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Playing Mr. King
Gabe King: London's most powerful property tycoon. CEO of Kingpin Property Group. Billionaire heir with a ruthless streak-and a face straight out of a GQ cover shoot. For Kings, work and pleasure don't mix. Family comes first, business second, and women? They're temporary:
Annie Ellison has spent ten years stuck in dead-end temp jobs, struggling to keep her family afloat. When she finally lands her dream role, she doesn't expect it to come with a six-foot, designer-suited catch. Gabe is arrogant, privileged, and so entitled she can practically smell it over his Bleu de Chanel aftershave. He's everything she despises-and unfortunately, he's also her boss. There's not a chance she'll fall for his scorching good looks and disarming charm. Not a chance ...
When sparks fly and secrets unravel, it's only a matter of time before someone calls checkmate.
Two secrets. One scorching attraction. Let the games begin.
Playing Mr King is a steamy standalone office romance with a grumpy, arrogant billionaire boss and a firecracker heroine who loves putting him in his place.
Annie Ellison has spent ten years stuck in dead-end temp jobs, struggling to keep her family afloat. When she finally lands her dream role, she doesn't expect it to come with a six-foot, designer-suited catch. Gabe is arrogant, privileged, and so entitled she can practically smell it over his Bleu de Chanel aftershave. He's everything she despises-and unfortunately, he's also her boss. There's not a chance she'll fall for his scorching good looks and disarming charm. Not a chance ...
When sparks fly and secrets unravel, it's only a matter of time before someone calls checkmate.
Two secrets. One scorching attraction. Let the games begin.
Playing Mr King is a steamy standalone office romance with a grumpy, arrogant billionaire boss and a firecracker heroine who loves putting him in his place.
505 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2025
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Katy Hart
4 books56 followersKaty has spent most of her life reading and making up stories. A few years ago she decided to take this writing lark a bit more seriously and put fingers to keyboard. Katy loves writing feisty females and heroes (usually of the billionaire kind) with a heart. Her stories are steamy and angst filled but always have a happy-ever-after. You can find her books on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
Katy lives in middle England. When she's not daydreaming about her characters, she's trying to find the time to write in between daily life and her day-job. Her often chaotic writing routine, is fuelled by coffee, chocolate and strawberry bonbons!
Katy lives in middle England. When she's not daydreaming about her characters, she's trying to find the time to write in between daily life and her day-job. Her often chaotic writing routine, is fuelled by coffee, chocolate and strawberry bonbons!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 17, 2025
Oh holy hell what a ride this was!
The story of Gabe & Annie.
Boss billionaire romance,
Bit of cat and mouse chasing,
Family affairs and disputes,
Troublesome party boy brother,
Controlling father,
Neither Annie or Gabe had an easy life.
Annie lost her mom, had to take care of her little sister, boys breaking her heart and now she had to fight to keep her mom’s cafeteria going.
Gabe lost his mom too, he was all work and no play, sleep with his women then tossed them aside. But when he set his eyes on Annie for the first time, she was different.
She had a backbone, she was a fighter, she takes no shit.
The twist in this book was bittersweet and the characters were brilliant.
This book caught my attention from page one and I’m telling you this one will live in my head forever.
If you’re like me and like to collect “book boyfriends” he’ll be on your list.
Thank you Katy Hart for allowing me the privilege of reading Annie & Gabes story.
The story of Gabe & Annie.
Boss billionaire romance,
Bit of cat and mouse chasing,
Family affairs and disputes,
Troublesome party boy brother,
Controlling father,
Neither Annie or Gabe had an easy life.
Annie lost her mom, had to take care of her little sister, boys breaking her heart and now she had to fight to keep her mom’s cafeteria going.
Gabe lost his mom too, he was all work and no play, sleep with his women then tossed them aside. But when he set his eyes on Annie for the first time, she was different.
She had a backbone, she was a fighter, she takes no shit.
The twist in this book was bittersweet and the characters were brilliant.
This book caught my attention from page one and I’m telling you this one will live in my head forever.
If you’re like me and like to collect “book boyfriends” he’ll be on your list.
Thank you Katy Hart for allowing me the privilege of reading Annie & Gabes story.
September 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I mean I’ve got a soft spot for London billionaire romance and this book did not disappoint. Gabe’s a smoke show and Annie is so fiery. They are so easy to like. The only reason I’m giving 4 stars is from the whiplash I got with Annie constantly overreacting or acting off impulse. I know she’s been hurt before but dang give Gabe a chance to explain before you just up and leave! Overall it was a good read and I’m excited for more of Kate’s books! I’m really hoping there will be a book 2 with Jake and Kate 👀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2025
Loved this book. It wasn't a "normal" read for me but saw it shared on a Facebook post. Enjoyed the MC & FMC. I have not read the other books in the series before this but they are in my cart for reading!! My favorite quote from the book "You can’t f around with things like this. The moment I first met your Mum, I knew she was the woman I was going to marry. And I told her so. She laughed in my face, but I knew. She set my soul on fire.People like that don’t appear in your life very often. They’re rare, like gold dust. Don’t let it slip through your fingers.”
September 26, 2025
This book had so many of the tropes we all love! Grumpy billionaire boss mmc. Sassy fmc. Workplace romance. Forced proximity. He changes for her. & of course - plenty of spice!
Gabe & Annie meet when they catch each others eye at a nightclub owned by Gabe’s troublesome younger brother. Poor Gabe doesn’t stand a chance, & he’s consumed by the thought of her. Having been warned off of relationships by his awful father; he tries to steer clear. But when Annie shows up at his company a couple of days later to start her new job, he slowly begins to unravel. The will they, won’t they, they definitely should keeps you on your toes & turning the pages faster & faster! They’ve got a lot more in common than Annie initially believes, but her past trauma makes it hard for her to open up to Gabe, & for her to see past his obnoxious behaviour. Things unravel, they share their traumas & the truths they’re hiding come to light. Download today to see how Gabe & Annie overcome these obstacles, & finally find love.
Gabe & Annie meet when they catch each others eye at a nightclub owned by Gabe’s troublesome younger brother. Poor Gabe doesn’t stand a chance, & he’s consumed by the thought of her. Having been warned off of relationships by his awful father; he tries to steer clear. But when Annie shows up at his company a couple of days later to start her new job, he slowly begins to unravel. The will they, won’t they, they definitely should keeps you on your toes & turning the pages faster & faster! They’ve got a lot more in common than Annie initially believes, but her past trauma makes it hard for her to open up to Gabe, & for her to see past his obnoxious behaviour. Things unravel, they share their traumas & the truths they’re hiding come to light. Download today to see how Gabe & Annie overcome these obstacles, & finally find love.
September 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
(Rounded up on Goodreads)
A huge thank you to Katy for once again giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of her latest release, Playing Mr. King.
After falling in love with her London Billionaire Series, I had high expectations going in—and Katy did not disappoint! From the very first chapter, I was hooked and completely invested in Gabe and Annie’s story. Their journey kept me turning the pages late into the night, and I loved every second of it.
What I admire most about Katy’s writing is how effortlessly she balances heartfelt storytelling with humor and relatability. Her characters feel real, her dialogue sparkles, and her books always leave me smiling. Playing Mr. King is no exception—it’s well-written, witty, and wonderfully engaging.
If you loved her debut series, you’re going to adore this one.
(Rounded up on Goodreads)
A huge thank you to Katy for once again giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of her latest release, Playing Mr. King.
After falling in love with her London Billionaire Series, I had high expectations going in—and Katy did not disappoint! From the very first chapter, I was hooked and completely invested in Gabe and Annie’s story. Their journey kept me turning the pages late into the night, and I loved every second of it.
What I admire most about Katy’s writing is how effortlessly she balances heartfelt storytelling with humor and relatability. Her characters feel real, her dialogue sparkles, and her books always leave me smiling. Playing Mr. King is no exception—it’s well-written, witty, and wonderfully engaging.
If you loved her debut series, you’re going to adore this one.
September 15, 2025
Had the pleasure of reading this as an ARC in advance of it publication date of 26 September 2025.
A beautiful story about two people from different backgrounds, both broken by events that have happened in their past, and how through from when they first meet there is an instant connection, in which they both start to open up and explore how they can be better to themselves and others around them.
Absolutely loved Annie and Gabe, and how their relationship blossomed throughout, even with the ups and downs they both find themselves going through and of course there was the constant intrusion from various friends, work colleagues or family.
Loved Katy's writing and it kept me entranced throughout.
💕 Billionaire Romance
💕 Workplace Colleagues
💕 Boss x Employee
💕 Office Romance
💕 Grumpy x Sunshine
A beautiful story about two people from different backgrounds, both broken by events that have happened in their past, and how through from when they first meet there is an instant connection, in which they both start to open up and explore how they can be better to themselves and others around them.
Absolutely loved Annie and Gabe, and how their relationship blossomed throughout, even with the ups and downs they both find themselves going through and of course there was the constant intrusion from various friends, work colleagues or family.
Loved Katy's writing and it kept me entranced throughout.
💕 Billionaire Romance
💕 Workplace Colleagues
💕 Boss x Employee
💕 Office Romance
💕 Grumpy x Sunshine
September 8, 2025
ARC Review
This was my first book by Katy Hart and I was not disappointed!! I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book! I liked the fact it was longer than some books I have read recently and I honestly didn’t want the book to end!
Gabe and Annie’s story keeps you hooked. This is an office standalone romance. There are secrets on both sides but the attraction is undeniable and irresistible 🔥 Gabe is the grumpy arrogant billionaire while Annie is feisty and let’s say isn’t shy to tell him exactly how it is 😂
I am so grateful to have been chosen to early review Playing Mr King!
I am off now to start reading Resisting Mr Black!
Excited to see what comes next from Katy ❤️
This was my first book by Katy Hart and I was not disappointed!! I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book! I liked the fact it was longer than some books I have read recently and I honestly didn’t want the book to end!
Gabe and Annie’s story keeps you hooked. This is an office standalone romance. There are secrets on both sides but the attraction is undeniable and irresistible 🔥 Gabe is the grumpy arrogant billionaire while Annie is feisty and let’s say isn’t shy to tell him exactly how it is 😂
I am so grateful to have been chosen to early review Playing Mr King!
I am off now to start reading Resisting Mr Black!
Excited to see what comes next from Katy ❤️
September 20, 2025
ARC Review
I loved every minute of this book, it had me laughing out loud, swooning and falling in love with reading again after being in a reading slump.
If you are a lover of workplace romance and billionaires then this book is for you. It's witty and romantic with some spice.
Annie was extremely relatable as a down to earth London girl trying to juggle life, work and life's curve balls.
Gabe is a high flying CEO with a lot going on and a lot more to come when he discovers Annie.
I need more Gabe and Annie in my life!
Katy is a new to me author and I'm so glad to have found her books, my TBR list has now extended to all her books!
I loved every minute of this book, it had me laughing out loud, swooning and falling in love with reading again after being in a reading slump.
If you are a lover of workplace romance and billionaires then this book is for you. It's witty and romantic with some spice.
Annie was extremely relatable as a down to earth London girl trying to juggle life, work and life's curve balls.
Gabe is a high flying CEO with a lot going on and a lot more to come when he discovers Annie.
I need more Gabe and Annie in my life!
Katy is a new to me author and I'm so glad to have found her books, my TBR list has now extended to all her books!
September 23, 2025
Gabe King is every bit the arrogant, smug billionaire boss you want to slap and kiss at the same time, and Annie? She’s the perfect firecracker to bring him to his knees. Their banter was sharp, hilarious, and full of tension that had me grinning like an idiot one second and fanning myself the next.
I loved how Annie wasn’t intimidated by his power or his money—she gave as good as she got, and watching her knock Gabe down a peg (or five) was so satisfying. And Gabe… ugh, for all his arrogance, the cracks in his armor made me fall for him hard. The chemistry between them? Absolutely scorching. Katy Hart brought the spice AND the feels in a way that kept me glued to the page.
I loved how Annie wasn’t intimidated by his power or his money—she gave as good as she got, and watching her knock Gabe down a peg (or five) was so satisfying. And Gabe… ugh, for all his arrogance, the cracks in his armor made me fall for him hard. The chemistry between them? Absolutely scorching. Katy Hart brought the spice AND the feels in a way that kept me glued to the page.
October 3, 2025
I love a London billionaire romance and this was an enjoyable read. Well developed characters. Slightly abrupt ending but I will sign up for the extended epilogue!
Couple of points that should be been picked up in editing - Annie’s date with Tom was on a Friday night and they are back in the office as if it’s mid week the next day. At the developer meeting it’s in the morning but Gabe arrives saying good evening.
Couple of points that should be been picked up in editing - Annie’s date with Tom was on a Friday night and they are back in the office as if it’s mid week the next day. At the developer meeting it’s in the morning but Gabe arrives saying good evening.
September 14, 2025
I love it when the FMC is strong and powerful and puts the MMC, who seems rather arrogant and cocky, in his place and doesn't put up with his nonsense. I love a good Londen billionaire story and this one was amazing.
This book grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go. I was hooked! I loved it so much! it’s quite a long book but it never felt draw out. The pace was fantastic, the side characters strong and the overall story was well plotted! Big applause for Katy! Her debut series was amazing but this book is even better!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This book grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go. I was hooked! I loved it so much! it’s quite a long book but it never felt draw out. The pace was fantastic, the side characters strong and the overall story was well plotted! Big applause for Katy! Her debut series was amazing but this book is even better!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
September 14, 2025
This is my first Katy Hart read and I loved it!
When Gabe King falls, he falls hard! I loved how he was so certain of Annie from the very first meeting. The chemistry between Gabe and Annie was sizzling!!
The pacing of the story was perfect and I adored the development of these characters throughout.
The only reason for the 4 🌟 rating is because of how many times Annie assumed something and jumped to conclusions, never really giving Gabe a chance to explain. This back and forth kinda gave me a little whiplash 🤦♀️😂
When Gabe King falls, he falls hard! I loved how he was so certain of Annie from the very first meeting. The chemistry between Gabe and Annie was sizzling!!
The pacing of the story was perfect and I adored the development of these characters throughout.
The only reason for the 4 🌟 rating is because of how many times Annie assumed something and jumped to conclusions, never really giving Gabe a chance to explain. This back and forth kinda gave me a little whiplash 🤦♀️😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2025
I was lucky enough to be given an early release and I really enjoyed it.
Annie and Gabe are a great couple the secondary characters are likeable (some more than others)
My only gripe with this book is that the ending felt rushed. Possibly because of my own preference to have an epilogue, yes I love a HEA but I do like a glimpse in their future to see that it still stands. But overall the story flowed well and I found myself thinking about it when I couldn’t read it (life gets in the way at times) and couldn’t wait to get back to it
Annie and Gabe are a great couple the secondary characters are likeable (some more than others)
My only gripe with this book is that the ending felt rushed. Possibly because of my own preference to have an epilogue, yes I love a HEA but I do like a glimpse in their future to see that it still stands. But overall the story flowed well and I found myself thinking about it when I couldn’t read it (life gets in the way at times) and couldn’t wait to get back to it
September 30, 2025
what a book, this is a top tier billionaires romance, hot sexy boss with a soft side. a mouthy strong will FMC!
Gabe falls hard and fast for Annie, I love that her smart mouth is a turn on for him. I like the family dynamics with Jake and Gabe and would love to see Jake get his own story
only downside for me in particular is the 3rd act breakup but get that unfortunately these go hand in hand with billionaire romance, 2nd thing I wanted Annie to make Gabe beg for forgiveness for, there felt like the last chapter of the book something was missing.
Gabe falls hard and fast for Annie, I love that her smart mouth is a turn on for him. I like the family dynamics with Jake and Gabe and would love to see Jake get his own story
only downside for me in particular is the 3rd act breakup but get that unfortunately these go hand in hand with billionaire romance, 2nd thing I wanted Annie to make Gabe beg for forgiveness for, there felt like the last chapter of the book something was missing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2025
Make sure to check your trigger warnings!
This book enraptured me from the start, and I couldn’t put it down! Annie is so relatable, and you can’t help but root for her. She’s feisty and has a huge heart. Gabe is a grumpy, strictly business driven, billionaire that draws you in. They both have their secrets they’re holding back, but absolutely cannot resist each other. I didn’t want the book to end! This is my first Katy Hart book, and now I can’t wait to read everything else she’s written!
This book enraptured me from the start, and I couldn’t put it down! Annie is so relatable, and you can’t help but root for her. She’s feisty and has a huge heart. Gabe is a grumpy, strictly business driven, billionaire that draws you in. They both have their secrets they’re holding back, but absolutely cannot resist each other. I didn’t want the book to end! This is my first Katy Hart book, and now I can’t wait to read everything else she’s written!
September 29, 2025
I wanted to love this book but there were so many times where the FMC frustrated the hell out of me. She jumped to conclusions at any given time & it was too much. If she were to just calm down & wait for an explanation things would of gone so differently. & don’t even get me started on her little sister 😒 sometimes it felt like she had a back bone & then her sister & the mmc treated her badly & she just took it as if it meant nothing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2025
So much fun reading this book. Gabe was the perfect billionaire, strong, sweet with a little domineering side. Annie was great as a FMC she was strong on the outside but not on the inside. They both had their walls that each other needed to crack and bring down. The banter between them was some of the best and even the side characters I enjoyed. I hope some of them get their own book 😉
September 10, 2025
This book grabbed and had my attention the whole time 🤩 Gabe King , well ... he made my heart beat a lot faster. The things he'd do for Annie 😍 he fell hard for her. And the drama in the rest of the plot brought this workplace billionaire romance together.
September 25, 2025
ARC Review
Rating: 4.5 stars
I had the honor of receiving an advanced copy and this book gave me whiplash but in the best way. I was gripped from the start with Annie and Gabe's story. If you love a Billionaire romance then this book is for you!
Rating: 4.5 stars
I had the honor of receiving an advanced copy and this book gave me whiplash but in the best way. I was gripped from the start with Annie and Gabe's story. If you love a Billionaire romance then this book is for you!
September 7, 2025
ARC review..... I love a great book that keeps me pushing ahead for what's next....page turning....love story...drama...sex.... billionaire...Katy Hart is spot on with this new book!!
September 24, 2025
Oh. My. Goodness. What a ride this book was!
From the very first page, I was hooked on Annie & Gabe’s story. Gabe is every bit the perfect billionaire hero—strong, sweet, and just the right amount of domineering. Annie, as the FMC, absolutely shined.
On the outside she’s tough and unshakable, but beneath that armor is vulnerability that makes her so real and relatable. Together, these two had walls to break down, and watching them do it was addictive.
The banter between them was sharp and even the side characters were memorable—I could kinda see some of them getting a book of their own.
Neither Gabe nor Annie had an easy life and a lot of the walls they had build around their hearts took some serious work to break down.. Annie lost her mom and had to grow up too fat with a ton of responsibilities. Gabe, also scarred by the loss of his mother, buried himself in work and meaningless relationships—until Annie. Watching him fall for her grit and fire was so satisfying.
Thank you, Katy Hart, for this ARC, it was a pleasure to read.
Tropes you’ll find inside 💕
💼 Boss/Billionaire Romance
🐱🐭 Cat & Mouse Tension
👨👩👧 Complicated Family Drama
💔 Broken-but-strong Heroine
🔥 Banter & Chemistry
From the very first page, I was hooked on Annie & Gabe’s story. Gabe is every bit the perfect billionaire hero—strong, sweet, and just the right amount of domineering. Annie, as the FMC, absolutely shined.
On the outside she’s tough and unshakable, but beneath that armor is vulnerability that makes her so real and relatable. Together, these two had walls to break down, and watching them do it was addictive.
The banter between them was sharp and even the side characters were memorable—I could kinda see some of them getting a book of their own.
Neither Gabe nor Annie had an easy life and a lot of the walls they had build around their hearts took some serious work to break down.. Annie lost her mom and had to grow up too fat with a ton of responsibilities. Gabe, also scarred by the loss of his mother, buried himself in work and meaningless relationships—until Annie. Watching him fall for her grit and fire was so satisfying.
Thank you, Katy Hart, for this ARC, it was a pleasure to read.
Tropes you’ll find inside 💕
💼 Boss/Billionaire Romance
🐱🐭 Cat & Mouse Tension
👨👩👧 Complicated Family Drama
💔 Broken-but-strong Heroine
🔥 Banter & Chemistry
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2025
This was an ARC I was grateful to receive, as I can never resist a good billionaire romance. Gabe was every bit the dashing billionaire, and I loved watching his resolve crumble as his relationship with Annie grew. Their dynamic was fun to read, especially with Annie as a spirited FMC who gave as good as she got.
The balance between banter and plot worked well, keeping the story engaging while allowing space for the characters to shine. The side characters added warmth and depth, giving the book that extra charm that makes you want more from the world.
I can see this series developing into a much-loved set of interconnected stories, and I am excited to follow along.
The balance between banter and plot worked well, keeping the story engaging while allowing space for the characters to shine. The side characters added warmth and depth, giving the book that extra charm that makes you want more from the world.
I can see this series developing into a much-loved set of interconnected stories, and I am excited to follow along.
September 10, 2025
I'll be honest, to start with, I wondered if this was the book for me. However, once I became invested in the characters, I couldn't put it down. Follows the lives of Annie and Gabe. I would happily read other books by this author and recommend this book. A fabulous read. I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy and leave this review willingly.
September 23, 2025
I loved Gabe and Annie - what a ride. They have ups and downs on their journey. Family drama and secrets are leaked and through it all Gab and Annie seem to continuously gravitate towards each other. Gave is part of a billionaire dynasty and Annie has struggled - the both have insecurities and need to overcome them to be together. There is 🌶️ and it’s 🔥. A really great read
December 23, 2025
3.5 stars
This was my first book by Katy. Well, I liked it. It needs a full-on edit. There are so many mis spellings, and some parts dont make sense. I understand that they talk and say things differently in England it was sometimes hard to understand what the author was trying to say.
This was my first book by Katy. Well, I liked it. It needs a full-on edit. There are so many mis spellings, and some parts dont make sense. I understand that they talk and say things differently in England it was sometimes hard to understand what the author was trying to say.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews