximity
* Revenge plot
* Bi-awakening
* One bed
* Dominance & submission
* Who’s your daddy (heh)
* Slow-ish burn
* F-it moment
Every time I read a new Amanda Richardson book, I think that it’s the best characters she’s ever written and it can’t possibly get any better. And then somehow, she does.
I was not prepared to like Asher as much as I did. If you read Play with the Phantom then you know that Asher Harrison was the douchiest of all douches. Getting a look inside Asher’s head was exactly what we needed. He was so messy and insecure even when appearing confident that it explained his behavior in PWTP completely; he was less a villain and more a victim of his own flaws. Amanda said he could be redeemed, and she was right.
An actual message from me to Amanda (who is the loveliest human and knows I could never actually hate her): “Ambrose and Asher [redacted for spoilers] and I both hate and love you for doing this to me. It’s 11am and I have a migraine and I’m in bed crying while also feeling giddy af because I think they might be my favorite out of all the characters you’ve ever written. Which is saying a lot because I really loved Ward Willing.”
Tropes:
* Enemies/rivals to lovers
* Fake dating
* Forced proximity
* Revenge plot
* Bi-awakening
* One bed
* Dominance & submission
* Who’s your daddy (heh)
* Slow-ish burn
* F-it moment
November 26, 2025
There were parts of this book that were so toxic that I had major ick. Then there were parts that only made sense if you didn’t think about what an adult with a functioning brain would do in the same situation. Then there were parts where they argued themselves in circles and I think even the author lost track of who the bigger victim was.
Buuuttt the younger Dom, one bed trope got me. Sigh. The spice was 🔥🔥.
Buuuttt the younger Dom, one bed trope got me. Sigh. The spice was 🔥🔥.
September 25, 2025
I really enjoyed it! I loved Archer’s redemption arc, since in the last book he hasn’t been the best, it understandable why he wasn’t a good boyfriend to Ari; I related to him so much because of his attachment and his hard time accepting his sexuality.
King was good, I had difficulty accepting his manipulative behavior but he is what Archer needed, they were a beautiful couple
King was good, I had difficulty accepting his manipulative behavior but he is what Archer needed, they were a beautiful couple
September 18, 2025
5/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️
Do you love…
❥Enemies to lovers
❥Age gap
❥MM romance
❥Hidden identity
❥Bi-Awakening
❥Fake dating
❥So much angst
❥A redemption story
❥All the feels
Asher and King were everything. I loved their chemistry and hate turned lust turned love story. The history they shared was perfect and I loved that extra detail. I didn’t hate Asher after the last book but this story definitely redeemed any questions I had about him. I loved King and Asher’s story so much and it set up perfectly for the next one!!
4/5 🌶️
Do you love…
❥Enemies to lovers
❥Age gap
❥MM romance
❥Hidden identity
❥Bi-Awakening
❥Fake dating
❥So much angst
❥A redemption story
❥All the feels
Asher and King were everything. I loved their chemistry and hate turned lust turned love story. The history they shared was perfect and I loved that extra detail. I didn’t hate Asher after the last book but this story definitely redeemed any questions I had about him. I loved King and Asher’s story so much and it set up perfectly for the next one!!
September 24, 2025
I loved this story! Asher was not who I expected him to be and I loved seeing him find himself. I loved meeting Ambrose and learning why he made the decisions he did.
Thank you for the ARC copy, all opinions are my own.
Thank you for the ARC copy, all opinions are my own.
September 26, 2025
Gah Asher, what a journey you have been on! If you haven’t read Playing with Phantom, please go read that book first so you can FULLY appreciate the redemption arc that is Asher Harrison.
⠀
This book was absolutely amazing. The sexual tension between Asher and Ambrose King was thickkkk right from their first encounter. While there is a lot of angst, my god it just made the hate sex that much hotter. Their chemistry was off the charts in and out of the bedroom and I just loved how the setting really brought it out of them.
⠀
I highly recommend this book! It can be read as a standalone, but I do think it is better reading after Playing with the Phantom. Maddox and Asher are twins so I mean, you can’t go wrong.
⠀
Thank you so much for the ARC of this book! 💕
⠀
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤:
👬 MM
😤 Enemies-to-lovers
👨❤️👨 Fake Dating
🛏️ One bed
🙌🏼 18 year age gap
☀️ Bi-awakening
🍆 Pierced
🥵 “Good boy”
⠀
This book was absolutely amazing. The sexual tension between Asher and Ambrose King was thickkkk right from their first encounter. While there is a lot of angst, my god it just made the hate sex that much hotter. Their chemistry was off the charts in and out of the bedroom and I just loved how the setting really brought it out of them.
⠀
I highly recommend this book! It can be read as a standalone, but I do think it is better reading after Playing with the Phantom. Maddox and Asher are twins so I mean, you can’t go wrong.
⠀
Thank you so much for the ARC of this book! 💕
⠀
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤:
👬 MM
😤 Enemies-to-lovers
👨❤️👨 Fake Dating
🛏️ One bed
🙌🏼 18 year age gap
☀️ Bi-awakening
🍆 Pierced
🥵 “Good boy”
September 24, 2025
2.5 stars? I would have loved this more if Asher was actually a 20 something year old but alas he was 47 and acted half his age. I liked King but just can’t get past the ick of Asher
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